Did you know that credit card payment allocation is strictly regulated to benefit you? Under the 2009 CARD Act, banks are legally required to apply any amount you pay above the minimum to your highest-interest balance first. No phone calls or special requests required. Whether you’re juggling a promotional rate or high-APR purchases, federal law ensures your extra dollars work as hard as possible. Learn how Regulation Z protects your wallet and helps you stay debt-free faster

I paid off my loan early—months before the deadline—and still got slapped with a year’s worth of retroactive interest. Why? Because I was eight days late on a $41 shortfall. This is what predatory financing practices look like: companies that erase years of good faith payments to punish you for one small mistake.

If you’re using credit cards and not tracking them with a rewards spreadsheet, you’re missing out on hundreds—maybe thousands—of dollars in free travel, cashback, and premium perks. Most cards reward you more in specific spending categories, but if you're swiping blindly, you’re leaving free money on the table. A simple spreadsheet (yes, really) can help you match the right card to the right purchase, automate smarter spending, and unlock serious rewards.

A High-Yield Savings Account is a deposit account that provides a much higher interest rate than traditional savings accounts.

climbing out of debt is possible

Credit card rewards generally come in three forms: cash back, points, and miles.

Building a strong credit history isn't just about numbers; it's an act of self-care and empowerment.

When it comes to tackling debt, I'm a firm believer in the power of strategy.

Credit can feel complicated, but it doesn't have to be.

Having established that credit cards are a good tool for building credit, it is important to note that banks are businesses and aim to maximize profit, and some of their practices can be detrimental to consumers. They do this in a number of ways, and they're not overtly transparent about them, naturally. Many practices are disclosed, though often in fine print or complex language, making them relatively inaccessible. While this may ensure their financial success as a bank, it

Hillary Clinton was once denied a credit card...[because] she needed to use her husband’s.

The neighborhood you grow up in can significantly impact your future earnings.