Money Brief

Personal finance systems for spending, saving, debt, and investing.

Education & Certification

Banking & Credit

Articles filed under Banking & Credit.

What Is a Credit Limit? Credit Limit vs. Available Credit

What Is a Credit Limit? Credit Limit vs. Available Credit

Your credit limit is the total amount of charges you’re authorized to make on a credit card. Available credit is the amount of unused credit limit.

Apr 4, 2026

5 Ways to Build Your Credit if You’ve Been Denied for Everything

5 Ways to Build Your Credit if You’ve Been Denied for Everything

To build credit, you have to get approved for credit. But often, you’ll get rejected if you don’t have a solid credit history — which is incredibly frustrating if you’ve never had credit or you’re recovering from past mistakes. If you’ve been denied for credit too many times to count, you’ve come to the right...

Apr 18, 2026

11 Startup Business Ideas That Won’t Break the Bank

11 Startup Business Ideas That Won’t Break the Bank

Tired of slogging away week after week to make money for an unknown CEO in a fancy office? Maybe you’re considering starting a small business to gain freedom and flexibility from the corporate world. But businesses cost thousands of dollars to start up, right? Not necessarily. Many small businesses can be launched with basic skills,...

Apr 18, 2026

5 Things to Know About the Ikea Visa Credit Card

5 Things to Know About the Ikea Visa Credit Card

Built for diehard do-it-your-self-ers, the Ikea credit card offers strong rewards in store and on some everyday expenses. But the rewards expire quickly.

Apr 4, 2026

Best Credit Cards for Car Repairs

Best Credit Cards for Car Repairs

When your car breaks down, you can lessen the blow to your finances with the right credit card. Consider these options.

Apr 4, 2026

Inexpensive Road Trips

Inexpensive Road Trips

Road trips don’t need to break the bank. Here’s how to get the most out of an inexpensive road trip, including lodging and activities.

Apr 3, 2026

You Have Good Credit When Your Credit Score Surpasses This Number

You Have Good Credit When Your Credit Score Surpasses This Number

You’ve heard so much about them, but what is a good credit score, anyway? Here’s what goes into your credit score, and the number to shoot for.

Apr 6, 2026

What Is a Schumer Box and How Do You Read It?

What Is a Schumer Box and How Do You Read It?

What is a Schumer Box? It's a cheat sheet for your credit card, an at-a-glance reference for fees, interest rates, and other key points.

May 2, 2026

Secured vs. Unsecured Credit Cards: What's the Difference?

Secured vs. Unsecured Credit Cards: What's the Difference?

A secured card is a credit card that requires a cash deposit. The deposit reduces the risk to the issuer, making these cards easier to get even with bad credit.

Apr 4, 2026

Chase Sapphire Reserve Makes Major Changes: Higher Fee, New Rates, More Perks

Chase Sapphire Reserve Makes Major Changes: Higher Fee, New Rates, More Perks

Chase announced that the popular travel card will have a higher annual fee, new rewards rates for spending and a host of new benefits.

Apr 4, 2026

How to Deal with Your Financial Past, Present and Future in 2021

How to Deal with Your Financial Past, Present and Future in 2021

We’ve got seven strategies for dealing with your financial past, present and future in 2021.

Apr 18, 2026

8 Benefits of the Chase Freedom Flex and Chase Freedom Unlimited

8 Benefits of the Chase Freedom Flex and Chase Freedom Unlimited

The Chase Freedom Flex and Chase Freedom Unlimited earn valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards® points and offer flexible redemption options, for no annual fee.

Apr 4, 2026