Month archive

March 2024 Articles

BillSaver articles published in March 2024.

Month archive

Articles in this archive

Why Do Mortgage Rates Fluctuate?
Buying A House3 min read

Why Do Mortgage Rates Fluctuate?

John Oldshue · March 26, 2024

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 of factors. The Feder

Using Credit Cards to Build Credit
Building Credit2 min read

Using Credit Cards to Build Credit

John Oldshue · March 25, 2024

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 Credit Cards It is im

Step-by-Step Guide to Mortgage Refinancing
Buying A House5 min read

Step-by-Step Guide to Mortgage Refinancing

Bill Hardekopf · March 25, 2024

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 refinancing the right cho

Reduce Credit Card Debt with Micropayments
Debt Reduction2 min read

Reduce Credit Card Debt with Micropayments

Bill Hardekopf · March 20, 2024

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 is to make micropay

A borrower discussing card payoff options at a community budget clinic.
Credit Cards4 min read

March Fed Meeting Leaves Card Debt Expensive

Bill Hardekopf · March 18, 2024

This week's March 2024 Fed meeting kept borrowers focused on the cost of variable-rate debt even before any immediate relief arrived.

What Is The Difference Between Credit Cards And Debit Cards?
Understanding Credit Cards4 min read

What Is The Difference Between Credit Cards And Debit Cards?

John Oldshue · March 16, 2024

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, Mastercard or Visa. Ju

A person checking a credit score online on a laptop.
Building Credit3 min read

Do Balance Transfers Hurt Your Credit Score?

Bill Hardekopf · March 13, 2024

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 can pay off your ba

Avoid Cash Advances on Your Credit Card
Understanding Credit Cards2 min read

Avoid Cash Advances on Your Credit Card

Bill Hardekopf · March 12, 2024

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 credit card’s terms a

Benefits of Credit Cards over Debit Cards
Understanding Credit Cards3 min read

Benefits of Credit Cards over Debit Cards

Bill Hardekopf · March 10, 2024

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 other. Here, the focu

How Can I Improve My Credit?
Building Credit3 min read

How Can I Improve My Credit?

Bill Hardekopf · March 9, 2024

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 matters. If you follow th

What Is the Best Way to Use Credit Card Rewards?
Saving More3 min read

What Is the Best Way to Use Credit Card Rewards?

Bill Hardekopf · March 5, 2024

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 them to buy something

Why Are EMV Transactions So Slow?
Understanding Credit Cards3 min read

Why Are EMV Transactions So Slow?

John Oldshue · March 4, 2024

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 it takes to complet

How to Save Money on Your Cell Phone Bill
Cell Phone Tips3 min read

How to Save Money on Your Cell Phone Bill

John Oldshue · March 3, 2024

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 the easiest ways to c

5 Tips For Getting A Small Business Credit Card For A New Business
Understanding Credit Cards3 min read

5 Tips For Getting A Small Business Credit Card For A New Business

John Oldshue · March 3, 2024

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 card. It is not wise to

A car loan finance application with money and a pen.
Debt Reduction4 min read

Can I Refinance a Car Loan?

Bill Hardekopf · March 2, 2024

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 Refinance Your Car Loa

A person holding a credit card while checking account details on a phone.
Understanding Credit Cards4 min read

How Is My Credit Card Limit Determined?

Bill Hardekopf · March 2, 2024

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, which is why your inte

How Much Cell Phone Data Do I Need?
Cell Phone Tips3 min read

How Much Cell Phone Data Do I Need?

John Oldshue · March 2, 2024

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 email, use apps, brows

What Is the Maximum Term for Term Life Insurance?
Term Life Insurance4 min read

What Is the Maximum Term for Term Life Insurance?

John Oldshue · March 1, 2024

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 terms over long terms