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Learn the Benefits of Contactless Payments

Learn the Benefits of Contactless Payments

By | Articles, Technology | No Comments
According to a Mastercard® poll, more than half of all Americans use contactless payments. It is the preferred method of checkout for various reasons. Not only is it secure, but it's also faster. There's no need to type a pin into a keypad. Consumers enjoy the ease of Tap & Go®. With your Achieva Mastercard, contactless payments are already on their way. You'll automatically receive an updated card upon the expiration of your old one. Best of all, there are no additional forms or fees.  What technology does contactless payment use?  Contactless cards work by using a specialized chip inside...
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What is a HELOC Draw Period?

What is a HELOC Draw Period?

By | Articles, Finance, Home Buying | No Comments
A home equity line of credit is a powerful financial tool. Borrowers obtain money by using their homes as collateral. During a HELOC draw period, the borrower has control. They do not have to utilize the full availability if they don't want to.  HELOCs help because the interest rates are usually lower than credit cards. You can fund things such as medical expenses, home renovations, or even college expenses. By unlocking your home's value, you can reach your financial goals. Can you pay off your balance during the HELOC draw period? With a standard term, you make monthly payments toward...
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David Steward on Being a Black Billionaire In Tech

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Tech billionaire David Steward changed the structure of the online business experience. His company, World Wide Technology (WWT), is one of the largest Black-owned organizations in the U.S.  In honor of Black History Month, we would like to showcase his contributions to both cyber security and workplace diversity. With business and personal philosophies standing as one, Steward proves that doing GOOD is the best investment. Childhood experiences shaped future business practices Raised in central Missouri, Steward faced poverty and discrimination during his childhood. Because so, gaining profit was never his business motivation. His objective was to serve others. As his...
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Using Auto Refinancing to Reduce Your Installment Debt

Using Auto Refinancing to Reduce Your Installment Debt

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Auto refinancing is an often overlooked term. However, going through the process could save you hundreds of dollars. While many are reactive towards installment debt, changing to a proactive plan will benefit your financial future.  Can you lower your monthly car payment without refinancing? There are three tactics to lower your car payments without going to a new lender. You can: - prepay as long as your current terms do not enforce penalties, - ask your current lender to lower your rates, - or extend your payment timeline.  Each option can lower your payment, but it won't necessarily reduce your...
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What the FTC Warns About Cryptocurrency Investing

What the FTC Warns About Cryptocurrency Investing

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News about cryptocurrency investing is flooding the headlines. So far, several CEOs (and one city mayor) have announced a sudden interest in Bitcoin. As familiarity grows for digital currency, we though it was a good idea to discuss it in length.  Even with the uptick in Bitcoin activity, the FTC stands by its previous warnings. It is crucial to understand that cryptocurrency investing does not have the same protections as trading with the U.S. dollar. No one can guarantee that you will make money. They also advise against investing money you can't afford to lose.  What is Bitcoin? To understand Bitcoin,...
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How to Get Rid of High-Interest Debt

How to Get Rid of High-Interest Debt

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In regards to owing money, high-interest debt remains the most cumbersome. It seems to grow, even after paying the monthly due amount for what feels like an eternity. Stopping the vicious cycle takes strategy, and we're here to show you how. Continue reading for the full details. Should I pay off the highest balance or highest interest first? If saving money is the goal, you'll typically want to pay off high-interest debt first. The reason is with the way interest accrues. For instance, for an original balance of $1000, at a 9.9% APR, the total interest on consistent $50 payments...
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These Valentine's Day Scams Will Leave You Broke

These Valentine’s Day Scams Will Leave You Broke

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The holiday is known for love, yet some use it as an opportunity for deceit. Valentine's Day scams come in many forms. Are you aware of them?  Types of Valentine's Day Scams  You may, or may not, be surprised to know that it's more than just romantic hopefuls falling for hoaxes. Valentine's Day scams bombard users through email, search, and social media campaigns. All serve as an opportunity to exploit your banking accounts, as well as your personal identifying information (PII). The content within these scams, such as images of cute hearts and candy, is very sharable. They spread like wildfire, making...
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This Self-Made Multimillionaire is Only Nine Years Old

This Self-Made Multimillionaire is Only Nine-Years-Old

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The YouTube channel, managed by the mother of Ryan Kaji, started with humble beginnings. In 2015, the only directives the then three-year-old Ryan received were to open the boxes and play. His mother filmed the sessions and loaded them to YouTube. Unique to the platform, Ryan's channel was one of the first to unbox and review toys. The innovation gave Ryan an advantage. So much so that now in 2021, the self-made multimillionaire has a net worth of $32 million.  Ryan possesses a star quality within his persona. Peers of his age could watch his videos for hours. They grew...
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Estate Planning Guidelines to Protect Family Assets

Estate Planning Guidelines to Protect Family Assets

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Estate planning can be seemingly uncomfortable. Yet, for the sake of preparedness, it's necessary. The last thing anybody needs is a quarrel about assets. Furthermore, when a family member passes, how responsible are you for their debts? Using the estate planning guidelines below, we hope to ease the burden. Here are the main points of this article: - A lawyer can help you assign your estate. - A will provides for the distribution of property. - Estates are responsible for paying off debts. - You should review your estate designation regularly.  What is estate planning? Estate planning coordinates the transfer...
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How to Handle a Missing Stimulus Check

How to Handle a Missing Stimulus Check

By | Articles, COVID19, Finance | No Comments
The Treasury disbursed the second round of Economic Impact Payments back in December 2020. They issued direct deposits first, and other forms following shortly after. With several weeks passing since the beginning of disbursement, what do you do if you still have a missing stimulus check? Who is eligible for the second round of EIPs? Before we discuss how to handle a missing stimulus check, let's review the requirements. U.S. citizens and U.S. resident aliens generally qualify for payment as long as: - they have a valid social security number - are not claimed as a dependent of another taxpayer...
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