How Credit Utilization Affects Your Credit Score
If you’ve been reading my column for any time now, you know how important your credit score can be. You also might know that there are several factors that affect how your score is formulated. Today, we’re going to talk about one of them – credit utilization – and...
Quick Tips on Writing a Hardship Letter
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected nearly everyone on the planet to some degree. And while the economic impacts have been severe for people across the spectrum, those who were struggling even before it began have been hit especially hard. Reduced hours, lay-offs, or...
Top Ten Signs of Debt Overload
In all areas of life, there are warning signs that tell us when something is wrong, and the same can be said for our financial life. According to financial experts, nearly 80% of Americans are in debt. That means about 8 in 10 Americans have some form of consumer...
The Facts about Debit Cards and Tips for Avoiding Fraud
By Charlestien Harris The days of using cash, checks or coins to pay for purchases are disappearing rapidly. Most consumers have converted to using a debit card as a preferred method of payment. Two of the most common reasons for this transition are time and...
The Facts about the Emergency Rental Assistance Program
By Charlestien Harris The pandemic has caused major issues to happen especially with people’s financial well-being. Housing is a significant part of most family budgets. Right now, many people are struggling to keep food on the table and a roof over their...
Simple Financial Tips for College Students
By Charlestien Harris In all my years of tackling the topic of financial literacy, I’ve found that understanding basic financial skills and concepts is critical for a successful financial future. Almost everything we do as adults like earning money, budgeting,...
7 Financially Fit Tips for Back to School Shopping
By Charlestien Harris Although all of my children are grown and gone, I do have grandchildren and they all have back-to-school supply lists that need to be filled. Preparing to send your kids back to school can be stressful if your finances are already tight...
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program Explained
By Charlestien Harris Throughout the pandemic, many clients have asked about the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program and how their student loans will be affected. The Public Service Loan Forgiveness program was created under the College Cost Reduction and...