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One of the easiest ways to build credit and improve a credit score is to open a secured credit card. Whether youre young and new to credit, or are looking to improve your credit score because of past financial problems, a secured credit card can help.

Instead of providing a high credit limit like an unsecured credit card does, a secured card uses a deposit that you provide”such as $500″as your credit limit. The credit card issuer pulls money from the deposit if you dont make a credit card payment.

For people with no credit history or poor credit history, a secured credit card may be the only type of credit card they can get. Someone with no credit is likely to benefit the most from a secured credit card because there wont be any negative information on their credit report.

For those with bad credit, a secured credit card may help raise their score, but it may be a slower process because of the negative information thats already on their credit report.

To get the most out of it, use as little of the available credit as you can. This will leave you with a low credit utilization rate, which can improve your credit score. The best thing you can do is not miss any payments, since late or missed payments have the biggest impact on a credit score.

The credit reporting agencies will look at a secured credit card with the same criteria as an unsecured card. These include when the card was opened, the credit limit, balance and payment history. The benefit is that a secured credit card should be easier to qualify for so that a consumer can build their credit.

Just like unsecured credit cards, secured cards can have annual fees. Eventually, you should see your credit score improve enough so that you qualify for an unsecured credit card with a higher credit limit. You can then cancel your secured credit card and get your deposit back. And having your $500 or so back in your hands may feel just as good as having a higher credit score.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

No one likes a crumby car seat or a dashboard covered in dust. But as our lives get busier, it seems our cars get dirtier. Below are tips for keeping your car cleaner.

Install a “no-eat” policy. This may be hard for those of us who practically live out of our cars, but by not eating in your vehicle, you will naturally reduce the level of mess inside.

Add a trash bag. Hang a small bag in your car to place receipts and paper trash in. Empty the bag once a week.

Carry a cleaning kit. Keep a rag and bottle of all-purpose cleaner in your trunk to wipe down your dash and doors once a week.

Consider an “odds and ends” bin. Place a small plastic bin or box on the floor in your backseat for umbrellas, books heading to the library, that extra sweater, etc. By containing your necessary clutter, your space will appear cleaner.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

While we all know water is essential for our health, not all of us enjoy chugging those recommended eight daily glasses. Or maybe it’s your child who refuses to drink plain old water. Below are a few tips to help you up your water intake.

Add flavor. A squeeze of citrus, fresh mint or a handful of blueberries can make drinking water a bit more fun. Make sure to keep these twists simple and fresh, and avoid sweeteners (artificial or otherwise), which can have health repercussions.

Swap in tea. Unsweetened herbal tea can aid your water consumption, especially if you’re steeping the bags yourself, which helps assure there are no sneaky additives. Add a hot cup of herbal first thing in the morning and before bed to squeeze in a few more fluid ounces.

Choose fruit. While this should not replace the water you drink, focusing on a few juicy fruits a day can help keep you hydrated. Try watermelon or oranges for a fresh liquid burst.

Keep it cold. If you enjoy cold beverages, then keeping chilled water around can help you drink it down faster.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Did your toddler scribble on the walls? Or perhaps a year or two of wear and tear have your interior paints looking less than pristine. If your walls could use a little TLC, but you’re not quite ready for a fresh coat of paint, consider the following methods for freshening up.

Latex Paints
Whether you have dirt or dust clogging up your paint job, all you need to do is mix a few drops of dish soap into warm water, soak and wring a sponge, and go. Be sure to wring the sponge to avoid long drips making their way down your walls and right into your electrical socket.

If you don’t want to use dish soap, two tablespoons of white vinegar to one gallon of water will also do the trick.

Warning: Never use a scrubby sponge, brillo pad or harsh cleaning solution, or you could risk ruining your paint job.

Oil-Based Paints
If your interior paint is oil-based and soap or vinegar just aren’t cutting it, you can safely use a mild degreaser”especially helpful on greasy kitchen walls. Just be sure to follow the instructions on your package carefully to avoid ruining your paint.

Again, avoid harsh scrubbing pads or other cleaners, or you may find yourself repainting, pronto.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Having a child can require many adjustments. Losing sleep and changing dirty diapers are just some of the things parents have to deal with. And even though you’re probably a little sleep deprived right now, there are some financials you’ll have to think about, as well.

Here are five financial moves parents should put at the top of their to-do list after coming home with a new baby:

Revise Your Budget
Children can be expensive, especially in the first year when new costs you’ve never experienced crop up. Diapers, formula, a crib, a changing station, car seats, toys and clothes are just some of the items you’ll have to purchase. Day care may also be needed if both parents are working full time. Some families may need a bigger car or house, and that require more long-term financial planning.

Revise your family budget and find ways to cut costs, if necessary. Since medical bills will likely go up, check with your employer about starting a health savings account so you can use pre-tax money to contribute to an account for your familys medical costs.

Save for College
A 529 college savings plan can help you save for college costs. Contributions grow tax-free and arent taxed when withdrawn to pay for qualified educational expenses, such as tuition. More than 30 states offer a full or partial tax deduction or credit for 529 plan contributions.

As of 2018, each parent and grandparent can contribute up to $15,000 per child and exclude the money from gift or estate taxes. If four grandparents contribute, that could mean $60,000 per year in a 529 plan.

Update Your Life Insurance
Any major life change should lead to a discussion with your life insurance agent. In the case of a parent death, you could be left to pay and take care of your child by yourself. Insurance can, however, provide money to pay for childcare or a lost income. You’ll also want to update your beneficiaries in case something happens to you.

Update Your Estate Plan
As with life insurance, you’ll have to update your estate plan documents when you have a new baby. Wills and trusts should be updated to include a guardian for minor children and to determine who has control over your assets. Without an update, a court could appoint a guardian for you.

Also update your beneficiary designation forms for your 401(k) and other retirement plans, along with any other bank accounts that arent designated in a will.

Organize Your Records
Make paper copies of key records such as the birth certificate, Social Security card and immunization record. Order three copies of your childs birth certificate so you have one and your child has one later in life.

Keep a record of immunizations, which will be needed if your child goes to day care. Put everything in a fire-proof safe.

Published with permission from RISMedia.