Year archive
Browse the 2024 BillSaver archive for practical money coverage on credit, debt, inflation, insurance, travel costs, taxes, and bills.
Year archive
The Federal Reserve's December 2024 move changed rate expectations, but credit card balances still needed payoff attention.
Holiday balances heading into 2025 needed a payoff date because card rates were still punishing.
Unused airline credits, vouchers, card travel benefits, and refund notices can expire quietly if nobody searches for them before year-end.
Giving Tuesday appeals move quickly, and fake links can move just as fast.
Family help around the holidays can be generous and still put the giver's own bills at risk.
Buy now, pay later offers can make holiday purchases feel smaller by spreading them across future paychecks.
Holiday shopping started early for many households in 2024, which made the card APR more important before the first cart filled up.
Halloween spending often opens the door to two months of small holiday purchases that never get added together.
Hurricane Milton kept insurance deductibles, flood risk, evacuation costs, and claims paperwork in the spotlight.
After Helene, many households faced repairs, deductibles, temporary lodging, and delayed reimbursements.
Peak-season storm preparation can become a household finance issue as much as a safety issue.
Ahead of the September 2024 Fed decision, savers and borrowers had a reason to compare current account rates instead of waiting for relief.
September rate talk only helps households when it is translated into current card APRs, savings yields, loan payments, and renewal notices.
Early fall is a practical time to check credit reports before leases, loans, new cards, and holiday financing start competing for attention.
Labor Day auto promotions can make the loan payment feel like the whole decision even when insurance is the number that strains the budget.
Late-summer refinance ads can sound more tempting when rate-cut talk grows louder, but the math still starts with closing costs and the break-even month.
Parents adding students as authorized users before the semester starts need rules before the card ever leaves home.
Late-summer move-in costs can crowd deposits, application fees, utility setup, insurance, and the first grocery run into the same few paychecks.
The student loan on-ramp kept some worst consequences away for a while, but it did not make missed payments harmless to cash flow.
The FCC's 2024 phone-unlocking proposal put carrier switching, device locks, and household wireless flexibility back in the news.
Back-to-school shopping in 2024 mixed supplies with laptops, tablets, phone upgrades, apps, and delivery fees.
Prime Day 2024 was scheduled for mid-July, meeting credit card APRs that made payoff timing more important than rewards.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed a new rule aimed at simplifying the process of unlocking smartphones and switching carriers. FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced the proposal on Thursday, June 27, as...
When you get married, most things become a “joint” effort. You likely live together, share possessions and may even raise children together. Many married couples also have a joint credit card account. However, before deciding whether or not...
Student credit cards can be an excellent way for young people to manage their money and build credit, but if they are used incorrectly, credit cards can put young adults on the road to financial problems. However, if students develop good...
Fourth of July travel can make points and protections look useful, but the payoff date still decides whether the trip fits.
When you are on the hunt for a new credit card, finding the best card for your credit profile can be one of your most important considerations. If you have poor credit, it is pointless to apply for a card aimed at those with excellent...
The CFPB's 2024 medical debt proposal put credit reports, disputed bills, and collection records back in front of consumers.
Summer utility bills can rise because of weather, rate changes, usage habits, and old equipment working harder.
When someone dies, their surviving spouse may face more than loneliness and grief. If the partner left behind debt on a credit card, the surviving spouse may also have to deal with that. Whether the surviving spouse is responsible for the...
It is hard to believe, but the summer of 2024 is almost here. It is likely that millions of Americans have made a resolution to lower their credit card debt this year. If you are one of them, we put together this guide to help you keep that...
The start of hurricane season is a good time to ask whether the household has flood coverage, not just homeowners insurance.
If you are looking to cut your expenses, you may have considered a cheap unlimited cell phone plan. However, are these plans worth the savings? While the price may be attractive, it is important to know there are also some drawbacks...
It happens all the time. Someone takes out a mortgage with one financial institution and a few years later, the bank sells the debt to another entity. While this is common practice, you may be wondering why banks sell mortgages. While it is...
You know how important it is to save money—for emergencies, retirement and other goals—but you may be having a difficult time figuring out how to do it. Fortunately, there are a number of mobile apps available to help. Here are five of the...
When people get engaged, they suddenly have to answer a number of questions about how they will spend the rest of their lives together. When will they get married? Where will they live? Should they combine their financial accounts? When it...
We all know it is smart to invest money, because it generally grows over time, which can bring us long-term profits. When we think of investments, stocks, mutual funds and bonds generally come to mind. While paying off credit card debt may...
On the front of every debit and credit card is an expiration date. Usually, this date is simply the month and the year, which leaves users to ponder: do cards expire on the first or last day of the month? Most credit cards do not expire...
Cutting expenses and saving more are financial goals we all have. However, many people struggle to figure out how to cut spending. Here are five things you can do without each month. 1. Landline Phones If you have a cell phone (and 95% of...
If you get behind on your income taxes, student loan payments, or child support, a government agency can garnish a percentage of your wages to pay the debt. What you may not know is that creditors can also remove funds from your bank...
Your credit score is a three-digit number that can make or break your financial future. It represents your payment history and helps potential lenders predict your ability to make future payments. Every time you use your credit card, miss a...
When used incorrectly, credit cards can be an expensive way to pay for goods and services. The golden rule of credit card use is to pay off your full balance on time each month. If you do, your credit card will become an excellent financial...
If you are eco-conscious and have had a credit, debit, or gift card expire recently, you may be wondering if you can recycle the plastic. The simple answer is yes, but in most areas, you cannot simply toss it into your curbside recycling...
There are few things in life more embarrassing than having your credit card declined. Even worse than the embarrassment is the lack of information offered by the merchant. There are actually many reasons a credit card can be declined that...
Gaining a clear understanding about credit scores and credit reports can be difficult, and this lack of clarity is not accidental. The companies that issue credit scores do not share the formula they use to generate the score, which is one...
Knowing what factors affect your credit score is a bit like knowing what questions will be on an important exam. If you know what will be asked, you will know where to focus your studying efforts. It is the same with building your credit...
Many Americans regularly receive offers from credit card companies, which offer 0% interest rates on balance transfers. These offers look tempting, but are they worthwhile? Balance transfers can be a good way to save money on interest...
If you are trying to build or rebuild your credit, obtaining a credit card can be the best way to increase your score. However, if you do not have a solid credit history, it may be difficult to get approved for a card. It’s a paradox. How...
You are probably familiar with classic retirement investments, such as an IRA or an employee-sponsored 401(K) plan. What you may not know is that there are a number of other investment opportunities, and many experts, including...
Most people know that a low credit score and problematic credit report can prevent them from purchasing a home, financing a new car, or getting a good interest rate on a credit card. However, what is not as clear is whether poor credit can...
Since your credit card has an expiration date, you may worry that it will get cancelled if you are not using it. While this is a concern to keep in mind, most credit card issuers will not cancel your card unless you request that they do so...
Credit card rewards have become a major benefit to consumers who use their cards responsibly. If you pay off your balance in full each month, you can actually make money by paying for goods and services with your credit card. It is...
Did you know that there are different types of term life insurance policies you can apply for? Many insurance companies will offer term life insurance without putting it into a category, but that doesn’t mean they are all created equal. You...
If your credit score is lackluster, you know how difficult it can be to get a credit card. People get into dire financial situations for many reasons, including being laid off in a poor economy, but regardless of the reason, a bad credit...
Can I sell my term life insurance policy? Can I cash my term life insurance? Can I use my life insurance to pay off loans? We see these questions all the time. When you start pouring hundreds of dollars into your life insurance policy, it’s...
If you are in the market for a new credit card, there are a number of things you want to consider. You do not want to apply for the first card that catches your eye, as different credit cards are designed for different people. You will want...
You may have heard experts say you should never close a credit card, as it could damage your credit score. Others may say you simply need to choose one credit card to keep open forever. Which of these theories is correct? To answer this...
We are used to things moving quickly in the modern world. We have fast phones, fast cars and fast computer processors. Since we are no longer accustomed to waiting, we seem to think everything moves at the speed of light. Because of this...
Many people cut up their credit cards to stop themselves from using them, but it is important to remember that this does not close the account. To do that, a cardholder must contact the credit card company and ask them to close the account...
If you owe money on several credit cards, you may be struggling to keep up with your monthly payments. It can be difficult to keep track of how much you owe and to whom, and coming up with even the minimum payments can be a challenge–let...
If you feel as if you have too many credit cards, you may be tempted to cancel the cards you are not actively using. While this is a good way to minimize the chance you will get into debt, it could hurt your credit score. So, what exactly...
While a 401(k) is an excellent option for saving for retirement, especially if your employer matches your contributions, it is important to understand your tax obligations on these accounts. When you retire, you will need to pay taxes on...
When you purchase a new phone, your carrier will offer you cell phone insurance. The price, which can range from $8 to $15 per month, will vary by carrier and by the options you choose. Whatever the cost, insurance is intended to give you a...
Many people want to improve their financial situation but are unsure of where to start. As with any other skill, it is a good idea to look to the experts for advice. If you are ready for a change, start with these eight spending and savings...
We all know that a low credit score can affect the interest rates you are offered on credit cards, mortgages, and auto loans, but can a poor credit score affect the rate on your car insurance? Unless you live in California, Hawaii, or...
You probably understand the importance of saving for retirement. However, what may not be as clear is which type of investment account, 401(k), IRA or Roth IRA, is best for you. Before deciding , it is important to know the difference...
Receiving a credit card is a major first step in your financial life, but it can also take you down a road of debt if you do not use your card responsibly. Often, people believe that only the young get into financial trouble with credit...
While the economy is improving, millions of Americans will experience job loss at some point in their lives. Sadly, even if you lose your income, you will not lose your expenses, and there is no magic spell that will dispel your bills...
Monitoring your credit is always a good idea. Not only will it help you track your credit worthiness, which is essential if you have a major purchase such as a home on the horizon, but it can also alert you to fraudulent activity. What are...
An emergency savings account is of the utmost importance. If you are a homeowner, there are a number of unexpected expenses that could occur, such as needing to replace your furnace or roof. Even if you are not a homeowner, you may need a...
Building or rebuilding your credit can seem to take an eternity when you are desperate for a higher score. One of the fastest ways to raise your score is by using credit cards responsibly. However, while it would be nice to watch your score...
Income can fluctuate. While some people earn a consistent annual income, others may receive bonuses, overtime or work non-traditional, freelance jobs. Once you apply for a credit card, how do credit card companies verify the income your...
When you go to sign up for life insurance, it is logical to wonder what all it covers. What will term life insurance pay for? Burial costs? Car payments? Family income? What can I use term life insurance for? These are all questions that...
Earning credit can be a frustrating process, as you cannot get approved for a loan or credit card without already have a credit history that proves you can be trusted with a loan. When you first start building credit, it may seem as if no...
If you get behind on the payments on your credit card, it is possible their card issuer may take them to court to collect the outstanding balance. Since dealing with collections is so stressful, it is helpful for debtors to understand how...
If you are in the market for an automobile, you may have heard horror stories about people who waited to finance their vehicle until they hit the dealership floor, particularly if that individual went to a buy-here, pay-here lot. You may...
Many believe that “bad” and “no” credit are the same thing, but this is a myth, as both send a different message to creditors. In both cases, you should work to build a good credit history, but which is worse? And, how can you improve your...
When people think of credit cards, they often think of “debt” and forget that they are called “credit” cards. When used correctly, credit cards can actually help you build credit. However, the reason many cardholders accrue too much debt is...
If you are shopping for a mortgage, you may have noticed that rates can fluctuate from one week to the next. Small increases can add up quickly, depending on the amount of your loan. What makes mortgage rates fluctuate? There are a number...
While many people see credit cards as the path towards fiscal irresponsibility, they can actually help you build business and personal credit. To reap the benefits, though, you need to know how to use them to your advantage. Understanding...
If your credit has improved or your financial situation has changed since you first took out your mortgage, you may be considering refinancing your home. We put together a step-by-step guide to help you through the process. Step 1: Is...
Most taxpayers would face an April 15 federal filing and payment deadline in 2024, and owing money required a plan before the final week.
Though the holidays are behind us, many Americans are still paying for purchases made with their credit cards. To avoid costly interest charges, cardholders will want to pay off their credit cards as soon as possible, and one way to do that...
This week's March 2024 Fed meeting kept borrowers focused on the cost of variable-rate debt even before any immediate relief arrived.
At a glance, debit and credit cards look exactly the same. They both have the identical number of digits, are the same size, carry the same identifying information and have the logo of a payment network on them, such as American Express...
You may have received an offer for a 0% APR on balance transfers, and you may be tempted to sign up for it. After all, 0% APR will allow you to save money on interest charges, and since you will not be accumulating new interest charges, you...
If you are running low on cash, it may be tempting to use your credit card at an ATM or try one of the convenience checks included with your credit card statement. Before you do either of these things, though, it is important to read your...
The CFPB finalized a credit card late-fee rule in March 2024, putting penalty fees and card statements back in the spotlight.
The terms “debit card” and “credit card” sometimes seem to be used interchangeably; however, there are major differences between these types of cards. Depending on the situation, these differences may make one card more favorable than the...
In a finance-driven world, having a low credit score can really hurt you, especially if you are in the market for a home, car or credit card. The good news is that, no matter how your credit score took a hit, there is a way to improve...
There are a number of options when you begin earning a large number of rewards points on your credit card, and you may be unsure as to which option is the best for you. Should you spend them right away? Save them for later? Should you use...
Human beings could not accurately measure the second until the late 16th Century, but today, society has learned to move at such a fast pace that standing still for a mere 15 seconds can seem unbearable. Unfortunately, that’s about how long...
According to the Pew Research Center, 95% of Americans own a cell phone, and 77% own a smartphone. Since cell phones are such a large expense, we compiled some tips to help you save money on your monthly cell phone bill. Avoid Data One of...
If you are starting a small business, it is important to have available capital and credit lines to avoid cash flow problems as you grow. Often, new businesses do not have much cash on hand, so it is a good idea to get a business credit...
If you are unhappy with the interest rate or monthly payment on your car loan, you may be wondering if you can refinance the loan. The answer is, yes. However, there are a number of factors to consider before making this leap. Reasons to...
Credit card issuers consider a number of factors when determining your credit limit. Like any business, no financial institution wants to lose money, so every decision they make is based on the potential risk of extending someone credit...
Nearly three-quarters (74%) of Americans have a smartphone, according to Pew Research, and if you are one or looking to become one, you need a data package. Data is what allows you to connect to the Internet with your phone to check your...
Term life insurance is given its name because it lasts for a certain period of time. The length of the term for the policy will determine how long your coverage remains effective at a certain rate. There are pros and cons to picking short...
If you have several credit card balances, paying all of them can be difficult. To make your life easier, you may want to consider consolidating your debt. When you consolidate your credit card debt, you put all of your balances on one...
Student loan debt has hit more than $1.3 trillion in the United States, and a report found that the average for a Class of 2016 graduate is carrying $37,172 in student loans, according to a recent report from Forbes. The same report found a...
Term life insurance is one of the most affordable ways to protect your family in the event of a serious accident. If you pass away abruptly, unexpectedly, and unprepared, term life insurance will provide your loved ones with the money they...
Without a line of credit, it is impossible to build or rebuild your credit. Checking accounts and debit cards will not help because a financial institution must loan you money to report positive information to the three major credit...
If you own a small business, you can build credit for your business, just as you can build your own credit. Your business will get a credit score similar to your personal credit score, but instead of representing your ability to pay back...
While credit cards can sometimes get a bad rap for high interest rates and fees, there are many benefits to savvy consumers that are unmatched by other payment options. As long as you can pay off your credit card each month, your plastic...
Anyone who has ever dropped their cell phone in a body of water knows how quickly this will kill the device. Electronics and water just do not mix. While we generally do not think of credit cards as electronic devices, they do use...
When you first open a credit card, your credit limit is based on your credit score at that moment. If you maintain a high score, make payments on time, and use credit responsibly, your credit card company may decide to raise your credit...
If you have a tendency to max out your credit card, you may be looking for new ways to make necessary purchases. The Problem with Maxing Out Your Card Maxing out your credit card will negatively impact your credit score, as one of the...
The Federal Reserve left rates unchanged at its January 2024 meeting, but that did not make revolving card balances cheap.
If you have a 401(k) account and need cash, it may be tempting to tap your retirement for a loan. Legally, you can borrow up to $50,000 or half the balance of your account (whichever is less). You will also be paying yourself back, so any...
People love holiday shopping, but they do not care much for the credit card bills that start coming in January. Once the warmth of the holidays has passed, many are left with the cold hard task of paying credit card bills. However, there...
While anyone can obtain a prepaid card, many believe they can only be used as gifts or are only for those who cannot qualify for a credit card. However, prepaid cards offer a number of special benefits to consumers. Here are some of the...
If you are in the market for a mortgage or car loan, you probably understand how important it is to have a high credit score. The better your score, the lower interest rate and more favorable terms you will be offered on a loan. If your...
If you are looking to trim the fat from your budget, you may want to look at lowering your utility costs. There are a number of small changes you can make to lower your monthly bills. 1. Better Insulate Your Home If you own your home, there...
Many people want to raise their credit limit on their credit card so that they have more money available to them. However, there are times when lowering your credit limit could be a good idea. If you are thinking about lowering your credit...
Many people believe buying a home is a good investment and that it is always a better financial decision than renting. That might not be true in all cases. There are times when renting can be smarter than buying. The main argument for...
It may be odd to think of your credit score as an asset, but that is exactly what it is. If you have a high credit score, you can rent an apartment or get better interest rates on mortgages and car loans. Credit scores are also being used...
You probably know you need a better place to store your money than a sock drawer, but if you do not yet have a bank account, you may be asking yourself, “Should I open a checking or savings account?” Before making a decision, it is...
The first step you take towards building a credit history could be taken when you get your first credit card. When you use a credit card responsibly, you can raise your credit score. However, if you use your card foolishly, you can find...
The term “net worth” sounds like something only the rich and famous would talk about to one another. But we should all try to increase our net worth. There are a number of moves you can make to begin increasing your net worth. Step 1...
Being without a credit card can be a major hassle, so it can be stressful waiting to receive a new or replacement card in the mail. Exactly how long will it take to receive the new card? Generally, most credit card companies will tell you...
For most people, their credit score is simply related to their credit card limits and interest rates. However, your score affects more than your ability to obtain and use credit cards. In fact, your credit score can affect your ability to...
If you are an adult, chances are good that you have a checking account. It is the easiest way to cash your paychecks and pay bills. However, what you may not know is that some checking accounts will also pay you interest on your balance. If...
In the past, if you wanted to open a bank account, you had to drive to your local branch and speak with an account specialist. Now, there is a new game in town: online banks. You may have heard of them, but you may not know exactly how they...
How Do Prepaid Cards Work? A prepaid card is one that you load with money. You get a card, and you deposit as much money into your account as you want. Once money is loaded on the card, which is usually backed by Visa, MasterCard, Discover...
The reason why most people choose term life insurance over other life insurance policies is because it is incredibly affordable. For less than the cost of your fast food bill each month, you could get thousands of dollars in coverage to pay...
The IRS set January 29 as the start of the 2024 filing season, which gave households a clear runway to gather forms before refunds became the focus.
Many credit cards offer some very attractive rewards. The challenge is knowing how to get the most out of your credit card rewards program. Making just a few simple spending adjustments can have a major impact on the amount of rewards you...
There are many forms of life insurance policies in the world, and one that often throws people for a loop is an accidental death policy. This is a special form of insurance that only pays out if you did by an external accident, like a car...
Summer is quickly approaching, and unfortunately, millions of shoppers are probably spending more than they can afford. Card issuers are adding to the debt problem. Mailboxes may have some attractive credit card offers as companies market...
Most adults have taken a financial wrong turn at some point in their lives, and where credit cards are concerned, there are many potential pitfalls. To help you make better decisions, we have compiled the ten most common credit card...
Human beings are living longer than ever before, which is great news. The only downside is that this means you will need more in your retirement fund to last you through the years. If you are nearing the end of your working life, you may be...
