Moving Beyond Debt
Personal finance tips and helpful advice for your journey towards a debt-free future
The 3 New Year Resolutions That Make Cents for You in 2021
It’s no surprise that many Americans – 97 million, in fact – started 2021 with a resolution. And many of those were centered around money, from getting a promotion to success out of a side job. These days, instead of earning it or spending it, people want to save it. Yet, according to the…
Budgeting 101: A Guide to Getting Started
Budgeting is often misunderstood. You may view it as restrictive and complicated, or you may have tried budgeting in the past and struggled to stick with it. Maybe you’re actively tracking your finances and looking for ways to make the process more efficient. Whatever your previous experiences are, creating and…
The Pitfalls of Bankruptcy
The decision to file for bankruptcy is never easy. If you’re weighing your debt help options or currently a Beyond Finance client, you may have considered whether bankruptcy is right for you. Although it can provide individuals with a financial fresh start, in some circumstances, bankruptcy can come with social…
9 Common Myths About How Your Credit Score is Calculated
Under most scoring models, credit scores (also known as a FICO score) range from 300 to 850. The higher the number, the better a person’s credit – it implies that the person is a lower risk to a lender. The score is calculated using a credit report that gathers data…
The Incredible Link Between Debt and Stress
Did you know that your financial struggles could be putting your health at risk? A recent survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of the American Psychological Association revealed that 1 in 5 Americans have either thought about skipping, or have skipped, a visit to the doctor because of…
How to Use Your Credit Card Wisely
It’s very important to know the rules of the credit card game because if you don’t, you could quickly find yourself in financial trouble and in need of credit card help. The following tips will help new and experienced credit card users avoid unwelcome credit card debt. DON’T accept a credit…
Do You Know What Lenders Look for?
You probably think your credit score is the main thing that lenders and creditors use to decide whether to give you a loan. But they use other tools to measure your creditworthiness and whether you’ll have a tough time repaying a new debt. Keeping your credit in top shape involves…
What You Should Know About Your Credit Report
You should review your credit reports every year and, if necessary, take the time to clean them up. Mistakes on your report(s) can negatively affect your credit score, which is used by lenders to determine if they’ll lend you money and, if so, the interest rate you’ll pay. Some employers…
Who Should Contribute to a 401(K)?
Wondering “Is a 401(k) right for me”? The simple answer is that it’s a great retirement option for almost everyone, including those in need of debt help or credit repair. For some of us, retirement seems a very long way off. But with people living longer and Social Security’s future…
Borrowing Options
Because every credit card and loan option has its pros and cons, it is important to understand which options work best for you. Frequently, loan applications are organized in such a way that all you have to do is fill in the blanks associated with the different loan options. Perhaps…