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Handling Credit Card Debt on a Tight Budget

Published September 2021

Being on a tight budget does not mean that you have to learn to live with debt. Find out what you can do to reduce and eliminate debt on a tight budget.

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Topics: Credit Card Debt

Protect Yourself from Credit Card Fraud: A Guide for Consumers

Published September 2021

The 2020 global pandemic locked up economies and limited the use of cash. As the circumstances forced more people to use plastic, fraudsters found more opportunities to steal identities and commit credit card fraud.

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Topics: Financial Education

How to Know If You Are a Victim of Identity Theft

Published September 2021

Identity thieves have redoubled their efforts lately, leading to more theft reports than ever. Spot identity theft early to limit its effects on your life.

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Topics: Financial Education

What to Do If You Miss a Credit Card Payment

Published August 2021

Missing a credit card payment is not the end of the world if you act fast. Learn how to minimize the damage of a missed payment to protect your credit score.

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Topics: Credit Card Debt

8 Back-to-School Budgeting Tips

Published August 2021

As summer ends, it’s time for back-to-school shopping. Start by defining a budget, and involve your kids in the budgeting and shopping process.

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Topics: Saving Money

How to Budget for Major Life Events

Published August 2021

Regardless of your lifestyle, as you go from childhood to adulthood and then grow older, you encounter several milestones that define your life. You may get married, start a family, buy a home, buy a car, start a business, etc. These major life events have one thing in common: they all cost money.

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Topics: Financial Education

What to Do If You Are a Credit Card Fraud Victim

Published August 2021

Credit card fraud is one of the most frequent types of identity theft in the US. Prior to 2020’s unprecedented rise in fraud related to application for government benefits (likely as the result of COVID-19-related fraud), credit card fraud topped the list of identity theft types by a wide margin for multiple years in a row.

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Topics: Financial Education

What Is Credit Card Fraud?

Published August 2021

Close to half a million people fall victim to credit card fraud in the US every year. Learn what credit card fraud is and how you can guard against it.

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Topics: Financial Education

How Does Identity Theft Impact Your Credit?

Published August 2021

You stick your credit card into an ATM to grab some cash on your way home from a trip. Unbeknownst to you, someone has installed a barely noticeable electronic device over the card slot of the machine, called a “skimmer.” A few days later, you begin to notice fraudulent charges on your accounts. Someone has stolen your identity by committing credit card fraud.

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Topics: Financial Education

Credit or Debit Card? When to Use Each One

Published July 2021

Credit cards offer you great value in many ways, but debit cards can keep you out of debt. Make an informed and responsible decision about how you pay.

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Topics: Credit Card Debt

4 Tips to Prepare Your Finances for Reopening after COVID

Published July 2021

After almost a year and a half in quarantine, it may be a shock to your credit card when you start venturing out and spending money again. We have compiled some helpful tips to prepare you from going further into credit card debt during the post-pandemic reopening.

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Topics: Covid Debt Relief

Inflation Trends: What Do They Mean for Your Debt?

Published July 2021

Inflation hikes the cost of living, making it more difficult to make ends meet with the money on hand. Learn how to manage your debt despite inflation.

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Topics: Financial Education

5 Ways Debt Affects Your Life

Published July 2021

The stress of out-of-control credit card debt can ruin your life in many ways, affecting your mental and physical health. Learn how seeking debt relief can help.

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Topics: Credit Card Debt

What Happens to Your Credit When You Max Out Your Credit Cards?

Published July 2021

Maxing out your credit cards can affect your credit score, hike your payments, and land you in a debt trap. Find out how you can pay down a maxed-out card.

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Topics: Financial Education

Financial Skills to Teach Your Kids

Published July 2021

Financial literacy is one of the best gifts you can give to your kids. Being financially literate can help your children plan and implement a financial course that leads to financial security and freedom to pursue their other goals and dreams.

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Topics: Financial Education

How to Live on a Tight Budget

Published July 2021

With the post-pandemic economy still ailing, many people around the country are struggling to make ends meet and are living on a tight budget. If you fall into this category, how can you make the most of your limited financial resources?

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Topics: Saving Money

Student Loan Debt in America: A Look at the Statistics

Published June 2021

Student loan debt exceeds $1.6 trillion in 2021. A look at the statistics will help motivate you to find the best credit card debt reduction strategy.

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Topics: Financial Education

How to Avoid Summertime Bill Creep

Published June 2021

With the arrival of summer, it’s easy to loosen the purse strings and give in to temptation a little more often than usual. Add to this the higher electricity consumption that the warmer weather brings, and you have the makings of a lifestyle creep capable of upending your budget and derailing your financial goals.

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Topics: Saving Money

Is It Possible to Settle Student Loan Debt?

Published June 2021

When you have credit card debt and payments to make on your home and car, paying off your student debt may not seem like a top priority. However, unpaid student debt can have serious negative consequences on your credit score and financial future.

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Topics: Financial Education

Managing Finances as a Couple

Published June 2021

Getting married was an easy decision, but now you and your new spouse need to decide how to manage finances as a couple. Consider the following tips when making the financial decisions for your new life together. 

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Topics: Financial Education

How to Avoid Student Loan Debt

Published June 2021

Student loan debt represents one of the major causes of indebtedness in the US. Most recent graduates walk away from college with the heavy burden of debt on their shoulders.

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Topics: Financial Education

Child Tax Credit 2021: A Quick Guide

Published June 2021

The 2021 child tax credit modifies the rules of the 2020 child tax credit as part of the American Rescue Plan. Its goal is to reduce child poverty, giving American families a welcome post-COVID-19 financial boost.

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Topics: Financial Education

3 Ways Reducing Debt May Improve Your Health

Published June 2021
Being able to effectively manage your economic life may have surprisingly beneficial effects on your physical well-being, overall health, and quality of life. 
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Topics: Financial Education

Tips for Teaching Kids About Money

Published May 2021

The best way to teach your kids about money is by example. If you practice good spending and saving habits now, your children may do the same as they get older.

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Topics: Financial Education

Budget-friendly Summer Activities for Kids

Published May 2021

If you are concerned with your household finances, the last thing you want to do is charge a vacation to a credit card, but you still want your kids to have fun this summer. Keep the summer fun going with summer activities for kids that won’t add to your credit card debt. Here are some activities you can choose for fun all summer long.

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Topics: Saving Money

Should You Charge Medical Expenses to a Credit Card?

Published May 2021

Generally speaking, charging medical expenses to a credit card is a poor financial choice. Is there any circumstance in which it makes sense to pay medical expenses with your credit card? Here’s what you should know before you do.

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Topics: Credit Card Debt

Ways to Save on Car Insurance

Published May 2021

If your credit card debt is causing you to fall behind on bills, you need to either spend less or make more money. Saving money on car insurance can help you reduce the total amount of your monthly bills. However, you may also need to update your budget to see where you can make other changes to improve your finances.

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Topics: Saving Money

7 Great Reasons to Find a Debt Resolution Strategy

Published May 2021

If you are carrying bad debt, it’s time to get rid of it. There are plenty of reasons why you should pursue freedom from debt, and there are many ways to do so. Here are just a few.

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Topics: Debt Consolidation

Should You Charge a Family Vacation to Your Credit Card?

Published May 2021

It’s never a good idea to finance a vacation with debt, but it might make sense to charge your expenses to a credit card temporarily. Learn more here.

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Topics: Credit Card Debt

Debt Consolidation Loan vs. Debt Settlement: the Pros and Cons

Published May 2021

If you are reeling under the burden of debt, you should take action now and explore what debt resolution options are available to you. Here we take a look at the pros and cons of a debt consolidation loan vs. debt settlement.
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Topics: Debt Consolidation

What Happens to Debt When You Die?

Published May 2021
Debt doesn’t just go away when you die, but that doesn’t mean your family is always responsible for it. Here is an overview of what happens to credit card debt and different types of loans when you die.
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Topics: Financial Education

How to Achieve Financial Freedom

Published May 2021
You can achieve financial freedom even if you are currently in debt. Learn how to pay off your debts, start budgeting, save for retirement, and more.
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Topics: Financial Education

When Does It Make Sense to Take on Debt?

Published May 2021
Some types of debt can rob you of your freedom, future, and financial options. However, under some circumstances, some types of debt may actually end up helping you in the long run.  It pays to know the difference...
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Topics: Financial Education

Inexpensive Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day

Published May 2021

Do you want to remember Mom on Mother’s Day, but your budget can’t support a pricey gift? Here are some thoughtful and inexpensive ideas for letting mom know how much you care.

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Topics: Financial Education

What is Credit Card Churning?

Published May 2021
For some, earning rewards through churning is an attractive option. For others, frequent credit applications may mean lower credit scores and credit card debt.
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Topics: Credit Card Debt

How to Manage Retirement Debt

Published May 2021

Having a large amount of debt when you are ready to retire can present a challenge. Here are some tips on how to manage retirement debt.

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Topics: Debt Consolidation

How to Cut Back on Expenses

Published April 2021

Cutting back on expenses can be tricky and stressful, but it can be done. We’ve put together some ideas to get you started but, if you get creative, you’ll find there are countless ways to stop the unnecessary spending today!

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Topics: Saving Money

5 Ways to Vacation Debt-Free

Published April 2021

Vacations should be about relaxation and the stress-free enjoyment of the moment. But how can you relax and live in the moment if you charge your trip to a credit card and have to worry about how you’re going to pay for it as soon as you get back?

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Topics: Financial Education

10 Things You Can Do Right Now to Improve Your Financial Health

Published April 2021
When you think about improving your financial health, you probably think of major financial goals requiring years to accomplish. The truth is, however, that small everyday decisions and actions are the primary drivers of your financial health.

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Topics: Financial Education

DIY Debt Settlement Pros and Cons

Published April 2021

If you are one of the millions of Americans in credit card debt and you’ve been exploring your debt relief options, you’ve likely already discovered that there’s a lot of information to take in on the subject.

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Topics: Debt Consolidation

How Americans are Spending Stimulus Checks

Published April 2021

As the latest round of COVID payments roll out, here’s a view of how Americans are spending their stimulus checks.

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Topics: Covid Debt Relief

Will Consumer Credit Trends from 2020 Hold Steady in 2021?

Published April 2021
The consumer credit market responded to the various pandemic-triggered crises of 2020 in ways that you may find surprising. Instead of imploding, it saw dropping credit utilization ratios and balances, improved payment histories, and skyrocketing credit scores. All these developments happened against the backdrop of slowing lending and dropping originations during the second quarter of the year.

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Topics: Financial Education

Debt Resolution Programs: Do they work?

Published April 2021

You may have questions about whether debt resolution programs work. If you’re struggling with debt, it’s worth looking into.

Unsecured debt such as credit card debt can cause a lot of stress and worry, but there’s a solution! Read on to learn more about debt resolution, also known as debt settlement, to find out how it can help you get your financial freedom back.

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Topics: Debt Consolidation

How to Read Your Credit Card Statement

Published April 2021

If you are trying to stay out of debt – It’s important to know how to read your credit card statement.

You should be looking over your statement every month for errors, unnecessary or forgotten recurring bills, fraudulent charges, etc. Take notice of your interest rate, especially if you are carrying a balance month-to-month.

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Topics: Credit Card Debt

How to Budget to Save Money

Published April 2021

If your goal is to save money – you need to work it into your budget. Read on for tips on how to budget to save money.

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Topics: Saving Money

Understanding Your Debt-to-Income Ratio

Published April 2021

Understanding how creditors evaluate your creditworthiness is one step in the right direction toward achieving your financial freedom. After all, knowledge is power, and knowledge of how financial matters work can help you make your way out of debt into financial stability.

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Topics: Financial Education

Better Money Management Through Automation

Published April 2021

Automate your savings, recurring payments, and investments to streamline your money management and avoid self-sabotage.

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Topics: Financial Education

Debt Settlement vs. Credit Counseling

Published April 2021

Debt settlement and credit counseling are radically different approaches to eliminating debt. Despite some ambivalence that may exist in this respect, the two debt resolution methods have little in common except for their goal, which is to give you freedom from debt.

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Topics: Debt Consolidation

What to Do When You've Maxed Out Your Credit Cards

Published April 2021

Maxing out your credit card hurts your credit score. To your creditors, the fact that you use $2,000 of your available $2,000 credit means that you have stretched your finances to the limit and may soon become unworthy of credit.

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Topics: Credit Card Debt

Consolidating Debt? Avoid These Types of Loans

Published April 2021

A debt consolidation loan can help you get out of credit card debt. But if you don’t qualify for a decent rate, you should be wary of guaranteed loan offers that sound too good to be true.

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Topics: Debt Consolidation

How to Stick to a Budget

Published March 2021

Making a budget is one thing; sticking to it is what’s going to help you achieve your financial goals. Here are some tips on how to stick to a budget.

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Topics: Financial Education

Creating a Budget: Step-By-Step

Published March 2021

Creating a budget can be a difficult and tiresome task but learning how to budget for your personal expenses is key to financial health.

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Topics: Financial Education

Who is in debt? It's not just you.

Published March 2021

If you are in debt you’re not alone. Almost half of American families carry some amount of credit card debt. Here’s a breakdown of who else is in debt.

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Topics: Financial Education

Is There a COVID-19 Federal Tax Filing Extension in 2021?

Published March 2021

Disclaimer: ClearOne Advantage does not offer tax advice. Please consult with your accountant or tax professional for advice regarding your specific tax situation.

Due to the continuing pandemic and the appearance of new COVID-19 viral strains, the IRS and Treasury Department have announced an extension of the 2020 tax return deadline.

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Topics: Covid Debt Relief

What If I Can’t Pay My Taxes?

Published March 2021

Disclaimer: ClearOne Advantage does not offer tax advice. Please consult with your accountant or tax professional for advice regarding your specific tax situation.

If you owe the IRS more than you can pay this year, don’t panic. Read on for possible solutions if you can’t pay your taxes.

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Topics: Financial Education

Tips for Filing Taxes While in Debt

Published March 2021

Disclaimer: ClearOne Advantage does not offer tax advice. Please consult with your accountant or tax professional for advice regarding your specific tax situation.

If you are in the process of paying down your debt, there are certain things to keep in mind at tax time. Here are some tips for filing taxes.

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Topics: Financial Education

Should I Refinance My Student Loans?

Published March 2021

While student loans are in forbearance due to the Coronavirus, this may be the perfect time to consider a student loan refinance. Lowering your student loan debt through refinancing may be able to lower your overall debt if you choose the correct loan.

A good way to save money when refinancing is often to secure a lower interest rate on your new loan since you can’t change the principal without paying it off. However, there are some additional factors that could alter your decision to refinance or not.

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Topics: Debt Consolidation

How to Budget While Unemployed

Published March 2021

Losing your job can hit you like a ton of bricks, especially as you think of all of the financial obligations you have. Having a budget can help you manage your finances to get you through this difficult time.

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Topics: Financial Education

How Has COVID-19 Impacted Consumer Credit?

Published March 2021

The COVID-19 health crisis and the subsequent economic crisis resulting from the implementation of measures meant to contain the pandemic have had a profound impact on consumer credit. 

In addition to these factors, the financial help that the CARES Act ushered in further complicated the consumer credit picture. Read on to learn how.

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Topics: Covid Debt Relief

What to Expect from the New Stimulus Package

Published March 2021

The new stimulus package provides much needed Covid-19 relief for families and businesses affected financially by the pandemic. How will you benefit from the latest round of Covid relief aid? Do you qualify for a $1,400 direct check? Read on to find out. 

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Topics: Covid Debt Relief

How to Save on Your Water Bill

Published March 2021

If you’re trying to reduce your monthly expenses to help pay down credit card debt, consider how to save on your water bill.

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Topics: Saving Money

Debt Snowball or Debt Avalanche?

Published March 2021

If you are trying to figure out the best way to pay down debt on your own, you should consider which method works best for you – the debt snowball or debt avalanche.

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Topics: Financial Education

How to Stop Spending Money

Published March 2021

To get out of debt, you either need to spend less or earn more. Stop spending money and potentially improve your finances with these tips.

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Topics: Saving Money

Avoiding the Minimum Payment Trap

Published March 2021

If your goal is to pay off credit card debt in a reasonable amount of time, you are going to have to pay more than the minimum payment. Here’s why.

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Topics: Credit Card Debt

COVID Relief Bill Update

Published March 2021

Congress is working to pass the new administration’s American Rescue Plan to help alleviate the financial strain caused by the Coronavirus Pandemic. While the bill has not yet passed, it may contain the following benefits when it does.

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Topics: Covid Debt Relief

Debt and Your Emotions: Exploring the Connection

Published March 2021

Emotions and impulses influence how we spend our money. To some degree, it is natural to seek emotional gratification from the fruits of our labor, but it is important to remember that emotional spending and impulse shopping are two of the archenemies of healthy personal finances.

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Topics: Financial Education

The Power of Delayed Spending

Published March 2021

Do you ever find yourself buying something impulsively? According to newneuromarketing.com, the average consumer spends more than $5,400 per year on impulse shopping for food, clothing, household items, and shoes.

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Topics: Financial Education

Quick Guide to Common Credit Card Terms

Published February 2021

When you get your credit card statement, does the language look like Greek to you? Sometimes it's difficult to understand exactly what your credit card provider means because credit card companies often write in "legalese."

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Topics: Credit Card Debt

How Flexible Is Your Budget?

Published February 2021

A traditional budget is an exercise in basic arithmetic. Knowing your fixed income, you set spending targets and try to stick to them. This means, however, that any substantial unexpected expense can upend your budgeting. Some people find it difficult to stick to their budgets due to this inflexibility.

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Topics: Financial Education

How Much Is Your Debt Costing You?

Published February 2021

When you think about making purchases with credit, the question to ask is not: "How much will my monthly payment be?" The real question is: "How much is this debt going to cost me?"

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Topics: Financial Education

How to Save Money on Groceries

Published February 2021

Lowering your budget for necessities like food can be a great way to save money even after cutting out the nonessential bills. Here are some tips on how to save money on groceries.

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Topics: Saving Money

How to Save on Electricity

Published February 2021

If you find that you have more debt than you can manage and are trying to reduce your monthly expenses to help pay down credit card debt, consider our tips on how to save on electricity.

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Topics: Saving Money

Debt Consolidation Loans vs. Debt Settlement

Published February 2021

Being in debt can be scary and deciding on what your best debt relief option is can seem confusing. Debt consolidation loans and debt settlement are two common debt relief options but how do you decide which one is best for your situation?

While a debt consolidation loan focuses on reducing the number of payments and the amount of interest you will pay, debt settlement aims to reduce the total amount of debt.

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Topics: Debt Consolidation

Pay Off Debt by Earning Extra Money

Published February 2021

The best way to pay off your credit card debt quickly is to spend less and save more; however, if you don’t have enough income to save, you may have a harder time lowering your debt.

To pay off your debt quickly, you need extra income. Follow these tips to secure extra income and potentially become debt-free!

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Topics: Financial Education

Should I Pay Off My Debt or Save?

Published February 2021

Paying off debt and saving money don’t need to be mutually exclusive, unless your finances don’t allow you to do both at the same time. Let’s look at when it’s beneficial to prioritize paying off debt and when you may want to consider starting or contributing to a savings account.

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Topics: Saving Money

Should You Use Your Tax Refund to Pay Off Debt?

Published February 2021

Boosting savings and paying off debt are two of the most popular uses for Americans’ tax refunds year after year. According to a recent survey, around 31 percent of tax refund recipients expect to drop their windfall into their savings accounts. Twenty-four percent of them plan to put a dent into their debts with the money.

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Topics: Financial Education

5 Reasons to Avoid Credit Card Cash Advances

Published February 2021

According to a recent survey by Highland, a majority of Americans have been hit hard financially since the global pandemic of 2020. Though 53% reported they were not doing so before the pandemic, now 63% admit that they are living from paycheck to paycheck.

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Topics: Financial Education

When Will the Next Stimulus Check Come Out?

Published February 2021

The third stimulus check is expected to be larger than each of the previous payments at $1,400. Here’s what you may be able to expect when the next stimulus checks are released.

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Topics: Covid Debt Relief

When to File Your Taxes This Year

Published February 2021

Disclaimer: ClearOne Advantage does not offer tax advice. Please consult with your accountant or tax professional for advice regarding your specific tax situation.

If you want to receive your tax refund as soon as possible, file your tax return at the first available opportunity. This year, that opportunity comes about later than usual.

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Topics: Financial Education

How Many Credit Cards Should You Have?

Published February 2021

Whether multiple credit cards will help you or land you in debt depends solely on how you manage them. If you have out-of-control credit card debt, having more than one credit card is a bad idea because available credit may be a temptation you cannot resist. On the other hand, if you are never tempted to use your credit card inappropriately, having multiple credit cards can offer some advantages.

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Topics: Credit Card Debt

How to Protect Your Credit During COVID-19

Published February 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has put an unprecedented strain on the global economy. All over the world, businesses have suffered as a result of the lockdown measures. Millions of people have found themselves out of a job unexpectedly.

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Topics: Covid Debt Relief

When to Consider a Balance Transfer Card

Published January 2021

Sometimes, transferring a balance from one credit card to another makes good financial sense, but sometimes it doesn't. If you are wondering if a balance transfer card is a good solution in your particular situation, here is what you need to know about this potential debt relief method.

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Topics: Debt Consolidation

How to Get Out of Debt

Published January 2021

Managing credit card can be stressful, but if you’ve been struggling with how to get out of debt, read on for some tips on how to get started.

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Topics: Financial Education

5 Financial Resolutions for the New Year

Published January 2021

Every January, throngs of New Year’s Resolutioners swarm gyms and physical fitness facilities across the nation. Doesn't it make sense to pay as much attention to your financial fitness as you do to working off that extra weight and getting healthier?

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Topics: Financial Education

Still Waiting On a Second Stimulus Check?

Published January 2021

Are you one of the many wondering why you haven’t received your $600 second stimulus payment yet? With a tight deadline of January 15, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) ran into more glitches than they did with the first stimulus check.

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Topics: Covid Debt Relief

This Is Your Brain on Debt

Published January 2021

Constant worry and chronic stress can have a significant negative impact on physical and mental wellbeing. According to WebMD, if you're constantly under stress, you can develop physical symptoms such as headaches, hypertension, chest pain, and insomnia,  as well as mental symptoms such as depression, panic attacks, or anxiety.

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Topics: Financial Education

Quick Guide to COVID Debt Relief

Published January 2021

With the COVID-19 global pandemic showing few signs of slowing down any time soon, the financial crisis it has caused for many Americans is in full swing.

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Topics: Covid Debt Relief

What to do with Your COVID Stimulus Check

Published January 2021

With stimulus payments going out to millions of Americans this week, ClearOne Advantage has compiled a list of options to best use your payment. You are eligible to receive the second stimulus check if you are a U.S. Resident making under $75,000.

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Topics: Covid Debt Relief

Emergency Fund: Tips for Beginners

Published January 2021

Be prepared for financial emergencies and unplanned expenses with ClearOne Advantage’s tips for emergency funds.

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Topics: Financial Education

Money Management Goals to Start 2021 Off Right

Published January 2021

If you are one of the millions of people who start each New Year with some new resolutions, this may be the perfect year to make some specific to your financial health.

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Topics: Financial Education

Top 5 Money Managing Apps for 2021

Published January 2021

Money management has always been about keeping track of incomes and expenses. Although still viable, manual spreadsheets and the pen-and-notebook approach are no longer optimal ways of maintaining a budget in the age of the smartphone.

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Topics: Financial Education

Should You Close Paid Credit Card Accounts?

Published January 2021

You have just paid off your credit card and taken a big chunk out of your debt in the process. Congratulations! Now, you face a question: Does it make sense to close a paid-off credit card account?

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Topics: Credit Card Debt

Gain Your Freedom from Debt in 2021

Published January 2021

If you aim to go debt-free in 2021, you have chosen to fight the good fight. Congratulations on your choice! You deserve all the support and help you need to achieve your goal.

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Topics: Debt Consolidation

Understand What Debt Collectors Can and Cannot Do

Published January 2021

Disclaimer: The following is for information purposes only and should not be viewed as legal advice and should not be relied upon without consulting an attorney.

It is legal for creditors to employ debt collectors to help them collect money that is due to them. However, when attempting to recover money from you, some debt collectors may resort to unfair, deceptive, or abusive practices in an effort to intimidate you.

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Topics: Financial Education

How to Save Money During COVID

Published January 2021

Many Americans are trying to figure out how to save money during COVID, searching for money saving tips wherever they can find them as the economy declines further. This time at home during the pandemic may provide a perfect opportunity to save some money.

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Topics: Covid Debt Relief

Paying Rent with a Credit Card

Published January 2021

The Coronavirus Pandemic is causing financial hardship for many Americans, even forcing some to put important bills like rent on their credit cards. This could cause a massive increase in credit card debt when the pandemic is over.

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Topics: Credit Card Debt

Manage COVID-19 Credit Card Debt on Unemployment

Published January 2021

The Coronavirus pandemic has ravaged the country, forcing millions of Americans to file for unemployment benefits. While you may need to make some lifestyle changes on unemployment, you may still be able to keep your credit card debt under control.

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Topics: Covid Debt Relief

8 Ways to Avoid Common Spending Traps

Published December 2020

Whether it's trying to keep up with the Joneses or prove worth to one's self, family member, or peer, people tend to overspend. Money has become a trigger of obsession and addiction for many. 

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Topics: Financial Education

Get Debt Free this Holiday Season

Published December 2020

The holiday season may not seem like the opportune time to kick-start your debt resolution efforts. After all, there are gifts to give and receive, trips to make, and fun to be had.

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Topics: Debt Consolidation

Can't Get a Debt Consolidation Loan? What to Do

Published December 2020

Getting a debt consolidation loan can be tricky. Like other types of loans, approval for a debt consolidation loan is dependent on factors like your credit score and debt-to-income ratio. When you are already struggling to pay down debt, you may not be able to get a debt consolidation loan that will really help you.

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Topics: Debt Consolidation

Money Management Tips for 2021

Published December 2020

Money management might sound complicated, but what it really means is learning how to handle your finances, from budgeting to setting long-term goals for financial success.

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Topics: Financial Education

SMART Goals for Debt Reduction

Published November 2020

If reducing your credit card debt is one of your goals, turn it into a SMART goal to make it easier and simpler to achieve. By doing that, you will pluck debt resolution out of the domain of dreams and plant it firmly into reality.

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Topics: Debt Consolidation

How to Celebrate a Debt-Free Holiday

Published November 2020

The holidays can be a great time of year to spend time with your loved ones and kick back and relax. Be generous with your time and love, but make a pact with yourself this year to avoid getting caught up in the moment and being a bit more generous than you can afford to be with the material giving.

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Topics: Saving Money

9 Questions to Ask Your Debt Settlement Company

Published November 2020

A simple Google search on “debt settlement feedback” reveals that people either love or hate their debt settlement company.

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Topics: Debt Consolidation

Benefits of Debt Settlement

Published October 2020

Are you thinking about negotiating the reduction of your debt directly with your creditors? You may want to think again.

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Topics: Debt Consolidation

Credit Card Debt: How Much Is Too Much?

Published October 2020

Whether you think that you need credit card help or not, it always pays to match your financial situation against a few metrics that can provide a reality check about credit card debt in general. 

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Topics: Credit Card Debt

5 Reasons People File for Bankruptcy

Published October 2020

Some may view bankruptcy as a reasonable way out of debt and an opportunity for a fresh start. The damage bankruptcy does to your finances, however, is life-disrupting and lasting.

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Topics: Debt Consolidation

Debt Management vs Debt Settlement: How they Differ

Published October 2020

Although sometimes confused or even used interchangeably, debt management and debt settlement are significantly different ways of tackling debt.

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Topics: Debt Consolidation

Will Debt Settlement Impact Your Taxes?

Published October 2020

Debt settlement saves you money by shaving off a set amount of your loan principal. You will, however, owe taxes on the money you save this way. In many cases, it qualifies as income, and you need to report it as such to the IRS.

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Topics: Debt Consolidation

How Do Credit Card Companies Make Money?

Published September 2020

According to a ValuePenguin study, credit card companies generate approximately $213 from each active credit card account per year. That translates to billions of dollars annually.

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Topics: Credit Card Debt

How Much Money Can You Save with Debt Settlement?

Published September 2020

If you are struggling with a heavy credit card burden, you owe it to yourself and your family to explore all your debt relief options. The sooner you do so, the sooner you can find your way to true financial freedom.

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Topics: Debt Consolidation

The 5-Step Guide to Financial Literacy

Published September 2020

"The number one problem in today’s generation and economy is lack of financial literacy." - Alan Greenspan, former Chair of the Federal Reserve of the United States. Learn how improving financial literacy can benefit you.

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Topics: Financial Education

Saving Money During Times of Economic Uncertainty

Published August 2020

Warren Buffett, the world-renowned billionaire and financial expert, advises:

“Don’t save what is left after spending; spend what is left after saving.”

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Topics: Saving Money

Prioritize Bills When Facing Housing Uncertainty

Published August 2020

 

The economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the personal finances of many. Under such exceptional circumstances, how do you sort out your bills? Housing should be a top priority...

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Topics: Saving Money

How Much Do Americans Owe in Credit Card Debt?

Published August 2020

Debt has become ingrained in American culture. Today, few of us can imagine a car without payments, a house without a mortgage, or a college student without a loan. In addition to these debts, Americans are also carrying a significant amount of credit card debt.

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Topics: Credit Card Debt

COVID-19 Debt Relief: Quick Guide to Getting Help

Published July 2020

The financial implications of the coronavirus global lockdown have rippled across the country, affecting businesses and their employees. About 16.8 million Americans filed for unemployment in the past three weeks as COVID-19 adversely affected every industry nationwide.

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Topics: Covid Debt Relief

Use Your Stimulus Payment Wisely

Published June 2020

Congress approved a significant stimulus package on March 27 to assist Americans struggling with the COVID-19 emergency. Most people will receive an additional $1,200 from this plan. If you have children under the age of 18, you’ll also be provided $500 for each child.

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Topics: Covid Debt Relief

Reducing Expenses During a Financial Hardship

Published June 2020

Financial difficulties can be challenging. If you suddenly find yourself in a situation where you have a bevy of bills to pay, a lack of funds, and you aren’t sure how you can pay these monthly bills, then you understand financial hardship. Financial hardships occur when you lack the money to pay for your necessary expenses, and taking on debt or missing payments might seem like your only solution. Many Americans are currently experiencing these types of issues, so know that if you are in this position, you are not alone, and you don’t need to feel embarrassed. Instead, there are some steps you can take to help yourself out with this type of situation.

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Topics: Saving Money

Where to Turn for Emergency Financial Assistance

Published June 2020

Getting laid off from your job or having your hours reduced can be stressful. That job was how you were able to provide for yourself and your family. It put a roof over your head and food on the table. When you lose your job, your income grinds to a halt. Unfortunately, the same can not be said about your expenses. There are still bills to pay, even when you aren’t making money. These bills can drain any savings you may have, leaving you in a desperate financial situation.

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Topics: Financial Education

Working From Home Tips

Published June 2020

To prevent further spread of coronavirus, many businesses are asking their employees to work from home. The office can be a breeding ground for bacteria which makes it a perfect environment for the virus to spread.

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Topics: Financial Education

Budgeting is a Solid Financial Strategy

Published June 2020

If you’re like many Americans, you probably know a thing or two about economic uncertainty. A recent study by the First National Bank of Omaha found that nearly half of all Americans expect to be living paycheck to paycheck throughout the coming year. And 53% of those surveyed said that they don’t have a rainy-day fund that would cover three months of their basic living expenses.

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Topics: Financial Education

Manage Your Debt with Finance Fundamentals

Published June 2020

Unfortunately, when many of us hear the word “finances,” we immediately feel overwhelmed with stress and worry. While there is no magic trick that can ensure you won’t ever have to worry about your finances, we understand why so many people wish that one such method existed. While there is no cure-all for your funding woes, what will benefit you is knowledge. By becoming more financially savvy, you’ll have an easier time managing your finances. Even if you are already in debt, then knowing more information about things like interest rates and other credit terms can help guide you back on the right track.

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Topics: Saving Money

Benefits of a Remote Workforce

Published June 2020

As our national workforce trades in their commutes for home offices, the adjustment for many employers, and their employees, has been overwhelming. Companies that once deemed this work environment impossible now have to make it possible.

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Topics: Financial Education

Instructions for Adding ClearOne to Contacts for Email Providers

Published June 2020

The two most important email addresses to add to your address books are:

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2020 Household Debt Trends

Published June 2020

Toward the end of 2019, economic experts began noticing a new trend in household debt. That’s because the state of household debt experienced a dramatic upswing in 2019, according to a recent New York Federal Bank Study. The surge of household debt that happened in 2019 is the most significant annual increase we’ve seen since what we saw right before the last economic recession, during 2007. In 2007, we saw household debt increase to over a trillion dollars. Many of the statistics we’ll be using for this article come from the previously mentioned NY Federal Bank Study.

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Topics: Financial Education