Debt Management & Credit
Different Types of Student Loans: What You Need to Know Before You Borrow
Are you overwhelmed by the maze of student loans out there? You're not alone. In fact, 70% of college students graduate with a significant amount of loans. But don't worry, this article on Different Types of Student Loans is your roadmap to making an informed decision.
Why should you care...
7 Credit Card Scams That Hack Your Brain, Not Just Your Wallet: A 2025 Defense Guide
You get a text message, supposedly from your bank: “Suspicious activity on your account. Click here to verify.” Your heart is pounding. Is this real or a credit card scam? Is your money at risk? That single moment of fear and uncertainty is exactly what credit card scammers are...
What is Grid Code G? A Planner’s 4-Step Guide to Removing It
On March 12, 2024, I sat across from Karen, who’d just trusted me with her retirement plan for the tenth time. When she blanched at ‘Grid Code G’ on her Equifax printout. It wasn’t just letters; it was her home-equity line in someone else’s hands. Here’s a harsh truth:...
The Chime Users Reality of Online & Same-Day Payday Loans (2026): Guide to Avoiding Traps
Hello, Michael Ryan here. With almost 30 years in financial planning, I’ve seen countless financial innovations. And just as many ways for folks to get caught in a bind. A question that’s increasingly hitting my inbox, especially from the Chime community, is sharp and urgent:
"Michael, I need emergency cash,...
Your Credit Score’s Secret Weapon? Credit Utilization in 2025: Calculator & Worksheet Inside!
Ever stared at your credit score and felt like it’s some mystical number decided by a secret society? You think you're alone? After 25 years as a financial planner, I've seen countless brilliant people, from "Credit Builder Caseys" just starting out, to "Debt Juggler Danas" managing multiple cards. And...