Debt Settlement Does Not Apply to: Mortgages Auto Loans Student Loans The Dangers of Debt Settlement The Center for Responsible Lending offers that most people seeking debt settlement would need a minimum of four accounts to find any benefit from the process. Moreover, working with a debt settlement doesn’t offer any guarantees. Not all lenders […]
The CreditGUARD of America Blog
What is the Difference Between a Personal Loan & Home Equity Loan?
Are you considering taking out a home equity loan? Or a personal loan? Learn more about these and how they’re different. Secured vs. Unsecured Loans Secured loans are tied to an asset. Loans like these include auto loans and mortgage loans. A home equity loan is like this. Instead of a standard mortgage, a home […]
How Much is Too Much Debt?
While there’s no magic number as to how much is too much debt, there are many signs that can point out when you’ve crossed a line. Telltale Signs of Too Much Debt If you relate to these signs, you’ve probably got too much debt. Read on to see where you stand. Minimum Payment Only How […]
How Much Should I Spend on an Engagement & Wedding Ring?
If you’re wondering how much you should spend on an engagement and wedding ring, there one thing you need to know right now. The two month’s pay rule DeBeers made this rule up to sell diamonds. This “rule” has no more validity than any other arbitrary recommendation. Your decision to spend money on jewelry should […]
Smart Ways to Save Money Fast
If you’re looking for creative ways to save money fast, we’ve got you covered. From coupons to budgets to boundaries, these tips will help you create a new vision for your relationship with money. Use a Bank Without Fees Does your bank charge you a monthly account maintenance fee or require minimum balances to avoid […]
When to Use Debit Vs. Credit Card
There has been much discussion over whether to use a debit card or credit card, and which situations are best for each type of card. Because many bank cards these days can be processed as either debit or credit transactions, we will focus on the contrast between debit and credit, generally speaking. Know Your Bank […]
Combining Finances After Marriage
If you’re newly married or engaged to be married, few things are more important than discussing your finances with your partner. Regardless of how you structure your accounts, communication is essential! Goals Setting goals is one of the most important things that many couples fail to accomplish. Whether you’re growing financially or struggling to get […]
Debt Management: Avoiding the Payday Loan Scam
If you’ve found yourself in a pinch, you may have considered a payday loan. If you’ve never gotten one, stay far away from payday lenders! Payday Loan Statistics The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau reports that more than 80% of payday loans get rolled over into or followed up with a new loan within two weeks […]
The Truth of Gas Station Credit Cards
With gas prices at about $2.35/gallon on average as of October 2018, it makes sense that consumers would be looking for ways to trim up the budget or even cut the occasional corner. Credit cards that offer cash back are becoming increasingly popular with consumers who are searching for easy ways to save a couple […]
Budgeting for Kids
If you’re thinking it’s time to teach your kids about money, you’re probably right. Regardless of your kid’s age, if they are old enough to learn about responsibilities at home like chores, they’re old enough to learn the basics of how money works. Connecting the Dots Does your child understand the connection between work and […]
