Personal Finance
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Since 2009, Kevin Mercadante has been sharing his journey from a washed-up mortgage loan officer emerging from the Financial Meltdown as a contract/self-employed “slash worker” – accountant/blogger/freelance web content writer – on Out of Your Rut.com. He offers career strategies, from dealing with under-employment to transitioning into self-employment, and provides “Alt-retirement strategies” for the vast majority who won’t retire to the beach as millionaires.
Kevin frequently discusses the big-picture trends that are putting the squeeze on the bottom 90%, offering work-arounds and expense cutting tips to help readers carve out more money to save in their budgets – a.k.a., breaking the “savings barrier” and transitioning from debtor to saver.
Articles by Kevin Mercadante
What Is Annual Percentage Yield (APY) And How To Calculate It
There are two interest rates posted with nearly every interest-bearing instrument: interest rate and annual percentage yield (APY). APY is the most important to you as an investor. Here’s why.
Best Merrick Bank Credit Cards 2024
If you have bad credit or little credit, Merrick Bank might be able to help you. This bank offers three different credit cards specifically designed to build or rebuild credit.
OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card Review 2024
The OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card can help you build or rebuild your credit. With this card, no checking account is required and no credit check will be performed.
Foreign Transaction Fees: What They Are and How to Avoid Them
Most credit cards charge foreign transaction fees, and they can add up with frequent foreign travel. You owe it to yourself to avoid paying them. Here are four ways to do it.
Mutual Fund Fees and Expenses for Beginners
Mutual fund fees and expenses are confusing. Funds with the lowest fees can improve your investment performance by thousands of dollars.
How to Remove Hard Inquiries from Your Credit Report
Hard inquiries can lower your credit score, so it’s important to learn how to remove them from your credit report. Here’s how you can do it.
Can You Pay A Car Loan With A Credit Card?
Can you pay a car loan with a credit card? It’s possible, but only in limited circumstances. Here are the few situations where the practice makes sense.
What Is Credit Card Purchase Protection?
Because so many transactions happen online, having purchase protection is more important than ever. Find out why here.
Secured vs. Unsecured Credit Cards? What Is The Difference?
If you have fair or poor credit, you’ll have a choice of secured vs. unsecured credit cards. What is the difference between the two, and which will work best for you?
How Much Is Your Car Worth and What Are Your Options After Appraisal?
Ever wondered how much your car is worth? You can find out in a matter of minutes with an online car value estimator—they are quick, easy, and free to use.
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