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- What you can do
- Still deciding on the right carrier? Compare Medigap plans
- Shopping for Medigap plans? We have you covered.
- Discover Bank CD rates
- How to maximize your rewards
- Simplifying tax time with accounting software
- 1. Decide why you’re budgeting
- Student loan payment calculator
- 1. Decide between an online broker or a robo-advisor
- American Airlines has several hubs
- 1. You may not be entitled to anything
- What is 100% credit utilization?
- Grocery rewards
- Secured loan amounts
- Amazon
- 1. Earn with ads as a YouTube Partner Program member
- How to use this calculator
- You get cell phone insurance through your card
- The failure to pay penalty and more
- CD rates
- Are 401(k) contributions tax-deductible?
- Card details
- Student loan consolidation calculator
- 1. Understand the terms
- What mortgage terms are best for me?
- How does my credit score impact personal loan offers?
- 1. Create educational content or activities
- What it is
- App features
- 1. Figure out if you are eligible
- 1. Pick up freelance work online
- 1. Ibotta
- Hands-on or hands-off investing?
- 1. Open an investment account
- Save on United award flights to Europe
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- Classic membership
- Investment-based passive income ideas
- 2. Use empowering language
- Drawbacks
- Understanding your results
- Step 1: Find your niche.
- 1. Keep your charges on each card to a minimum
- 1. Decide how much coverage you need
- Our pick for: Simplicity
- 1. Cryptocurrency exchanges
- 2. Choose where to open your IRA
- Understand the budgeting process
- 1. Roll your debts onto a balance transfer credit card
- Do an energy audit
- Lower your interest rate
- Avis Preferred
- Passive vs. active management
- How do I see my credit score for free?
- Step 1: Write a business plan
- 2. Offer virtual team-building
- Pros
- You can't stomach the fee of a premium card
- 1. Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- 1. Food trucks
- Standard with ads: $6.99 per month
- 1. 529 plans are state-sponsored, but you can pick a plan from any state
- Notices start to arrive within 1-3 months
- CD terms
- What else should I know about traditional 401(k) contributions?
- Tickets booked in the last 24 hours
- Credit limits, and how you use them, matter
- Award redemptions begin at 7,500 miles for domestic tickets
- Fare flexibility/ticket changes
- Average cost of car insurance for different driver profiles
- Construction-to-permanent loans
- 1. Child tax credit
- Chase Freedom Flex℠ and Chase Freedom®
- Use your results to save money
- You can earn credit card rewards
- 1. Corporate bonds
- Axos Basic Business Checking
- Term life: Cheapest option
- Check how long the initial HELOC rate lasts
- Gas and transportation rewards
- Step 1: Enter your personal information
- Minimum down payments and credit scores
- Give your thermostat a nudge
- Lower your monthly payments
- 1. Do chores and odd jobs around the house or neighborhood
- 1. The child has to be part of your family
- Why it’s the best
- PF Black Card membership
- 1. Dividend stocks
- 3. Start a meal-prep business
- Cons
- 1. Educational assistance from your boss
- Property for your laundromat
- 2. United can offer multiple types of compensation
- Pros
- Cons
- 1. Food tech
- Cheap auto insurance from large companies
- 2. Traditional stockbrokers
- The value of Hilton points over time
- Direct subsidized and unsubsidized loan limits
- How to calculate risk tolerance
- Upsides
- Positive Rent Payment pilot program
- Construction-only loans
- Step 2: Register your business
- EBay
- Fare flexibility/ticket changes
- Realtor vs. real estate agent
- Our pick for: Rich travel rewards
- 2. Child and dependent care credit
- THE PAYOFF
- 1. Give your money a goal
- You qualify for an autopay discount
- LendingClub Tailored Business Checking
- Standard: $15.49 per month
- Tax liens and collections calls may follow
- Understand your offered rate
- CD safety
- 2. Decide what type of investor you are
- Discover Bank, 4.25% APY, no minimum opening deposit
- Down payment
- 1. Pinpoint your goal
- 2. Pick stock funds instead of individual stocks
- Why it keeps winning
- Adjust your fridge and freezer temperature
- 2. Babysit, walk dogs and feed pets for pay
- Baggage and boarding
- Income taxes for single-member LLCs
- Tuesday and Friday flights can help you avoid the rush earlier in the week
- 4. Create a food waste solution
- 2. Adoption help from your employer
- 3. Test out different budgeting methods
- Have the correct type of loans, or consolidate
- Alliant: Best for fast funding
- 2. Car wash services
- Other student loan calculators
- SBA loans
- Whole life: Cash value component
- 2. Ask for higher credit limits
- Rewards on streaming services
- Pros
- How are 401(k) withdrawals taxed?
- More about the Apple Card
- Tickets booked in select fare classes
- Step 2: Account for multiple jobs
- With credit, older is better
- Multiple ways to earn miles
- Lower your loan-to-value ratio
- Avis Preferred Plus
- 2. The child has to be under a certain age
- Baggage and boarding
- 3. American opportunity tax credit
- If you don't have Medallion status
- Drawbacks
- Chase Business Complete Banking
- 2. The account holder maintains ownership of the funds
- New rewards and benefits
- 1. Local business operating license
- 2. Web design
- 2. Rakuten
- 3. Bitcoin ATMs
- Varo, 3.00% APY, no minimum opening deposit
- Credit score
- Resident status rules
- Keep up with routine maintenance
- Investment goals
- Renovation loans
- Will pre-qualifying affect my credit score?
- Bonanza
- 5. Capitalize on plant-based foods
- How to activate Chase Pay Over Time
- 3. Child support
- Difference between a real estate agent and a broker
- Accident and illness plan
- Utilities
- Step 2: Write a business plan.
- Premium: $22.99 per month
- Consider a fixed rate vs. a variable rate
- 2. Test websites and apps
- Cons
- Welcome offer
- Pros of sole proprietorship
- Debt-to-income ratios
- 2. Apply for a credit card consolidation loan
- 3. Sell your stuff in person or online
- It’s not what you can borrow, it’s what you can afford
- Free rent-reporting services tenants can use on their own
- Seat selection
- Wednesdays and Saturdays are the cheapest day to fly internationally
- 4. Lifetime learning credit
- 2. U.S. Bank rewards
- Cancun
- 3. Delayed flights to or from the European Union may entitle you to cash
- Rewards-based crowdfunding
- 3. Qualified distribution rules are strict
- Significant upgrade
- How much does a surgical abortion cost?
- 2. Choose your insurance deductible
- Rewards for online purchases
- Give focused answers and examples
- GET MORE MILES, MORE BENEFITS WITH A DELTA CARD
- Cheap car insurance from midsize companies
- 4. Bitcoin exchange-traded funds
- Bask Bank, 5.10% APY, no minimum opening deposit
- Debt-to-income ratio
- Compare insurance rates for 20-year-olds
- Direct PLUS loan limits
- Explore Cancel For Any Reason coverage
- Card details
- Avoid being upside down on your loan
- 3. The child has to live with you
- Income taxes for multi-member LLCs
- What do I need to pre-qualify for a personal loan?
- Itemize on your taxes
- 2. Dividend index funds and exchange-traded funds
- 6. Start a dropshipping business
- Automatic relief group
- You’ve maxed out your retirement accounts
- First Tech: Best for co-sign and joint loan options
- VA and USDA loans: 0% down payment
- 3. Auto repair
- There’s no autopay discount if you pay with a credit card
- Bank of America Business Advantage Fundamentals
- Guaranteed issue life insurance: No medical exam
- CD opening deposit
- 1. Choose a stock screener
- 3. Extended reality
- Step 3: Claim dependents, including children
- Annual fee
- 3. Open an account
- Applying for Public Service Loan Forgiveness
- Cons of sole proprietorship
- Services provided by landlords
- Save on United award flights to Hawaii
- Why it’s the best
- When to get a secured loan
- Seat selection
- 4. Payments for caring for children
- 5. Student loan interest deduction
- 1. Get sponsored
- 4. Prioritize expenses and goals
- You only travel occasionally
- Work full time for a qualifying employer
- Accident-only plan
- Under 35
- How to get a free extra seat for plus-size travelers on Southwest
- Discover it® Cash Back and the Discover it® Student Cash Back
- Business term loans
- IRS levies and passport restrictions
- Look for the lowest HELOC rate cap
- 3. Choose how much you want to invest
- What if you withdraw from your 401(k) early?
- Cash reserves
- 2. If you have a 401(k), get your match
- High annual fees or poor customer service
- Downsides
- 4. Sell lemonade in the summer or hot cocoa in the winter
- Avis President's Club
- Earnings rates (towards status)
- Permanent life insurance has tax benefits
- Use Schedule A
- What it is
- The right equipment
- Cozumel
- 2. Decide how much help you want
- Important features that stay the same
- 2. Zoning and land use permits
- CD maturity date
- 3. Set up balance alerts to stay on top of spending
- 3. Evaluate other factors
- Bonus offers for new cardholders
- Step 4: Refine your withholdings
- 5. Peer-to-peer money transfer apps
- Start with a budget
- 4. Fund your account and get started
- 3. Stay invested with the "buy and hold" strategy
- Best insurance company overall: Travelers
- Diversification through index funds and ETFs
- Part-year resident status rules
- 4. The child can't provide more than half of their own financial support
- When to get an unsecured loan
- Fly on the holidays (or as far from it as possible)
- Free fitness training
- Owner-builder loan
- 7. Curate subscription boxes
- Earning rates
- 5. Workers' compensation
- 1. Multiply your income by 10
- 6. Adoption credit
- You have a lifelong dependent, such as a child with a disability
- Managing debt
- Conventional mortgages: As low as 3% down payment
- 2. Municipal bonds, or munis
- 4. Contribution limits are high
- Commercial real estate loans
- How much does an abortion pill cost?
- 3. Learn to use AI tools
- Highlight your past experience and accomplishments
- Best insurance company overall: Travelers
- 1. States with no income tax
- Travel bonus reward rates
- Documentation
- You've graduated to a permanent card
- Factor in unforeseeable medical expenses
- Mortgage insurance
- Take shorter showers
- Improve your chance of loan approval
- Is rental car coverage primary or secondary?
- Services that charge renters
- Average 401(k) match
- Whole life insurance offers guaranteed returns
- Is it worth claiming medical expenses on taxes? Consider your filing status
- Step 3: Obtain business licenses, permits, and insurance
- Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, OfferUp
- 2. Take a cut with affiliate marketing
- Our pick for: Intro APR + high rewards on everyday spending
- If your employer offers a 401(k) match
- Routine care and wellness
- Los Cabos
- Drawbacks
- PenFed: Best for a seamless application process
- 4. Be smart about how you ask
- Permanent life insurance: Other options
- CD penalty
- 2. Set a target for future earnings growth rate
- 4. Robotics
- 3. Swagbucks
- Step 5: Sign and date your W-4
- 6. Wallet software
- Learn more about Zelle
- 3. Max out an IRA
- Applying for Total Disability Discharge
- Members can redeem miles through partner airlines
- Allow up to 50% of your income for needs
- 2. Organize your documents
- 5. Teach others a skill
- 5. The child can’t file a joint tax return with someone
- Can you negotiate with GivemetheVIN?
- Choosing corporate tax status for your LLC
- How long will it take to pre-qualify?
- Reasons for unfreezing your credit
- Pros
- 6. Life insurance proceeds
- 7. Earned income tax credit
- If you dine out regularly
- 3. Pentagon Federal Credit Union (PenFed) Rewards
- Shopping tips
- Not all insurance laws and regulations apply
- THE PAYOFF
- Building your credit score
- FHA loans: As low as 3.5% down payment
- 4. Personal trainers
- Equipment financing
- 4. Select a provider to open your Roth IRA
- Track your spending
- Appraisals
- Divorce or separation from a spouse
- Why it keeps winning
- Upsides
- Replace your showerhead
- How do I make sure coverage applies to my rental?
- What factors affect the amount you can borrow
- Between North America and South America
- Upgradability
- Cash value policies can make it easier to get a loan
- Customized workout plan
- Upgradeability
- What buyers and sellers should ask real estate agents
- 2. Buy 10 times your income, plus $100,000 per child for college expenses
- 5. Leave room for surprises
- Puerto Vallarta
- Use a discount real estate broker
- Ages 35 to 44
- 3. Building permits
- CDs at a bank vs. credit union
- 4. Pay your bill before your issuer reports to the credit bureaus
- 5. Customer experience management, or CXM
- 1. Cash dividends
- Why you’re interested in the position
- Tickets changed, delayed or canceled by the airline
- Delta premium economy luxury amenity kit
- Cheap car insurance after a speeding ticket
- Nonresident status rules
- Chairman's Club (invite only)
- 6. The child has to have a certain residency or citizenship status
- Will GivemetheVIN buy my car if I owe on it?
- Ages 20-24
- 3. Bonds and bond index funds
- 8. Create an airport-centric app
- Decision group
- Cons
- 7. Some canceled debts
- 8. Charitable donation deduction
- You want to help your family pay estate taxes
- Submit PSLF employment certification forms
- Business insurance
- Working toward financial goals
- Our pick for: No credit check at all
- Jumbo loans: As low as 5%-10% down payment (varies)
- Citi Dividend
- 5. You may be able to switch airlines
- Our pick for: Online purchases
- 2. States with flat income tax rates
- Find ways to save
- If your loans are transferred by the Department of Education
- Pros of general partnership
- Building a portfolio with stocks and bonds
- Wash clothes in warm or cold water
- What coverage is included?
- Why it’s the best
- There’s flexibility with repayments
- Group training sessions and group classes
- Keep good records
- Tips for unfreezing your credit
- 3. Use the DIME formula
- Dun & Bradstreet business credit scores
- Sell your home yourself
- Navy Federal: Best for military members
- How to get a liquor license in Alabama
- 3. Pick an investment account
- 3. U.S. government bonds and securities
- Funeral insurance: Pays for your funeral only
- Types of CDs
- 2. Stock dividends
- What you like about the company or employer
- Enjoy added perks when you reach elite status
- Downsides
- Does GivemetheVIN buy leased vehicles?
- 9. Become a destination wedding planner
- How to activate My Chase Loan
- 8. Energy conservation subsidies
- 9. Medical expenses deduction
- 6. Automate responsibly
- Saving for and buying a home
- If going to sports events and concerts
- Equity REITs
- New rewards and benefits
- 3. Use the P/E ratio to find potentially undervalued stocks
- Friend and family loans
- 6. Influencer marketing
- 4. Consider extra coverage
- Other perks of Delta premium economy
- 3. States with progressive tax structures
- Restaurant rewards
- 4. Check out dividend-paying stocks
- Call and ask for better terms
- Cons of general partnership
- Card details
- Leave 30% of your income for wants
- 3. Tap your home equity for a loan or line of credit
- Adjust the temperature on your water heater
- What isn't covered?
- How can I qualify to borrow more?
- Construction loans to build a house
- Poshmark
- 1. Find a dividend-paying stock
- GET MORE MILES, MORE BENEFITS WITH A DELTA CARD
- You're not ready for the high-end Delta card
- Marketing and advertising
- Payment isn’t guaranteed
- 5. Newborn and post-pregnancy services
- Step 3: Register your business.
- 4. Fire department permit
- 3. Dividend reinvestment programs (DRIPs)
- 4. Fiverr
- Revocable life insurance trusts
- Hot wallet
- Your elite status carries over to Oneworld partners
- Where does GivemetheVIN buy cars?
- Fare flexibility/ticket changes
- Costs
- Free Wi-Fi
- 10. Make local guides
- 3. Land a brand deal and make sponsored content
- 9. Municipal bond earnings
- 10. Deduction for state and local taxes
- You want to diversify your investment portfolio
- Switch to an income-driven repayment plan
- Drawbacks
- Ages 45 to 54
- Example 1
- How to get a liquor license in Alaska
- Mortgage REITs
- Equity-based crowdfunding
- Important features that stay the same
- 5. Monitor your total credit utilization
- 4. Take surveys for money
- Talk to your parents about the hard stuff if you haven’t yet
- What else should I know about Roth 401(k) taxes?
- Your long-term professional goals and interests
- Pros
- Mortgage rates
- ARM caps
- Target Date Fund
- 3. Take stock of your assets and liabilities
- Purchase energy-efficient appliances
- What vehicle rentals are excluded?
- 6. Find local gigs through Nextdoor
- 1. The person can’t be anyone else’s qualifying child
- Within South America
- Ages 25-34
- Whole life insurance is expensive
- 4. Real estate investment trusts (REITs)
- Ruby Lane
- 4. Replace your income, plus add a cushion
- 4. Barclays rewards
- Equifax business credit scores
- 7. Content automation
- 5. Get a quote
- 4. Special dividends
- Cheap auto insurance after an accident
- Use designated accounts for spending and savings
- 5. Select your investments
- Build your score and then switch cards
- Best insurance company for affordability: NJM
- Can I drop off my car instead of having it picked up at my home or office?
- Gym workouts via the Planet Fitness app
- Step 4: Choose the right truck
- Post-class group
- 10. Gifts
- 11. Mortgage interest deduction
- 2. Promote your business
- 7. Revisit your budget monthly
- 6. Check your credit card for trip delay insurance
- 5. Gather your paperwork
- Best insurance company for affordability: NJM
- Credit Account
- Redemption value
- 5. Explore new industries
- Saving for a rainy day (or a fun one)
- Ask about discounted rates
- How long will the rental be covered?
- 7. Freelance
- 2. The person has to be related to you or live with you
- Seat selection
- Why it’s the best
- Renovation loans to buy and repair fixer-uppers
- 11. Create a local grocery delivery service
- 2. Evaluate the stock
- Our pick for: Everyday spending
- Ages 55 to 64
- THE PAYOFF
- Maintaining financial health
- Example 2
- See how APYs have moved at high-yield accounts versus regular accounts
- 6. Enrichment activities for children
- How to get a liquor license in Arizona
- If boarding certain cruise lines
- Hybrid REITs
- Average monthly life insurance rates for senior women
- 5. Health licenses and permits
- What's next?
- 5. Preferred dividends
- Irrevocable life insurance trusts (ILITs)
- Salary expectations
- Cold wallet
- Make a plan to pay off debt
- Compare car insurance rates for 35-year-olds
- Try different ways to avoid overspending
- Commit 20% of your income to savings and debt paydown
- Between Atlantic and Pacific
- What if someone else’s name is on the title?
- Book one to three months in advance
- Referral program
- Etsy
- 11. Inheritance
- 12. Gambling loss deduction
- Alaska Airlines: Refund possible
- Our pick for: Beginner-friendly features
- 4. Focus on market cap to screen out risky companies
- 8. Artificial intelligence
- Credit-builder loans
- Cons
- Why it keeps winning
- Robo-advisor
- What if I don’t have personal auto insurance?
- Baggage and boarding
- What do I need for my loan application?
- 12. Start a virtual event planning company
- 4. Sell some merch
- Fare flexibility/ticket changes
- If your employer doesn’t offer a 401(k) match
- Experian business credit scores
- Saving and investing for retirement
- Itemize your deductions using credit card tools
- Average monthly life insurance rates for senior men
- 6. Dividend funds
- 2023 tax rates by state
- Purchasing a Plumeria Lounge day pass
- Pros of limited partnership
- Miles are earned based on the ticket price, not distance flown
- Loan limits
- 8. Tutor your peers
- 1. Log out
- Ages 35-44
- Cash value takes a long time to build
- 3. Decide how much stock you want to buy
- 12. Accelerated death benefits
- 13. IRA contributions deduction
- Travel
- If you want higher Medallion status
- The premiums are expensive
- 5. American Express Membership Rewards
- Drawbacks
- Ages 65 to 74
- There are religious and lifestyle rules for members
- Publicly-traded REITs
- 6. Signage licenses and permits
- 5. Make money from your blog with affiliate links
- 5. Upwork
- Create an estate plan
- Other types of savings accounts
- 4. Research your industry
- 4. Borrow from your 401(k)
- How does coverage vary for international rentals?
- 5. Money market funds
- Baggage and boarding
- American Airlines: No refunds
- 7. Mobile apps and entertainment for children
- How to get a liquor license in Arkansas
- If heading to cities like San Francisco and New York
- 6. Pick your investments
- Payday alternative loans
- 9. Podcasting
- Government bonds
- Develop good credit habits
- Cons of limited partnership
- 3. The person’s gross income is below the limit
- Communicate with your lender
- Overfunding a policy can be costly
- Get your finances in order
- Swappa, Gazelle
- 13. Sell zero-waste products
- 14. 401(k) contributions deduction
- Resident status rules
- Make 10 years' worth of payments
- Methodology
- Other ways to strengthen your application
- Cheapest car insurance after a DUI
- Travel credits
- 1. 'I’ll wait until the stock market is safe to invest.'
- Miles are worth 1.7 cents each
- Card details
- Switch to LED lighting
- 9. Take surveys
- 2. Start searching on a special website
- Earnings rates
- Ages 45-54
- Average annual car insurance costs from large companies
- 5. Offer memberships
- 13. Disaster relief payments
- Think twice before paying taxes with a credit card
- 4. Open your account
- Public non-traded REITs
- Step 4: Obtain licenses, permits, and business insurance.
- 7. Environmental licenses and permits
- Secured credit cards
- Property standards
- What is the procedure for filing a claim?
- 4. You have to provide more than half the person’s total financial support for the year
- Request a new payment date
- Infinite banking is complicated
- Set a price alert
- Shop around for lenders
- Step 5: Secure startup funding
- 14. Make products for pets
- Seat selection
- You travel with a companion
- The cash value is slow to grow
- 6. Capital One Rewards
- 8. Shared accessories and attire
- How to get a liquor license in California
- Other types of financing
- How to maximize your rewards
- 5. Research the stocks
- 10. Streaming service
- Dividend per share (DPS)
- Prepare yourself for the future as best as you can
- Got more questions about how to open an IRA? We have answers
- Seniors that are good drivers
- Install dimmer switches
- 14. Some withdrawals from a Roth IRA
- 15. Saver’s credit
- 3. Sell your castoffs
- THE PAYOFF
- Our pick for: Fixed monthly payments
- If you’re going on an extended trip
- Determine if you need a rider
- 6. Sell your wares on Etsy
- How to have more taxes taken out of your paycheck
- Invest in your financial future
- 2. 'I’ll buy back in next week when it’s lower.'
- 10. Search for regular jobs for kids
- Upgradability
- Ages 55-64
- Seek credit counseling
- Rebook if you find a cheaper price
- 15. Create custom clothing
- Earning rates
- Drawbacks
- How to get a liquor license in Colorado
- Dividend yield
- Our pick for: Cell phone and internet bill payments
- Best insurance company for accident forgiveness: Geico
- Income approach
- Use smart power strips
- Get prequalified
- Maybe, maybe not
- Our pick for: Flat-rate travel rewards
- 16. Health savings account contributions deduction
- The cash value rate of return can be low
- Part-year resident status rules
- Delta Air Lines: No refunds
- Use your refund to pay down debt
- Private REITs
- 401(k) hardship withdrawals
- 11. 3D printing
- 6. OfferUp
- Methodology
- Best insurance company for accident forgiveness: Geico
- Ask for help
- 6. High-yield savings accounts
- Upgradeability
- 7. Citi ThankYou Points
- Apply for PSLF forgiveness
- How to get a liquor license in Connecticut
- 4. International and emerging markets bonds
- Step 5: Find a physical location and build an online store.
- 1. State business operating license
- How to have less taxes taken out of your paycheck
- 3. 'I’m bored of this stock, so I’m selling.'
- Pros of C corporation
- You can’t use your miles to book free stopovers
- Why it keeps winning
- Seniors with an at-fault accident
- 5. Enter a debt management plan
- Hire a builder
- 16. Sell vintage clothing online
- 17. Self-employment expenses deduction
- 4. Earn badges through Live videos
- You can’t control your portfolio
- Cheapest auto insurance for poor credit
- 3. Search again
- Be flexible with destination, airport and dates
- 9. Shared home improvement equipment
- How to get a liquor license in Delaware
- 5. Choose investments that match your tolerance for risk
- 12. E-commerce
- 7. Self-publish an e-book
- Corporate bonds
- Past years' state tax rates
- Cons of C corporation
- Asset-driven approach
- Head of household filing status
- Get preapproved
- 17. Begin niche blogging
- Where is the best place to exchange currency?
- 18. Home office deduction
- Nonresident status rules
- Drawbacks
- Vanguard 500 Index Fund (VFIAX)
- Dividend payout ratio
- How to use a W-4 to owe nothing on a tax return
- Refinancing
- How much is auto insurance after an at-fault accident?
- There can be tax implications if you withdraw cash from your policy
- 8. Bank of America® rewards
- THE PAYOFF
- Frontier Airlines: No refunds
- Our pick for: An upgrade path
- How to get a liquor license in Florida
- Business loans
- 2. Seller’s licenses
- Airport lounge access
- Miles expire after 24 months of inactivity
- Card details
- 4. Browse the calendar
- Child tax credit
- 7. CDs
- How do I find a currency exchange near me?
- 19. Educator expenses deduction
- Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund (VTSAX)
- 7. Poshmark
- Save
- 11. Monetize your social media accounts
- Get final approval
- Cost
- 18. Become an e-book writer
- 5. Build a community
- How to get a liquor license in Georgia
- Home equity loans and lines of credit
- 13. Portable charging devices
- Seniors with a speeding ticket
- Market approach
- Child and dependent care tax credit
- Where can you exchange currency for free?
- 20. Solar tax credit
- Spirit Airlines: No refunds
- 10. Vacation rentals
- Spring road trip? Save money at the pump
- Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund (VBTLX)
- SBA loans
- 3. Tax registration and permits
- 8. Get advertising revenue from your blog or YouTube channel
- 12. Get paid to stream on Twitch
- Features
- Property-based passive income ideas
- Hotel status
- Pros of S corporation
- Best insurance company for having few customer complaints: American Family
- 5. Find the cheapest date
- Earned income credit
- 19. Start ghostwriting
- Our pick for: Customizable bonus categories
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- Card details
- 2. Choose a car that’s cheap to insure
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Your credit utilization is simply the portion of your available credit you use, expressed as a percentage. It is the total of balances on all your credit cards divided by the total of all your credit limits. (It's also figured on a per-card basis.) This number is a big factor in your credit score — the less available credit you use, the better it is for your score.
Here’s how to keep your utilization low.
Why is having a low credit utilization important?
Paying your balances on time and in full every month is the best way to keep your score intact or build it. On the other hand, using a larger portion of your credit limit could do damage. Credit utilization accounts for around 20% to 30% of your credit scores.
But if a financial crisis means you have to lean on credit cards, take heart: Credit scores can rebound quickly once you're able to lower your utilization.
How to lower your credit utilization
1. Keep your charges on each card to a minimum
The simplest way to avoid losing credit score points for using too much of your limits is to watch how much you charge to each card. Make a habit of patrolling your online accounts to keep tabs on spending. If you are close to using 30% of your credit limit on one card, try to make a payment or switch to using another card.
Simply getting into the habit of paying twice per month instead of once could help you decrease your credit usage. Lower balances can save you interest if you carry a balance — and are good for your credit score regardless.
You can also monitor your per-card and overall credit utilization by viewing your credit score profile from NerdWallet.
2. Ask for higher credit limits
If it’s tough for you to avoid utilizing more than 30% of your available credit, another solution might be to request a credit line increase on your card or cards. Getting a credit limit increase might require you to call your card issuer or make the request online. Sometimes increases are offered automatically if you’ve had your card for a while and have a positive payment history, so be on the lookout for those offers when you log in to your account.
Another option to get a higher overall credit limit is to ask a friend or relative to add you as an authorized user on an established account. The primary user doesn't even have to give you a card or tell you the account number for your credit score to benefit. Do choose carefully: Being on the account of someone who is having problems with credit could affect your score, too. You want to be on an account showing good payment history, preferably with a high credit limit and consistently low credit utilization.
A higher overall credit limit could help you keep your credit utilization lower than it would be otherwise. This could make a big difference in your credit score. You can check your own credit to see the effect (and it won't hurt your score).
3. Set up balance alerts to stay on top of spending
If you find yourself consistently overspending, setting up balance alerts can help keep your spending in check.
Sign up with your credit card issuer to receive alerts via text message or email. You can choose to be alerted when the balance reaches a certain amount or percentage of your credit limit. Your goal is to keep the balance below 30%.
4. Pay your bill before your issuer reports to the credit bureaus
Most credit card issuers report your balance and payment activity to the credit bureaus once every 30 days. However, this doesn’t necessarily coincide nicely with when your bill is due. If your issuer reports a few days before the end of your billing cycle, you’ll consistently look like you’re carrying a high balance — even if you pay it off in full just a few days later.
Place a call to your card issuer’s customer service line to find out when it reports to the credit bureaus. Simply pay off as much of your balance as you can in advance of that date every month, and you might see a jump in your score.
5. Monitor your total credit utilization
If you have multiple credit cards, it might be hard to view the bigger picture of your credit utilization. Using the calculator below, input your credit card balances and limits to check whether you're under the recommended 30% utilization threshold.
If you’re creeping up to that limit, do your best to pay down your balances and explore ways to stop spending money.