Author: Journalist Benedict
What Are Carbon Credits? Carbon credits are special permits that give companies or governments the right to release a limited amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs), like carbon dioxide, into the atmosphere. Each carbon credit allows the holder to emit one metric ton of carbon dioxide or its equivalent in other harmful gases. These credits are sometimes referred to as “carbon allowances.” The main purpose of carbon credits is to help lower the total amount of harmful emissions released into the air, which contributes to climate change. How Do Carbon Credits Work? The carbon credit system works like a pollution budget.…
While it may sound like a good idea, most lenders won’t allow you to use a personal loan to pay off student loans. Even if a lender does allow it, using a personal loan might end up costing you more in interest over time. If your goal is to pay off your student debt more quickly and save money, student loan refinancing is usually the smarter and more affordable option. Can You Pay Student Loans With a Personal Loan? In theory, it’s possible — but only if the lender allows it. Whether or not you can use a personal loan…
An Income Share Agreement (ISA) is a different way to pay for college or job training. Instead of borrowing money and paying it back with interest, you agree to repay a percentage of your future income after you finish school. In this setup, how much you pay depends on how much you earn — not how much you borrowed. Although some ISA providers claim their product isn’t a loan, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) — a U.S. federal watchdog — has ruled that ISAs are, in fact, private student loans. So before you go this route, make sure you’ve…
Getting a personal loan can either help or hurt your credit score — it all depends on how you manage it. Simply applying for or receiving a personal loan isn’t automatically bad for your credit. However, it can temporarily lower your score and may make it harder to qualify for more credit until you’ve made some progress on repaying the loan. On the bright side, paying your personal loan on time can actually improve your credit score over time. If you’re thinking about getting a loan, make sure to shop around and compare your options — even if you have…
Personal loans come in various forms because different borrowers have unique needs. When taking out a loan, one common dilemma borrowers face is whether to stick with a standard repayment period or go for an extended one. While longer repayment terms reduce monthly payments, they come with their own set of benefits and drawbacks. In this article, we’ll break down what extended personal loan repayment terms are, why you might consider them, and the pros and cons to help you make an informed financial decision. What Are Extended Personal Loan Repayment Terms? Extended personal loan repayment terms mean lengthening the…
Understanding Cash Back Cash back—also written as “cashback”—generally refers to two popular types of transactions tied to credit and debit cards. Over the past 20 years, this concept has become very common. Most people think of cash back as a credit card perk where the cardholder receives a small percentage of their spending back as a reward. But it can also refer to a feature on debit cards, where users can request cash from their bank account during a regular purchase at stores, like supermarkets. How Cash Back Actually Works Cash-back rewards started in 1986 when the Discover card first…
When a business needs extra funding to grow—especially during tough times like limited R&D budgets—taking out a loan can be a smart choice. Unlike raising funds from investors, loans let you get cash without giving away ownership in your company. Here are 10 different types of loans that business owners and founders can explore: 1. Merchant Cash Advance (MCA) Merchant Cash Advances are ideal for businesses that interact directly with customers, such as restaurants, retail stores, or salons. This financing option is gaining popularity because it’s fast, flexible, and based on your sales performance. Here’s how it works: You get…
What Is Credit Monitoring? Credit monitoring is a service that keeps an eye on your credit activity and sends alerts if anything unusual happens. For example, if someone applies for a loan or opens a credit card in your name, the service will notify you right away. You might also get alerts if someone adds an authorized user to your account, if your credit score changes, or if your personal information (like your address) is updated. Some services go a step further by alerting you about large purchases, increased credit limits, or suspicious changes to your credit file. What Are…
Editor’s Note: Credit card offers from U.S. Bank are not currently available on CNBC Select. If you’re looking for options, you can explore offers from other major credit card issuers like Chase or American Express through their credit card marketplace or browse their list of the best credit cards available now. Why Are 0% APR Balance Transfer Offers Disappearing? Over the past few months, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have continued to impact millions of Americans. Many people have lost their jobs, seen their income drop, or struggled to keep up with everyday bills like groceries, rent, and mortgage…
Upgrade, a financial technology company based in San Francisco, has introduced an exciting new version of its credit card called the Upgrade Bitcoin Rewards Card. This latest addition offers users a unique perk — bitcoin rewards on everyday purchases. With this new card, users can earn 1.5% in bitcoin for every dollar they spend, as they make payments on their balance. That means the more you use the card and pay off what you owe, the more bitcoin you earn. This feature gives people a chance to grow their exposure to cryptocurrency without directly investing in it. The Upgrade Bitcoin…