Freedom First Advice Center

When you work diligently to pay off a credit card, nothing is more satisfying than seeing the balance hit $0. It’s a eureka moment – filled with accomplishment and freedom. And your next desire may be to shred the credit card and close the account. But is that the right move?

If you’re like most people, you probably have one or more credit cards in your wallet. Credit cards are one of the easiest and most convenient forms of payment, making them so popular today. Plus, with the ability to purchase just about anything and pay for it over time, many people tend to turn to them first.

Your home is more than just a house. It’s where you create memories with friends and family. It’s a reflection of you and your personality. It’s a financial investment. And, since the pandemic started, it’s a place where you spend a lot of time!

Customizing your living space to fit your needs and building an environment where you feel comfortable is a common goal among homeowners. However, deciding the right way to finance these projects can be quite confusing.

From upgrading furniture to remodeling a kitchen or even putting in a pool, there are a variety of financing options available. To find the solution that will work best for your project, review the following alternatives below.

Dos & Don’ts of Getting Your First Credit Card

Opening your first credit card can be both an exciting and daunting experience. On the one hand, a credit card offers more financial freedom and flexibility. On the other hand, you likely heard horror stories of people falling into a debt cycle that’s hard to escape.

The truth is that you should start working to build your credit score as soon as you’re able. Even if you have no plans to purchase a car or rent an apartment anytime soon, building credit takes time. And while it may seem backward, one of the best times to build credit is when you’re a young adult with limited financial obligations.

With the holidays quickly approaching, your mind is probably focused on gift lists, decorations, travel plans, and family events. But the end of the year is also the perfect time to review your loans.

While loans typically make up members’ largest monthly expenses — from mortgages and car loans to student loans and credit cards — they also provide some of the most significant saving opportunities. Taking time to review your existing loans and looking for opportunities to save could put you in a much better financial position as a new year rolls around.

An excellent credit score is the ultimate goal of the financially responsible consumer. Those three magic digits tell a story of accountability, good financial sense, and the ability to spend mindfully. A great credit score also unlocks doors for large, affordable loans; employment opportunities, and more.

Its significance notwithstanding, achieving and maintaining an excellent credit score is easier said than done. There is no quick and easy way to dramatically boost your score over a short amount of time, but you can take steps to increase your credit score gradually. Below, we’ve listed six ways you can start amping up your credit score today.

Credit card debt is one of those things that can easily sneak up on you. This can especially be the case when you have high-interest credit cards in your wallet. Luckily, there’s a strategy you can use to get your credit card debt back under control and save money at the same time called a balance transfer.