Credit Cards

Understanding Credit Cards

Understanding credit cards, and credit, means that you can use them to your financial advantage. Discuss your credit concerns with a financial advisor today.

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January 2, 2025

How Does Cash Back Work?

Diversified

How Does Cash Back Work? Cash back programs are increasingly popular among consumers seeking to maximize their purchasing power. These programs provide individuals with a percentage of their spending returned to them, either as cash or credit. Understanding how cash back works can help consumers make informed choices about their spending and maximize their rewards. […]

December 26, 2024

Understanding Credit Limits: What They Are and How They Are Determined

Diversified

Understanding Credit Limits: What They Are and How They Are Determined Credit limits are an essential aspect of personal finance, yet many individuals may not fully understand what they are or how they are established. A credit limit is the maximum amount of credit that a lender extends to a borrower on a credit card […]

December 5, 2024

11 Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Credit Score

Diversified

11 Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Credit Score Maintaining a healthy credit score is crucial for financial stability and securing favorable loan terms. Unfortunately, many individuals unknowingly make mistakes that can severely damage their credit scores. Understanding these pitfalls is essential for anyone looking to improve their financial health. Below, we delve into the common […]

October 2, 2024

Rebuilding Your Credit: A Guide to Regaining Financial Stability

Diversified

Rebuilding Your Credit: A Guide to Regaining Financial Stability Maintaining a healthy credit profile is crucial in today’s financial landscape, yet life’s unexpected challenges can sometimes lead to credit setbacks. Whether you’ve faced job loss, medical emergencies, or other unforeseen circumstances, the path to rebuilding your credit may seem daunting. However, with the right strategies […]

Budget Calculator Understanding your budget is an important part of understanding your credit. Start with this simple calculator and discuss with a financial advisor:

Budget Calculator

Your Expenses

1. What are your yearly school expenses? *

This includes tuition fees, textbooks, supplies and related materials, lab fees, library fees and photo-copying

2. What are your yearly food and grocery expenses? *

This includes meal plan, groceries, eating out and snacks

3. What are your yearly housing expenses? *

This includes residence, electricity, mobile phone, internet and rent

4. How much do you spend on professional fees in a year? *

This includes doctor fees, dentist fees, eye care, hair stylist and personal care

5. How much do you spend on entertaintment and travel in a year? *

This includes going out, movies, concerts and travel

6. What are your yearly clothing expenses? *

This includes purchases, cleaning and repair

7. What are your expenses on loan payments in a year? *

This includes personal loan and credit cards

8. What are your yearly contributions and gifts *

This includes charity and church

9. What are your total yearly savings and investments? *

10. What are your total yearly miscellanious expenses? *

This includes memberships, postage, health club, gifts for friends and families

11. What is your total yearly expense on personal toileteries? *

This includes hair care, body care, facial care

12. What is your total yearly expense on transportation? *

This includes bus, train, car, oil, insurance, licensing, maintenance