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- Table of contents
- Compare Medigap plans
- Bookkeeping and accounting software
- Still deciding on the right carrier? Compare Medigap plans
- How do we review cryptocurrency platforms?
- Conventional mortgage
- FHA loans
- USDA loans
- 4.4
- How do we review brokers?
- What's next?
- Compare Medicare Part D plans
- Compare Medicare Advantage plans
- Potential dangers of credit
- Credit's positive impact
- Downsides to debit
- Where debit shines
- How to maximize your rewards
- Will you get your money back?
- Does homeowners insurance cover tree removal?
- Compare Medicare Advantage plans
- Still deciding on the right carrier? Compare Medicare Advantage plans
- Simplifying tax time with accounting software
- When are W-2s sent out?
- Personal information
- 1. Set a budget and make a shopping list
- Nearest airports
- Winner for the number of destinations served: Qatar
- Spend at least $300 a year on travel
- Fixed or adjustable rate?
- First: Standard airport security and departure formalities
- GA income tax rates: Single filers
- 1. Earn with ads as a YouTube Partner Program member
- 1. Know when to sell stocks
- With ads
- If your employer offers health insurance
- 1. Create an inventory
- Come to terms with risk
- Avianca LifeMiles
- 1. Invest in your 401(k) and get the matching dollars
- Are there fees?
- 1. Delay your application
- 1. Select an online stockbroker
- Coinsurance
- How does my credit score impact personal loan offers?
- Counterfeiting a growing threat
- 1. Buy REITs (real estate investment trusts)
- Pay more than minimums
- Co-signing vs. joint car loans
- Highlights
- TruckSmarter
- Alliant Credit Union: Best credit union
- Florida High Tech Corridor grant
- Office of Economic Development and International Trade grants
- Second: U.S. preclearance formalities
- What can business owners use SSNs for?
- 1. Ibotta
- 1. Figure out if you are eligible
- GA income tax rates: Married filing jointly or head of household
- Hands-on or hands-off investing?
- World of Hyatt Credit Card
- 1. Pick up freelance work online
- Ad-free
- Pros
- 1. Accounting and bookkeeping
- If your employer doesn’t offer health insurance
- Our pick for: Consistent cash back
- Can responsibly spend $4,000 on the card in the first three months
- Lower credit scores
- 1. E-commerce store
- Investment-based passive income ideas
- World of Hyatt
- When doesn’t home insurance cover tree removal?
- 1. Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- 1. Gather your stock research materials
- 1. Roll your debts onto a balance transfer credit card
- Understand the budgeting process
- More rewarding for most spending, with a kicker
- Copay
- How do I see my credit score for free?
- Car insurance costs for a college student in a two-adult household
- 1. Keep your charges on each card to a minimum
- Step 1: Write a business plan
- 2. Shop at the right time
- Spending rewards
- 1. Food trucks
- Donor-advised fund tax deduction
- NVIDIA Corp (NVDA)
- ETF pros
- The 6 standard types of home insurance coverage
- Mixed availability
- 1. EBay: Vast marketplace teeming with cell phone sellers
- Standard with ads: $6.99 per month
- Eligibility
- What should I sell?
- Driveable RVs
- When do you need a passport?
- 1. Cryptocurrency exchanges
- Step 1: Choose a name for your California LLC
- 1. Check your EIN confirmation notice
- Ally Bank: Best bank and best CDs
- Our pick for: Simplicity
- How Escape Lounge access differs in the U.K.
- Pre-installation evaluation: $250 for a 2,000 square foot home
- What to know about cash advance apps
- Medicare Part B IRMAA
- Exceptions to the 10% penalty
- Buying term life online or through an app
- Mortgage rates remain stubbornly high
- GA income tax rates: Married filing separately
- How medical debt affects credit scores
- Example savings APYs at select institutions
- Step 1: Enter your personal information
- Ultimate Ad-Free
- Cons
- 1. A big sign-up bonus
- Monthly after-tax income
- How counterfeit bills are usually detected
- Debt snowball
- 1. Child tax credit
- 2. Social media marketing
- Prospera small-business grants
- Customized job training grants
- How to get an SSN
- 1. Know what you owe and how much you can pay
- NY state income tax: Single and married filing separately
- Why it’s the best
- 1. Give your money a goal
- 2. Research the stocks you want to buy
- Deductible
- Ally Bank Wire Transfer Fees
- How many employee cards should I have?
- 2. Business consulting
- If any of these situations apply to you
- If you're younger than 59½ and the account is less than 5 years old
- Major airlines flying to New York
- Men express more optimism for the coming year
- SoundHound AI Inc. (SOUN)
- 1. Do chores and odd jobs around the house or neighborhood
- Difficulty comparing options
- 2. Amazon: Lots of pre-owned phones with Prime shipping
- Follow USDA food plans
- 2. Use a robo-advisor
- What are the market trends?
- International vacation packages
- Transportation Management Group
- 1. Dividend stocks
- Charles Schwab: Best for ATM access
- How to play Powerball
- Crypto trading fees
- 2. Work longer
- Credit One Platinum X5 Visa
- Income
- 1. If you need to top up an award
- 1. The child has to be part of your family
- Fear
- More perks and rewards toward travel
- Superfunding 529s
- Car insurance costs for a college student in a one-adult household
- World of Hyatt Business Credit Card
- B/R Sports
- 2. Bonus rewards on travel and dining
- 50% of your income: needs
- Dwelling coverage
- Use a proctored at-home test
- Know how much risk you’re comfortable with
- Debt avalanche
- Turkish Miles&Smiles
- Eat out a lot
- Standard: $15.49 per month
- 2. Traditional stockbrokers
- 3. Freelance graphic design
- 2. Check other places your EIN could be recorded
- 1. Consider your vending machine options
- 1. Cast a wide net
- UTMA or UGMA vs. 529 or Coverdell ESA
- Ductwork and design: $500 to $7,500
- Types of employee stock options
- What else should business owners know about SSNs?
- The cheapest large car insurance company: State Farm
- Income taxes for single-member LLCs
- 2. Decide what type of investor you are
- NY state income tax: Married filing jointly or qualifying widow(er)
- Retirement benefits
- Large-cap companies: $10 billion or more
- Child tax credit 2023 (taxes filed in 2024)
- Premium
- Bank of America Wire Transfer Fees
- 2. Decide on an order type
- 1. Pinpoint your goal
- Step 2: Account for multiple jobs
- Alliant: Best for fast funding
- 2023 AMT exclusions and phase-outs
- Comparing health insurance plans: HMO vs. PPO vs. EPO vs. POS
- Discover Bank, 4.25% APY, no minimum opening deposit
- 2. Car wash services
- The Platinum Card® from American Express
- Lower capital gains taxes
- A big annual fee has you reaching for the barf bag
- 2. Babysit, walk dogs and feed pets for pay
- 2. Use an online real estate investing platform
- 3. Swappa: Solid marketplace for anyone looking to buy or sell
- More generous rewards
- SC Housing home loans
- 2. Child and dependent care credit
- Pro: No monthly payment or interest
- Domestic vacation packages
- Chase: Best for sign-up bonuses and best for branch access
- 1. Know when to start retirement planning
- Hot wallet
- Small Food Business Recovery & Resilience Grant
- Credit One Bank American Express Card
- Business structure
- Qualifying health insurance plans
- Invesco Solar ETF (TAN)
- How unpaid medical bills can harm your credit
- A flat rate on all purchases
- Nonrefundable tax credit
- 1. Go on a road trip
- Free and packaged HBO Max plans
- 2. Ask for higher credit limits
- 3. Marketing services
- 3. 50% more value when redeeming for travel
- If you're younger than 59½ and the account is at least 5 years old
- Layers of security
- Pros
- Inspection contingency
- Automate
- Fees
- Spend a lot on travel
- How collision insurance works when the other driver is at fault
- 1. Zoe Financial
- Towable RVs
- Marriott Bonvoy
- Enterprise Florida trade grants
- EveryDollar
- Pro tip: Don’t forget the rules
- 2. The child has to be under a certain age
- 2. Rakuten
- 1. Are you a fiduciary?
- NY state income tax: Head of household
- 2. Apply for a credit card consolidation loan
- Changes and cancellations
- Using an agent or a broker to buy term life
- 1. Apply for a secured credit card
- Chase Wire Transfer Fees
- Will pre-qualifying affect my credit score?
- Step 2: Grow your network
- If you qualify for a hardship withdrawal
- Varo, 3.00% APY, no minimum opening deposit
- Reduced estate tax
- Best points and miles for cheap flights to New York City
- Restrictions
- You need complete flexibility in your traveling
- Cash flow from operations
- Decide on your 401(k) investments
- Premium: $22.99 per month
- 3. American opportunity tax credit
- 3. Open or contribute to an IRA
- Cruises
- Late fees and a higher interest rate
- Consolidate high-interest debt
- 3. Bitcoin ATMs
- ARE YOU EARNING ALL THE MILES YOU CAN?
- 4. Freelance writing
- Discover® Bank: Best online banking experience
- 1. Open an investment account
- How to play Mega Millions
- First Southwest Community Fund Grants
- Funding and minimums
- 3. Earn more
- Platinum Visa For Rebuilding Credit
- 2. If the price of a ticket is more expensive than buying miles
- 2. U.S. Bank rewards
- Business stage
- Adding authorized users won't cost anything
- Out-of-pocket maximum
- Refundable tax credit
- Boost the value of your Ultimate Rewards® points
- Accessing more capital
- 2. Test websites and apps
- EveryDollar
- 4. Real estate business
- Look for a summary of benefits
- 30% of your income: wants
- 2. Account for your family's needs
- Cons
- 3. Sell your stuff in person or online
- Fidelity life insurance riders
- EITC 2023
- See if you have credit card points to use
- 1. Equipment: $10,000 to $125,000
- Labor
- 4. Gazelle: One of the original reputable cell phone resellers
- Use the 50/30/20 rule to budget for groceries
- Will I make money?
- Book award flights with Singapore Airlines
- Amica: Best for customer satisfaction
- Step 2: Choose a registered agent in California
- United States
- The least hassle possible
- Income taxes for multi-member LLCs
- Why it’s the best
- 2. Decide how much help you want
- 2. Narrow your focus
- Other taxes
- Income ranges for different household sizes
- Compare car insurance rates for 20-year-olds
- Travel benefits and protections
- Wells Fargo Wire Transfer Fees
- iShares Global Clean Energy ETF (ICLN)
- PayPal
- What do I need to pre-qualify for a personal loan?
- Reduce the monthly payment
- Step 3: Claim dependents, including children
- First Tech: Best for co-sign and joint loan options
- 2024 AMT exclusions and phase-outs
- 4. Point transfers to airlines and hotels
- Bask Bank, 5.10% APY, no minimum opening deposit
- Earning rewards
- 3. Auto repair
- A legacy of giving
- You can’t afford to pay your balance in full every month
- Other structures coverage
- 3. Think about investing in rental properties
- Rideshare incentives and delivery discounts
- VA and USDA loans: 0% down payment
- Collision insurance vs. comprehensive insurance vs. full coverage insurance
- 2. Harness Wealth
- Con: You have to pay all at once
- Rental cars
- 1. The home must be your principal residence
- Other ways to access M Club lounges
- How do you get a visa?
- 4. Bitcoin exchange-traded funds
- 2. Dividend index funds and exchange-traded funds
- 3. Call the IRS to locate your EIN
- SoFi: Best for checking account overall and best checking account for overdraft fee avoidance
- 2. Figure out how much money you need to retire
- Bypass setting up a trust
- Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network
- Credit One Platinum E3 Visa
- The type of central air unit: $600 to $24,000
- Student loan interest rate calculator
- Crypto.com DeFi Wallet: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- 3. The child has to live with you
- What can business owners use EINs for?
- 2. Understand your options
- 2. How do you get paid?
- Index examples
- Personal finances
- 1. Add up your payday loan balances
- Mid-cap companies: $2 billion to $10 billion
- Uncertainty
- 2. Recruit a co-signer with a good credit score and steady income
- Partially refundable tax credit
- Getting the best HELOC rate
- Weigh your family’s medical needs
- If you’re 59½ or older and the account is less than 5 years old
- Report counterfeit money, and don’t try to pass it off
- 1. Open a brokerage account
- Regularly fly out of terminals with Priority Pass lounges
- 5. Your wireless provider: Most carriers sell pre-owned phones
- Forgivable down payment assistance
- 4. Lifetime learning credit
- Coming up with inventory
- Home improvement
- Apex Capital
- 5. E-book writing
- YNAB
- Colorado Springs Grants
- Comprehensive and collision coverage
- 3. Choose how much you want to invest
- Does basic economy get a carry-on on United?
- Lower annual fee
- Invesco WilderHill Clean Energy ETF (PBW)
- Square
- Elevated rewards in common everyday categories
- 2. If you have a 401(k), get your match
- Tesla car insurance rates by state for a Model 3
- 2. Plan a trip to countries that don’t require coronavirus testing or self-quarantine
- Pay off the loan faster
- Step 4: Refine your withholdings
- Do you want to pay an annual fee? How much?
- Find out what software they use
- Step 3: Choose a business entity
- Credit Karma
- 5. Event planning
- 3. Apply coupons
- 20% of your income: savings and debt
- Anonymity
- 3. Establish your directives
- 4. Sell lemonade in the summer or hot cocoa in the winter
- Cash flow from investing
- 0% balance transfer credit card
- 4. Buy commission-free ETFs
- Pro: It’s easier to qualify
- Where Trust Wallet shines
- An account in collections
- UFB Direct: Best savings account
- How much does tree removal cost?
- Why it’s the best:
- Medicare Part D IRMAA in 2024
- Are you eligible for Medicare and Social Security at the same time?
- 2. Shop around for the best loan
- 3. Decide how many shares to buy
- 3. Become an authorized user on someone’s credit card
- Upgrading your travel perks
- 3. Set up balance alerts to stay on top of spending
- Consider whether you want a referral system of care
- If you're 59½ or older and the account is at least 5 years old
- Research refi options now
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Tax-advantaged investing
- Alaska Airlines
- Mortgage contingency
- Find a free clinic
- Location of your home
- Conventional mortgages: As low as 3% down payment
- 1.Meet the requirements
- 3. Facet Wealth
- 5. Student loan interest deduction
- Estimate how much you could save by refinancing
- 5. Peer-to-peer money transfer apps
- 1. Multiply your income by 10
- 2. Research Reddit's fundamentals
- Consider changing your Alaska Airlines flight instead
- Gusto Impact Award
- Availability
- 4. Consider your spouse
- Deductions
- 4. The child can't provide more than half of their own financial support
- How to get an EIN
- The cheapest midsize car insurance company: American National
- Establishing domicile
- Buying term life directly from the insurer
- Small-cap companies: $250 million to $2 billion
- Resident status rules
- 2. Take a cut with affiliate marketing
- Stripe
- How to dispute a medical bill on your reports
- Lengthen the repayment term
- Step 5: Sign and date your W-4
- 3. Learn to use AI tools
- Buying a put example
- The percentage method
- PenFed: Best for a seamless application process
- 6. Video production
- 4. Compare (and match) prices
- ETF cons
- You often borrow other people’s cars
- 2. Incorporation fees: Under $300
- 2. Set a stock trading budget
- You want to avoid wasting time in line, as much as possible
- Personal loans
- Fixing the price or letting people bid
- Upgrade options
- 1. Credit identity theft
- 2. You must have owned the home for at least two years
- When do you need a visa?
- Step 3: Obtain California business permits
- 6. Translation
- Vio Bank: Best money market account
- 2. Verify their credentials
- The Denver Foundation grants
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage
- Whether your options have value
- 3. Swagbucks
- Choosing corporate tax status for your LLC
- 3. Pentagon Federal Credit Union (PenFed) Rewards
- Allow up to 50% of your income for needs
- Home supply is still limited
- Points are worth more when you book travel through Chase
- LifeLock pros
- Cash redemptions
- Cash back in customized spending categories
- How long will it take to pre-qualify?
- 3. Max out an IRA
- Maximizing your rewards
- Deductibles
- Step 4: Obtain an EIN, insurance, permits, and licenses
- Goodbudget
- If you are converting your 401(k) to an IRA
- 5. $300 a year in travel credit
- 4. Personal trainers
- Your homeowners insurance policy might help
- Chase-issued Marriott credit cards
- 5. Teach others a skill
- Winner for ease of miles: Qatar Privilege Club
- Appraisal contingency
- Personal property coverage
- EITC 2024
- Do tipped workers earn the minimum wage?
- Minimize expense ratios
- Will use the other perks
- FHA loans: As low as 3.5% down payment
- 2.Pick your path
- 6. Adoption credit
- Con: You’ll likely pay much more than you get
- TAFS
- 6. Wallet software
- 3. Prioritize your financial goals
- Book travel via the AmEx portal or Expedia
- City of Orlando Business Assistance Program
- Crypto selection
- 3. To keep miles from expiring
- Guarda: 4.6 out of 5 stars
- 5. The child can’t file a joint tax return with someone
- 1. Open an investment account
- 3. What are my all-in costs?
- 4. Select a provider to open your Roth IRA
- Why it’s the best
- 3. Pick an investment account
- Do you automatically get Medicare with Social Security?
- Doubt
- PACE and Medicare Advantage
- Part-year resident status rules
- Cost of car insurance for a college student in a two-adult household, by gender
- Example interest checking APYs at select institutions
- Tap into equity
- Make sure you use the same accounting software
- Premiums
- 7. Podcasting
- 4. Review your beneficiaries
- American Airlines
- Personal loan calculator
- Flooding
- Cash flow from financing
- Level of luxury
- Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
- Palmetto Home Advantage
- 4.Empower
- Transfer credit card points to a KrisFlyer account
- Where Trust Wallet falls short
- 3. You must have lived in the house for at least two years in the five-year period before you sold it
- 2. Buy 10 times your income, plus $100,000 per child for college expenses
- The highest price
- LendingTree Spring
- Personal injury protection
- Pros
- Size of the AC system
- 3. Pre-qualify
- Fare flexibility/ticket changes
- Our pick for: No credit check at all
- Stock mutual funds = higher potential returns (or losses)
- Travel perks at no cost
- Credit score for FHA loans
- Travel redemptions
- Dun & Bradstreet business credit scores
- Which card has bonus categories that overlap with your frequent expenses?
- 4. Pay your bill before your issuer reports to the credit bureaus
- 6. TSA PreCheck/Global Entry/NEXUS credit
- If you’re willing to be loyal to a specific brand
- You rent cars frequently
- Versatile redemptions
- Jumbo loans: As low as 5%-10% down payment (varies)
- 3.Network
- 7. Earned income tax credit
- Comparison of Costco travel insurance plans
- 2. Child identity theft
- 7. Editing
- 3. Bonds and bond index funds
- 3. Decide how much to invest
- Does home insurance cover damage caused by your neighbor’s tree?
- Transfer points to travel partners
- Platinum Rewards Visa with No Annual Fee
- 6. The child has to have a certain residency or citizenship status
- Why should business owners obtain an EIN?
- 4. What are your qualifications?
- 3. Tap your home equity for a loan or line of credit
- Cost (and quality) of living
- Are Medicare premiums deducted from Social Security payments?
- Nonresident status rules
- $300 annual travel credit
- Pros
- Navy Federal: Best for military members
- 5. Use shopping tools and apps
- 1. Compare DAF sponsoring organizations
- Our pick for: Grocery spending, commuting and streaming service subscriptions
- Earthquakes and other earth movement
- Home sale contingency
- 3. Office space: $100 to $1,000 per employee per month
- 1. Find a dividend-paying stock
- Discretionary spending
- 3. Use the DIME formula
- Our pick for: Online purchases
- 5. Investigate divorced spouse benefits
- Installation and labor: $75 to $250 per hour
- Whether your company is public or private
- 2. Choose your investments
- Mixing personal and business finances
- Baggage and seat selection
- A decent base rate on all purchases
- PACE and Medicare Part D
- 4. Buy stocks using the right order type for you
- Gift tax exclusion
- LifeLock cons
- Bonus cash back in rotating categories
- Tax credits for people with kids
- Building business credit
- Get rid of FHA mortgage insurance
- Evaluate your virtual bookkeeper's online presence
- Step 5: Find suppliers and contractors
- Copays, coinsurance and deductibles
- 8. IT consulting
- What about an HDHP with a health savings account?
- 7. Extra points on Lyft rides
- AmEx-issued Marriott credit cards
- 4. Consider flipping investment properties
- You’re visiting a park with many, or popular, attractions
- 4.Start applying for jobs or pitching your services
- 8. Charitable donation deduction
- 5. Trade stocks
- What Trust Wallet is best for
- Be honest about item condition
- 4. You cannot have claimed the home sale capital gains exclusion recently
- A lawsuit
- RTS Financial
- Step 4: File articles of organization
- 8. Writing a blog
- 4. Choose the best retirement plan for you
- How to pay off an Afterpay travel purchase
- North Miami Community Redevelopment Agency grants
- Grants.gov
- Functionality
- Platinum Visa
- Exodus: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- 3. Call your lender
- Tax status
- Leave 30% of your income for wants
- Cons
- 4. Book a staycation
- Privacy
- How do I access a HELOC?
- The aggregate method
- Price
- 6. Buy online, pick up in store
- 5. Newborn and post-pregnancy services
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- 5. Note your state's estate tax laws
- Should you invest in retail stocks in 2023?
- 3. Learn to use market orders and limit orders
- Carry a balance or incur late fees
- 3. Synthetic identity theft
- Medical costs
- Does homeowners insurance cover tree damage to your neighbor’s property?
- The lottery annuity option
- Expensify
- 4. If there’s a great bonus on purchased miles
- 4. Fiverr
- 1. Find out if you're eligible.
- 5. How will our relationship work?
- 3. Turn to qualitative stock research
- Not budgeting for taxes
- 4. Apply for the loan and receive funds
- Micro- and mega-cap companies
- 3. Land a brand deal and make sponsored content
- Estate tax exclusion
- Net worth of U.S. families by income
- Reconsider collision and comprehensive coverage
- Switch from an adjustable- to a fixed-rate loan
- Equifax business credit scores
- Should you opt for a different credit card?
- 9. Catering
- 8. DoorDash discounts
- Conclusion
- 2. Contribute cash or other assets to the donor-advised fund
- Revocable life insurance trusts
- Structures used for business
- Other contingencies
- You frequently use a car-sharing service
- 4. Inventory: 17% to 25% of your total budget
- Mastercard World Elite benefits
- Good redemption value
- 9. Medical expenses deduction
- Write a clear and detailed description
- 5. You cannot have bought the house through a like-kind exchange
- Andover Companies: Best coverage
- Hot wallet
- A sure, fast closing
- For flights booked with cash
- 3. Make sure they’re a good fit
- National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) Growth Grants
- Secured Card
- Whether it fits with your financial situation
- 4. Barclays rewards
- Home prices keep climbing
- Bond mutual funds = lower returns (but lower risk)
- Lounge access and other top-tier benefits
- Deductibles, limits and payouts
- How much does a HELOC cost?
- 4. Take surveys for money
- 5. Monitor your total credit utilization
- Step 6: Assemble a team
- 7. Get rewards
- Delta Air Lines
- 6. Find local gigs through Nextdoor
- Loss of use coverage
- 2. Evaluate the stock
- Know when to outsource
- Other student loan calculators
- Book a fifth freedom flight
- Trust Wallet at a glance
- Emergency expenses
- Conventional loans
- 9. Freelance researching
- 4. Replace your income, plus add a cushion
- 4. Real estate investment trusts (REITs)
- Use points to upgrade your seat
- 6. Add your minor child
- Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) Rating
- Why it’s the best:
- 1. The person can’t be anyone else’s qualifying child
- What can business owners use ITINs for?
- Cheapest car insurance after a speeding ticket: State Farm
- Why it’s the best
- Never paying yourself or being inconsistent about it
- How are Social Security and Medicare managed by the government?
- Lounge access
- Market orders
- HSAs and FSAs
- Net worth of U.S. families by age
- 5. Select your investments
- What is Tesla Insurance?
- Does your virtual bookkeeper have experience in your industry?
- Your money management style
- 10. Social media management
- 3. Itemize on your taxes to get the tax break
- 6. Weigh the value of professional help
- Generational attitudes and comfort
- Routine wear and tear
- You drive a company car
- 4. Practice with a paper trading account
- Don’t spend at least $300 a year on travel
- 10. Deduction for state and local taxes
- 4. Taxpayer identity theft
- 6. You cannot be subject to expatriate tax
- 4. Place your order
- What if a tree lands on your car?
- America’s Seed Fund
- Cons
- Key terms in this story
- Trust Wallet: 4.4 out of 5 stars
- 6. What's your investment philosophy?
- 5. Gather your paperwork
- 1. Have a goal for your index funds
- Alaska
- 5. Pay off lenders and begin repayment on your personal loan
- PACE and Medigap
- Debt-to-income ratio
- 3. Fill out the trade ticket
- Check out state income tax rates
- Online small-business loans
- Try usage-based car insurance
- Buying a put vs. shorting example
- Why does the network matter?
- 9. No foreign transaction fees
- 8. Score free stuff
- Checked bags make a big difference
- 6. Enrichment activities for children
- 7. Freelance
- Construction loan financing
- Include a few high-quality photos
- How renting from RVshare works
- TBS Factoring
- 10. Freelance coding and web design
- 2. Find the right location for your vending machine
- 4. Review their fees
- Cover your card charges
- The cash option
- WomensNet grants
- Rocket Money
- 2. The person has to be related to you or live with you
- If you are investing in an S&P 500 index fund:
- 4. Borrow from your 401(k)
- Commit 20% of your income to savings and debt paydown
- Earning rates
- Compare car insurance rates for 35-year-olds
- Our pick for: Beginner-friendly features
- Money market mutual funds = lowest returns, lowest risk
- Net worth of U.S. families by race or ethnicity
- Experian business credit scores
- Bonus features
- Irrevocable life insurance trusts (ILITs)
- Infestations
- You need an SR-22 or FR-44 form
- 5. Marketing: Below 10% of your total budget (even 0%)
- 3. Decide how much stock you want to buy
- You don’t have multiple existing reservations in your day
- Debt management plan
- Have problems justifying the costs beyond the travel credit
- Reducing or waiving your collision deductible
- 11. Mortgage interest deduction
- Full details about Trust Wallet's ratings
- Cold wallet
- Fewer contingencies
- For flights booked with miles
- 1. Understand the difference between active and passive funds
- WomensNet Grants
- Credit One Bank Wander Card
- How to get an ITIN
- 2. Decide what type of investor you are.
- You can use credit card benefits to travel in basic economy
- 4. Sell some merch
- In network
- Earned Income tax credit
- Learn about free filing options
- What do I need for my loan application?
- Additional standard deduction 2023 (taxes due 2024)
- Learn their process for dealing with clients
- 11. Business planning service
- Do you have preferred doctors?
- 10. Airport lounge access
- 9. Leave items in your cart
- 7. Plan to reassess
- Frontier Airlines
- 5. Rent out a room
- Bad redemption value
- How to protect your home from tree damage
- Shop with points via the American Express site
- Custodial wallet
- 7. Suspend your benefit
- 1. Examine your cooling needs
- Whether it makes sense for your taxes
- If you are investing in an S&P 500 ETF:
- 5. American Express Membership Rewards
- 4. Open your account
- 2. Research index funds
- Florida
- Net worth of U.S. families by education
- Account linking
- U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card
- 8. Tutor your peers
- Liability coverage
- 5. Measure your returns against a fitting benchmark
- Bankruptcy
- 12. Gambling loss deduction
- 5. Medical identity theft
- 1. Decide on an account type
- Pros
- Step 5: Draft an LLC operating agreement
- Zengo Wallet: 4.4 out of 5 stars
- Why should business owners obtain an ITIN?
- 5. Upwork
- 7. What asset allocation will you use?
- 1. Earn elite status
- Using some or all of your PTC to help pay premiums
- Competition remains steady
- 1. Avoid filing your tax return on paper
- Out of network
- Find tax software that works for your situation
- SBA microloans
- Example CD APYs at select institutions
- Additional standard deduction 2024 (taxes due 2025)
- Predictability
- 5. Make money from your blog with affiliate links
- 1. Review your W-4
- 12. Tax consulting
- Is a large network important?
- 10. Sign up for the mailing list
- 7. Mobile apps and entertainment for children
- 4. Help your donation grow
- You want to maintain continuous coverage
- Add a stopover (or two)
- Credit cards for earning American AAdvantage miles
- Government-backed loans
- 11. Software and app development
- 5. Money market funds
- Use points toward online purchases elsewhere
- National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) grant
- Program for Investors in Microentrepreneurs
- 2. Time it right
- If you are investing in a stock within the S&P 500 index:
- Cheapest car insurance after an accident: State Farm
- 6. Pick your investments
- Down payments and gift funds
- Government bonds
- Card-to-card points transfers
- Ask about car insurance discounts for students
- How Tesla Insurance works
- What’s covered and what’s not
- Ask your virtual bookkeeper about deliverables
- 11. Luxury hotel benefits
- JetBlue Airways
- 6. Website: Around $40 per month
- Debt settlement
- 13. IRA contributions deduction
- 2. Choose the right broker
- eCapital
- IHG Rewards
- 5. Select your retirement investments
- 2. Decide where you want to have an impact
- Money Manager
- 3. The person’s gross income is below the limit
- How to maximize your rewards
- 4. Put your stock research into context
- Nevada
- Fare flexibility/ticket changes
- 2. Get direct deposit
- Limit orders
- 5. Offer memberships
- How to get an extension
- Resident status rules
- Security
- 11. Use referral programs
- 9. Take surveys
- Ship items on time and be nice
- 6. Account takeover
- Watch the calendar
- 5. Do a final check
- Redeem for gift cards
- FedEx Small Business Grant Contest
- 8. Use a do-over
- 3. Look for equipment rebates and tax credits
- Top 20 performers in the S&P 500 index
- 3. Choose how much you want to invest.
- 6. Capital One Rewards
- Perks await when you fly economy with elite status
- 2. Use credit card statement credits to offset Frontier seat fees
- Getting your entire PTC at tax time
- Tax credits for low-to-middle-income households
- 12. Cardholder hotline
- 8. Shared accessories and attire
- 6. Keep your perspective
- 14. 401(k) contributions deduction
- Chubb: Best for high-value homes
- 12. Business coaching
- FedEx Small Business Grant Contest
- 4. You have to provide more than half the person’s total financial support for the year
- How to maximize your rewards
- 5. Enter a debt management plan
- 3. Pick your index funds
- New Hampshire
- Our pick for: Fixed monthly payments
- 3. Stay on top of things
- Business credit cards
- How to have more taxes taken out of your paycheck
- Ask about pricing
- 2. Make sure your bonus is actually taxable
- Step 7: Obtain financing
- NCQA Score Range: 2.0 to 3.0 out of 5
- 13. PR agency
- 12. Write a review
- 5. Pick charities to support
- Hilton
- Medical payments coverage
- Set cash aside
- Step 6: File a Statement of Information
- Donate to charity
- Call options
- NASCAR American Express Card
- ITIN vs. SSN
- 6. Sell your wares on Etsy
- Customer support
- Know your health insurance terms
- Southwest Airlines
- 10. Search for regular jobs for kids
- You typically borrow a car from someone in your household
- 7. Criminal identity theft
- 3. Open the account
- Cons
- Thunder Funding
- 13. College consulting
- 3. Consider your existing investments
- AndroMoney
- Why it’s the best:
- 4. Select a provider to open your Roth IRA.
- 8. What investment benchmarks do you use?
- 5. Choose investments that match your tolerance for risk
- Baggage and boarding
- Prudence's policy:
- FHA appraisal
- Example money market account APYs at select institutions
- Pharmacy choice
- 3. Use tax deductions
- 13. Dispute charges
- Citi Prestige® Card
- Our pick for: Utilities, commuting and more
- 7. Office furniture and supplies: 10% of your total budget
- 15. Saver’s credit
- 6. High-yield savings accounts
- Our pick for: Cell phone and internet bill payments
- United Kingdom
- America’s Seed Fund
- WWE Credit Card
- Home equity loan
- Coinbase Wallet: 4.3 out of 5 stars
- EIN vs. SSN
- How to maximize your rewards
- 6. OfferUp
- Resident status rules
- 7. Citi ThankYou Points
- South Dakota
- Prepared to put down roots?
- 4. One more thing to know about your tax refund
- How to have less tax taken out of your paycheck
- Part-year resident status rules
- 14. Professional organizing
- You regularly borrow the same car from someone you don’t live with
- Consider using a retirement account
- Hilton Honors
- Cheapest car insurance after a DUI: Progressive
- Scenario: Doctor visits and an MRI
- 4. Contribute to a tax-advantaged account
- User experience
- 1. Lower risk by building positions slowly
- 16. Health savings account contributions deduction
- 4. Fund the account
- Step 7: Comply with tax obligations
- Narrow your search
- Vegas Golden Knights Credit Card
- EIN vs. ITIN
- 4. Decide where to buy your index funds
- Tennessee
- Seat selection
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- 15. Photography
- Higher premiums, more coverage
- 9. Shared home improvement equipment
- You drive rarely or not at all
- 8. Utilities: Around $2 per square foot of office space
- OTR Solutions
- 14. Tutoring
- 4. Understand your ESG fund’s impact
- Barclays Small Business Big Wins
- 1Money
- 9. Who is your custodian?
- Dollar-cost averaging
- Corporate bonds
- Tax credits for investing in retirement
- How to use a W-4 to owe nothing on a tax return
- 7. Self-publish an e-book
- Reviews
- 13. Purchase protection
- 17. Self-employment expenses deduction
- How does RVshare insurance work?
- 3. Find your vending machine
- Put options
- Home equity line of credit
- Head of household filing status
- 8. Bank of America® rewards
- Texas
- Earning rates
- Our pick for: An upgrade path
- Is Tesla Insurance worth it?
- Nonresident status rules
- Spirit Airlines
- 2. Ignore 'hot tips'
- 5. Help your kid decide what to invest in
- 1. Live in the house for at least two years
- 15. Online fitness trainer
- 7. CDs
- Best Friends Credit Card
- MetaMask: 4.0 out of 5 stars
- 5. Gather your paperwork.
- Advance premium tax credit pros
- How's your job security?
- Mortgage insurance
- 5. Defer your bonus
- 16. Event space
- Lower premiums, higher out-of-pocket
- 14. Return protection
- 9. Payroll: 25% to 50% of your total budget
- 18. Home office deduction
- Amex EveryDay® Credit Card
- Manage your time to meet deadlines
- Child tax credit
- 7. Poshmark
- 10. What tax hit do I face if I invest with you?
- Part-year resident status rules
- Upgradeability
- Scenario: Trip to the ER
- 11. Monetize your social media accounts
- 2. See whether you qualify for an exception
- Country Financial: Best for using an agent
- Porter Freight Funding
- 5. Buy index funds
- Washington
- Advance premium tax credit cons
- Pros
- 17. Interior decorating
- 15. Extended warranty
- 10. Vacation rentals
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
- 19. Educator expenses deduction
- 1. Freeze your credit
- Step 8: Don’t forget federal requirements
- 16. SEO consulting
- Property-based passive income ideas
- Schedule time for grant applications
- Cash-out refinance
- Child and dependent care tax credit
- Overall diversification
- Cheapest auto insurance for poor credit: Geico
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Tax credits for education
- 8. Get advertising revenue from your blog or YouTube channel
- United Airlines
- 12. Get paid to stream on Twitch
- 3. Keep good records for the IRS
- Other details you should know about Trust Wallet
- Why we love RVshare
- 3. Keep the receipts for your home improvements
- To stay in the home after closing
- Understand your eligibility
- Why it’s the best:
- 6. Pick your investments.
- Are you financially prepared?
- Cryptocurrency pros
- Cons
- Selling a put example
- 18. Woodworking or furniture building
- Expand your coverage with endorsements
- 20. Solar tax credit
- 2. Safeguard your Social Security number
- Expand your search efforts
- Electrum: 2.5 out of 5 stars
- Earned income credit
- Nonresident status rules
- Wyoming
- Compare car insurance rates for drivers with a DUI
- How much is a Tesla?
- Step 8: Source your deal
- 16. Rental car coverage
- 11. Electronics repair
- 10. Professional consultants: Between $1,000 and $5,000 per year
- Nationwide vs. Allstate home insurance
- CoreFund Capital
- 17. Selling handmade goods
- 8. Buy a rental property
- 6. Keep an eye on your index funds
- Our pick for: No security deposit, low annual fee
- 5. Optimize your stock portfolio
- Self-funding
- 2020-2022 earned income credit amounts
- 21. Energy efficient home improvement tax credit
- Is Trust Wallet right for you?
- 3. Be alert to phishing and spoofing
- 4. Explore your financing options
- American Express® Green Card
- Personal loan
- Adoption credit
- Cryptocurrency cons
- Gifting large sums of money to family
- 19. Graphic design
- 17. Trip cancellation or interruption insurance
- To avoid repairs
- Weigh grant application fees
- Be realistic about the process
- Home purchase: Basic Home Mortgage 203(b)
- California earned income tax credit (CalEITC)
- 22. Electric vehicle tax credit
- Wildfires
- 4. Use strong passwords and add an authentication step
- 18. Virtual thrift shop
- 9. Rent out your own house
- 6. Know when to sell stocks — and when not to
- Chase Freedom Flex℠
- 1. Has the W-4 form changed?
- 9. Become an Instagram influencer
- 20. Clothing boutique
- Address any lingering questions
- Nationwide vs. Geico home insurance
- How we review crypto wallets
- Single Point Capital
- Benefits
- Our pick for: Maximized value
- The 10 largest lottery jackpots
- Keep alternative funding in mind
- FHA refinance loans
- Tesla repair costs
- Paying for vacations, cars or other stuff
- Financial assistance
- California young child tax credit (YCTC)
- 18. Trip delay reimbursement
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Our pick for: Your choice of expenses
- 5. Use alerts
- Tax credits for green purchases
- 21. Bed and breakfast
- 12. Academics courses
- Flooding
- Drawbacks
- 19. Affiliate marketing
- 10. Get a roommate
- Laid-back loans
- 2. What does it mean to be exempt from taxes?
- California child and dependent care tax credit
- 19. Lost luggage reimbursement
- 11. Insurance: Average of $1,200 per year
- 6. Watch your mailbox
- Reasons to take pause before renting from RVshare
- American Express® Gold Card
- Our pick for: No security deposit, low annual fee, potentially high credit limit
- 22. Food truck
- NJM: Best small regional insurer
- 20. Accounting or bookkeeping
- Alternative investment passive income ideas
- Why it’s the best:
- Cheapest car insurance for young drivers: Geico
- FHA renovation loans
- Joint bank accounts
- California adoption cost tax credit
- 10. Monetize your Twitch channel
- 20. Medical emergencies during travel
- 7. Shred, shred, shred
- Ledger: 5.0 out of 5 stars
- NYC tax rate schedule
- 13. Language courses
- Other specialty FHA loans
- Chase Freedom Unlimited®
- California nonrefundable renters tax credit
- 23. Restaurant or cafe
- Earthquakes
- 8. Use a digital wallet
- 21. Telemarketing
- 11. Peer-to-peer lending
- Roth IRA withdrawal rules
- 3. When should I review my W-4?
- Winner for premium seating classes: Etihad
- 12. Taxes: Variable, but 21% corporate tax rate
- Above-the-line deductions
- 5. Stock your vending machine with inventory
- 24. Craft brewery
- Marriott
- 9. Protect your mobile devices
- 22. Online personal assistant
- The Platinum Card® from American Express
- Trezor: 4 out of 5 stars
- Pros
- Roth IRA withdrawal penalty
- American Express® Gold Card
- Below-the-line deductions
- Windstorms
- Compare auto insurance rates for drivers with poor credit
- Our pick for: Average credit and rewards
- 4. Can I adjust my W-4 multiple times throughout the year?
- 11. Sell your photography
- 14. Business or marketing courses
- 10. Check your credit reports regularly
- Pros
- 23. Data entry
- 12. Private equity
- 25. Ice cream shop
- 13. Travel: Variable
- How renting from Cruise America works
- Cheapest car insurance for senior drivers: State Farm
- Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
- 11. Monitor financial and medical statements
- Cons
- 24. Transcription
- 6. Make the right investments
- SafePal: 3.8 out of 5 stars
- Cons
- 26. Personal chef
- USAA: Best for military and veterans
- Our pick for: Prime gaming
- Why it’s the best:
- 15. Personal wellness
- Most popular: HO-3 insurance
- 14. Shipping: Variable
- 25. Travel planning
- American Express® Business Gold Card
- 27. Landscape services
- Our pick for: Earning more automatically
- 13. Crypto staking
- Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card*
- Methodology
- Our pick for: Average credit and no annual fee
- 28. Pet grooming
- 26. Cybersecurity and IT consulting
- Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
- 12. Become a dog walker with Rover or Wag
- Look up the insurer’s financial strength
- Broadest coverage: HO-5 insurance
- How does Cruise America insurance work?
- What is a prepaid debit card?
- 29. Florist
- 16. Courses in hobbies or interests
- 1. Lost wallet
- Benefits of FHA loans
- If you’d rather be a free agent
- Secure funding
- Why we love Cruise America
- 27. Online therapy
- Product creation passive income ideas
- The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
- Disadvantages of FHA loans
- What is a prepaid credit card?
- Research the insurer’s reputation for customer service
- 30. Massage therapist
- Limited coverage: HO-1 and HO-2 insurance
- 2. Mailbox theft
- 13. Sell unused gift cards
- 17. Bookkeeping and accounting
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
- Winner for lowest fees: Tie
- Business credit cards
- 28. PR consulting
- 1. Look at customer satisfaction scores
- Our pick for: Limited credit
- Individual stocks
- Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
- Where can you get a prepaid card?
- 14. Write content
- 3. Using public Wi-Fi
- Reasons to take pause before renting from Cruise America
- Erie: Most generous coverage
- 2. Consider financial strength
- Why it’s the best:
- How do you add money to a prepaid card?
- 31. Nutritionist
- Get a business credit card
- Business line of credit
- 29. Podcasting
- 18. Consulting
- Pros
- Our pick for: Target gaming purchases
- 3. Evaluate the policy options
- Compare car insurance rates for drivers with an accident
- 14. List your spare bedroom on Airbnb
- 32. Personal trainer or fitness instructor
- 4. Data breaches
- Dividend stocks
- Hyatt
- Replacement cost vs. actual cash value
- 30. Life coaching
- Cons
- Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card
- 4. Get prices from a handful of companies
- Our pick for: Good credit
- 33. Beauty services
- Our pick for: Wholesale shoppers
- 5. SIM card swap
- 15. Publish a digital course
- 31. Video production
- 34. Life coach
- 19. IT support
- 1. What is the average cost to start a small business?
- How renting from Outdoorsy works
- 6. Phishing or spoofing
- 32. Resume writing and career coaching
- Car-related passive income ideas
- Why it’s the best:
- 2. How do you calculate startup costs?
- Nationwide: Best online experience
- 15. Sell your gently used clothes
- 35. Tutor
- 20. Graphic design
- United Club℠ Infinite Card
- 7. Skimming
- 33. Dropshipping
- 16. Wrap your car with ads
- Our pick for: Travel
- Homeowners insurance deductibles
- 3. Are business startup costs tax-deductible?
- 36. Daycare provider
- 8. Phone scams
- How does Outdoorsy insurance work?
- 17. Rent out a parking space
- 4. What is considered a startup cost?
- 34. Recruiting
- Our pick for: Walmart gaming purchases
- 16. Trade in old phones, electronics for cash
- 37. Senior care provider
- 21. Social media management
- 9. Looking over your shoulder
- 35. Marketing consulting
- 38. Interpreter or translator
- Reasons to love Outdoorsy
- Openly: Fewest consumer complaints
- Our pick for: Instant gratification
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
- 36. Online fundraising or grant writing
- 39. Housecleaning
- 10. Malware
- 17. Get a babysitting gig
- 22. Marketing copywriter
- Our pick for: Paying rent
- Reasons to take pause before renting from Outdoorsy
- 37. Online course teaching
- 40. Automotive repair
- 38. Online cooking instruction
- 1. Gather your information
- 23. Virtual assistant services
- 41. Handyman services
- 18. Rent out your car
- 39. YouTube channel
- Our pick for: PlayStation purchases
- Our pick for: Personalized rewards
- Prime Visa
- 42. Dry cleaners
- If you want both brand-specific perks and flexible points
- State Farm: Best perks
- 40. Voiceover work
- 2. Choose the right liability car insurance coverage levels
- 43. Hardware store
- 1. Do your research
- 19. Sign up for TaskRabbit
- 44. Self-storage business
- 41. Start a team
- 2. Get organized and make it official
- 45. Freelance copywriting and content creation
- Verizon Visa® Card
- Should you get minimum or full coverage car insurance?
- 46. Rideshare driver
- How do you want to make money?
- 20. Become a private tutor
- 3. Find the right financing
- 47. Website development and design
- How will you find work?
- 48. Sell clothes online
- 3. Decide if you need full coverage car insurance
- You’re a first-time home buyer
- How much autonomy do you want?
- Our pick for: Best Buy purchases
- 21. Drive for Uber, Lyft
- 49. SEO consultant
- 50. App development
- Airport lounge access
- You live in a high-risk area
- 22. Make deliveries for Amazon, Uber Eats
- You have a dog
- 4. Collect and compare car insurance quotes
- In-flight extras and checked bags
- 23. Find work as a housesitter
- You own valuable items
- Trip cancellation
- Our pick for: Digital Microsoft Store purchases
- Trip interruption
- Global Entry and TSA PreCheck
- 24. Sign up to be a mystery shopper
- You own an older home
- Trip delay
- Bonus points on spending
- Cancel For Any Reason
- 25. Put your drone to work
- Compare car insurance companies
- Baggage delay
- Lost baggage
- Trip insurance benefits
- Conditions common to your dog’s breed
- Travel medical insurance
- Your dog’s energy and activities
- Car rental coverage
- Wellness expenses
- Decide whether your cat needs insurance
- Wellness expenses
- 1. Check whether your pet is eligible
- 2. Research what’s covered
- 3. Decide how much coverage you want
- 4. Understand reimbursements and deductibles
- 5. Check waiting periods
- 6. Examine extra costs
- 7. Compare quotes
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.