Category:
Personal Finance

Banks vs. Credit Unions pros and cons written on a blackboard.

Advantages of Credit Unions

By Pat McManamon | November 19, 2025

A credit union is a member-owned nonprofit cooperative that provides financial services to its members. Because credit unions are member-owned, they are not answerable to shareholders, so profits are returned…

Close up judge hammer gavel on many credit card with white wall background

How to File Bankruptcy on Credit Cards

By Michael Knisley | September 22, 2025

You’re probably already past the well-intentioned warnings from experts about bankruptcy. “Don’t do it unless you have to.” “It’ll hurt at least as much as it helps.” “Make it the…

Happy family in front of the house

Events

By Devin Joy | June 12, 2025

Upcoming Events Debt consolidation is a sensible solution for consumers overwhelmed by credit card debt. It can be done with or without a loan. Consolidation cuts costs by lowering the…

Man sitting at table in home office, holding and looking at credit card considering debt relief options.

How to Pay Off Credit Card Debt Without a Loan

By Tom Jackson | May 28, 2025

Americans are drowning in debt. If you want to know why, return to 1812. “We have met the enemy, and he is us.” That’s what Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry said…

Woman on the phone with a credit card in hand representing calling to negotiate.

How to Negotiate a Lower Minimum Payment on a Credit Card

By Tom Jackson | April 24, 2025

When it comes to paying credit card bills, millions of Americans are just scraping by. They make only the minimum monthly payment, and that’s often a stretch. The good news…

Female hands with multiple credit cards on color background.

How Many Credit Cards Should I Have?

By Tom Jackson | March 21, 2025

Credit cards are wonderful inventions. They make purchasing anything convenient and nearly fraud-proof. They’re portable and online-friendly. Many offer rewards or cash back. When used properly, they help consumers build…

Young woman checking and calculating credit card payments at home.

How to Lower Monthly Credit Card Payments

By Bents Dulcio | March 19, 2025

If your monthly credit card payments are choking your budget, you’re not alone. Almost half (48%) the credit card users in the U.S. carry a balance from one month to…

Realistic 3d render of credit card with red cross mark and exclamation sign.

Why Did I Get Denied for a Credit Card?

By Alan Schmadtke | March 19, 2025

The two biggest reasons companies will deny you a credit card are low credit scores and poor credit history. Other reasons for credit card denial include low income and too…

Minimum payment statement with pen and credit card.

Does Paying the Minimum Credit Card Payment Hurt Credit?

By Robert Shaw | February 21, 2025

Making the minimum payment on credit cards might seem like a friendly option in a month when money is short, but don’t mistake it for safely treading water. Yes, making…

Hand of woman calculating multiple credit card bills.

Which Credit Card Should You Pay Off First?

By Michael Knisley | December 18, 2024

You’re at the store. You’ve found the perfect purchase. It’s pricy, but so what? You’ve got plastic to pay for it, plastic that’s been burning a hole in your wallet/purse/pocket.…

Sources:

  1. Rodriguez, A. (2025, October 27) Here are the 3 times a credit union is better than a bank. Retrieved from https://www.cnbc.com/select/3-times-a-credit-unions-is-better-than-a-bank/
  2. N.A. (ND) The History of Credit Unions Offering Investment Services. Retrieved from https://www.cunastrategicservices.com/content/the-history-of-credit-unions-offering-investment-services
  3. Egan, J. (2024, December 5) Credit Union vs. a Bank. Retrieved from https://www.usnews.com/banking/articles/credit-union-vs-a-bank
  4. Redlin, P. (2025, April 9) Pros and Cons of Credit Unions. Retrieved from https://www.edvisors.com/student-loans/credit-unions/credit-union-pros-and-cons/
  5. Wade, J. (2025, August 19) What Are the Benefits of a Credit Union? Pros and Cons to Know. Retrieved from https://www.hcpfcu.coop/news/what-are-the-benefits-of-a-credit-union-pros-and-cons-to-know