June 2017 Articles - CreditSoup.com Blog

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Articles in June 2017

Credit cards for college students

Natalie Hollingshead June 29, 2017 • 3 Minute Read
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You’re finally finished with high school and college bound this fall. Getting a credit card before you hit the books come September may be on your to-do list for the next months, but be aware that it’s not as simple as signing on the dotted line and getting a card in the mail.
Protect Your Pocketbook: Your Identity Theft Prevention Checklist

Kirsten Thuringer June 27, 2017 • 4 Minute Read
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If I said that identity theft is no fun, it would be a lot like telling you the sky is blue and water is wet — a bit of an understatement. Identity theft is one of the most devastating things that can happen financially, but it’s also far more common than a lot of people realize. About 15 million U.S. consumers were affected by identity fraud in 2016, according to a study by Javelin Strategy & Research. In total, about $16 billion was stolen from those victims.
Don’t Miss Out on These 4 Untapped Credit Card Benefits

CreditSoup Staff June 27, 2017 • 4 Minute Read
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By the time most people are old enough to open a credit card, they’ve undoubtedly heard countless cautionary tales of friends and family members who dug themselves into debt, faced hefty interest rates after not reading the fine print, or destroyed their credit scores with a few poor decisions.
Mortgage Basics

June 26, 2017 • 1 Minute Read
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Compared to merely renting, financing an owned residence can be quite the monetary commitment. Luckily, through mortgage loans, homeowners can break the total cost of their home into regular payments over the course of a number of years.
3 Ways to Lower Your Credit Card Payment

Kat Tretina June 23, 2017 • 3 Minute Read
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When it comes to credit cards, it’s easy to lose track of your budget and run up a balance. In fact, the average credit card debt per cardholder in the United States is $4,061. If you have a high-interest credit card, your balance can grow over time, increasing your minimum payment and making it difficult stay on track.
How Your Credit Score May Affect Your Job Search

Kat Tretina June 21, 2017 • 3 Minute Read
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If you’re interviewing for a new job, you know the importance of a polished resume, personalized cover letter, professional interview attire, and preparedness. One of the most overlooked factors that can affect your chances of getting a job is your credit.
Chase Freedom® Review: A First-Hand Account

Holly Johnson June 20, 2017 • 6 Minute Read
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My original foray into credit card rewards stemmed from a targeted mailer for the Chase Freedom® card. I was in my late 20’s and money was tight. With Chase Freedom®, I learned I could score an initial signup bonus ($100 at the time) and earn 1-5 percent cash back for every dollar I spent. Needless to say, I was pumped to try it out.
How to Choose the Right Credit Card for Your Needs

Kirsten Thuringer June 16, 2017 • 4 Minute Read
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One of the first — and most important — steps of any job is deciding which tool will be most effective for that task. While a hammer is great for driving nails into a wall, it doesn’t work quite as well when you’re trying to apply a fresh coat of paint.
Why Chase Slate® Is The Ultimate Tool For Paying Off Your Debt

Jason Steele June 15, 2017 • 3 Minute Read
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It can be incredibly hard to get out of credit card debt. As unsecured debt, credit card interest rates are generally much higher than those for a home or a car. Unlike a home mortgage or a student loan, the interest charges for credit card debt are never tax deductible. Finally, many people rely on their card’s line of credit to pay for everyday expenses, further increasing the debt that they are trying to pay off.
Understanding Interest and APR is in Your Best Interest

Natalie Hollingshead June 14, 2017 • 3 Minute Read
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It may be complicated, but understanding how credit card interest and annual percentage rates work is really in your best interest. It’s hard to win at the credit card game and make the best possible financial choices for you without a solid comprehension of what terms like interest rate, compound interest and APR mean. Luckily, you don’t need a degree in finance to understand the acronyms on your billing statement.
A New Grad’s Guide to Credit Cards

Kat Tretina June 9, 2017 • 4 Minute Read
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If you’re a fresh graduate right out of college, life can feel overwhelming right now. You just finished four years (or more) of school and now have to face problems like finding a job, moving into your own apartment and paying down student loans. Getting a credit card is probably not a priority right now, but not having a credit card can make life more difficult.
What You Need To Know About Credit Card Limits

Natalie Hollingshead June 8, 2017 • 3 Minute Read
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There are times when taking it to the limit is a good thing — like when you’re racing in the Indy500, for instance, or finishing your first marathon. When it comes to credit card limits, the best policy is to keep your distance.
4 Things to Consider When Weighing Credit Cards

Kirsten Thuringer June 7, 2017 • 4 Minute Read
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Credit cards are like a stick of dynamite: They’re incredibly effective at their intended purpose, but they can blow up in your face when used inappropriately. When you're in the market for a new credit card, the possibilities seem infinite. Countless banks and credit card companies offer dozens of different deals, and every card delivers distinct terms, rates, and fine print.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card Review: Why It’s the One Travel Card I Can’t Live Without

Holly Johnson June 6, 2017 • 9 Minute Read
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While I write about nearly every rewards card under the sun each year, there’s one card I recommend more than any other. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® card continually stands out due to its lucrative rewards program, fair fee structure, and versatility.
Making Sense Of Your Credit Score

CreditSoup Staff June 1, 2017 • 1 Minute Read
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Several factors influence a credit score and how the score is determined. The higher the credit score the better chance the consumer will have to be approved for lower interest loans and prime credit cards. Along with approval odds, your credit score may have a factor in whether you are hired for your dream job or utility rates for cable, internet, etc. In this infographic, you’ll find a rundown of the different aspects that make up your credit score and how you can improve your score. Read on