TessMore Finance Blog

I didn’t really develop a full-fledged financial plan until I was well into my 30s. I waited too long. Many people avoid getting help with financial planning despite its importance because it seems complicated or overwhelming. This is the issue that “ Fortunately ,” the financial planning software, tries to address. Fortunately is a platform that tries to “keep your financial future on-course, despite life’s unpredictability”. Whether you need to plan for retirement or simply want to save for a rainy day, Fortunately strives to get your finances in order. Here’s what you need to know about this new, up-and-coming financial planning tool. The Challenges of Financial Planning Planning your financial future can be tough, to say the least. And with half of Americans predicted not to have enough money for retirement, you’re not alone in feeling anxious about your prospects. Now, more than ever, it is important to start saving early and often for your retirement. No doubt, it can be ...

Cash back credit cards offer flexibility by giving you several ways to redeem your rewards. Most cards allow you to apply your earnings as a statement credit, purchase gift cards and other merchandise, and receive cash payments via a check or bank account deposit. The Wells Fargo Active Cash SM  Card is no different. The no-fee card from America’s 3rd largest bank also features an earn rate higher than most flat-rate competitors, at 2%. But who is the card best suited for, and how does it compare to more expensive premium rewards cards? This Wells Fargo Active Cash Card review covers the pros and cons and some Active Cash Card alternatives. Table of Contents What is the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card? Wells Fargo Active Cash Card Requirements Wells Fargo Active Cash Card Fees Wells Fargo Active Cash Card Benefits $200 Signup Bonus Unlimited 2% Back No Annual Fee 0% Introductory APR Flexible Redemption Options Free Cell Phone Protection Visa Signature Benefits ...

It can be tempting to cut and run when you quit a job – especially if you’re leaving a particularly nasty situation. But if you have an investment account tied up with that employer, it’s important to transfer those funds as soon as possible. Rolling over a 401(k) is relatively easy, but there are a few things you should know beforehand. We’ll break down the details in the article below. Why You Should Roll Over a 401(k) One of the main reasons to roll over a 401(k) is because you might forget about the account. If you switch jobs every few years and never roll over your 401(k)s, you may end up with multiple retirement accounts which can be hard to manage. Also, some companies will charge an extra fee if you have a 401(k) but are no longer an employee. If you have less than $5,000 in your 401(k), the company may force you to move the funds elsewhere. What to Know When Rolling Over a 401(k) Rolling over a 401(k) isn’t as easy as it should be. Read below for the important things to...

Two of the most popular credit card “families” are American Express (AMEX) and Chase, and both are known for their reward points. Not only for their generous welcome bonuses but their ability to transfer points to partners, redemption flexibility, etc. But which is the better of the two? To find out, I’ve compared the two credit card giants using five criteria: Points offers, point transfers, points redemption options, other card benefits, and fees. It was a close race, but I managed to find a winner. Table of Contents 1. Points Offers American Express Chase Points Offer Winner: Chase 2. Point Transfers American Express Chase Point Transfers Winner: Chase 3. Points Redemption Options American Express Chase Points Redemption Options Winner: Chase 4. Other Card Benefits  American Express Chase Other Card Benefits Winner: American Express 5. Fees American Express Chase Fees Winner: Chase The Overall Winner: Chase 1. Points Offers American E...

I am 53 years old. Never in my life have I allowed myself to buy a car I truly love…until now. This is the story of how I allowed myself to make a huge purchase just for the joy of it. And it wasn't even a purchase I'd intended to make. Let me explain. During the peak of the pandemic (early July 2020), I paid $35,990 for a used 2019 Mini Countryman SE All4. The Countryman — which I call a “Maxi Cooper” — isn't a bad car, but I regretted buying it almost immediately. I'd intended to replace my 2004 Mini Cooper with a newer version of the same model, but allowed myself to be talked into a compact SUV. For two years, I drove the Maxi Cooper and tolerated it. It wasn't a bad car by any means, but it was a bad car for me . I'm not an SUV guy. I'm a small-car guy. Last month, I took the Maxi Cooper for an oil change. While I was waiting, the dealer offered to buy it back from me. I wasn't expecting that. As you probably know, the used-car market in the U....

There are two traditional ways to build credit. You can open a credit card and pay your balance in full each month. A second option is to get a loan for a significant purchase and make the minimum monthly payment until you pay it off. However, neither of these options build credit without debt . So if you don’t feel like buying something you don’t need right now, a credit builder loan lets you receive your loan proceeds back at the end of the repayment term. The best credit builder loans are similar to a traditional bank loan with a fixed monthly payment and term length. Each payment reports to the major credit bureaus to potentially increase your credit score. Here is a closer look at how credit builder loans work and if they can help improve your credit history. Table of Contents What Are Credit Builder Loans? Who Should Use Credit Builder Loans? Best Credit Builder Loans Cleo Self Kikoff CreditStrong Digital Federal Credit Union MoneyLion Fig Loans Metro Credit ...