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☆ Full-time childcare for my toddler is $31,000. I can't afford that, so I work when she sleeps.
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-05 | by ( Victoria Marin | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

I wake up every day at 4 a.m. to get a couple hours of paid work before my daughter wakes up. I can't afford full-time childcare, so I have her with me some days of the week. I can usually get a couple of hours of paid work done before my daughter wakes up, then my attention shifts. We can’t afford full time childcare with our current income, even though we both need to work full-time hours. Our day care offers a sliding scale fee structure, which feels like a privilege, but it’s somehow also still unaffordable.

Persons: —, Toni Morrison, I’m, doesn’t, it’s, we’ve Organizations: Service Locations: autopay

☆ Opinion: I’m an astronaut. Here’s what I can tell you about what you’ll experience in the Mars simulator for a year
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-22 | by ( Opinion Leroy Chiao | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

This upcoming Mars simulator mission won’t require that you be astronaut-ready. During my monthslong space mission, I was able to put everything on autopay on my credit cards or through my credit union. But once you set your expectations about the limited space you’ll have and the protracted period of time you’ll be gone, you’ll probably be fine. Finally, in your year on board the Mars simulator, you will very likely miss some of the things that I missed most. As soon as the spacecraft hatch was opened after landing from my ISS mission, I smelled grass.

Persons: Leroy Chiao, You’ll, NASA doesn’t, aren’t, you’ll Organizations: CNN, NASA, Leroy Chiao CNN, Space, ISS, Space Center Locations: Russia

Up to 8/10 cardholders who asked for a lower interest rate in the past have reported success. Negotiating with Your LendersRequest a Lower Interest RateContact your lenders or credit card issuers to request a lower interest rate, especially if you have a history of on-time payments or an improved credit score. Consolidating DebtDebt consolidation can simplify your finances and potentially lower your overall interest rate if you can secure a consolidation loan at a lower rate than your existing debts. FAQsWill refinancing my loan always result in a lower interest rate? While your existing loans' rates are typically fixed, improving your credit score can position you better for refinancing at a lower rate or negotiating lower rates on future loans or credit lines.

Persons: cardholders, you've Organizations: Chevron Locations: autopay

☆ Almost half of New Year's resolutions are abandoned in the first month. Make 4 adjustments to keep your money goals going strong in February.
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-31 | by ( Jennifer Streaks | Sarah Silbert | Senior Personal Finance Reporter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Read previewFebruary is almost here, and this is when many of us start to lose our grip on money resolutions. Pay off your credit card in full every monthThis is the no. Paying off your credit card in full every month has so many benefits. Because credit card interest rates are so high right now, paying off your credit card in full each month means you avoid that charge altogether. If you're paying off credit card debt, autopay lets you set up how much you can afford to pay towards that debt every month.

Persons: —, autopay Organizations: Service, Business Locations: Sephora

For Love & Money is a column from Business Insider answering your relationship and money questions. Write to For Love & Money using this Google form. After my grandma gave me a large check to help me out, my sister got upset because I had "plenty of money" and didn't need it. Instead, set up two different accounts and put your retirement savings in one and an emergency fund in another. Write to For Love & Money using this Google form .

Persons: —, I'm, Roth, they'll Organizations: Business, Service, Roth IRA

The information for the following product(s) has been collected independently by Business Insider: U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa® Secured Card, U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card. U.S. Bank Altitude Go Secured Card Annual Fee and Other CostsThe U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa® Secured Card is a $0-annual-fee card. U.S. Bank Altitude Go Secured Credit Card ComparisonU.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Secured Card vs. U.S. Bank Secured Visa CardThe U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa® Secured Card is a more appealing secured credit card overall because it offers rewards, while the U.S. Bank Secured Visa® Card is extremely straightforward, with no rewards, but if it's your only option it could be worth it to boost your credit score — you can worry about credit card points or cash back later. Discover it Secured CardBoth the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa® Secured Card and the Discover it® Secured Credit Card offer rewards on your spending, but the Discover it® Secured Credit Card earns cash back. U.S. Bank Altitude Go Secured Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)Is the U.S. Bank Altitude Go Secured card worth it?

Persons: you've, It's, You'll, HBO Max, Hulu, you'll Organizations: Business Insider, U.S, EV, Business, Netflix, Spotify, Bank, Go, Card, Quicksilver, Capital, U.S . Bank, Amazon, Amazon Prime, Apple Music, Apple, DirecTV, ESPN, HBO, MLB TV, NBA, NHL, Paramount, Showtime, Slacker, Starz, YouTube, Go Visa, Visa Locations: U.S, Luminary

☆ Verizon and AT&T are now requiring debit card payments to get the full autopay discount. Here's how to decide if it's worth it.
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-11 | by ( Jennifer Streaks | Sarah Silbert | Senior Personal Finance Reporter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

But your credit card rewards and cell phone protections may be worth more than the monthly savings. Credit card transactions cost businesses more than debit card payments. Credit card issuers use those extra fees to fund credit card perks such as rewards and discounts. The main difference between linking a debit card and a credit card is account protection. Fees no monthly service fee Annual Percentage Yield (APY) None Minimum Deposit Amount $0 Pros Check mark icon A check mark.

Persons: —, Cash Organizations: Verizon, AT, Service, Discover, Discover Bank Locations: Canada, Mexico, Caribbean

A student loan is reported as an installment loan on your credit report and can affect your credit score. How to build credit with your student loanPracticing good student loan management can positively affect your credit score. Monitor your credit report — Regularly checking your credit report helps you spot inaccuracies and stay on top of your credit. Consolidate or refinance federal student loansYou can apply for student loan consolidation if you need help managing multiple federal student loans. How student loans affect credit scores frequently asked questionsHow much do student loans affect credit scores?

Persons: servicers, isn't, —, you've Organizations: Federal Locations: Federal

☆ Credit card users paid $130 billion in fees, interest in 2022, federal watchdog says
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-25 | by ( Ana Teresa Solá | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Proposed changes are meant to fill gaps in the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009, or CARD Act. The law imposed guardrails on credit card companies such as price controls on penalty fees and specific conditions in which they can be charged. However, there is no restriction on how much APR a company can charge nor language on late fees. How to minimize credit card fees, interestCardholders who carried a balance paid about 20% of their average statement balance in interest and fees last year, the CFPB found. WalletHub estimates that cardholders paid on average $76.27 in fees and interest per credit card account in the fourth quarter of 2022.

Persons: Biden, Schulz, it's, " Schulz, cardholders, Autopay, Matt Schulz, Sara Rathner Organizations: Consumers, Federal Trade Commission, Istock, Getty

☆ Big Banks Are Making Huge Profits Off Today’s Savings Rates—Are You?
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-23 | by ( Mallika Mitra | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +6 min

That’s because many big banks have been playing a ‘do as I say, not as I do’ game with customers. Many large bricks-and-mortar banks pay even less—Wells Fargo, for example, pays 0.15% on its standard savings account while JP Morgan Chase pays 0.01%. Evergreen Bank—a locally-owned bank serving the Chicago suburbs—is currently offering a 5.25% APY on savings accounts, one of the best savings account rates for October. Compare that to what big banks offer and you can see the appeal of looking for alternatives to the big banks. For some of the current best interest rate deals, check out our list of the best savings accounts and CD rates.

Persons: Mallika Mitra, they’ve, ”, Mayra Rodriguez Valladares, Morgan Chase, Adam Stockton, you’ve, Susan Mitcheltree, ” Mitcheltree, Andrew Herzog, Herzog, Banks Organizations: Federal Reserve, JPMorgan Chase, MRV Associates, Wells Fargo, Evergreen Bank, Valley Bank, Signature Bank, First Locations: U.S, Wells Fargo, New York, Stockton, “, Baltimore, Plano , Texas, Chicago, —

I used this strategy to recover from a devastating divorce, and now it helps me save more than $25,000 a year, which funds my world travel. Budgeting for fixed expenses is a math problem, but you only have to solve it once. Step 3: Set a variable expense budgetThe variable expense budget is the most critical part of staying on track financially. Personal money. Personal money.

Persons: —, it's, doesn't, you'll Organizations: Service, Savings Locations: Savings isn't

☆ Credit card users paid nearly $164 billion in fees, interest in 2022. It may 'get a little worse,' analyst warns
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-19 | by ( Ana Teresa Solá | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Some credit card companies charge as much as $41 for a missed payment. Proposed changes are meant to fill gaps in the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009, or CARD Act. The law imposed guardrails on credit card companies, like price controls on penalty fees and specific conditions in which they can be charged. However, there is no restriction on how much APR a company can charge nor language on late fees. How to minimize credit card fees, interestCardholders paid on average $76.27 in fees and interest per credit card account in the fourth quarter of 2022, WalletHub found.

Persons: Oscar Wong, Biden, Schulz, Cardholders, WalletHub, it's, cardholders, Autopay, Matt Schulz, Sara Rathner Organizations: Federal Trade Commission

Don't think that because you can't cut your grocery bill or your utility bill is just high this time of year, you cannot save money. Here are five ways to save money in 10 minutes or less:1. Call your monthly bill providersSet aside a few minutes to call your cell phone or internet provider and see if they can reduce your monthly bill. We went through my bill and by the time I was done, my monthly bill was $185. The idea is to make your credit card almost impossible to access — not just to create a credit card popsicle.

Persons: —, It's, it's Organizations: Service

Here's how to get identity protection and what to look for in an identity protection service. If you have children, an identity theft protection service with a family plan or additional features to prevent child identity theft can be useful. Signs of a good identity theft protection serviceWhat you need from an identity theft protection service will vary based on your assets and needs, but the basics are relatively uniform. Red flags in identity theft protection servicesThere's no clear outline of solutions: The last thing you want from the company you're paying for identity theft protection is a lot of talking in circles. Getting identity theft protection frequently asked questionsWhat is the best identity theft protection service?

Persons: Kurt Sanger, Batten, Sanger, Michael Scheumack, Rebecca Morris, —, Morris, it's Organizations: Research, US Cyber Command, Credit Monitoring, Chevron, Social Locations: United States, Chevron

☆ Autopay Is Making Us Worse at Managing Credit-Card Bills
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-08 | by ( Imani Moise | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

This copy is for your personal, non-commercial use only. Distribution and use of this material are governed by our Subscriber Agreement and by copyright law. For non-personal use or to order multiple copies, please contact Dow Jones Reprints at 1-800-843-0008 or visit www.djreprints.com. https://www.wsj.com/personal-finance/autopay-money-management-credit-cards-c546b62c

Persons: Dow Jones

A credit score under these thresholds is also called a sub-prime credit score, which means that creditors might think twice when reviewing your application for a credit line. However, a combination of serious negative marks on your credit score may seriously hurt your credit score, putting you on the lower end of the score range. While one credit check on your credit report may dent your credit score by a few points, several of these in a short period of time will significantly hurt your credit score. While one credit check on your credit report may dent your credit score by a few points, several of these in a short period of time will significantly hurt your credit score. Lowest credit score frequently asked questionsWhat is the lowest credit score to buy a house?

Persons: VantageScore, aren't, you'll, Enoch Omololu, Erik Beguin, Kendall Meade Organizations: Self, New Canadians, Austin Capital Bank Locations: annualcreditreport.com, Chevron

The short answer is that, yes, it is possible to get a grant to help you pay off your student loan debt. Citizens Bank Student Loan Refinancing is one of many strong options for student loan refinancing, particularly because the company allows you to refinance up to $300,000 and to apply with a co-signer. Bottom lineGetting a grant or some other form of loan forgiveness can make a huge difference in your student loan management journey. Every article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of student loan refinance products. See our methodology for more information on how we choose the best student loan refinance companies.

Persons: Harris, refinanced Organizations: Education Data, Biden, CNBC, Citizens Bank Student, Citizens Bank, Loan, Federal Reserve Bank of New, AK, IL, CNBC Select's, Facebook, Twitter Locations: California, Federal Reserve Bank of New York, MN, NH, OH, TN, TX

☆ How to Pay Off Your Student Loans Fast
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-10 | by ( Rebecca Safier | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +11 min

5 strategies to pay off your student loans ahead of scheduleMore than half of students take out student loans to pay for college, with the average debt load upon graduation totaling nearly $30,000. Be cautious about refinancing federal student loans: Doing so means sacrificing federal repayment plans and other protections. Pay off interest during school and your grace periodInterest starts accruing on most student loans, such as federal unsubsidized loans and private student loans, from the day they are paid out (known as the disbursement date), usually at the beginning of each semester. Pursue student loan forgiveness and assistanceIf you’re open to switching jobs, consider pursuing a role that would make you eligible for student loan forgiveness or assistance. If you have federal student loans, you may need to set up autopay again before the payment pause ends in October.

Persons: Rebecca Safier, you’d, “, ”, Karen McCarthy, Let’s, you’ll, Biden, Michael Lux, Joe DePaulo, McCarthy, autopay, forbearance, It’s, you’ve, Jan Miller Organizations: National Association of Student Financial, Public, Student Loan Sherpa, College Ave

☆ Rewards Cards: Put Those Points to Work
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-07 | by ( Julie Weed | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Sign-up bonuses, lounge access, cash rebates, free hotel rooms and plenty of fine print: The dizzying promotions and Byzantine rules on earning and redeeming points with rewards credit cards can make your head spin. Rewards cards offer three types of value. There is typically a sign-up bonus, up to 120,000 points or miles after spending a minimum amount within a certain period. Make partnerships work for youA co-branded card, like the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature (fee $95), helps you achieve status faster with that airline. Hotel chains offer similar co-branded cards.

Persons: Autopay Organizations: Alaska Airlines Visa, Hyatt Visa, Marriott Locations: Alaska

☆ Student-loan borrowers are facing new bills next month — but minor paperwork errors and lost payments are causing 'a lack of clarity about absolutely anything'
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-02 | by ( Ayelet Sheffey | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

The student-loan payment pause is over, and some borrowers are facing problems with repayment. "You remain responsible for making your monthly payments." AdvertisementAdvertisementAfter more than three years, the pause on federal student-loan payments ended on Friday — interest started accruing again on September 1, and borrowers will face monthly bills again beginning in October. Still, there's a chance relief could come for borrowers who have been making payments on income-driven repayment plans. But for borrowers like Hunter who are struggling to get answers from their servicer, it's unclear what improvements can be made.

Persons: they're, Heather Hunter, Hunter, Sarah, she's, —, servicers, there's, Joe Biden Organizations: Service, Education Department, Consumer Financial, Federal Student Aid Locations: Wall, Silicon, autopay

☆ FedNow: A new instant payment system may be coming to a bank near you
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-20 | by ( Jeanne Sahadi | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

“The Federal Reserve built the FedNow Service to help make everyday payments over the coming years faster and more convenient,” said Fed Chair Jerome Powell. FedNow instant payments won’t benefit you, however, if:You don’t have a bank or credit union accountYour financial institution is not part of the FedNow network. If your bank or credit union is among them, it may take some time before they start offering instant payments and deposits for customers using FedNow. And some initially may only offer to receive FedNow payments for their customers, but not send them. And in this first phase of use, the FedNow Service will only be available to process domestic payments between US depository institutions.

Persons: ”, Jerome Powell, “, it’s, Wells Organizations: New, New York CNN, Federal Reserve, Service, FedNow Service, …, Fiscal Service, JPMorgan Chase, Community Bank Locations: New York, Treasury’s, Wells Fargo

☆ 12 things to do when you get the Venture X Card
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-05 | by ( Ariana Arghandewal | Add An Authorized User | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +11 min

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card made quite a splash when it launched in 2021. Getty ImagesWhile you’re moving monthly bills to your Capital One Venture X card, don’t forget your cell phone bill. Getty ImagesThe Capital One Venture X card offers a $100 application fee credit towards Global Entry or TSA Precheck. As a Capital One Venture X card holder, you can claim a free PRIOR subscription by navigating to your accounts benefit tab. Join Gravity HausAs a Capital One Venture X card holder, you’ll receive a $300 discount on an annual Gravity Haus membership every 12 months.

Persons: you’ll, it’s, Hertz, you’re, Hilton Organizations: CNN, American Express, Venture, Capital, Hertz, Global, TSA, Getty, Reebok, Bloomingdale’s, GameStop, IHG, Booking.com, Entertainment, The, Francisco’s Legion, Royal Academy of Arts, Gravity, Gravity Haus Locations: New York, London

☆ The Best Debit Cards for Kids and Teens
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-02 | by ( Kerri Anne Renzulli | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +15 min

Banks, credit unions, financial technology companies and even investment firms all offer debit cards geared toward under 18-year-olds. With Greenlight, children receive a physical debit card with their name on it. In addition to its abundance of customizable features, Greenlight also rises above other kids debit cards thanks to the educational tools and games included in its app. This is possible because the Step Visa Card is not technically a debit card, though it functions very similarly. How we pickedTo pick Buy Side from WSJ’s Best Debit Cards for Kids and Teens, we looked at card options available to those under the age of 18, including prepaid debit cards, checking account-linked debit cards, secured credit cards and brokerage account-linked debit cards.

Persons: Kerri Anne Renzulli, they’ve, Banks, we’ve, Greenlight, Chase, it’s, Side’s, —, Equifax, Roth Organizations: Community Federal Savings Bank, Capital, Teens, Chase, Teen, Fidelity, Learning, Kids

☆ How to Pay Off Your Student Loans
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-28 | by ( Rebecca Safier | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +13 min

Here’s how to pay off student loans in a way that works for your budget and goals. Look into specialized loan forgiveness programsWhile the Supreme Court hasn’t shared its ruling on Biden’s widespread forgiveness initiative yet, there are other options for loan discharge, such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness and Teacher Loan Forgiveness. You can pay off federal student loans early, as there’s no student loan prepayment penalty. If you want to retain access to federal protections, it wouldn’t make sense to refinance your federal student loans. In the end, there’s no single right way to pay off student loans faster.

Persons: Rebecca Safier, Biden’s, ”, Robert Farrington, you’re, you’ve, Michael Lux, “, Farrington, Autopay, servicers, autopay, servicer Nelnet, hasn’t, Adam Minsky, You’ll, Mark Kantrowitz Organizations: Education Department, College Investor, millennials, Federal, Aid, Grad, Student Loan Sherpa, Student Aid, autopay, Peace Corps, Corinthian, Education Locations: “, SavingforCollege.com

See Insider's picks for the best personal loans >>Compare Personal Loan RatesHere's how you can get approved for a $20,000 loan from a credit union, bank, or online lender. $20,000 loan offersThere are plenty of personal loan options out there for folks shopping around for a good deal on a $20,000 loan. You can take out a loan as low as $5,000 and as high as $100,000, so a $20,000 loan is more than doable with SoFi. How to get a $20,000 loan FAQsHow much would a $20,000 loan cost per month? The monthly cost of a $20,000 loan can vary greatly based on the annual percentage rate (APR) and the terms of your loan.

Persons: —, It's, You'll, you'll, SoFi, Wells Organizations: Service, Social, National Credit Union Administration, Wells Fargo, Wells, PenFed Credit, Avant, Chevron Locations: Wells Fargo, Massachusetts , Ohio, New Mexico, Georgia

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