Christopher Murray , Author at Money Crashers

How to Use a Personal Loan to Improve Your Credit Score

Christopher Murray — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 15:38:30 +0000

Finding out how much your credit score really matters can be a hard blow. Fortunately, diligently paying down a small, short-term loan gradually increases your credit score over time. And following these steps, you can potentially have the funds in your hand in a day or two.

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Bill Pay Explained — How to Streamline Your Finances

Christopher Murray — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 13:00:00 +0000

Bill pay streamlines your bills, allowing you to automatically pay each provider on a recurring basis, all from one location. But it has plenty of downsides too. So ensure it’s the right choice for you before setting it up.

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Autopay Meaning — Your Guide to Automated Bill Payments

Christopher Murray — Mon, 31 Jul 2023 17:00:00 +0000

Your service providers are pushing autopay as a way to pay your bills. But you’re left wondering how that differs from the bill pay service your bank offers and how all that really works. Get the facts before signing up.

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Should You Use a HELOC to Consolidate Credit Card Debt?

Christopher Murray — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 13:00:00 +0000

If you’re a homeowner, you have a powerful tool that can help with debt consolidation: your home’s equity. A home equity line of credit uses your home’s equity to offer you a built-in line of credit you can draw on for various purposes, debt consolidation included.

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Credit-Builder Loans — Building Credit Made Easy & Affordable

Christopher Murray — Wed, 19 Jul 2023 13:00:00 +0000

Discover how credit-builder loans can help you establish or rebuild credit quickly. Learn how they work, their features, and the pros and cons to make an informed decision.

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How to Determine the Value of Credit Card Rewards

Christopher Murray — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 13:00:00 +0000

Earning credit card rewards can be hard work, and redeeming them is a whole ‘nother thing. But take a deep breath. Picking a credit card that works for you instead of costing you starts by determining the true value of the rewards you’re earning.

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Are Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses Worth It? — Maximize Rewards

Christopher Murray — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 13:00:00 +0000

Credit card sign-up bonuses can offer you an extra few hundred dollars just for spending normally. And you can likely find one that works for your spending habits. But are they worth it? To figure that out, you need to know how they work and how to evaluate them.

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Why Did My Bank Close My Account? — 5 Reasons

Christopher Murray — Tue, 06 Jun 2023 13:00:00 +0000

Was your bank account suddenly closed? Don’t panic. Many banking customers have found themselves in similar situations. Account closures can happen for various reasons, and understanding why can save you a lot of frustration and inconvenience.

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What to Do if a Lender Rejects Your Loan Application – 8 Steps to Take

Christopher Murray — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 13:00:00 +0000

Having a loan application rejected can be a huge financial blow. You were counting on that money, after all. But all is not lost. Take these steps to improve your loan application and reapply with another lender. Or work to improve your credit so that you’re in a stronger position next time.

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Money Market Accounts vs. Certificates of Deposit (CDs) – Differences

Christopher Murray — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 13:00:00 +0000

Bored with your traditional savings account? Two other options could be a better fit. Learn the difference between money market accounts and certificates of deposit (CDs) and when each one makes sense for your savings goals.

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How to Start Saving Money – 15 Tips and Strategies for Beginners

Christopher Murray — Fri, 17 Jun 2022 18:37:00 +0000

Unexpected expenses can strike at any time. When they do, you need to come up with money fast. The best way to do this is to build your savings over time, before you need it. Learn some time-tested strategies to increase your cash reserve.

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