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Billsaver

101 BillSaver guides filed under Billsaver.

Should We Get a Joint Credit Card?
Understanding Credit Cards3 min read

Should We Get a Joint Credit Card?

Bill Hardekopf · June 27, 2024

When you get married, most things become a “joint” effort. You likely live together, share possessions and may even raise children together. Many marr

Credit Card Tips for Students
Understanding Credit Cards4 min read

Credit Card Tips for Students

Bill Hardekopf · June 24, 2024

Student credit cards can be an excellent way for young people to manage their money and build credit, but if they are used incorrectly, credit cards c

Five Tips For Managing Credit Card Debt In 2024
Debt Reduction2 min read

Five Tips For Managing Credit Card Debt In 2024

Bill Hardekopf · June 5, 2024

It is hard to believe, but the summer of 2024 is almost here. It is likely that millions of Americans have made a resolution to lower their credit car

Why Do Mortgage Loans Get Sold?
Buying A House3 min read

Why Do Mortgage Loans Get Sold?

John Oldshue · May 30, 2024

It happens all the time. Someone takes out a mortgage with one financial institution and a few years later, the bank sells the debt to another entity.

5 Best Financial Apps for Saving Money
Cell Phone Tips3 min read

5 Best Financial Apps for Saving Money

Bill Hardekopf · May 28, 2024

You know how important it is to save money—for emergencies, retirement and other goals—but you may be having a difficult time figuring out how to do i

Three Common Credit Myths on Joint Accounts
Building Credit2 min read

Three Common Credit Myths on Joint Accounts

John Oldshue · May 27, 2024

When people get engaged, they suddenly have to answer a number of questions about how they will spend the rest of their lives together. When will they

Can My Savings Account Be Garnished?
Saving More3 min read

Can My Savings Account Be Garnished?

John Oldshue · May 21, 2024

If you get behind on your income taxes, student loan payments, or child support, a government agency can garnish a percentage of your wages to pay the

How Your Credit Score is Calculated
Building Credit4 min read

How Your Credit Score is Calculated

John Oldshue · May 20, 2024

Your credit score is a three-digit number that can make or break your financial future. It represents your payment history and helps potential lenders

Credit Card Tips and Tricks
Understanding Credit Cards3 min read

Credit Card Tips and Tricks

John Oldshue · May 19, 2024

When used incorrectly, credit cards can be an expensive way to pay for goods and services. The golden rule of credit card use is to pay off your full

Can Credit Cards be Recycled?
Understanding Credit Cards2 min read

Can Credit Cards be Recycled?

Bill Hardekopf · May 18, 2024

If you are eco-conscious and have had a credit, debit, or gift card expire recently, you may be wondering if you can recycle the plastic. The simple a

Why Do Credit Cards Get Declined?
Understanding Credit Cards3 min read

Why Do Credit Cards Get Declined?

John Oldshue · May 17, 2024

There are few things in life more embarrassing than having your credit card declined. Even worse than the embarrassment is the lack of information off

What Affects Your Credit Score?
Building Credit4 min read

What Affects Your Credit Score?

John Oldshue · May 13, 2024

Knowing what factors affect your credit score is a bit like knowing what questions will be on an important exam. If you know what will be asked, you w

Are Balance Transfers Worth It?
Debt Reduction3 min read

Are Balance Transfers Worth It?

Bill Hardekopf · May 10, 2024

Many Americans regularly receive offers from credit card companies, which offer 0% interest rates on balance transfers. These offers look tempting, bu

5 Unconventional Investments for Retirement
Saving For Retirement3 min read

5 Unconventional Investments for Retirement

John Oldshue · May 6, 2024

You are probably familiar with classic retirement investments, such as an IRA or an employee-sponsored 401(K) plan. What you may not know is that ther

Can My Credit Report Affect Me Getting A Job?
Building Credit4 min read

Can My Credit Report Affect Me Getting A Job?

John Oldshue · May 5, 2024

Most people know that a low credit score and problematic credit report can prevent them from purchasing a home, financing a new car, or getting a good

Do Credit Cards Get Cancelled If Not Used?
Understanding Credit Cards2 min read

Do Credit Cards Get Cancelled If Not Used?

John Oldshue · May 5, 2024

Since your credit card has an expiration date, you may worry that it will get cancelled if you are not using it. While this is a concern to keep in mi

5 Tips For Maximizing Credit Card Rewards
Saving More4 min read

5 Tips For Maximizing Credit Card Rewards

Bill Hardekopf · May 5, 2024

Credit card rewards have become a major benefit to consumers who use their cards responsibly. If you pay off your balance in full each month, you can

6 Types of Term Life Insurance
Term Life Insurance4 min read

6 Types of Term Life Insurance

John Oldshue · May 4, 2024

Did you know that there are different types of term life insurance policies you can apply for? Many insurance companies will offer term life insurance

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,

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

How Fast Can You Raise Your Credit Score?
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 accustom

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

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 y

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 minim

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

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 car

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 expe

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 sc

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

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 respons

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

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

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

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.

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 paymen

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 yo

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. Sin

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 deal

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 shou

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 ac

Why Do Mortgage Rates Fluctuate?
Buying A House3 min read

Why Do Mortgage Rates Fluctuate?

John Oldshue · March 26, 2024

If you are shopping for a mortgage, you may have noticed that rates can fluctuate from one week to the next. Small increases can add up quickly, depen

Using Credit Cards to Build Credit
Building Credit2 min read

Using Credit Cards to Build Credit

John Oldshue · March 25, 2024

While many people see credit cards as the path towards fiscal irresponsibility, they can actually help you build business and personal credit. To reap

Step-by-Step Guide to Mortgage Refinancing
Buying A House5 min read

Step-by-Step Guide to Mortgage Refinancing

Bill Hardekopf · March 25, 2024

If your credit has improved or your financial situation has changed since you first took out your mortgage, you may be considering refinancing your ho

Reduce Credit Card Debt with Micropayments
Debt Reduction2 min read

Reduce Credit Card Debt with Micropayments

Bill Hardekopf · March 20, 2024

Though the holidays are behind us, many Americans are still paying for purchases made with their credit cards. To avoid costly interest charges, cardh

A person checking a credit score online on a laptop.
Building Credit3 min read

Do Balance Transfers Hurt Your Credit Score?

Bill Hardekopf · March 13, 2024

You may have received an offer for a 0% APR on balance transfers, and you may be tempted to sign up for it. After all, 0% APR will allow you to save m

Avoid Cash Advances on Your Credit Card
Understanding Credit Cards2 min read

Avoid Cash Advances on Your Credit Card

Bill Hardekopf · March 12, 2024

If you are running low on cash, it may be tempting to use your credit card at an ATM or try one of the convenience checks included with your credit ca

Benefits of Credit Cards over Debit Cards
Understanding Credit Cards3 min read

Benefits of Credit Cards over Debit Cards

Bill Hardekopf · March 10, 2024

The terms “debit card” and “credit card” sometimes seem to be used interchangeably; however, there are major differences between these types of cards.

How Can I Improve My Credit?
Building Credit3 min read

How Can I Improve My Credit?

Bill Hardekopf · March 9, 2024

In a finance-driven world, having a low credit score can really hurt you, especially if you are in the market for a home, car or credit card. The good

What Is the Best Way to Use Credit Card Rewards?
Saving More3 min read

What Is the Best Way to Use Credit Card Rewards?

Bill Hardekopf · March 5, 2024

There are a number of options when you begin earning a large number of rewards points on your credit card, and you may be unsure as to which option is

Why Are EMV Transactions So Slow?
Understanding Credit Cards3 min read

Why Are EMV Transactions So Slow?

John Oldshue · March 4, 2024

Human beings could not accurately measure the second until the late 16th Century, but today, society has learned to move at such a fast pace that stan

How to Save Money on Your Cell Phone Bill
Cell Phone Tips3 min read

How to Save Money on Your Cell Phone Bill

John Oldshue · March 3, 2024

According to the Pew Research Center, 95% of Americans own a cell phone, and 77% own a smartphone. Since cell phones are such a large expense, we comp

A car loan finance application with money and a pen.
Debt Reduction4 min read

Can I Refinance a Car Loan?

Bill Hardekopf · March 2, 2024

If you are unhappy with the interest rate or monthly payment on your car loan, you may be wondering if you can refinance the loan. The answer is, yes.

A person holding a credit card while checking account details on a phone.
Understanding Credit Cards4 min read

How Is My Credit Card Limit Determined?

Bill Hardekopf · March 2, 2024

Credit card issuers consider a number of factors when determining your credit limit. Like any business, no financial institution wants to lose money,

How Much Cell Phone Data Do I Need?
Cell Phone Tips3 min read

How Much Cell Phone Data Do I Need?

John Oldshue · March 2, 2024

Nearly three-quarters (74%) of Americans have a smartphone, according to Pew Research, and if you are one or looking to become one, you need a data pa

What Is the Maximum Term for Term Life Insurance?
Term Life Insurance4 min read

What Is the Maximum Term for Term Life Insurance?

John Oldshue · March 1, 2024

Term life insurance is given its name because it lasts for a certain period of time. The length of the term for the policy will determine how long you

What Is the Best Way to Consolidate Credit Cards?
Debt Reduction4 min read

What Is the Best Way to Consolidate Credit Cards?

John Oldshue · February 29, 2024

If you have several credit card balances, paying all of them can be difficult. To make your life easier, you may want to consider consolidating your d

Compare Term Life Insurance Rates
Term Life Insurance3 min read

Compare Term Life Insurance Rates

John Oldshue · February 28, 2024

Term life insurance is one of the most affordable ways to protect your family in the event of a serious accident. If you pass away abruptly, unexpecte

What To Look For In A Secured Credit Card
Understanding Credit Cards4 min read

What To Look For In A Secured Credit Card

John Oldshue · February 16, 2024

Without a line of credit, it is impossible to build or rebuild your credit. Checking accounts and debit cards will not help because a financial instit

How to Establish Business Credit
Building Credit3 min read

How to Establish Business Credit

Bill Hardekopf · February 14, 2024

If you own a small business, you can build credit for your business, just as you can build your own credit. Your business will get a credit score simi

Some Unusual Benefits of Using a Credit Card
Understanding Credit Cards6 min read

Some Unusual Benefits of Using a Credit Card

Bill Hardekopf · February 12, 2024

While credit cards can sometimes get a bad rap for high interest rates and fees, there are many benefits to savvy consumers that are unmatched by othe

Do Credit Cards Work After Getting Wet?
Understanding Credit Cards2 min read

Do Credit Cards Work After Getting Wet?

John Oldshue · February 12, 2024

Anyone who has ever dropped their cell phone in a body of water knows how quickly this will kill the device. Electronics and water just do not mix. Wh

Can Credit Card Companies Lower Your Credit Limit?
Building Credit4 min read

Can Credit Card Companies Lower Your Credit Limit?

Bill Hardekopf · February 8, 2024

When you first open a credit card, your credit limit is based on your credit score at that moment. If you maintain a high score, make payments on time

5 Alternatives To Maxing Out Your Credit Card
Understanding Credit Cards3 min read

5 Alternatives To Maxing Out Your Credit Card

John Oldshue · February 8, 2024

If you have a tendency to max out your credit card, you may be looking for new ways to make necessary purchases. The Problem with Maxing Out Your Card

Does a 401k Loan Get Taxed?
Saving For Retirement3 min read

Does a 401k Loan Get Taxed?

Bill Hardekopf · February 4, 2024

If you have a 401(k) account and need cash, it may be tempting to tap your retirement for a loan. Legally, you can borrow up to $50,000 or half the ba

How to Recover from Holiday Credit Card Debt
Debt Reduction3 min read

How to Recover from Holiday Credit Card Debt

Bill Hardekopf · February 4, 2024

People love holiday shopping, but they do not care much for the credit card bills that start coming in January. Once the warmth of the holidays has pa

Special Benefits of a Prepaid Card
Understanding Credit Cards1 min read

Special Benefits of a Prepaid Card

Bill Hardekopf · February 3, 2024

While anyone can obtain a prepaid card, many believe they can only be used as gifts or are only for those who cannot qualify for a credit card. Howeve

How to Improve Your Credit Score by 100 Points
Building Credit3 min read

How to Improve Your Credit Score by 100 Points

Bill Hardekopf · February 2, 2024

If you are in the market for a mortgage or car loan, you probably understand how important it is to have a high credit score. The better your score, t

5 Ways To Save Money On Home Utilities
Saving More3 min read

5 Ways To Save Money On Home Utilities

Bill Hardekopf · February 1, 2024

If you are looking to trim the fat from your budget, you may want to look at lowering your utility costs. There are a number of small changes you can

Will Lowering My Credit Limit Hurt My Credit Score?
Building Credit3 min read

Will Lowering My Credit Limit Hurt My Credit Score?

John Oldshue · February 1, 2024

Many people want to raise their credit limit on their credit card so that they have more money available to them. However, there are times when loweri

Should I Rent or Buy a Home?
Buying A House3 min read

Should I Rent or Buy a Home?

John Oldshue · January 31, 2024

Many people believe buying a home is a good investment and that it is always a better financial decision than renting. That might not be true in all c

Should I Open a Checking or Savings Account?
Saving More3 min read

Should I Open a Checking or Savings Account?

John Oldshue · January 25, 2024

You probably know you need a better place to store your money than a sock drawer, but if you do not yet have a bank account, you may be asking yoursel

Credit Card Tips for Beginners
Understanding Credit Cards3 min read

Credit Card Tips for Beginners

Bill Hardekopf · January 24, 2024

The first step you take towards building a credit history could be taken when you get your first credit card. When you use a credit card responsibly,

5 Moves to Increase Your Net Worth
Debt Reduction4 min read

5 Moves to Increase Your Net Worth

John Oldshue · January 24, 2024

The term “net worth” sounds like something only the rich and famous would talk about to one another. But we should all try to increase our net worth.

How Long Does It Take to Receive a New Credit Card?
Understanding Credit Cards2 min read

How Long Does It Take to Receive a New Credit Card?

John Oldshue · January 23, 2024

Being without a credit card can be a major hassle, so it can be stressful waiting to receive a new or replacement card in the mail. Exactly how long w

Do Checking Accounts Earn Interest?
Saving More3 min read

Do Checking Accounts Earn Interest?

Bill Hardekopf · January 18, 2024

If you are an adult, chances are good that you have a checking account. It is the easiest way to cash your paychecks and pay bills. However, what you

How Do Online Banks Work?
Saving More3 min read

How Do Online Banks Work?

John Oldshue · January 16, 2024

In the past, if you wanted to open a bank account, you had to drive to your local branch and speak with an account specialist. Now, there is a new gam

How Much Will Term Life Insurance Cost?
Term Life Insurance4 min read

How Much Will Term Life Insurance Cost?

John Oldshue · January 12, 2024

The reason why most people choose term life insurance over other life insurance policies is because it is incredibly affordable. For less than the cos

How to Maximize Credit Card Benefits
Understanding Credit Cards4 min read

How to Maximize Credit Card Benefits

Bill Hardekopf · January 5, 2024

Many credit cards offer some very attractive rewards. The challenge is knowing how to get the most out of your credit card rewards program. Making jus

Does Term Life Insurance Cover Accidental Death?
Term Life Insurance3 min read

Does Term Life Insurance Cover Accidental Death?

John Oldshue · January 5, 2024

There are many forms of life insurance policies in the world, and one that often throws people for a loop is an accidental death policy. This is a spe

Reducing Credit Card Debt in 2024
Debt Reduction3 min read

Reducing Credit Card Debt in 2024

Bill Hardekopf · January 4, 2024

Summer is quickly approaching, and unfortunately, millions of shoppers are probably spending more than they can afford. Card issuers are adding to the

10 Common Credit Card Mistakes (And How To Avoid Them)
Understanding Credit Cards5 min read

10 Common Credit Card Mistakes (And How To Avoid Them)

John Oldshue · January 4, 2024

Most adults have taken a financial wrong turn at some point in their lives, and where credit cards are concerned, there are many potential pitfalls. T

How Do I Know When I Have Enough Money to Retire?
Saving For Retirement3 min read

How Do I Know When I Have Enough Money to Retire?

Bill Hardekopf · January 2, 2024

Human beings are living longer than ever before, which is great news. The only downside is that this means you will need more in your retirement fund

Is it ever financially wise to buy a new car?
Loans3 min read

Is it ever financially wise to buy a new car?

Bill Hardekopf · December 31, 2023

Most people know new cars depreciate the moment you drive them off the lot, which makes a new car a questionable investment. After all, you will proba