Monthly Archives: April 2012

Credit Management Tips For First-Time Professionals

(ARA) – You’ve landed the right job, you’re earning good money and your career is poised to take off. When everything is lining up in your professional life, it’s natural – and smart – to think about financial planning and … Continue reading

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How to Understand Credit Scores

(ARA) – Americans’ total debt tops $252 billion dollars, according to Federal Reserve data, yet most don’t have a basic understanding of credit information like who calculates credit scores, what constitutes a “good” score, the financial impact of a “bad” … Continue reading

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Avoid These Wrong Turns When Buying A Car

(ARA) – Buying a car is like an epic adventure. There are heroes (you), sidekicks (your wingmen who accompany you to the dealership), foes (the sales manager who just won’t give up on the undercarriage rust-proofing) and even a prize … Continue reading

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Financial Matters That Do Not Impact Your Credit Score

  Financial matters that – while important to your life – don’t always appear on your credit report or figure into your credit score. That’s right! Sometimes a bill is just a bill, or an account is just an account, … Continue reading

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Fraud Alert Facts: What an Alert Can (and Can’t) Do for You

Sometimes, no matter how careful you are, a crook gets through the defenses and before you know it, you’re the victim of fraud. When it happens, fraud can impact every aspect of your life – not just your finances. Fraud … Continue reading

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What Debt Settlement Means for Your Credit Score

It’s safe to say no one really feels good about having a lot of debt. On top of the financial impact of high payments, which drain your resources, being deeply in debt can weigh you down mentally. When you’re in … Continue reading

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Dealing with Financial Disasters: Ways to Rise Above the Ruins

Your car dies, and the repair will cost more than the Blue Book value. The hot water heater blows up and ruins everything around it. You or a loved one need a medical treatment that’s not covered by your insurance. … Continue reading

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Tricks to Reduce Money Stress

  Tax day is looming and a lot of people are feeling stressed about money right now. Unfortunately, a lot of us also feel stressed about money throughout the rest of the year, too, not just at tax time. Money … Continue reading

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Unplug Your Spending: Getting Back to Financial Basics

In college journalism classes, students learn the cardinal rule of good writing: “KISS.” It stands for “Keep it Simple, Stupid,” and it’s an axiom that can apply to many other aspects of life. Simplicity has merits for your financial life, … Continue reading

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Financial Life Lessons from Three Money-savvy Women

Stereotypes stink, and few reek worse than the notion that money mastery is a masculine trait. In this case, reality is wildly divergent from perception. In 2012, women hold top money management positions in government, industry, finance, education and entertainment. … Continue reading

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