While traveling in premium class sounds amazing, it might not be the most realistic option for individuals or families. Premium class fares can be quite expensive, and the cost for economy fares is much more affordable — making cash back or flexible currency a great option for booking your travels. If you are an economy...
The article 3 Great Credit Cards for Economy Flyers originally appeared on NerdWallet.
Throwing down $550 a year for a credit card might seem crazy, but the benefits of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card might justify it. In this article, we’ll help you figure out whether this card is right for you and whether the annual fee is worth it. » Learn more: Delta Reserve Credit Card:...
The article Is the AmEx Delta Reserve Credit Card Worth Its Annual Fee? originally appeared on NerdWallet.
Hyatt structures its elite status into four tiers: Member, Discoverist, Explorist and Globalist. Here’s a look at the benefits each tier will get you as you climb the status ladder. Hyatt member This is the equivalent to a hotel-loyalty participation trophy: You achieve this level just by signing up for the World of Hyatt program....
The article Complete Guide to Hyatt Elite Status originally appeared on NerdWallet.
One of my favorite things about being a frequent flyer is being able to compare the different levels of services airlines offer on their served destinations. With the Amman-Dubai route served by Emirates, Royal Jordanian and flydubai, we wanted to give the Emirates first class experience a shot. The route is served by their 777...
The article Review: Emirates First Class From Dubai to Amman, Jordan originally appeared on NerdWallet.
If you’re 65 or older, you have a new option this year for filing your tax return: IRS Form 1040-SR. But even though the form has bigger type and more spacing that may make it easier to read and fill out, many seniors will likely file a regular Form 1040 this year, according to two...
The article This New Tax Form May Help Simplify Filing for Seniors originally appeared on NerdWallet.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how much money to put in your savings account. The standard recommendation is three to six months’ worth of basic expenses — but the balance varies based on your lifestyle. If socking away such a large amount of cash seems daunting, know that with a plan...
The article How Much Should I Have in Savings? originally appeared on NerdWallet.
If you took out a federal parent PLUS loan for your child’s education, you don’t have to start paying it back right away. Parent PLUS loan deferment is available until your child graduates or drops below half-time enrollment, as well as in the six months after. Interest will accrue on the loans during a deferment....
The article Parent PLUS Loan Deferment: Do You Have to Pay Right Away? originally appeared on NerdWallet.
If you’re wondering whether the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card is worth its annual fee, you’ll need to ask yourself these two questions: “Do I fly Southwest enough to want to speed up earning points?” and “Are the rewards worth the fee?” The first question is yours to answer, but as for the second,...
The article Is the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card Worth Its Annual Fee? originally appeared on NerdWallet.
JetBlue TrueBlue points offer fewer redemption options than currencies of big carriers like American Airlines. For example, American AAdvantage miles can be redeemed for flights on 22 partner airlines. TrueBlue points, on the other hand, are good for flights on only two airlines: JetBlue and Hawaiian Airlines. Does that mean TrueBlue points aren’t worth collecting?...
The article The Complete Guide to Using JetBlue Points for the Best Value originally appeared on NerdWallet.
If there’s anything better than flying to Hawaii, it’s flying to Hawaii with perks in tow. While front-of-the-cabin seating can feel out of reach for most travelers, those fortunate enough to earn elite status on Hawaiian Airlines can enjoy a luxurious journey to one of the most desirable vacation spots on earth. Here we cover...
The article Hawaiian Airlines Pualani Elite Status: The Complete Guide originally appeared on NerdWallet.
Was one of your resolutions this year to increase your customer base? Here are 10 tried-and-true tips to help you attract more customers.
Consumers today are still looking for value and deals. Lure them into your business by offering introductory discounts, or have specials such as buy 2-get-1-for half-price or free gift wrapping for the first three purchases. Bargains like these can attract new customers who have been considering doing business with you but needed an incentive to actually change their shopping habits. Then track what they buy and which offers they redeemed so you can better target them with future marketing messages that will cement their loyalty.
Once you gain a customer’s loyalty, put that to work for you by asking them for referrals. Current customers are one of the best sources of new customers. But you can’t be passive and wait for your them to bring colleagues, friends and family to your business. Instead, take control and create a systemized approach to actively solicit referrals from your satisfied customers.
Build referral-generating activities into the sales process. Send follow-up emails to make sure customers are happy with their purchases, and then follow that up with another email asking for referrals. Consider offering incentives if the sale price warrants it. This approach works will for real estate agents, as an example.
Go back to your lapsed customers contact list and market to former customers who haven’t done business with you for a while. Create a regular schedule to do this, say quarterly, and select customers you haven’t seen in six months. Reach out to them via email, direct mail, text, or phone with a “We miss you” message, offering some type of deal or promotion if they’ll come back.
There’s no better way to raise brand awareness than meeting new people, telling them who you are and what you do. Join your trade association, your local Chamber, and networking organizations. Attend Meetup events. If you own a local business, even going to PTA meetings can be a good networking opportunity. Approach networking with a “How can I help you?” attitude, rather than thinking, “What’s in it for me?”
Online search is the primary way both consumers and B2B buyers find new businesses. That means your website has to do the heavy lifting so customers can find you. Review your search engine marketing and search engine optimization tactics and techniques, including making sure your site is mobile-friendly.
Even your site design makes a difference. Too many graphics can slow your site’s load speed, which is a customer turnoff. If you don’t have the expertise in-house, hire a website design company and/or SEO expert to help.
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Teaming up with businesses that have a similar customer base, but aren’t directly competitive, and then strategizing how you can market to one another’s customers to drive new business is a smart way to attract new customers while not spending a fortune. For instance, if you sell baby products, working with a business that sells maternity clothes would be a great partnership.
You can generate interest, and even create buzz, attracting new customers and getting more business from your existing client base by showcasing your industry expertise. Volunteering to speak on industry panels, giving a webinar or workshop, speaking at industry events or to groups your target customers belong to, or holding educational sessions are just a few ways you can make a good impression on potential new customers and clients. This technique works particularly well for B2B business owners.
Consumers, both in the B2B and B2C worlds, frequently turn to online ratings and review sites before they’ll do business with a company they are not familiar with. So make sure you monitor those sites and respond to any complaints. Make the most of positive reviews by linking to them on your website. Post signage in your store, office, restaurant, or other location encouraging customers to add their perspectives. Social proof is powerful, and new customers are more likely to give your business a try if they see others praising it.
Surveys show most people like to support local, independent businesses. Raise your profile in your community by participating in charity events and organizations. Sponsor a local fun run, organize a holiday “toys for kids” drive, or supply a Little League team in your city with equipment. All this raises your profile which helps attract new customers.
This idea is similar to referrals but requires customer participation. Offer 2-for-1, “buy one, get one free” or “bring a friend” deals to get your loyal customers to introduce their friends and colleagues to your business. For instance, a restaurant could offer a “buy one entrée, get a second for free” special to attract more customers.
Think of these strategies as a starter list. Add your own ideas. The key is to get started now, so when next year rolls around, you’ve expanded your customer base.
RELATED: How to Benefit From Customer Complaints
The post 10 Great Ways to Attract New Customers to Your Business appeared first on AllBusiness.com
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Although Hilton and Marriott may have stolen the limelight over the last couple of years, IHG Rewards Club still offers incredible value for rewards travelers. With over 5,000 hotels worldwide, IHG Rewards Club provides plenty of opportunities for earning and redeeming points. Of course, before you start using points for free nights, you’ll have to...
The article Your Complete Guide to Earning IHG Rewards Points originally appeared on NerdWallet.
If you’re flying Southwest Airlines regularly, you should consider getting one of its cards. You’ll earn additional Rapid Rewards points on every ticket you buy and gain some extra perks. The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card has great benefits, like four upgraded boardings every year and in-flight Wi-Fi credits. The card does have...
The article Is the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Card Worth the Annual Fee? originally appeared on NerdWallet.
So you’ve done it: You applied and were approved for a Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite™ Mastercard® card. Maybe it was the welcome bonus or the suite of benefits, but the card caught your attention and now a shiny new card is arriving in the mail. With the annual fee being quite high on...
The article 7 Things to Do When You Get the Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard originally appeared on NerdWallet.
It’s no secret that airline miles are a fantastic way to take a once-in-a-lifetime trip or a family summer vacation across the country. And when a new offer comes around that can give you both, it’s something you might want to jump on. Delta Air Lines and its credit card partner American Express on Thursday...
The article New Delta Limited Time Offers: How to Maximize Up to 100,000 SkyMiles originally appeared on NerdWallet.
You just got approved for your Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card. Now what? Here are four things to do as soon as you receive your new card. Meet the minimum spending requirement The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card offers the following welcome bonus: Get 40,000 bonus miles and Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™ from...
The article 4 Things to Do When You Get the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card originally appeared on NerdWallet.
Financial experts have been predicting another recession for years, and about three-quarters of Americans (74%) think they’d be personally impacted if one occurred in 2020, according to a recent NerdWallet survey. Their most common concern is an increased cost of living (63%), but many are afraid of not being able to pay for necessities, plummeting...
The article Recession Fears and How to Combat Them in 2020 originally appeared on NerdWallet.
Many factors go into choosing airline loyalty, from the legroom (or lack thereof) to the customer service (ditto). Yet the one variable that matters most is also the hardest to answer with a simple Google search: Which airline’s rewards program offers the most value? Not knowing the answer to this simple question is like trying...
The article Which Airline Has the Most Valuable Rewards? originally appeared on NerdWallet.
If someone in your life was kind enough to bequeath you their Roth IRA, bow your head in thanks. Then? Create a plan for what to do with that money. Planning for an inheritance is always important, but it’s become even more so since the Secure Act was signed into law in December of last...
The article Inherited a Roth IRA? Here’s What to Do Now originally appeared on NerdWallet.
Delta’s credit cards, issued by American Express, are rolling out bigger welcome bonuses for a limited time, beginning Jan. 30, 2020. These changes are in addition to a larger overhaul of the portfolio that was announced in September 2019, which also is effective as of Jan. 30 and includes changes in annual fees and adjustments to...
The article Revamped Delta AmEx Cards Unveil Higher Welcome Offers originally appeared on NerdWallet.
By Richard Harroch, Lynne Hermle, and Ellen Ehrenpreis
When launching a new startup, you can face significant business and legal challenges. We have seen plenty of mistakes made by entrepreneurs and startup companies.
The following are some of the more common and problematic legal mistakes made by small and growing companies. These mistakes are made at the initial formation of the business, in the early stages of growth, and when dealing with employees.
If you start your company with co-founders, you should agree early on about the details of your business relationship. Not doing so can cause significant legal problems down the road (a good example of this is the infamous Zuckerberg/Winklevoss Facebook litigation). Think of the founder agreement as a form of “prenuptial agreement.” Here are the key deal terms your written founder agreement needs to address:
Similar mistakes are sometimes made with employees, through email or oral promises, such as “you’ll get 5% of the company” without vesting schedules, role definitions, decisions about what happens on termination, etc.
One of the very first decisions founders must make is in what legal form to operate the business. Because founders often start businesses without consulting lawyers, they incur higher taxes and become subject to significant liabilities that could have been avoided if they had structured the business as a corporation or a limited liability company (“LLC”).
The types of business forms that are generally available to a startup business are as follows:
Corporations, LLCs, and limited partnerships are formed by filing documents with appropriate state authorities. The costs for forming and operating these entities are often greater than for partnerships and sole proprietorships due to legal, tax and accounting issues. Each can offer advantages for founders (and subsequent investors) not available in the case of sole proprietorships and general partnerships, including liability protection from business creditors, tax savings through deductions and other treatment only available to corporations and LLCs, and ease in raising capital. The C corporation (formed in Delaware) is by far the leading choice for technology startups across the country.
Sole proprietorships and partnerships can be converted to a C or S corporation, an LLC, or another form of legal entity, but keep in mind that the costs of conversion can be significant and, depending on the manner of initial formation, can result in a lengthy process.
When picking a company name, it is important to do research to help you avoid trademark infringement or domain name problems and to ensure that the name you choose is actually available to use. You may be infringing on someone’s trademark if your use of a mark is likely to cause confusion among customers as to the source of the goods or services. Here are some steps to take in order to avoid naming issues:
See 12 Tips for Naming Your Startup Business.
If founders form a corporation, limited partnership, or LLC, the sale of stock, limited partnership interests, or LLC interests to the founders and later investors will be subject to federal and state securities laws. Most securities laws require that such sales comply with certain disclosure, filing, and form requirements unless the sales are exempt.
Failure to comply with applicable securities laws requirements can result in significant financial penalties for the founders and the startup company, including a requirement that the company repurchase all shares sold to all investors in the unlawful offering at the original issuance price of the shares, even if the company has lost most, and perhaps all, of the money it raised from the investors. There can also be fines and other penalties (civil and criminal) imposed for failures to comply with the securities laws. To avoid such damaging (potentially fatal) consequences, founders should hire knowledgeable lawyers to document the sale of shares in compliance with such laws.
Startups need to pay attention to a variety of key tax issues germane to their businesses. Without proper planning, founders can find themselves or their startups liable for unintended and unanticipated taxes, fines, and penalties. Here are a number of the key tax issues to consider:
For a complete discussion, see Pay Attention to These 9 Essential Startup Tax Issues.
In a misguided effort to save on expenses, startup businesses often hire inexperienced legal counsel, including lawyers who are friends or relatives, or those who offer steep fee discounts. In doing so, the founders deny themselves the advice of experienced legal counsel who can help avoid many legal problems. Founders should consider interviewing several lawyers or law firms and determine if the lawyers or the law firms have expertise in some, if not all, of the following legal areas:
Although it is not necessary that the lawyer or law firm retained by the founder have experience in all of the foregoing areas because certain problems can be “farmed out” to different lawyers or firms, it is often best that the founders retain a firm that can handle some, if not many, of the areas of expertise listed above so as to provide continuity between the founders and their lawyers.
To locate competent legal counsel, founders should:
Companies are often sloppy in maintaining proper corporate and employee/HR-related documentation. This can become problematic when the company pursues financings, is involved in an M&A activity, or is involved in claims or litigation with an employee or regulatory agency. Here is a compendium of the types of documentation the company should consider maintaining carefully:
Undergraduates will have no problem getting a federal student loan with bad or no credit, but it’s a different story for graduate and parent borrowers. How undergrads can get a federal loan with bad credit College undergrads can get a federal student loan no matter what their credit history looks like — even if they...
The article Can I Get a Federal Student Loan With Bad Credit? originally appeared on NerdWallet.
Travel insurance helps you get your money back when things go wrong with your trip. And it remains a debate: Do you really need it, and is it worth it? Personally, I’ve often skipped travel insurance, preferring to put the extra money toward my trip. Yet as I pulled into the airport after a winter...
The article 9 Credit Cards That Provide Travel Insurance originally appeared on NerdWallet.
Even the most seasoned road warrior will admit there’s something exciting about seeing planes up close and in their element from your hotel room. It’s even better when you can redeem hotel loyalty points so that the room is free or nearly free. Here are some popular airport hotels are tops for plane spotters with...
The article 8 Points Hotels Where #avgeeks Can Plane-Spot Up Close originally appeared on NerdWallet.
Marriott offers a suite of credit cards for frequent and infrequent travelers alike. With over 7,000 properties worldwide, finding a Marriott property in your travels shouldn’t be a challenge. For a $0-annual-fee credit card, the Marriott Bonvoy Bold™ Credit Card offers an attractive array of benefits for the Marriott loyalist. Below is a summary of...
The article Most Valuable Benefits of the Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card originally appeared on NerdWallet.
Business owners who fly Southwest Airlines can enjoy valuable benefits by having one of the airline’s co-branded business credit cards, like the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card. Earning the sign-up bonus with this card can help you save money on Southwest airfare purchases. Here’s the current offer: Earn 60,000 points after you spend...
The article 7 Things to Do After Getting the Southwest Premier Business Card originally appeared on NerdWallet.
As a leader, it’s important to understand the goals and vision of your company. It’s arguably even more important to convey that information to your employees, who play a huge role in turning those goals and vision into reality.
Strong lines of communication ensure everyone is on the same page, leading to greater growth for your business. To help you do this, we asked Young Entrepreneur Council members the following question:
We have a small team, so I like to communicate company values and goals in the office in a conference room or during an in-office lunch hour. For those who work remotely, we conference them into all meetings in real time. —Kristin Kimberly Marquet, Marquet Media, LLC
Weekly meetings are one of the most effective ways to communicate company goals and touch base with your employees on their projects. We hold weekly meetings for each of our teams where we discuss updates, open the floor up for questions, and communicate our weekly, monthly and quarterly goals. —Chris Christoff, MonsterInsights
My preferred method for communicating company goals and vision with my employees is sending a weekly newsletter with remarks and holding one 30-minute meeting a week. I also believe it’s highly important for leaders to show great attitude and enthusiasm as they communicate company vision and goals as this will create a positive vibe among employees. —Alfredo Atanacio, Uassist.ME
We use Slack as our main communication portal. We have several channels for different teams and purposes. We share important updates and communicate our goals and visions on the general Slack channel that everyone is subscribed to. These announcements are also backed by changes to the website and mentioned in weekly meetings. —Syed Balkhi, WPBeginner
I often share stories of customer success or examples of how our team went above and beyond for our customers. These real-life stories demonstrate our company motto, “People First,” in action. Sharing these stories with our team reminds them of our company goals and vision and how we can put those goals and visions into action every day. —Thomas Griffin, OptinMonster
I believe people learn better from experience and immersion. Just like it’s possible to learn a foreign language by spending some time in the country, it’s possible to pass the values on through company culture. We start thinking about it at the recruitment stage and only hire people who already have a lot in common with the team, get the general vibe, and share similar work ethics. —Solomon Thimothy, OneIMS
Our company uses an online hub where we keep all of our employee information, processes, mission statements, etc. New employees use the hub as their main resource to get in tune with their work schedules, tasks, projects, and more. On top of that, we also post our values and mission statement on the hub so employees have direct access to it 24/7. This seems to be an effective method. —Stephanie Wells, Formidable Forms
Team retreats are my favorite place to have everyone together and give an overview of where we started, where we’ve gotten, and where we’re going. I like to start the event with this, as it tends to bring people together and get them excited to spend time with each other, and of course afterwards, to get back to work and work towards these goals. —Karl Kangur, Above House
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Regular workshops that revolve around the core values and long-term vision have a positive, ongoing impact on the organization. Real-time, live (or Zoom) engagement is more personal than a policy pinned on your site. Day-to-day problems can shift the perspective in the wrong direction, which is why recurring workshops around the business values can void any hesitations across the organization. —Mario Peshev, DevriX
I like to use videos to explain goals and vision because it’s the preferred method for our employees, so they pay attention more. That means they take in what’s being shared rather than get distracted and miss what they need to know. —Serenity Gibbons, NAACP
I like the town hall format for sharing this type of information because everyone knows they have the floor to ask questions and get clarity around anything they don’t understand. I also get real-time feedback on what I’m saying so I can see where everyone’s mind is at. —Peter Daisyme, Hostt
I have a mission statement document that I share with all employees. This document outlines my company’s origin story, notable accomplishments, and provides a road map for the future. I frequently update this document as well, so I encourage employees to periodically revisit it, even if they’ve read it before. —Bryce Welker, Accounting Institute of Success
We like to share a stream of emails that cover different aspects of goals and vision. That way, it’s digestible and helps everyone reflect on each aspect separately. Email also allows them to return and reread at their convenience. —Angela Ruth, Calendar
By Holly Welles
The future of the construction industry is bright. Construction and extraction occupations are expected to grow about 10% from 2018 to 2028, and there’s no shortage of job postings seeking talented building, electric, or maintenance professionals. If you’re looking to build and expand your business, there’s no better time than the present.
Of course, choosing to invest in building a construction company will lead to more responsibility and initial costs, but the payoff is promising. Here’s how to get started.
To build a great business, you must build a great team. Hire people with different skill sets that will take your business in the direction you want to see it go. Be selective about whom you hire and invest in those who have the talent and track record to be powerful assets to your company.
The construction labor shortage has made recruitment competitive; finding experienced construction laborers and supervisors has been a challenge since the economic crash of 2008. This means you’ll need to focus on finding employees with a good attitudes and who can learn quickly on-the-job. Your business can benefit greatly from building leaders through robust training and on-the-job mentoring.
For recruiting, try building connections with local community colleges and technical schools. There may be students who are seeking opportunities that value practical skills. As your business grows, you can even sponsor programs that offer apprenticeships or internships for young students looking to enter the industry.
Even if your construction company is making a profit now, there are expenses associated with growth. You must be willing to mindfully invest in order to increase earnings. Think about the cost compared to the potential profit of a project before taking it on.
The best way to plan is to create a budget based on your estimation of costs. Keep utilities, taxes, liability insurance, and professional bonds in mind when making this budget. From this base, you can calculate your ability to afford new laborers and equipment that can help you grow. Planning will ensure your company makes it through the growth process and comes out on the other side, more efficient and stronger.
Remember that unexpected costs are a given in the construction industry. You don’t want to be caught unprepared, so contingency planning is crucial. Set aside about 20% of your budget to pay for unforeseen costs like material upgrades, accidents, malfunctions, and mid-project changes. This will prevent costly delays in production and protect you from running your business into the ground.
Innovative heavy machinery and advancements in technology are changing the way work gets done in the construction industry. New construction business owners must commit to staying up-to-date on the latest software and equipment.
Technology allows your business stay ahead of the curve and the competition. For example, newer and more efficient tools will reduce project time and allow you to take on more clients, reducing labor costs and increasing profit. Keep an eye out for project management software, fleet management tools, and worker safety technologies that help businesses run more smoothly and with less effort.
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Since technology trends change almost overnight, tracking developments can be difficult for busy new construction leaders. One way to stay on top of industry trends is to begin regularly reading construction publications. Try to research new technologies that can help your employees work more efficiently.
Networking and attending industry conferences and events is also an excellent way to stay current. These trade events usually offer classes or demos that will allow you to speak with others in the industry. In addition, there are online communities, such as LinkedIn, where you can connect with industry professionals and discover new opportunities for growth.
Most companies in the construction industry rely on word-of-mouth marketing to grow. While this organic form of advertising has its benefits, you should also consider investing in other types of marketing to get new customers more quickly. Depending on your budget, this can include everything from promotional discounts or referral incentives to television commercials.
Moreover, your marketing campaign should aim to both bring in new customers and retain existing ones. Reach out to former clients by providing referral incentives or offering free estimates or discounts on their next renovation. As always, excellent customer service and quality, reliable work will do wonders in creating a loyal client base.
Focus on winning new clients by creating a strong online presence. Ensure your website is geared toward converting potential customers; include testimonials, quality content, and examples of your work to win their trust and increase sales.
Outline a detailed marketing strategy that can be implemented over the next six to 12 months. Include digital platforms you plan to use to spread your message, and always evaluate your finances before making a final decision.
Construction professionals know better than anyone that a strong product requires an even stronger foundation. Before you build a construction business, make sure you and your team are ready to grow.
Then, consider your best venue for expanding your company. Be sure you are able to get skilled workers and updated equipment. Develop marketing strategies for gaining new customers while also maintaining your loyal base.
Most important, make sure you have the necessary funds to move forward. Growth can kill your business if you incur too many costs right out of the gate. Smart planning and careful budgeting can help you navigate the beginning of your construction career and launch a business that will have long-term success.
RELATED: When Financing Equipment, Beware of the Dreaded Blanket Lien
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In the world of miles and points, there’s a fine line between keeping a healthy balance of miles and points and spending all your points on trips as soon as possible. Because we live in a world of seemingly near-constant program devaluations, it’s not wise to amass a huge stash of miles with no plans...
The article Should I Pay for My Hotel Using Points, Cash … or Both? originally appeared on NerdWallet.
Valentine’s Day is coming up, which means you may soon be spending extra money on items like cards, candy or flowers. Extra spending makes it extra important to save money on those items and all of your other purchases in February. To direct your shopping, here’s a guide for what to buy (and a few things...
The article What to Buy (and Skip) in February originally appeared on NerdWallet.
Recently, my son and I took off on a one-on-one trip to Morocco. Because he was super interested in flying business class, we ended up using American Airlines AAdvantage miles to fly on Qatar Airways. Though Qatar isn’t exactly “on the way” between the U.S. and Morocco, it made for a fun trip. Our final...
The article Hotel Review: Ramada Encore by Wyndham Doha originally appeared on NerdWallet.
If you’re relatively new to credit, or if you’ve made credit mistakes, you may find help in an unexpected place — your parents, grandparents or other older relatives. Credit scores tend to rise as people get older. Experian’s latest State of Credit Report showed that the youngest consumers, ages 18-22, had an average score of...
The article Younger Consumers, Get a Credit Boost From Your Elders originally appeared on NerdWallet.
If you woke up on Jan. 1 groggy with a holiday debt hangover, you weren’t alone: 3 in 5 shoppers took on some form of debt in the previous holiday season, NerdWallet’s latest holiday shopping report found. Much like a champagne-fueled headache, this debt can persist long after holiday merriment fades. Of those who took...
The article How to Quickly Drop Holiday Debt originally appeared on NerdWallet.
Several prominent credit cards issued by Capital One are undergoing changes, including switching between the Visa and Mastercard processing networks, as well as getting revised card designs. Overall, the changes are minor, especially for potential new applicants. The differences probably won’t affect whether you apply for a card or continue holding one. But Capital One declined to comment...
The article Several Capital One Cards Hopping Between Visa, Mastercard originally appeared on NerdWallet.
If you’ve got some flexibility in your vacation schedule and are looking for a getaway this spring, consider taking advantage of popular destinations during shoulder season. What is shoulder season? Shoulder season is the time between the high and low tourist seasons of a specific destination. For example, on a ski trip out West at...
The article 5 Great Shoulder Season Vacations You Can Take This Spring originally appeared on NerdWallet.
Hiring someone to complete your tax return is like hiring a mechanic to fix your car or a real estate agent to help you buy a home. While it can take a significant amount of stress out of a complex job, it doesn’t necessarily prevent all problems or absolve you when problems occur. One-third of...
The article Your Taxes, Your Responsibility: What Hiring a Tax Pro Doesn't Buy You originally appeared on NerdWallet.
