Friday, June 3, 2022

The Penny Hoarder

The Penny Hoarder


4 Monthly Bills You Shouldn’t Pay Next Month

Posted: 03 Jun 2022 10:39 AM PDT

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You've done what you can to cut back your spending.

You brew coffee at home, you don't walk into Target and you refuse to order avocado toast. (Can you sense my millennial sarcasm there?)

But no matter how cognizant you are of your spending habits, you're still stuck with those inescapable monthly bills. You know which ones we're talking about: rent, utilities, cell phone bill, insurance, groceries…

So if you're ready to stop paying them, follow these moves…

1. Cancel Your Car Insurance

When was the last time you compared car insurance rates? Chances are you're seriously overpaying with your current policy.

If it's been more than six months since your last car insurance quote, you should look again.

Here's the thing: your current car insurance company is probably overcharging you. But don't waste your time hopping around to different insurance companies looking for a better deal.

Use a website called EverQuote to see all your options at once.

EverQuote is the largest online marketplace for insurance in the US, so you'll get the top options from more than 175 different carriers handed right to you.

Take a couple of minutes to answer some questions about yourself and your driving record. With this information, EverQuote will be able to give you the top recommendations for car insurance. In just a few minutes, you could save up to $610 a year.

If it's been more than six months since your last car insurance quote, you should look again.

2. Ask This Company to Help Pay Off Your Credit Cards

No, like… the whole bill. All of it.

While you're stressing out over your debt, your credit card company is getting rich off those insane interest rates. But a website called Fiona could help you pay off that bill as soon as tomorrow.

Here's how it works: Fiona can match you with a low-interest loan you can use to pay off every credit card balance you have. The benefit? You're left with just one bill to pay every month, and because the interest rate is so much lower, you can get out of debt so much faster. Plus, no credit card payment this month.

Fiona can help you borrow up to $250,000 (no collateral needed) with fixed rates starting at 2.49%.

Fiona won't make you stand in line or call a bank. And if you're worried you won't qualify, it's free to check online. It takes just two minutes, and it could save you thousands of dollars. Totally worth it.

All that credit card debt — and the anxiety that comes with it — could be gone by tomorrow.

3. Get Rid of Your Current Car Payment

Every month, your car payment takes a big bite out of your bank account. The average payment these days is more than $600 a month for new cars, $400 a month for used cars.

What if you could lower your monthly payment by $150 or so? A company called ReFiJet will refinance your auto loan to help you save money — and as a bonus, you won't have to pay for the first two months. It can lower your monthly payment and potentially save you thousands of dollars by the time you pay off your loan.

ReFiJet will show you multiple auto loans that you're pre-qualified for, along with rate and payment estimates. You can see for yourself how much you could save. This is done with a soft credit check that won't affect your credit.

ReFiJet says it saves customers an average of $150 a month — which really adds up. It costs you absolutely nothing to find out if you have better options.

4. Find Out if You're Overpaying for Homeowners Insurance

If you're a homeowner, you probably have home insurance, but you hardly ever think about it. That's good — it means you haven't needed to use it. But it also means you don't know if you're being overcharged for it.

It's easy to find out, though. To see if you're overpaying for your policy, check out  a website called SmartFinancial. It's a digital marketplace where you can get quotes and compare rates to make sure you're getting the best price.

Homeowners can save hundreds of dollars when they switch home insurance companies this way.

It takes just two minutes to get quotes from multiple insurers, so you can see all your options side-by-side. Get started here.

This was originally published on The Penny Hoarder, which helps millions of readers worldwide earn and save money by sharing unique job opportunities, personal stories, freebies and more. The Inc. 5000 ranked The Penny Hoarder as the fastest-growing private media company in the U.S. in 2017.

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Who's Behind Those Unsolicited Texts to Buy Your House?

Posted: 03 Jun 2022 09:00 AM PDT

If you own a smartphone, you've likely been on the receiving end of a random text from someone asking to buy your house. These unsolicited text messages have inundated the real estate industry in recent years, leaving some property owners wondering if the texts are legit.

The answer to that question varies and largely depends on who sent the text.

"They come from a mix of various people," says Cindy Wallace, a Realtor with Compass Real Estate in Nashville, Tennessee. "Some are legitimate scams. Some are wholesalers looking to buy a house for cash and resell it. Some are iBuyers."

Even if the source is legitimate, one important question remains: Why would somebody even consider entrusting their biggest investment to an unsolicited text?

"These text messages are just modern cold calls," Wallace says. "So from the homeowner side, it's just about your tolerance for engaging with that type of communication."

If you find yourself in that situation and you are interested in selling, then you'll need to start by identifying the source.

Where Are the Unsolicited Offers to Buy Your House Coming From?

As Wallace indicated, those unsolicited offers are likely coming from three options.

1. Scammers

If you're getting a text message without a company associated with it — maybe from a random guy named "James" — it's probably in your best interest to ignore it.

"If they're not telling you a company, I would say that's pretty illegitimate," Wallace says.

Most of these scams are about getting as much personal information from you as possible, she says, with your house simply being the bait.

"There's all sorts of ways people can try to get a little bit of money out of you all the way up to trying to get your house," Wallace says.

Predatory buyers may ask for your bank account number to "wire money" or say they want to run a title search to make sure they want to buy the house. It's similar to an email phishing scam but it involves the largest asset you own.

Once such scam is the "white knight" scam, also called a foreclosure rescue. A prospective real estate investor may offer a loan to help catch the homeowner up on payments and avoid foreclosure. In exchange for the loan, the investor asks the homeowner to "temporarily" sign over the deed.

With the property in their name, the predatory investor can now do whatever they want from leasing back the property to the original owner under unfavorable terms and monthly payments to selling the house or even beginning eviction proceedings.

2. Wholesalers

If you've done your research and pinned down the source of the communication — whether it's a text, phone call or even a postcard — you may feel more comfortable if the offer came from a legitimate company.

That said, while legitimate, a wholesaler isn't necessarily working in your best interest.

"There are a lot of people investing in the real estate market because other markets are a little more volatile," Wallace says. "So they get these big groups of real estate investors and funds and what they do is offer a cash offer quickly, make it very convenient for the seller, and then they more or less flip it."

They also might hold on to the property and place it into their investment pool of rental housing. The catch, Wallace says, is they usually offer less than fair market value because they're making a cash offer and getting the seller out from under the house quickly.

"A wholesaler is going to buy at a tremendously discounted rate," Wallace says. "Sometimes they'll even reassign the contract to make money that way, but they're going to buy way below market value."

Pro Tip

If you go with an iBuyer or wholesaler, make sure you know what the fair market value of your home is, which can change very quickly, so you can make an informed decision about any offers.

3. iBuyers

iBuying is an automated, online method of selling your home quickly. If you've seen ads from companies like Opendoor, Redfin or Offerpad, then you've heard about an iBuyer. Over the last few years, the iBuying industry has exploded.

"Their goal is to put the house back on the market for the most part," Wallace says.

For the homeowner, the draw of selling to an iBuyer is simply convenience. If you don't want to deal with the hassle of staging, showings or the ups and downs of negotiating, you might consider iBuying. Just know that you may not get the highest price for your home and there may be hidden fees.

"They'll pay cash. They'll let you stay there for a little while after you sell," says Wallace. "But they're going to most likely buy it at a discounted rate compared to what you would get on the open market, then sell it again or offer it to their pool of buyers."

The main question to answer when it comes to iBuyers and wholesalers: If someone is going to make money on your house, do you want it to be you or the person who buys from you and sells it again?

Bottom Line: What to Know Before Using an iBuyer or Wholesaler

Doing your due diligence with research is the most important thing you'll ever do before putting your house on the market or selling it quickly.

Whether you're using a traditional real estate agent, an iBuyer or selling to a wholesaler, a simple Google search and a couple of phone calls to friends or family can often help you identify legitimate options versus fraud.

Scammers aside, what do you need to know before you act on an unsolicited offer to sell?

"First, you need to know that they are selling you one thing: convenience," Wallace says. "Their marketing pitch is that you'll avoid the time of selling your home, the hassle of commissions and people walking through all the time. So, at the end of the day, it's appealing to someone who might be in an urgent situation."

These options also might make sense if your property needs a lot of costly repairs. You might be able to get a decent offer for the home while passing the burden of the updates along to the investor.

On the flip side, Wallace says homeowners typically make about 17% less through wholesaling or iBuying than they would if they put it on the market. In addition, it's important to consider the fees — anywhere from 5% to 8% — that come with that type of sale. Plus, after inspection, the buyer might choose to knock off a few thousand here and there for an older HVAC, roof or other issues.

Depending on your circumstances, these options might work for you, simply for the convenience. But in 2022, with the hot real estate market continuing to surge across the country, homeowners should understand the amount of money they may concede by forgoing the open market.

Ever wondered about the story behind all the "We Buy Ugly Houses" signs? In short, it's about cash and convenience.

The Traditional Option: Using a Real Estate Agent

While wholesalers and iBuyers offer convenience, hiring a real estate agent to sell your home is the most tried-and-true option in terms of value, advocacy and personal attention. A real estate agent brings specialized expertise and is ethically bound to work in your interest.

"When people call you or send you a text, they're most likely working for someone else whether it's an iBuyer, wholesaler or some type of fund," Wallace says. "There are people on the other end of that text or call who have the money, and they are trying to get your house at as low of a price as possible."

A real estate agent works from the opposite perspective — trying to sell your home for as much as possible — and usually gets paid on commission based on the sale price.

"When you have a realtor, they're working on your behalf to get the best price for that home," Wallace adds. "They're making sure your goals are valued and that your best interest is at hand."

Robert Bruce is a senior writer for The Penny Hoarder.

This was originally published on The Penny Hoarder, which helps millions of readers worldwide earn and save money by sharing unique job opportunities, personal stories, freebies and more. The Inc. 5000 ranked The Penny Hoarder as the fastest-growing private media company in the U.S. in 2017.

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How to Use Resume Keywords to Get Past Online Screeners

Posted: 03 Jun 2022 07:00 AM PDT

When was the last time you printed out your resume and handed it to an actual human being?

These days, many job seekers don't interact with a real, live person until they get past an electronic screening round.

More companies are using automated applicant tracking systems (ATS), also known as talent management systems, to find job candidates.

While ATS systems are efficient, they eliminate resumes that are missing important keywords. That means you might get passed up for amazing job opportunities simply because your resume and cover letter aren't optimized for an algorithm.

We asked career coaches and HR experts for tips on how to ensure your resume gets past auto-screeners programmed to look for certain keywords.

We'll also cover other ways to make your digital resume stand out in the world of online job searching.

Play to the Resume Keywords

Resume keywords are specific words or short phrases that describe the skills, abilities, credentials and qualifications hiring managers are looking for in an ideal candidate for a particular position.

They are buzzwords, action verbs and concise language that pops on a resume and lands you closer to a job interview.

But how do you pick the right words and key phrases?

Here are a few tips.

Different Types of Resume Keywords

There are two main types of resume keywords employers and computer software programs look for: job-related skills and action verbs.

Job-Related Keywords

Job-related resume keywords describe your primary soft skills and hard skills.

This includes your certifications, industry knowledge, credentials, abilities and previous work experience.

  • Examples of soft skill keywords: communication skills, team building, detail-oriented.
  • Examples of hard skills: technical reporting, computer science, accounting, legal, sales, Microsoft Office Suite, WordPress, financial analysis, Quickbooks.

Action Verbs

Action verbs detail what you did or how you did it. They help describe your skills and accomplishments.

Here are some solid action words to use in a resume:

  • implemented
  • maximized
  • communicated
  • operated
  • streamlined
  • managed
  • integrated
  • overhauled
  • facilitated
  • orchestrated
  • navigated
  • improved
  • executed
  • optimized

Scrutinize Job Listings

You have a better chance of getting an interview If your resume uses keywords from the job description of your desired role.

It makes sense: Hiring managers want candidates with relevant skills that match the position.

You can take two different approaches:

  1. Examine job descriptions that are similar to the positions you're applying for and identify patterns of keywords to incorporate into your resume.
  2. Tailor your resume to each job listing you apply to, using specific keywords and language from that job description.

If you draw inspiration from several job listings, make a list of common keywords and phrases. Refer back to the list as you revise your resume.

If you write a targeted resume, it should include precise language from the job ad. For example, if the company uses "BA," you should too. If they say "bachelor's degree," go with that resume keyword instead.

Never plagiarize entire sentences or copy whole sections from job ads verbatim.

If you borrow too much content from the job description, your resume might get auto-rejected. Go for a more natural approach and sprinkle keywords from the job ad throughout your resume.

Review the Company's Website for More Resume Keywords

You can learn a lot by reading a company's About Us page.

How does the company describe itself? What's the culture like? Which core values does it emphasize?

Reviewing a company website for keywords is a great way to personalize your resume and increase your odds of landing an interview.

You can also look for resume keywords on: 

  • The company's LinkedIn page.
  • Employee LinkedIn profiles.
  • Industry organizations and trade websites.
  • Competitor websites.
  • Google "[industry] resume keywords" for more specific suggestions.

Searching Google is a great way to find resume keywords that align with your background and experience.

To find more inspiration, try searching for resume buzzwords based on:

  • The position (i.e. content creator keywords, journalist keywords, nursing assistant keywords)
  • The industry (i.e. advertising resume keywords)
  • Seniority (i.e. management keywords, entry-level position keywords)

Tips on Using Resume Keywords

You've found some great keywords — but now what?

Relax, you don't need to rewrite your entire resume from scratch. Instead, here are a few tips to keep in mind when optimizing your resume.

Be as Specific as Possible

If you're a pro at Photoshop or WordPress, call the programs out by name instead of saying "photo editing experience" or "worked with content management systems."

Sprinkle Them In

Don't just cram as many keywords as possible into the skills section of your resume. Spread them throughout the document. Integrate them naturally into your resume summary statement and past job descriptions. You can also create a separate "relevant skills" or "core competencies" section that lists out relevant keywords.

Don't Lie

This is obvious, but don't include keywords unless you have the skills and experience to back them up. You might sneak past the ATS, but lying on your resume won't fly with the hiring manager.

Mix It Up

Include a variety of job-related resume keywords and active verbs. Consider mixing in synonyms of keywords you've already used. For example, instead of writing "created weekly production reports" twice, you can try "facilitated technical paperwork."

Add Keywords to Your Email and Cover Letter

It never hurts to use some power words and industry buzzwords in your email and/or cover letter to the hiring manager. If a job posting instructs you to include a specific phrase in the email subject line, absolutely do it. Your resume may get screened out otherwise.

Adding a skills section is another good way to call attention to specific talents and tools recruiters are looking for during the hiring process.

The Old One-Page Rule Still Applies

Remember in high school when you first learned about resumes? Rule No. 1 was keeping your resume to one page.

That still applies, says Michelle Quinn, placement director for HireMinds LLC, a hiring and placement agency in Boston.

The one-pager, she says, is the first test of a person's "ability to clearly articulate a wealth of information on a limited canvas."

But, she says, if you think the stuff you leave off is still important for a hiring manager to see, put it on your personal website and add a link to it.

Readability Is Critical to Both Humans and Algorithms

Whether it's reviewed by a hiring manager or an applicant tracking system, your resume must be easy to read.

Indeed.com suggests using a font like Arial or Times New Roman in size 10 or 12 for maximum readability. Skip fonts that look like handwriting or scripts.

If you want to showcase your design ability and work samples, the best place to do that is via your online portfolio. Make sure to include a link to it on your resume.

No matter what resume format you choose, don't overload it with extra, unnecessary information. Tailor it to the specific job listing you're applying for.

Also: Be aware of how much white space is on the document itself — too much makes your experience seem sparse, too little is overwhelming to the reader.

Rachel Christian is a Certified Educator in Personal Finance and a senior writer for The Penny Hoarder. Freelancer Elizabeth Carr contributed reporting.

This was originally published on The Penny Hoarder, which helps millions of readers worldwide earn and save money by sharing unique job opportunities, personal stories, freebies and more. The Inc. 5000 ranked The Penny Hoarder as the fastest-growing private media company in the U.S. in 2017.

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How to Use Google Pay

Posted: 03 Jun 2022 05:00 AM PDT

No need to whip out your wallet at the store anymore. Google Pay will get this one, just tap your phone or smart watch at a supported payment terminal. Google Pay is a digital wallet and payment platform that enables you to make online or in-store purchases using your Android smartphone or watch.

Setting up Google Pay on your favorite Android device is easy and offers other features, such as sending or receiving money from family and friends, the potential to earn rewards and save money on purchases.

What Is Google Pay?

Google Pay — or G Pay — has gone by a few names, including Android Pay for a short stint, but the concept has remained the same. Using Google Pay, you can buy groceries, pick up school clothes and get that new TV online or at stores that accept contactless payments.

Rather than digging through your wallet or bag for a physical card, you can tap your smartphone or watch, pay for your purchase and get on with your busy day. Best of all, many retailers accept contactless payments.

Many online retailers also now offer Afterpay, a buy-now-pay-later service that functions something like a credit card.

Is Google Pay Safe?

When it comes to your credit or debit card information, you want to make sure that it remains safe. A convenient tap-to-pay service isn't worth much if your sensitive banking information gets breached. With Google Pay, your device sends a virtual account number to the payment terminal, not your actual card number, which remains secure. Any card information that is saved to your Google Account is encrypted and stored on Google's private servers.

Unlike your wallet, your phone can be locked down like a vault. Not just anyone can pick up your smartphone and access your info if you have a PIN, pattern or biometric unlock — such as a fingerprint — to use Google Pay.

How to Use Google Pay

Before you start using Google Pay's contactless payment feature, make sure your Android smartphone is compatible and sports the necessary hardware. iPhones are not compatible with Google Pay's tap-to-pay function, but can use Apple Pay, which is the equivalent.

Pro Tip

While Google Pay isn't available on iPhone, Apple users can still download the app to send and receive money from friends and family, and save money on purchases with cashback rewards.

While most smartphones from major manufacturers, such as Samsung, do support Google Pay's tap-to-pay feature, you can double check on Google's support page.

How to Set Up Google Pay

Step 1: If you don't already have the Google Pay app, download it from the Google Play store.

Step 2: Open the Google Pay app. If it's your first time, confirm your country, select your Google account, then click Continue. You may be asked to verify your phone number.

Step 3: Once inside the Google Pay app, add a debit or credit card. At the bottom, tap the ($) logo for the Insights tab, then select Accounts, and Add Account.

Step 4: Use your smartphone's camera to scan your credit or debit card. You can also enter your card information manually.

Step 5: Next, you'll need to verify your debit or credit card using one of the provided options. Once your card is verified, it will be added to Google Pay.

Step 6: If you set up multiple cards, select a card to be the default when you use Google Pay in a store. To set the default card, tap on the card within Google Pay, then tap Make Default.

Using Google Pay In-Store

Before using your Android smartphone to pay for an in-store purchase, make sure the retailer accepts contactless payments. Look for a Google Pay, G Pay or contactless payment icon (it looks similar to the WiFi symbol) on the card reader.

Or just ask the cashier if they take Google Pay. Many retailers are familiar with people paying with their smartphones or watches.

Step 1: If the retailer accepts contactless payments, unlock your Android smartphone. The Google Pay app does not need to be open.

Step 2: Simply tap the top of your device to the payment terminal. A checkmark symbol will appear on your screen once the payment is successful.

Pro Tip

If your phone won't work with a compatible payment terminal, make sure NFC is enabled. NFC allows your phone to communicate wirelessly. To enable NFC, swipe down from the top and toggle it on.

Other Google Pay Features

Using Google Pay Online

To make online transactions faster, you can use Google Pay on websites that have G Pay or Buy with G Pay buttons at checkout. If supported, tap the button, select your payment method, enter your shipping address if needed and confirm your purchase.

Send or Receive Money

You can also send or receive money from family and friends through the Google Pay app, like Venmo, Cash App and Apple Cash.

To send money, open the Google Pay app and navigate to the Pay tab, denoted by a house symbol at the bottom of your screen. Tap on the recipient and tap the Pay button. Enter the amount of money you wish to send, select your payment method and confirm by tapping Pay.

If you receive money, you can leave it in your Google Pay account or transfer it to your bank. To transfer money, open Google Pay, then tap your profile icon in the top right corner, tap on Google Pay Balance, then select the Transfer Out option. You'll need to confirm how much you wish to transfer, then tap Transfer Out once more.

Save Money With Google Pay

By using the Explore tab within the Google Pay app, you can view and activate a variety of coupon codes and cashback offers when shopping at select retailers. Look for the price tag icon at the bottom of the screen. Once an offer has been activated, make the purchase using Google Pay and you'll find savings headed to your account shortly thereafter.

Some examples in 2022 include:

  • Instacart: $30 off first order of $50+
  • Freshly: $100 off
  • TicketNetwork: $50 off
  • H&M: 2% cashback
  • Levi's: 3% cashback
  • Vitamin Shoppe: 2% cashback
  • Health-Ade: 35% off
  • CrocsUS: 20% off

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much does it cost to use Google Pay?

There are no fees. Using Google Pay at checkout is the same as using any credit or debit card. In fact, Google Pay may save you money thanks to the discount and cash-back offerings available in the app.

Is it safe to use Google Pay?

Yes, Google Pay is safe. Google Pay is a secure service that doesn't transmit your card number when you are shopping in-store. Instead, your smartphone or watch transmits a unique account number. This helps keep your credit or debit card info safe. When Google Pay does store your account information, it is encrypted on Google's private servers.

Does Google Pay need a bank account?

Yes, you will need a bank account to use Google Pay. The service operates by linking a valid debit or credit card to your Google account. If you need a checking account, there are many free checking account options.

Does Google Pay charge a fee to send money?

No, Google Pay does not charge you a fee to send money to family and friends. However, if you use a credit card to fund a transfer instead of cash, you will be charged a standard credit card transaction service fee, which is typically around 3%.

Michael Archambault is a senior writer at The Penny Hoarder specializing in technology.

This was originally published on The Penny Hoarder, which helps millions of readers worldwide earn and save money by sharing unique job opportunities, personal stories, freebies and more. The Inc. 5000 ranked The Penny Hoarder as the fastest-growing private media company in the U.S. in 2017.

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Posted: 02 Jun 2022 02:29 PM PDT

It's been a long road for former students of Corinthian Colleges, a chain of for-profit schools that closed in 2015 after the U.S. Department of Education found Corinthian had misrepresented borrowers' future job prospects.

Students took on debt based on those false promises — and saw it all forgiven this week when the DOE announced the discharge of $5.8 billion in student loans for 560,000 borrowers affected by Corinthian's deceptive practices. This is the largest single loan discharge in U.S. history, according to the DOE.

Corinthian Colleges had more than 110,000 students enrolled across 105 campuses in 2010 at its height. After the 2015 findings, the school sold or closed all its campuses, which included schools under the names of Heald, Everest and WyoTech.

The plan to discharge nearly $6 billion in student loans originated in 2013, when California's then-attorney general, Kamala Harris, sued Corinthian for deceptive advertising and recruiting practices.

The DOE followed up on Harris' case with its own findings in 2015, determining that Corinthian made "pervasive misrepresentations related to a borrower's employment prospects, including guarantees they would find a job." Corinthian also effectively lied about students' ability to transfer credits and its own public job placement rates.

The Department's findings allowed borrowers to apply for "borrower defense", a provision that, if approved, allows a defrauded student to receive loan cancellation. Around 100,000 borrowers have had their loans canceled because of the provision, according to the DOE. Thousands of other borrowers may also be eligible for automatic student loan forgiveness.

This most recent move enables borrowers who have yet to apply for borrower defense to have their loans canceled.

Next Steps for Corinthian Students

What do former, defrauded Corinthian students need to do to get their loans forgiven?

Absolutely nothing, according to a statement released by the DOE: "The department will soon begin notifying students who attended Corinthian of this decision, with the actual discharges following in the months after. Borrowers will not have to take any actions to receive their discharges."

This move is the latest by the Biden administration to address student loan forgiveness. In the last year, the administration has revamped the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program and erased $5.8 billion in loans for borrowers with disabilities.

Robert Bruce is a senior writer for The Penny Hoarder.

This was originally published on The Penny Hoarder, which helps millions of readers worldwide earn and save money by sharing unique job opportunities, personal stories, freebies and more. The Inc. 5000 ranked The Penny Hoarder as the fastest-growing private media company in the U.S. in 2017.

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These 3 Companies Help Regular People Borrow up to $250,000

Posted: 02 Jun 2022 01:21 PM PDT

Some of the links in this post are from our sponsors. We provide you with accurate, reliable information. Learn more about how we make money and select our advertising partners.

So, you have thousands of dollars in credit card debt, and the burden of paying off all that — and interest — is gobbling up your income.

Instead of financially treading water making minimum payments and paying maximum interest, make the smart move, and take out a debt consolidation loan. It's a personal loan, usually at a lower interest rate that you can use to pay off your high-interest credit cards.

In the long term, you can save a ton of money, but first you have to shop around for a loan.

Sound difficult? It doesn't have to be. Instead of spending hours scouring the internet, you can go window-shopping at an online marketplace that'll help pinpoint the best loan for you.

We recommend you try more than one site and see what kind of results you get. Heck, try them all if you want. It won't take long, and you have nothing to lose: Seeing your options won't cost you anything, and it won't hurt your credit score.

1. This Company Will Lend You Up to $250,000 

While you're stressing out over your debt, your credit card company is getting rich off those insane interest rates. But a website called Fiona could help you pay off that bill as soon as tomorrow.

Here's how it works: Fiona can match you with a low-interest loan you can use to pay off every credit card balance you have. The benefit? You're left with just one bill to pay every month, and because the interest rate is so much lower, you can get out of debt so much faster.

Fiona can help you borrow up to $250,000 (no collateral needed) with fixed rates starting at 2.49% and terms from 6 to 144 months.

Fiona won't make you stand in line or call a bank. And if you're worried you won't qualify, it's free t0 check online. It takes just two minutes, and it could save you thousands of dollars. Totally worth it.

All that credit card debt — and the anxiety that comes with it — could be gone by tomorrow.

2. This Company Has an A+ With the Better Business Bureau

If you owe your credit card companies $50,000 or less, AmOne will match you with a low-interest loan you can use to pay off all of your balances.

AmOne rates start at 3.99% APR, and it keeps your information confidential and secure. After 20 years in business, it still has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

It takes two minutes to see if you qualify for up to $50,000 online. You do need to give AmOne a real phone number in order to qualify, but don't worry — they won't spam you with phone calls.

3. This Company Will Let You Skip Your Credit Card Payments This Month

No, like… the whole bill. All of it. All that debt racked up from the 300 destination weddings your friends made you attend (thanks!) could be paid by the end of this month.

Your credit card company is ripping you off with insane rates, and it's getting rich off of you. But there are other, nicer companies that'll help you out. A website called Credible knows the best ones and could pair you up as soon as tomorrow.

Here's how it works: Credible will match you with a loan that'll cover your credit card tab. Use that loan to pay off your debt, then make monthly payments to repay the loan. It could lower your monthly payments and help you pay off that debt a lot faster. Plus, no credit card payment this month.

Credible won't make you stand in line or call a bank. And if you're worried you won't qualify, it's free to check online. It takes just two minutes, and it could save you thousands of dollars. Totally worth it.

Now you can finally stop holding a grudge against that friend who thought a Mexico wedding was a good idea.

This was originally published on The Penny Hoarder, which helps millions of readers worldwide earn and save money by sharing unique job opportunities, personal stories, freebies and more. The Inc. 5000 ranked The Penny Hoarder as the fastest-growing private media company in the U.S. in 2017.

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