Bankruptcies in majority-white zip codes vs. majority-black zip codes (2008-2010) Bankruptcy measures White postal code Black postal code Chapter 7 Success Rates (i.e. Debt Cancellation) 97% 90% Chapter 13 Success Rates (i.e. Debt Forgiveness) 58% 39% Percentage of Chapter 13 filings among Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings 26% 50% Chapter 13 Failure Rate (Case …
8 Types of Credit Cards
There are countless credit cards to choose from, suitable for all different types of expenses and budgets. Therefore, it is important to understand what aspects of your financial life you want to enhance through the use of a credit card. What are ours! 1. Travel credit cards Travel credit cards offer services and benefits designed …
Complaints Reveal the Sneaky Tactics Credit Card Reward Programs Use
If you’ve tried to earn or use credit card rewards in the past decade, you probably won’t be surprised to hear a lot of criticism. But a new report from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau found that the number of complaints has increased by 70% compared with before the epidemic. The report highlights a host …
I’m Happy to Pay $550 a Year for This Credit Card. Here’s How I Get Thousands of Dollars in Value From It
When people learn that I’m an expert on credit cards and travel rewards, they often ask, “What’s the best credit card?” They call me that. My standard response is that the best card depends on who you are and how you are. use it. But this is a boring answer. So now I’m going to …
Planning a Summer Trip? These Credit Card Welcome Bonuses Can Help
The following recommendations are not the most current. For the latest information, visit our list of the best travel credit cards. The days are getting longer and winter is finally coming to an end. As the first summer vacation season approaches, you may be thinking about spending a few days at the beach or relaxing …
I Used My Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card for Beyoncé Tickets and Scored Two Flights in Return
When you get a new travel credit card, it comes with a welcome bonus. Earlier this year, I signed up for a Chase Sapphire Preferred, used the card to pay for Beyoncé’s tickets, got the welcome bonus, and then used that bonus to buy two flights. If you’re considering applying for a new credit card, …
How do Credit Card Points Work?
Credit cards can offer different types of rewards, from cash back to points or miles. Typically, travel, airline miles, and sometimes even hotel credit cards earn points or miles — though some other cash back credit cards can also earn rewards in the form of points. While points are generally most valuable when traveling — …
Pairing the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and Chase Freedom Unlimited to Level Up Your Rewards
If you’re financially disciplined enough to track your spending and pay off your credit card balances each month, having multiple rewards credit cards can allow you to earn and redeem rewards faster. Choose two rewards credit cards with complementary earning structures, benefits and redemption options, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and the Chase …
I’m Dealing With Debt – and I Write About Money for a Living
I’ve been writing about personal finance for more than a decade, covering topics ranging from budgeting to 401(k)s. So I know a lot about how to manage your money. But like most people, I was in a lot of debt. And for a long time, I was ashamed of it. Financial stigma is real, but …
Planning a Summer Trip? These Credit Card Welcome Bonuses Can Help
The following offers may not be current. See our list of the best travel credit cards for the latest information. The days are getting longer, and winter is finally over. With the first summer vacation approaching, you may be thinking of going on a vacation to the seaside or to a quiet time by a …