Let’s say you’re in dire need of cash. You might be struggling to work your way out of debt. Maybe you had an unexpected emergency with a big price tag. There’s a stash of cash available in your 401(k), but you’re technically supposed to save that money for retirement. Should you tap into your retirement savings if you really, really need it?
Continue readingAuthor: Mikaela Sullivan
11 Common Money Myths Debunked
Sometimes it’s difficult to spot the difference between good and bad advice. Amidst questionable suggestions from family and friends, contradicting web searches and the hundreds of “get rich fast” books at your local library, it can be especially hard to know what financial advice is worth your time.
In this blog, we’ll explore 11 common personal finance myths, clear up the misinformation and uncover the truth.
Continue readingSide Work and Freelancing: Ideas for Your Next Hustle
If you’ve been searching for ideas on how to make additional cash through a side hustle, you’ve likely noticed that there are hundreds of ideas to choose from! Unfortunately, some freelancing and side work ideas aren’t incredibly lucrative, take more time than they’re worth, or are outright scams.
Continue reading50/30/20 Budgeting: What It Is and How It Works
If you’ve tried to create a budget in the past, you may have struggled with prioritizing your expenses. Needs like food, shelter and utilities are likely at the top of your list, but is a new pair of jeans more important than putting money towards your emergency fund? Should medical bills or car payments come before credit card debt? Is it okay to squeeze in a latte if you’re still paying down your college debt?
Continue readingBehind the Scenes With a Certified Debt Specialist
Accredited Debt Relief offers free consultations to those struggling with debt across the U.S., but what’s that first phone call experience really like? We interviewed Director of Sales and former Certified Debt Specialist Andrew Schwan about client phone calls, common questions and concerns, debt advice and his experiences at Accredited Debt Relief.
Continue readingCreate S.M.A.R.T. Goals With Our Free Worksheet
Setting goals is often easier said than done, especially when finances are involved. We would all like to make more money, pay off debt, start investing or make a big purchase. However, knowing how exactly to bring those wishes to life can be tricky.
Continue readingDebt Relief: Settlement vs. Making Minimum Payments
Juggling multiple debts, in addition to paying for your other living expenses and bills, can be incredibly difficult to handle. If your funds are already stretched thin, you may only be able to make minimum payments toward your debts every month. While this can satisfy your creditors and maintain your credit score, it can take years to pay off and cost you much more in interest.
A debt settlement program could help to cut your debt in half, but is it worth pursuing? Let’s compare the key aspects of a debt settlement program and a minimum monthly payment strategy so that you can determine what’s best for you.
Continue readingDebt Relief: Settlement vs. Debt Consolidation Loans
Working your way out of debt can be difficult to manage, but balancing multiple debts can seem nearly impossible. Many have found that combining multiple debts into one debt helps to streamline monthly payments and reduce the number of creditors that they’re dealing with. You can accomplish this through a debt consolidation loan or customized debt settlement program offered by Accredited Debt Relief, but which one is the most effective?
Continue readingDebt Relief: Settlement vs. Bankruptcy
Debt can be an incredibly heavy burden to carry, and many relief options aren’t able to reduce the actual debt that a borrower owes. The customized debt settlement programs offered through Accredited Debt Relief can eliminate a portion of your debt, but so can bankruptcy – which option is best for you?
Continue readingSide Work and Freelancing: Advice From Side Hustlers
The idea of taking on a side job or freelancing isn’t anything new. “Side hustles” have gained increased popularity in recent years, and the current health crisis has put second jobs and gig work in high demand.
Kelly Strain, Content Marketing Manager at GigSmart, explained how COVID-19 has impacted those looking for work on the company’s platform. “Our daily demand is up 25%, and the average hourly pay rate across all gigs has increased from $17 to $22,” she noted.
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