Smart401k Blog

Financial experts often preach about the dangers of credit cards. With some interest rates pushing 30%, they’re completely right to warn consumers.

That being said, it’s increasingly rare to find someone who doesn’t have at least one credit card in his or her wallet. It’s just so easy to swipe the plastic, and it’s more convenient than carrying a big pile of cash. Plus, with many credit cards, you can earn rewards for your purchases.

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We follow lots of really good blogs – mostly related to personal finance and economics. The Blog Round-Up allows us to point you in the direction of some great content from the blogging world. Posts* included in today’s round-up speak to the theme Credit.  (more…)

If you’ve ever played organized sports, you know that very little time is spent perfecting trick plays or Hail Mary passes during practice.  At nearly every skill level, the primary focus is on fundamentals.

Organizing and maintaining your personal finances is no different. There’s no trick play or short-cut that will ensure your success. Much like sports, a focus on the fundamentals can provide a great foundation for organized personal finances.  (more…)

We’ve all seen the commercials on TV. We’ve heard the catchy jingles on the radio. Many of us (yes, I’ve done it too) have probably caught ourselves humming the tune while walking through the mall or grocery store. But how many of us really know what it all means?

I hope you’re confused at this point – ‘What’s this crazy guy talking about with all this singing and asking for my number?’ I’m talking about the world of credit reports and credit scores, of course!  (more…)

We follow lots of really good blogs – mostly related to personal finance and economics. The Blog Round-Up allows us to point you in the direction of some great content from the blogging world. Posts* included in today’s round-up deal with Credit and Credit Cards. (more…)

This is the first in our new periodic series, Blog Round-Up. We follow lots of really good blogs – mostly related to personal finance and economics. The Blog Round-Up allows us to point you in the direction of some great content from the blogging world. Posts* included in today’s round-up speak to the theme Taking Control. (more…)

The news has been filled with stories about debt. Some of us have bitten off more than we can chew.

Lots of families and individuals (and companies and governments) are awakening from a spending frenzy that, in some cases, was decades-long. Now we’re trying to shape up and settle up. If you’re in that boat, how do you balance your debt repayment strategy with your retirement savings strategy? (more…)

There have been some major changes to the rules governing credit cards, with the last round taking effect on August 23rd.  These rules were implemented to protect the consumer and it is important that you know how it could affect you.  This is an overview of the major changes that have taken place.

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