Originally published: February 18, 2022 Your net worth shows you the big picture view of your finances and financial health. Add your assets and liabilities to our form to calculate your net worth and learn four ways to improve your result, including insight from financial planner Michael Ryan.

Have you ever found yourself scrolling through endless financial advice articles, wondering where to begin when it comes to improving your financial health? Maybe you lose interest halfway through personal finance blogs because you are already short on time and attention. Documentaries are great alternatives to traditional financial resources because they educate and entertain. Kickstart your […]

If you share some or all of your expenses with a significant other, an effective budgeting strategy is essential for open communication. Using one of our free budget spreadsheets for couples will help you align your priorities and work as a team toward your shared goals.

Financial literacy is a vital skill that can help you make informed decisions with your money. To celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Financial Literacy Month, we are exploring the six pillars of financial literacy to help you brush up on the skills you need to achieve economic success.

Although credit card debt fell briefly at the beginning of the pandemic, it’s back up now, and – guess what? – the numbers are exceeding pre-pandemic levels. What is behind this climb, and what does it mean for Americans?  Credit Card Debt Reaches New Highs Together, Americans hold $986 billion dollars in total credit card […]

Did you know that “getting a new job” is one of the most popular new year’s resolutions? Every year job seekers send out resumes and cover letters, hoping to find a position that will improve their quality of life. Unfortunately, early optimism can be dashed when applicants find the job search process long, stressful, and […]

Learn why you might be throwing half your savings away, and how to change that with one simple action …

If you’ve felt real discontentment with your work for a while now, it could be time for a midlife career change. Learn how to recognize if a change like this is right for you, and if it is, how to navigate it successfully.

If your total credit card or personal loan balances are $25,000 or higher, then chances are good you are paying hundreds of dollars every month in interest! So what can you do about it? More than you might think. We’ve listed three surprising ways you can pay off $25,000 in debt.

Let’s face it. College isn’t for everyone. But there are plenty of fulfilling high-paying jobs you can get without higher education. Check out this list of 24 fascinating jobs with no degree requirement.

Maxing out your credit card is frustrating. Not only is it a sign that you’ve been overspending, but it can also damage your credit score. If you’re struggling to pay off your balance, don’t worry – there are ways to rebound from a maxed out credit card. 

Despite significant economic improvement in 2021, consumer debt in the U.S. has once again hit an all time high. By the first quarter of 2022 it climbed to $15.83 trillion – more than double what it was in 2003 and 20.9% higher than the total pre-pandemic. Data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York […]

Have you tried one or more of these four common budget types? Learn more about zero-balance, 50/30/20, envelope and anti-budgets.

Did you know that there is a minimum payment warning on every credit card bill you receive? It usually includes a table that spells out how many years and how much money it will take to pay off your debt if you only make minimum payments. Creditors are required by law to include this information. […]

Most people in debt share a common goal: to pay it off quickly and save as much money as possible. No one wants to spend more than they have to. Fortunately, there are many different ways to get out of debt faster and for less money. Consider six of the cheapest ways to get out […]

A personal loan is money borrowed from a bank, credit union, family member, or online lender. Many different types of loans fall into this category. Most have a fixed interest rate that allows borrowers to make predictable payments to repay the debt. 

If you need to consolidate and pay off existing debt but have concerns about your credit score and finances, you may be considering bad credit loans. Using a bad credit loan to consolidate existing debt may seem like a good idea, but it’s not your only option. It’s important to understand the risks and consider […]

A payday loan is a short-term loan available to you based on how much you earn each pay period. Lenders require proof of income, usually a recent paystub, to qualify for the loan. The lender then grants a loan for that amount along with interest and/or a lender’s fee.

If you regularly worry about money, you are not alone. Every year the American Psychological Association (APA) commissions an annual nationwide survey to examine and understand the impact of stress. And every year since it began collecting data in 2007, money-related stress has been a top concern. 

Debt consolidation loans allow you to refinance by taking on a new loan to pay off multiple debts. Consolidation combines numerous debt obligations into one monthly bill that streamlines the repayment process for credit cards, loans, and other bills. Loans are typically paid in monthly installments that include interest and fees accrued. They can be […]

Dealing with debt can be an incredibly scary and stressful experience, but it’s also a common struggle for many Americans. CNBC recently reported that the average American has $90,460 in overall debt, including credit cards, student debt, mortgages, and personal loans. You might be asking yourself, “If debt is such a big problem, then why […]

Ending your relationship with debt is a journey that takes time, planning, and ultimately, a little bit of math. We created a debt payoff worksheet to help you gain a good understanding of your income, expenses, and how much money you can put toward your debt every month. Our worksheet enables you to crunch the […]

When money is tight and you’re having difficulty paying your bills, it’s incredibly easy to make choices that make your financial situation worse. Getting a new credit card, sticking with minimum payments or skipping payments altogether may stave off the problem in the short-term, but could cost you even more down the road. If you […]

Have you ever thought about moving to a different country? Or maybe you are wondering how far a US dollar will go on your next international vacation. Even if you are just a curious mental traveler, you’ll be fascinated to learn which countries ended up on the list of Top 20 most expensive countries to […]

If you’ve been searching for ideas on how to make additional cash through a side hustle, you’ve likely noticed that there are hundreds of ideas to choose from! Unfortunately, some freelancing and side work ideas aren’t incredibly lucrative, take more time than they’re worth, or are outright scams. 

Consolidating your credit card debt can help simplify your monthly payments. Unfortunately, there are a few things that can derail your progress. If you are considering debt consolidation for your credit cards, make sure you avoid these mistakes. 

Maxed out your credit card? It’s OK. It happens. The important thing is to understand the consequences and find out what you can do to get the debt under control. The immediate impact of maxing out your card depends on your current financial situation.

Whether you’re just starting a new romantic relationship, are considering tying the knot or have been married for years, you’ve likely discovered conversation topics that you would prefer to avoid. Money and debt are often at the top of our personal “do not discuss” list, which can lead to major problems down the road. In […]

If you’re in debt, you can likely point out the effects that it has on your life. The inability to accomplish your financial goals, facing high interest payments, and dealing with garnished wages may first come to mind, but have you considered the impact that debt can have on your mental health?

Updated April 13, 2023 Creating and managing a budget is a great way to help you stay on top of your finances. You can ensure that you have enough to cover your expenses while also determining what to cut back on by planning out your spending every month. Fortunately, a recent poll reported that 69% […]

Money can’t buy happiness — but it certainly helps. And if you’re like the nearly 88% of Americans surveyed by USA TODAY Blueprint, then you’d agree that your happiness — and future plans — are bound to your financial wellbeing. However, having enough money to retire, travel and enjoy the good things in life can […]

I wish I could stop paying credit card debt and stop worrying about it. People in debt know this fantasy well. But in reality, it’s hard to imagine the former without the latter.  Financial stress can bring out our vulnerabilities. We can feel immense worry, shame and fear when confronting mounting balances. But Certified Financial […]

How much does a vacation cost? According to NerdWallet, $3,594 on average (if you’re flying or booking a hotel). So it makes sense that 91% of the over 2,000 American adults surveyed are cutting costs to save on travel. Not overspending on vacation is important in any season. At Accredited Debt Relief, we’re experts at […]

Are you tired of working hard all year long, only to realize that you have no idea how much money you made from your side hustle? Tracking your income is crucial for freelancers to understand their earnings, expenses, and, most importantly, profits. The side hustle income tracker in this blog will help you stay on […]

When Kate, a wedding planner from Topeka, says, “I’ve had my fair share of financial struggles that nearly tore my family apart,” she was voicing a painful truth many couples face. Debt can be a silent killer in relationships. It’s not just about the money; it’s about trust, communication, and shared goals. If you’re financially […]

Amidst the joy and celebration of the holidays, juggling bills and shopping can be tough, especially if you’re living paycheck to paycheck or facing debt. Using a holiday budget spreadsheet ahead of time can help you enjoy the season while being mindful of your spending. Key Takeaways Free Holiday Budget Planner Simplify your holiday budgeting […]

In today’s world, money and financial stress can often become a heavy burden on relationships. In fact, it has been found that couples who accumulate debt over time are more likely to split up. Despite the challenges posed by financial constraints, it’s crucial to remember that spending quality time together doesn’t have to cost a […]

Before bringing a cat friend into your home, it’s essential to consider the financial responsibilities that come with cat ownership. From initial expenses to ongoing costs, understanding the average cost of owning a cat will help you make an informed decision and ensure your furry friend receives the care they deserve. Use the free worksheet […]