Today let's talk a little bit about FICO®. Yes, the four letter word that starts with an “F.” If it's not already a part of your regular vocabulary, it needs to be. Whether you are just starting the search for a new place to call home, or the car of your dreams is already sitting in your garage, your FICO® Score matters. With Discover’s new Credit Scorecard it is easier than ever to stay up to … [Read more...]
5 Smart Ways to Spend Your Tax Refund
As tempting as it may be to go on a shopping spree with your tax refund, it's probably not the best financial decision. It would be much wiser to put your money towards something beneficial, like paying off your debt or investing in your future. While it doesn't seem exciting to use your refund to pay off a credit card or refinance your home, it will give you more financial freedom to do the … [Read more...]
5 Tips to Help You Save Money on Your Wedding
The weather is turning warmer and the flowers are beginning to bloom, which means wedding season is right around the corner! While this is an exciting time for many couples as they get ready to celebrate their futures together with family and friends, it can also be a stressful time as bills from vendors begin to roll in. Planning a wedding is a lot of work and it's not cheap. Everything adds up … [Read more...]
How to Rebuild Your Credit in Five Easy Steps
Let's face it. At some point in our lives, we have all made bad financial decisions. From something as simple as overspending at the grocery store, to something much worse, like going into foreclosure or having a car repossessed, these decisions come with consequences. Some are minor, while others have long-lasting effects. Whatever the case may be in your situation, the important thing is that … [Read more...]
5 Tips to Help You Stick to Your Financial Plan This Year
Now that the holidays are over and the New Year is underway, it's time to get your finances in order. If you haven't already, now would be a great time to sit down and make a financial plan for the year. Whether you want to pay off debt, buy a house, build up an emergency fund or save for retirement, it's important that you make a plan and stick to it. Sticking to your financial plan isn’t … [Read more...]
Credit Card Tips for College Students
When I was 18, my dad added me to one of his credit card accounts. He not only wanted to help me start building my credit, he also wanted to teach me how to use a credit card responsibly. Looking back now, I am thankful for his wisdom and guidance. Instead of leaving college with mounds of debt, I left with zero debt and a high credit score. I was able to buy my first house right out of college, … [Read more...]
6 Easy Ways to Protect Your Credit
Did you know that you should be checking your credit score at least once a year? With an increase in identity theft in recent years, it is crucial that you check to make sure that your identity hasn’t been compromised. There are a number of websites that offer free credit score reports and educational tips to help you prevent and safeguard your identity. I would take advantage of these free … [Read more...]
10 Fun Earth Day Activities to Do With Your Kids
Earth Day is coming up on April 22! Are you planning any fun activities with your kids? Depending on the weather, we are planning on planting our garden and adding new flowers to our pots. It's always a fun family activity and it's a great way to teach our kids to take care of the environment. If you're looking for some fun ways to celebrate Earth Day, I've rounded up 10 great activities for … [Read more...]
Discover’s “Surprise” Super Bowl Commercial
The Super Bowl may be over but people are still talking about the commercials. Love them or hate them, they have a way of keeping you glued to your seat during the big game. And if you're like me, you don't really care about the game anyway -- you're just watching for the commercials! From adorable puppies to inspirational dads, this year's ads were some of the best I've seen in years. Many of … [Read more...]
Stay on Top of Your Finances in the New Year with Discover
Now that the holidays are over, it's time to get back on track with your finances. If you haven't already, now is a good time to take a look at your budget and re-evaluate your spending. I challenge you to really get serious about taking control over your finances this year. Spend less, save more, and pay off your debt! To get you started on the right track, Discover has some great deals … [Read more...]