Whether you need a financial cushion after a job loss or are planning a home renovation, you might be eyeing your retirement account. It’s natural to wonder if you can use a 401(k) as collateral for a loan. The short answer is usually no, at leas…
Author: Lorraine Roberte
Yes, you can get cash with a credit card, but it’s usually a cash advance, not a regular purchase. That distinction matters. Cash advances often include added fees, a separate (and lower) limit, and interest that may start building right away.…
In nearly all cases, you can’t close a bank account with a negative balance until you’ve paid back what you owe. If you ignore the account, hoping it’ll just go away, the bank may eventually close it on its own, but that doesn’t erase the debt, and it …
Not much happens to your 401(k) at first. If you get fired, you don’t lose your 401(k). The money you contributed is yours. The employer match depends on vesting. What happens next depends on how much is in the account, what you do with it, and whether…
Paying off credit card debt is easier when you have a clear plan. Start by listing each card and its important details, such as the: From there, choose a payoff method, look for ways to reduce interest and decide whether seeking expert help might make …
Tax season comes with a lot of paperwork and stress. For many people, it also comes with a welcome payday. When deciding between a bigger paycheck or tax refund, the basic trade-off is timing: more money in each paycheck or a larger payout at tax time….
Visa gift cards are one of the most popular types of gift cards today. They’re flexible, easy to use, and accepted almost everywhere that takes Visa. But can you pay a credit card bill with a Visa gift card like you would with a regular debit card?…
Just got paid or received a check? Of course, you want your money fast. But what happens if your own bank is across town, or worse, you don’t have a bank account at all? You might find yourself standing in front of a random branch, wondering, “ca…
401(k) withdrawals while you are still working may be allowed, but the answer usually depends on your plan, your age, and what kind of move you want to make. Both federal law and your employer’s plan rules decide which options you actually have. Can Yo…
Unless you’re a cash-only business, you need a way to accept customers’ tapped and swiped credit cards. So, how does the credit card payment process work? In this article, we’ll break down the transaction process, what it costs and how to choose …