Posts by Meghan Alard:

Cash Back Debit Cards: You Don’t Need Credit Cards for Cash Back Rewards
February 15, 2020
You don't need a credit card to earn cash back rewards! Learn how to get cash back without using a credit card by taking advantage of the same offers on your debit card.
Americans are Already Strapped for Cash Ahead the Holidays
October 26, 2018
Holiday spending often turns into credit card debt. These tips can help you minimize debt if you’re already strapped for cash ahead of the holidays.
What’s Your Personal Saving Rate?
August 24, 2018
The personal saving rate hit 6.8% in June, but are Americans saving equally? We look at personal savings and offer tips on improving your saving strategy.
Reducing the High Cost of Credit Card Debt
August 10, 2018
Consumers pay over $100 billion every year on credit card interest charges and fees. We explain how to minimize the high cost of credit card debt.
Are You Afraid of Outliving Your Retirement Savings?
July 20, 2018
Many Americans fear they won’t have enough money to live comfortably during retirement. We explain how avoid outliving your retirement savings.
Are Gas Cards Still a Good Value in 2018?
July 6, 2018
As gas prices increase and interest rates on gas cards rise, is it still wise to use a co-branded gas credit card to fill up? Some experts say no.
10 Money-Saving Summer Budget Tips
June 1, 2018
It’s the official start of summer 2018, which makes it the perfect time to set a summer budget so you can avoid credit card debt and achieve your goals. Consolidated Credit offers 10 money-saving tips.
4 Good Reasons to Sign Up for my Social Security during National Social Security Month
April 20, 2018
April is National Social Security Month. The Social Security Administration offers a tool called my Social Security. Even if you’re not getting benefits yet, there’s good reason to have an account.
Don’t Loan Credit Cards!
March 30, 2018
If you thought lending money to family was a bad idea, consider that 36 million Americans admit they’ve run into trouble when they decided to loan credit cards to friends and family. Learn why it’s a bad idea and what you can do instead to help someone out.
Going into Debt to Be Internet Famous
March 16, 2018
People always find new ways to go into deep debt, but wasting your money (or your parents money) to become Internet Famous isn't a recipe for success; it's a recipe for financial distress! We offer the top five dumb ways that seeking online fame can lead to credit card debt.
10 Tips for Financial Spring Cleaning
March 9, 2018
We offer 10 financial spring cleaning tips so you can adjust your budget, find ways to cut costs and get your finances ready for summer and the two biggest shopping seasons at the end of the year. Are your finances ready?
10 Financial Tips for Female Breadwinners
February 16, 2018
Financial stress can be high for female breadwinners as you juggle family, a relationship and being the primary income earner. We offer 10 cost saving financial tips can that help you keep your sanity.
Is a Joint Loan Application Better than Single?
January 26, 2018
As a married couple taking out a personal loan, you have an important choice to make: Do you go for a joint loan application or are you better off single? We explain how to weigh the benefits of each, so you can secure the right financing at a good interest rate.
Can You Reconsolidate Debt?
January 19, 2018
If you have a debt consolidation loan that you haven’t finished paying off and new credit card balances that you need to pay, you can reconsolidate debt to get lower monthly payments and to help you save money on interest charges. Here’s how…
The Costly New Importance of Brand Loyalty
January 12, 2018
As Apple admits to throttling old iPhones, loyal customers consider leaving them behind. But the importance of brand loyalty as a costly new angle.
Are Credit Cards with Annual Fees Worth It?
January 5, 2018
Credit cards with annual fees can offer some valuable incentives, but you have to assess the cost of using the card and the credit card rewards you earn carefully.
Time to Start Planning for Christmas 2018! (No, We’re Not Kidding)
December 28, 2017
Now that the holidays are over, take these steps to start budgeting and saving for Christmas 2018. Start now to avoid the dreaded holiday debt hangover!
Smart Identity Theft Protection Tips
November 3, 2017
Use Consolidated Credit’s Identity Theft Protection infographic to learn how to protect your personal data and information from ID theft and credit fraud.
Christmas Budgeting in July
July 25, 2017
Celebrating Christmas in July in just another dumb excuse to spend money, but starting Christmas Budgeting in July can be a smart way to holiday debt.
Attention Millennial Homeowners: You’re Probably Doing Home Renovation Projects Wrong
June 16, 2017
A Hearth.com survey finds Millennials are gun-shy about traditional options for financing home renovation projects. But the alternatives are costly.