Financial planners have a big hate going for bankruptcy. They almost universally nay-say it and point to the many alternatives. CPAs and attorneys, on the other hand, often speak of the advantages to filing bankruptcy and are quick to point out the "fresh start" aspect of the move. But it's a fact that too many consumers view bankruptcy as a magic ...
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Living without Credit Cards: Pros & Cons
You’ve probably heard lots of people’s opinions about credit cards by now. Some American consumers swear by them, touting them as the secret to building credit and paying for purchases in installments. Others view credit cards as the gateway to debt—eschewing them for old-fashioned cash spending or preferring to use a debit card that’s linked ...
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Boost Business Growth With Alternative Financing
All businesses need money to get started. However, most businesses that apply for traditional funding are rejected. In fact, only 39 percent of businesses that apply for traditional funding are approved. There are a number of other financing options for you.
Short-Term Business Loans
Short-term business loans are typically taken out for 12 to 18 ...
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Maintaining a Good Credit Score: Are Soft Credit Inquiries Harmful in Any Way?
You worked hard to get your credit score exactly where you want it to be. Now, you want to do everything you can to keep that number where it is. But what about inquiries? When financial institutions or others check out your credit score, won’t it go down? The answer is both yes and no, as we examine the difference between hard and soft credit ...
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Costly Credit Card Mistakes You Could be Making
Before you go checking out what the aaa membership cost will run you, it might be a good idea to take a look at your whole financial picture and look where you can reduce expenses, anything from monthly bills, spending money, to making the tough sacrifices in order to free up extra money. When it comes to credit cards, if you’re not using the ...
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Try to Boost Your Credit with a Few Tricks
Of the many aspects of your life that you are looking to improve, credit may not top the list, but that may not be a good thing. If you are looking to purchase or refinance a mortgage, get a personal loan, a better credit card, or even apply for a job these days, your credit score can give a picture of your entire financial outlook in three ...
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Why It’s Smart to Use Your Credit Card for Christmas Shopping
It’s that time of the year, and whether you are one to have been procrastinating or not, now is crunch time to finish (or start for that matter), Christmas shopping, with 6 days until the big day. The days of price matching are probably limited these days since you are lucky enough to even have the product in stock. While it would have been nice ...
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4 Ways Credit Card Companies Try to Lure You In
These days there is so much competition for credit cards you probably receive offers in the mail daily, if not multiple per day, and send them straight to the trash/recycle. You have to give the credit card companies credit, they try to make their card standout over the others and get you to apply. Keep in mind that when you do apply, it will put ...
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Credit Behaviors to Give Your Score a Boost
You may not review your credit report and/or score that often, so who knows what is hidden in there. Each of the three major credit bureaus can provide a free copy of your credit report once a year, although the score is not included. To view your score, check your credit card statement, as creditors are now providing on a monthly basis. It’s ...
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