Month archive

April 2024 Articles

BillSaver articles published in April 2024.

Month archive

Articles in this archive

7 Ways To Get A Credit Card With Bad Credit
Building Credit4 min read

7 Ways To Get A Credit Card With Bad Credit

Bill Hardekopf · April 29, 2024

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 score can stop you fro

Can I Sell My Term Life Insurance?
Term Life Insurance3 min read

Can I Sell My Term Life Insurance?

John Oldshue · April 28, 2024

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 logical to wonder h

5 Most Important Things To Consider When Picking A Credit Card
Understanding Credit Cards3 min read

5 Most Important Things To Consider When Picking A Credit Card

Bill Hardekopf · April 27, 2024

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 to make sure any po

How Important Is Length Of Credit History With A Credit Card?
Building Credit3 min read

How Important Is Length Of Credit History With A Credit Card?

Bill Hardekopf · April 25, 2024

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 question, we need to ex

A consumer at a credit union counter reviewing a credit-building plan on a tablet.
Building Credit3 min read

How Fast Can You Raise Your Credit Score?

Bill Hardekopf · April 23, 2024

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 attitude, many believe

How to Close a Credit Card Account
Building Credit3 min read

How to Close a Credit Card Account

Bill Hardekopf · April 20, 2024

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. While this may not

A home loan paperwork image from the older BillSaver media library.
Building Credit4 min read

How Does Debt Consolidation Impact My Credit Score?

Bill Hardekopf · April 19, 2024

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 alone trying to pay of

What Happens When I Cancel a Credit Card?
Building Credit3 min read

What Happens When I Cancel a Credit Card?

Bill Hardekopf · April 19, 2024

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 happens when you canc

Will You Pay Taxes on Your 401(k)
Saving For Retirement2 min read

Will You Pay Taxes on Your 401(k)

Bill Hardekopf · April 18, 2024

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 your 401(k) withdrawal

Should I Pay for Cell Phone Insurance
Cell Phone Tips2 min read

Should I Pay for Cell Phone Insurance

Bill Hardekopf · April 18, 2024

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 replacement device

8 Spending and Saving Habits of Millionaires
Debt Reduction4 min read

8 Spending and Saving Habits of Millionaires

John Oldshue · April 18, 2024

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 habits of millionai

Does My Credit Score Affect My Car Insurance?
Building Credit3 min read

Does My Credit Score Affect My Car Insurance?

John Oldshue · April 17, 2024

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 Massachusetts, where it i

401(k) vs IRA vs Roth IRA
Saving For Retirement3 min read

401(k) vs IRA vs Roth IRA

John Oldshue · April 13, 2024

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 between the three. 401(k)

Common Mistakes for First-Time Credit Card Customers
Understanding Credit Cards3 min read

Common Mistakes for First-Time Credit Card Customers

Bill Hardekopf · April 13, 2024

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 cards, but the truth is

Credit Card Tips After Losing Your Job
Understanding Credit Cards2 min read

Credit Card Tips After Losing Your Job

Bill Hardekopf · April 13, 2024

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. However, there are some

Best Ways to Monitor Your Credit
Building Credit4 min read

Best Ways to Monitor Your Credit

John Oldshue · April 13, 2024

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 the best ways to mon

How Much Should I Have in My Emergency Savings?
Saving More3 min read

How Much Should I Have in My Emergency Savings?

John Oldshue · April 12, 2024

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 new car or face unexp

How Long Does It Take For A Credit Card To Build Your Credit?
Building Credit3 min read

How Long Does It Take For A Credit Card To Build Your Credit?

Bill Hardekopf · April 11, 2024

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 grow in just a few

How Do Credit Card Companies Verify Income?
Understanding Credit Cards2 min read

How Do Credit Card Companies Verify Income?

John Oldshue · April 11, 2024

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 report? Income Verifica

What Will Term Life Insurance Pay For?
Term Life Insurance3 min read

What Will Term Life Insurance Pay For?

John Oldshue · April 11, 2024

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 you need to go through

How to Get Credit When You Have No Credit
Building Credit5 min read

How to Get Credit When You Have No Credit

Bill Hardekopf · April 7, 2024

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 one is willing to giv

Dealing with Credit Card Debt Collectors
Debt Reduction3 min read

Dealing with Credit Card Debt Collectors

Bill Hardekopf · April 7, 2024

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 the process works so

Should I Finance My Car Through the Dealership?
Debt Reduction3 min read

Should I Finance My Car Through the Dealership?

Bill Hardekopf · April 2, 2024

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 have even been told yo

Is No Credit Worse Than Bad Credit?
Building Credit2 min read

Is No Credit Worse Than Bad Credit?

Bill Hardekopf · April 1, 2024

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 credit score? Bad Cr

How Do Credit Cards Help Build Credit?
Building Credit3 min read

How Do Credit Cards Help Build Credit?

Bill Hardekopf · April 1, 2024

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 that they are not u