Lidia Staron | OpenLoans

How to Save Money from Salary

Saving money is easier said than done. However, it can be made easier once you create a clear financial plan. Follow our simplified guide to get started towards a future of financial security.

How to Budget for an Apartment

Although moving into a new apartment is an exciting time, it comes with many expenses. To ensure financial security, we're here to provide you a list of all the necessary costs to consider when moving.

What Is a Loan Contingency?

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Buying a home is a major financial undertaking for both the buyer and seller. Often, unforeseen hurdles may deter buyers from moving forward with the sale. In these cases, loan contingency clauses can protect both parties.

What Is Provisional Income?

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Provisional income acts as an IRS threshold to determine whether a portion of your Social Security income will be taxed. If you’re looking to save money on taxes or better understand how Social Security taxes work, we’re here to help you.

How To Book a Hotel Without a Credit Card

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In this guide, we’re exploring how people can make a hotel reservation without credit card details.

What Is the Difference Between Conventional Loan and VA Loan?

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Conventional loans and VA loans are both financial products available to veterans, and each loan comes with its own benefits. Conventional loans typically offer more property options, whereas VA loans afford more down payment and credit flexibility.

Must-Know Things When Living on Your Own for the First Time

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Although living on your own for the first time can be difficult, there are some easy-to-implement tips to help alleviate the apprehension.

How Many Loans Can You Have?

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While borrowers can possess more than one loan at a time, it is best to evaluate your financial standing and consider the risks.

Top Alternatives to Savings Accounts

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Plenty of individuals are turning away from traditional savings accounts and adopting alternative methods. Many are in search of high-yield and fast growth options for their money.

What Are the Ways to Rent an Apartment with Bad Credit?

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When determining whether to buy vs. rent, your credit score may be the deciding factor. Although it is still challenging to rent with bad credit, there are several options available.

How Many Savings Accounts Should I Have?

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Can you have multiple savings accounts? Is there a benefit in having more than one savings account? There is no legal limit to the number of savings accounts you can have. Many people choose to open more than one for the introductory offers and transfer interest rates.

The Cheapest Way to Send Money Locally and Internationally

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On top of traditional methods like cash and check transfers, online platforms also offer relatively quick and efficient money transfers. This article will explore old and new remittance transaction options and determine the cheapest way to send money.

How Much Does Your Credit Score Increase After Paying Off a Car?

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Car loans typically have lower interest rates than other types of loans. Very often, people will pay them off early, mistakenly thinking it’ll increase their credit scores. This article will recap what can happen if you pay off your car early, along with its benefits and shortcomings.

How Can You Finance a Car with No Credit?

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Many people may require financing to purchase a car. However, it might be a little more challenging to buy a car with no credit history. Despite the difficulty, you may still be able to find a lender and buy a car with no credit.

What is a CPN?

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A credit privacy number (CPN) is a nine-digit identifying number. It is offered to the consumer as a Social Security number alternative, to be used when one wants to hide their SSN. CPN companies claim that the number can hide bankruptcies or low credit, but these claims are unfounded and amount to little more than a shady scheme offered in bad faith.

How to Get Overdraft Fees Refunded

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It is possible to have your overdraft fees refunded, but you will eventually have to repay the amount you owe.

How Often Should You Pay with Cash?

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What are the benefits of paying in cash? Read all about it below.

11 Things to Check When Buying a Used Car

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Buying a used car takes just as much research and planning as buying a new car does. Here's what you need to know.

When Looking to Finance Higher Education, What is the Best Order to Look for Funding Sources?

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How can you best fund a college education?

What is the Purpose of Escrow in Finance?

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The bigger the loan, the more safety measures the lender puts in place. Escrow is one such precaution. It helps make the process safer for everyone involved. Here’s how.

What is a Cryptocurrency Loan?

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Cryptocurrency has become a popular payment method and a potentially successful investment opportunity. Crypto fans are often told to hold their assets, also known as “HODL,” meaning “hold on for dear life,” until they can sell at a higher price.

How Do Hard Money Loans Work?

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The term “hard money loan” might sound intimidating or even sinister if you don’t fully understand it. In this guide, we’re exploring hard money loans and when they might be helpful.

What is a Mezzanine Loan? Pros and Cons

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Mezzanine loans are somewhere between debt and equity. You aren't technically selling your equity if you get a mezzanine loan, but it is a way to borrow against the equity in a business.

The Impact of Homelessness on Health

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Homelessness poorly affects both the physical and mental health of a person. It can cause infection and illnesses and worsen existing conditions.

15 Budgeting Tips for Families

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Here are some practical budgeting tips for families, which are easy to implement. Learn how to manage your family’s finances with the OpenLoans.

How is Passive Income Taxed?

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Learn how passive income is taxed and the ways you can make passive income.

Summer Jobs for Teachers

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While school is out, teachers may not have the income they need to provide for their family. Here are some summer jobs that will help pay off the bills and keep you busy until the new school year.

Operating Cash Flow - Formula, Definition, Examples

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Any small business owner needs to monitor cash flow to ensure there is enough to cover all outgoings. For many businesses, cash flow can be disrupted by clients being slow to pay their invoices, seasonality, and other factors that might hit your bottom line.

How Does Child Support Work if the Custodial Parent Has No Job?

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In this article, we're answering your question on "how does child support work if the custodial parent has no job?"

How to Save Money on Taxes?

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When tax season comes around, how do you save money on your tax bills? Here, we will break down some tax strategies and tools you can implement so you can put more money away and give less to the IRS.

Everything You Need to Know About Major Health Insurance

Living without health insurance is a risky life choice. You cannot be sure what will happen in the next year, five years, or even tomorrow. Here's what you need to know about health insurance.

Invest in Education | 529 Plan

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Putting money aside for education or your child's education can seem like something that you don't have to worry about until a long time in the future. In reality, it's never too early to start a child education plan and put money aside for when the time comes to go to college.

Signs You Didn't Get The Job After the Interview

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After a job interview, you probably won't hear whether or not you have been successful straight away. Instead, you might be left to speculate. In this guide, we're looking at some of the signs that indicate you didn't get the job and signs that you did. We will also look at tips for maximizing your salary so that you are happy in your new role. There's no reason your financial wellness should take a hit.

High-Income Skills to Learn in the 2020s

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High-income skills to learn in the 2020s to make money: photography, web/software development, coaching, video editing, and more at OpenLoans' blog.

Benefits for Veterans

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It is only right that Veterans are looked after both while serving their country and in their retirement. In this guide, we look at many of the benefits for Veterans.

Top Business Ideas for Stay-at-Home Parents

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A home business is an excellent way to earn extra money. At OpenLoans’ blog, you can find a list of the most profitable business ideas for stay-at-home parents.

5 C's of Credit - What Are Lenders Looking For?

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Do you want to know what lenders are looking for? You should know the 5 C's of credit and how to master them. Visit OpenLoans' blog for more information.

Bank vs. Credit Unions: What Is the Difference?

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Both banks and credit unions are institutions where you can save your Money. Discover differences between them to make the right decision at OpenLoans' blog.

How Can You Refinance a Car Loan?

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Is an auto refinancing loan the right option for you? Learn how to refinance a car loan to save money even with bad credit at OpenLoans’ blog.

What is a Loan Guarantor? Ultimate FAQ

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What is a guarantor on a loan? You may have been looking for lending and seen offers that rely on a loan guarantor.

What is an Income Share Agreement?

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An income share agreement is an alternative type of funding and financing. The colleges that participate in this rely on getting a percentage of your future salary, and this way, they can make money back from their students in the future.

Ways to Save Money on a Tight Budget

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Everyone should try their best to save some money for the future. Whether it is to prepare for retirement, or to have some cash ready for a rainy day, it is important to find ways to save money on a tight budget.

What to Do When You Are Drowning in Debt?

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Debt can be one of the most significant psychological strains in an adult’s life. If you have found yourself drowning in debt after a difficult period, then you can quickly start to feel like there is no way out of it. Debts pile up and continue to grow if they are not dealt with, so what can you do about this stress?

What is Financial Wellness?

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According to the U.S. Financial Health Pulse 2019 Trends Report, only 29% of Americans consider themselves financially healthy. This means that the vast majority of Americans aren't prepared for a recession or for any financial crisis that will come their way. This also means that most Americans lack the foundation in which to build a healthy, happy, successful life.

How to Become a Loan Officer

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The financial world isn't easy to navigate. For many Americans, it's downright daunting. Fortunately, some professionals can guide individuals towards their dreams of financial wellness and stability.

What is the Disability Tax Credit?

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If you are a person with a disability, you may be qualified to receive certain disability tax credits and deductions.

Pro Tips from Personal Financial Advisors: Secrets for Success

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Managing your money isn't easy. It's not rocket science, but it does require a bit of know-how, practice, and discipline.

How Do Credit Cards Work?

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While credit cards may allow you to pay for things and pay taxes without any cash, you'll still end up paying for your purchase when the bill comes at the end of the month.

How to Invest and Make Your Money Work for You

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You've worked hard to earn your money. But you're still paying interest instead of earning interest like the wealthy seem to do.

How to Apply for Financial Assistance

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According to the U.S. Financial Health Pulse 2019 Trends Report, only 29% of Americans are financially healthy.

Everything You Need To Know About Financial Assistance for Veterans

The transition from active military duty to civilian life can be difficult. After years of serving their country, veterans often find themselves facing financial hardships once they become a civilian.

How to Run Your Business from Home During a Pandemic

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People who run businesses are vital for the economy, and they drive growth in pretty much every country in the world. In the U.S., there are 30.2 million small businesses.

Budgeting Tips: How to Protect Finances During the Coronavirus Pandemic

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Turn on the news at the moment, and all you will see is the panic regarding Coronavirus. Every disease has an impact on finances and can cause economic downturns, but this disease is unprecedented. Are we on the verge of the next financial crisis? How can I protect my investments during this challenging time? Is it time to look to get personal loans to get through the crisis?

Buy or Rent a Home?

To buy or rent a home - that is a question that many adults face more than once in their lifetime. It's a significant decision that requires a lot of thought. It's not just about how much you can afford. After all, you don't always need to get a personal loan in order to buy a property. In today's market, you can easily find cheap homes for sale.

What Are the Key Elements of a Business Plan?

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When you've got a glimmer of a great idea for a business, what's the first thing you should do? Most people would tell you to write it down. It's so easy to forget things these days. But there's a difference between writing your idea down and drafting a business plan.

What is a Perfect Credit Score and How to Check It?

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So, you're thinking about applying for one of those personal loans online. A quick search on the web will show you personal loans for fair credit as well as ones that state they won't require a credit check.

How to File Self-Employment Tax and What are the Rates for 2020?

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Time flies by so fast these days. Tax season will soon be upon us.

How to Grow Your Business Constantly

So, you've successfully started your business. You got everything up and running. You're even turning a decent profit. All your work has paid off.

How to Manage Your Money During a Job Loss

Most Americans live paycheck to paycheck, which means making ends meet can be difficult. Imagine how tough it would be if you had to do that without a job.

5 Smart Ways to Maximize Your Tax Refund

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Tax season is one of the most hectic times of the year. Obviously, most Americans (if not all) are aiming to pay no more than what they owe.

Accept a Low-Paying Job? Low Salary vs Benefits | OpenLoans

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According to the Department of Labor, there's a labor shortage in the U.S.

Credit Utilization: How It Works & How It Affects Your Credit Score

When you use credit cards responsibly, you have access to additional funds in an emergency.

7 Effective Strategies to Overcome Financial Stress

There are a lot of uncertainties in today's economy. So, it's not really that unusual for a lot of Americans to feel worried and anxious about money.

What is Loan Origination Fee and How Much Does It Cost?

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Personal loans can be easy to acquire if you have a good credit score. There are plenty of lenders both offline and online for these consumers to choose from. Of course, the first rule of getting a loan is to find yourself the best offer available.

What You Should Know Before Starting a Nonprofit Organization

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Everyone has a cause that’s close to their heart. But not all of us dream about creating a nonprofit organization in order to support it.

How to Create a Budget Successfully

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Managing your money is part of adulting. It might seem painful and inconvenient, but it's essential to living a happy life.

How Much are the Average Costs of a Wedding

We all know that weddings come with a price tag. But few of us realize just how expensive it can be until we’re about to foot the bill.

Decided to Buy a New Car? Make It Easy!

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Getting a new car isn't easy. It's not just because you have to deal with overbearing, smarmy car salesmen pressuring you to make a choice then and there.

What is a Cash Management Account, and Do You Need One?

Convenience is the name of the game these days. Everyone is looking for a one-stop-shop, and that includes finances.

How Do Late Payments Affect Your Credit Score?

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It's not unusual for a person to fall behind on a payment. Even individuals who normally pay their bills on time can overlook paying a bill due to certain circumstances such as a lost job or a medical emergency.

Are You Ready to Say, “I Do” and Marry Someone with Debt?

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"To have and to hold, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer ..." These words talk about the merging of two lives into one, in good times and in bad.

How to Negotiate Salary for the First Time

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Whether you're going after a new job or a promotion in your current company, you know that salary will be part of the discussion.

Plan Family Vacations on a Budget

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The search for the perfect family getaway can be a huge headache. Finding a location that's going to be fun for everyone is not easy.

Smart Usage of Career Starter Loan

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If you're nearing graduation from the military commissioning program you're in (i.e., ROTC, one of the Service Academies, etc.), it's more than likely that you've started to think about what comes next.

Benefits of Getting a Medical Personal Loan to Supplement Health Insurance

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The rising costs of healthcare have caused many Americans to fall deep into debt. In fact, according to the Patient Advocacy Foundation, the number one cause for bankruptcy in the U.S. today is medical debt.

7 Reasons You Might Need a Short-Term Personal Loan

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For the cash-strapped, the only way to move forward quickly is to get a loan. Yes, saving money is still the best option as this does not put you into debt. But not everyone has the time to wait.

How to Find Options for RV Financing

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Going on an adventure in the open road is one of life's best adventures. You get to see the beauty of the country with your family (or friends), learn more about our history, and make unforgettable memories.

How Personal Loans' Interest Rates Vary

Personal loans are one of the most popular types of debt consumers take on. You can use it to consolidate debt, fund home repairs, pay for medical expenses, and any other unexpected costs for which you need ready cash.

How Pensioners Can Qualify for Personal Loans

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There was a time when retirement meant getting to enjoy a life of leisure. There was no need to stress about anything because your pension would cover all your main expenses, including hobbies, utilities, and food. Life was good. Unfortunately, times have changed.

How to Find Personal Loan for Maternity Leave

A new baby in the family is a source of joy. Unfortunately, the fact that most companies in the U.S. don't offer paid maternity leave can take away some of that happiness.

How to Finance Your Moving Expenses with Personal Loans

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Moving can be an extremely stressful and exhausting experience. It also can be quite costly. According to the American Moving and Storage Association, the average cost of a local household move is $1,250.

How to Avoid Personal Loan Scams

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Personal loans are an incredibly helpful financial tool when used appropriately. It can help you consolidate debt, especially if you have high-interest credit card debt. It can also help you find cash for any financial emergency.

Personal loan VS Line of Credit

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Ideally, one should have an emergency fund or at least some savings for when financial emergencies pop up. But it really isn’t always possible. The reality is, most people do not have the funds to cover unexpected costs which means borrowing money.

Are You Looking for a Loan with No Credit Check?

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Getting approved for a loan with poor credit seems like a shot in the dark for a lot of us. And when it's an emergency such as an unexpected medical situation or car repair, you may find yourself looking for no credit check loans since they may seem like your only option to get the financing you need.

Are You Eligible for Loan Forgiveness?

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We've all heard that the value of education is priceless. But the whopping $1.56 trillion in student debt carried by about 45 million Americans is a bit much. Obviously, something must be done.

Loan Prepayment Penalty: What It is and How to Avoid

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Paying your loan off early should be a good thing. You're actually financially responsible because you're getting rid of debt.

How a Personal Loan Affects Your Credit Score

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Your credit score helps provide a financial picture to lenders on your creditworthiness which basically means how likely you are to repay a debt. Obviously, it's important to maintain a good credit score if you want to access credit.

How to Use a Personal Loan to Save Money

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There are plenty of financing options available to the average consumer such as credit cards, auto loans, and home loans. But out of all of these, there's one that does more than just get you money that you need. It can help you save money, too. The type of loan we're talking about is personal loans.

Saving for Retirement: 5 Steps to Invest in Yourself

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When you’re young, saving for retirement isn’t something that crosses your mind. After all, you only live once. Your priority is to experience life as much as you can.

How to Pay for Emergency Dental Care Without Insurance

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Toothaches can be more “tooth” than “ache.” They are unlike any pain imaginable. And they disrupt your life like no other.

College Expenses That Are Tax Deductible for Parents

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College is incredibly expensive. So, unless you have extremely an extremely wealthy benefactor willing to foot the bill, your child got a full-ride scholarship, or you just won the lotto, then it's going to be quite a financial challenge that can make any grown man cry. Fortunately, there are some things that can help you pay for your child’s education – tax deductions and credits.

6 Things to Know Before Taking Out a Personal Loan

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Life is full of the unexpected. Unfortunately, the unexpected can be expensive. If you're in sudden need of a large amount of cash, then you're going to need to get a personal loan.

Filing Taxes for Free: Guidelines for Taxpayers

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Yes, it's that time of the year again – tax preparation time. And we all know filing and paying taxes can be a pain.

What is the Minimum Credit Score to Get a Personal Loan?

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A personal loan can help you pay for virtually anything, from home repair to a medical emergency. You can even get one to fund your next vacation (though that is generally not recommended by financial experts).

What is the Difference Between a Personal Loan and an Overdraft?

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Life is full of surprises. Unfortunately, some of those surprises come with costs that we are unable to cover with our current cash on hand.

Discover Personal Loans for Non-US Citizens

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There are a lot of things you can’t do if you’re a non-US citizen. You can’t vote, run for office, get a US passport, or get a Federal job. But what about personal loans? Is it possible to qualify for one if you are not a citizen of the United States?

Joint Personal Loans: How Do They Work?

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Extra expenses often require extra money. Whether you're buying a new home, improving the one you've got, paying for medical emergencies, or even credit card debt, a personal loan is often the ideal option for a much-needed influx of cash.

Personal Loans for Bankrupts: Are You Still Eligible?

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If you've just declared bankruptcy, things might be looking a bit dim right now, especially when it comes to your finances.

Can You Get a Personal Loan with a Cosigner?

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Personal loans, if you aren’t yet aware, are unsecured loans. That means you don’t need to put up any collateral. Instead, you become qualified for a loan based on your credit history, income, and debt-to-income ratio.

7 Options to Consider for Plastic Surgery Financing

A lot of the most expensive things in life come with financing options - a mortgage for a house, student loans for college, an auto loan for a new car, etc.

How to Manage Spousal Support and Alimony Payments

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Divorce isn't easy. You sever relationships both familial and a financial. You may be required to pay alimony, which is also called "maintenance" or "spousal support."

The Importance Of an Emergency Fund

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If you’re living paycheck-to-paycheck, setting aside an emergency fund may seem incomprehensible. You’re already struggling to make ends meet. Creating an emergency fund may only add to your financial burden.

Emergency Financial Assistance for Single Mothers

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If you are a single mom, we'd like to applaud you for your courage, strength, and commitment to be the sole provider for your kids.

How to open college savings plans

There's no question that college is expensive. And there's no indication that the cost is going to go down anytime in the future. If you want to be able to pay for college (whether for your own or your kid’s education), you'll need to start saving money right off the bat.

How to Get Out of Paying Late Rent Fees

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Running late on the rent? Just like with any bill, you're probably going to be charged a late fee. Most landlords do so even if it’s just a few days after the due date.

How to Make Money in College

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If there's one undeniable fact about life, it's that college is expensive. Even with a scholarship to partially or fully pay for your tuition, you'll still need money for books, gas money, food, and housing.

How to deal with debt collectors

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It's one of those calls that everyone dreads receiving – a debt collector calling to ask you about an unpaid bill or loan. Ignoring their calls and letters won’t make your debt go away.

Financial Assistance for Senior Care

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As one gets older, many things in life become more of a financial concern. This becomes especially difficult when you're living on a fixed income. If you don't have a sufficient amount of money tucked away or have not prepared in any way for senior living, paying for medication, assisted living, and other forms of senior care can become quite a struggle. The stress of it all can be quite taxing for an aging individual.

How to Get Loans for People on Disability

Those who suffer from debilitating afflictions sometimes struggle to meet life’s many expenses. Fortunately, there are loan options designed to help people on disability.

How to Find Unclaimed Money

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One of life's most pleasant surprises is finding money that you never knew you had. Unclaimed funds are money that has been turned over to the government because the owner cannot be located.

How to Fix Errors on Your Credit Report

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We all know how important our credit score is. After all, it helps lenders decide whether or not to give you a loan or a credit card. Lenders also use it to determine the terms and conditions of your loan. Potential employers, landlords, and insurers may also use your credit report to evaluate your application.

Budget Tips to Save Money This Halloween

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Halloween is just around the corner, and your expenses are about to start piling up. While it’s not going to be as costly as the December holidays, you’ll still feel the pinch it makes on your wallet. It isn’t a billion-dollar industry for nothing.

Why Is Financial Literacy So Important?

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According to 1,500 Americans in a survey conducted by the National Financial Educator Council in 2018, they lost $1,230 on average because they didn't have a proper understanding of household finances.

How to Pay Your Business Taxes If You Have No Funds

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Being your own boss comes with a lot of freedom. After all, there's no one there to tell you what to do except you. However, that much freedom comes with a lot of responsibility. The taxes you took for granted when you were gainfully employed are now something you need to take care of on your own.

How to find and apply for a scholarship. Scholarship Scams

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Student loans are a fact of life in America. Over 44 million individuals owe a total of $1.52 trillion just for student loans. Here’s another fun fact: the cost of tuition is going to keep rising.

Unexpected Car Repair: How to Pay if You Don't Have Emergency Funding

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What's the worst that could happen? Well, in this game we call life, the answer to that is "there's always something." One of those unexpected and unfortunate events is your car breaking down. Just when you need it the most and right at the time when you don't have money to spare to pay for its repair. According to AAA, the average cost of a car repair ranges from $500 to $600.

How to Pay for Emergency Pet Surgery

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When it comes to our pets, there's absolutely nothing we wouldn't do. After all, they're part of our family. Unfortunately, bad things happen. We might not want to think about it, but there may come a time when your beloved pet is going to need emergency vet services. It could be something as random as Max swallowing something he shouldn't have. Or, it could be that your precious kitty is having difficulty giving birth, necessitating an emergency C-section. Whatever the case may be, an animal emergency that includes surgery is something that's going to cost you a huge chunk of change.

6 Tips to Cover the Costs of Emergency Home Repairs

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Owning a house is something most of us dream of. And why wouldn't we? Having a place that only YOU can call home – your personal sanctuary – is just about the best thing that you can ever buy for yourself. But this incredibly valuable asset comes with certain responsibilities and risks. Everything in your home will eventually break down. That's just a fact.