As the holidays approach, gift cards remain a popular gift option, but they’re also a target for scammers. These fraudsters use tactics like phishing and tampering with physical gift cards to steal funds before they can be used. To protect yourself and your loved ones this season, it’s important to stay aware of these risks.
Having a well-stocked emergency fund is important. But so is saving for retirement. So how do you know which one to focus on? Well, we’ve got you covered. Here’s what you should know.
Halloween is a time for spooky fun, but it can also bring a scare to your wallet if you're not careful. From costumes to decorations and treats, the costs can add up quickly. Here’s how to manage your Halloween budget and keep your spending under control while still enjoying the festivities.
Now is the moment to turn your attention to your tax obligations. With less than 60 days remaining until the tax deadline now is a good time to prepare your documents and file.
Need a smart strategy to save on essential school supplies? Planning your dream vacation or gearing up for the holiday season? With a club account, you can save for essential school supplies, exciting vacations, and joyful holiday celebrations, making your financial goals more attainable and stress-free.
In the first quarter of 2024, U.S. adults had 543.1 million credit cards, up from 523.2 million at the beginning of 2023. More Americans are also carrying more balances across those credit lines. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York reported in mid-May that U.S. residents now owe a total of $1.12 trillion on credit cards. It’s probably not surprising that the number of people carrying balances on those credit cards is also up from last year, with some 169 million people carrying a credit card balance – meaning they did not pay off what they owed by the end of the grace period.
When it comes to high-interest credit card debt and other monthly financial obligations, pay your bills on time, and strive to pay off your entire balance at the end of each billing cycle.
Why Pay Off Monthly Balances
There are some specific reasons to stick with this proven approach. When you pay off your balances monthly:
Can’t pay off your balances every month? We get it. With inflation still pushing up the price of nearly everything – and millions of people living paycheck-to-paycheck – not everyone will be able to pay all their credit card balances every month. And that’s OK.