Author: Joel Hilton

A credit card is like a chain saw—if used correctly, it can be a great tool. But if it's mishandled, the results can be disastrous. Increasing your limit is a helpful way to gain more spending power, but it must be done responsibly to gain the benefits. Why should I increase it? If you're a responsible cardholder who regularly pays the entire balance every month, yet still find yourself repeatedly maxing out your card, you may have outgrown your credit line. Increased expenses, after all, are common as people get older, marry & have children. Raising your limit gives you…

Eating out on your birthday doesn't have to cost a lot of money. Many restaurants offer free food or drinks when you sign up for their lists or loyalty clubs, and all it costs is getting some emails. You can even create folders specifically for these deals so the marketing messages don't overwhelm your primary account. And you don't have to visit all of these places in one day, either—that would be deliciously impractical. Most discounts won't expire for a week or two and some are good for your entire birth month. These birthday offerings are subject to change, though,…

Whether you're looking for a fun popcorn flick or you're anticipating the next Academy Award-winning film, going to the movies is always a good time. Sometimes, however, the scariest thing at the theater isn't on the screen—it's on the receipt. The National Association of Theatre Owners reports that the average ticket price in 2017 was $8.97. That means a family of four will spend over $45 just for the show. If you add popcorn, drinks and candy, the total is closer to $75. But it doesn't have to cost that much. Here are some ways to save. Go early Matinee…

Modern email accounts will filter out most phishing attempts and spam messages, but social networking sites like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Snapchat offer scammers a new path to your personal information, financial accounts, and identity. Here are some tips on how to stay safe while using social media. Safe setup No matter which service you're using, check your privacy settings. Facebook, for example, allows you to customize who can see your posts, who can send you friend requests and if you want your profile to show up in search engines. Leaving your profile completely public is like keeping all…

The landscape of retirement financing is changing. While pensions became popular during World War II and were commonplace through the 1980s, 401(k)s are the new normal. But what are the differences? And why would employers choose one over the other? Pension Employment-based pensions, otherwise known as defined benefit plans, are investment portfolios managed by the company. After retiring, eligible employees receive income for the rest of their lives. The annuity amount, or monthly payout, depends on age, salary, and years of employment. These plans reward those who work at one company for an extended time. One reason traditional pensions are…

Whether you're planning a romantic getaway or you're taking the whole family on a vacation, lodging can consume a large chunk of your budget if you're not careful. Here are some tips for saving on your next hotel stay. Timing is everything The best way to spend less per night is to go during the off-season. Peak times will vary depending on location. A room at a ski resort will cost a lot less in the summer, for example, but you're going to have a hard time finding inexpensive accommodations on Valentine's Day. This also applies to days of the…

No matter how safe you’re driving, you can't control anyone else on the road, which means you may still get into an accident. When that time comes, knowing what to do can save you time, money, even additional injuries. Here’s how to proceed immediately after a collision: Step 1: Secure the scene First, don’t leave. Fleeing the scene is a crime and will only get you in more trouble. Move your vehicle to a safe area, such as on the shoulder of the road or a parking lot. If your car is immovable, turn on the hazard lights and stay…

After buying a new or used vehicle, your next step should be getting it insured. Auto insurance, after all, can save you a lot of money on repairs, hospital stays, and even property damage. Most states require drivers to carry insurance, but it's important to understand what you'll need before you hit the road. Here are the main auto policy categories. Liability This pays for the other person's damage and injuries when an accident is your fault. If the accident is caused by the other driver, his or her liability insurance pays for your repairs and medical bills. Getting this…

It's an exciting experience to buy a used car—especially when you finally find the make, model & color you want—at a price that looks like a good deal. However, before you get caught up in the process and sign the paperwork, here are five steps you should take. Do your research Don't make a final decision the first time you visit a dealership or private seller. First, look up the vehicle online and, if applicable, the dealer. Use NADA or similar guides to check the value and read what others who own the same type of car are saying. You…

Good financial health doesn't just happen—you must take an active role to have stability and success. But gaining control of your money isn't as difficult as it may seem. Here are four simple things you can do: Follow a budget You don't need a complex algorithm from a popular financial website—find a budget that works for your lifestyle. It could be an Excel spreadsheet, allocating cash envelopes to each family member, or just using a pen & paper. America First's money manager is a free online tool that intuitively tracks, provides a plan to deal with debt, and automatically categorizes…