Personal Finance
How to Freeze and Unfreeze Your Credit: Video and Guide
You can place a free freeze with each bureau online, by phone or by mail. Read or watch our step-by-step instructions to learn how.
Personal Finance
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Personal Finance
Credit Lock vs. Freeze: How They Compare and When to Use Them
Credit freezes and credit locks both block unauthorized access to your credit reports. Freezes are free and may afford more legal protections.
Personal Finance
How Debt Snowball Works and When to Use It
Debt snowball can be an uplifting way to tackle debt. You prioritize loans from smallest to largest and gain momentum as you pay each off.
Personal Finance
What is the Debt Avalanche Method?
The debt avalanche method can save you time and money by targeting the debt with the highest interest rate first.
Personal Finance
Why Couples Need Their Own Slush Funds
Some no-questions-asked cash can help sidestep spending squabbles.
Personal Finance
How to Deal with Debt Collectors
Don't rush to pay debt collectors. Validate your debt and know your rights.
Personal Finance
Credit Score Ranges: What They Mean and How They Work
Your credit score says a lot about your financial health — but what does that three-digit number really mean? This guide breaks down credit score ranges from poor to excellent, explains how lenders use them and shares easy ways to give your score a boost.
Personal Finance
When Is the Best Time to Buy a Mattress?
This guide breaks down the best times of year to buy a mattress, from holiday weekends to online deal days. Plus, tips on budgeting and where to find the best discounts.
Personal Finance
How to Freeze and Unfreeze Your TransUnion Credit Report
You can freeze or thaw your credit at TransUnion online, by phone or by mail. Freezing your credit is a free and fast way to protect your finances from identity theft.
Personal Finance
Experian Credit Freeze: How It Works, Why to Consider It
You can freeze your credit in minutes to protect your identity and financial information. It's free and you can thaw at any time.
Personal Finance
How the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act Protects You
The FDCPA protects consumers from unfair, deceptive and abusive debt collection practices.
Personal Finance
When Is the Best Time to Buy Furniture?
From post-holiday clearance to end-of-summer markdowns, here's how to time your furniture shopping right.
Personal Finance
How Many Credit Cards Should You Have?
Having two credit cards from different lenders is a solid place to start, but there's no magic end point. Focus on spending habits and paying on time.
Personal Finance
How to Make Money Online, Offline and at Home
If you want a side hustle, we have 20 realistic ideas for you. Plus, take our quiz to see which gigs will work for your life — and which ones won't.
Personal Finance
Medical Debt: 7 Options to Get On Top of It
Need help paying medical bills? Consider a payment plan, using credit or negotiating costs.
Personal Finance
Child Identity Theft: How to Freeze and Protect Your Child’s Credit
Because kids don’t use credit, identity theft can be hard to spot. A credit freeze is one of the best ways parents and guardians can protect them.
Personal Finance
Credit Privacy Number: A CPN Is a Scam, Not a Solution
CPNs are marketed to people who want to rebuild their credit. NerdWallet’s advice is to steer clear and restore credit with trusted methods.
Personal Finance
Time Your Purchases Right: The Best Things to Buy Every Month
Knowing what items will likely be on sale each month can help you save money on planned purchases.
Personal Finance
Debt: Terms, Types and Tips for How to Handle It
Debt is money owed, and it can be a good thing until it’s not. Learn how to handle the various types.
Personal Finance
Free Budget Spreadsheets and Tools
These free online spreadsheets let you skip the setup and start tracking your money right away.