Harlan Vaughn

3 weeks ago | outandout.boardingarea.com | Harlan Vaughn

Talk about a recovery. As of today, I’m up $46,000 vs. last month and a hair’s breadth of 75% to my $500,000 goal. Real estate stuff: The cabin isn’t happening. Update 5/16/25: Yes it is!It’s not a “never,” but a “not right now.” Long story short, the zoning office was requiring that I pave a 20-foot road, complete with curb, gutter, and fire hydrant, and were throwing the book at me about it. Update 5/16/25: They dropped this requirement.

2 months ago | bankrate.com | Benet Wilson |Benét J. Wilson |Harlan Vaughn

Key takeaways Hotel credit cards offer various ways to earn free nights, such as credit card offers, loyalty programs or with a certain number of nights booked. Marriott, Hilton, IHG, Hyatt and Wyndham are the top five hotel brands that use different ways to redeem free hotel nights.

Feb 27, 2025 | bankrate.com | Holly Johnson |Harlan Vaughn

In most cases, digital wallet purchases deliver the same rewards as physical card transactions. Some cards even offer enhanced rewards for digital purchases, as in the case of Apple Pay credit card rewards with the Apple Card. Read your cards’ fine print and to check with each issuer’s customer support team if your rewards don’t post appropriately. There are all kinds of myths about credit card rewards and credit scores, although many of them have been proven false over the years.

Feb 18, 2025 | bankrate.com | Katie Kelton |John Egan |Harlan Vaughn

The statement balance is the amount owed at the end of your billing cycle, while the current balance is the amount you owe at a particular moment. Your statement balance can differ from your current balance due to recent transactions or refunds. You can avoid interest charges by paying the statement balance or the current balance on time. Your balance affects your credit utilization ratio, which is a major factor in your credit score.

Feb 10, 2025 | outandout.boardingarea.com | Harlan Vaughn

The comments on last month’s update hit me hard, particularly this one about taking on a Sisyphean task. They got me thinking about money and tools and this whole journey I’m on. And a lot of things snapped:I pulled $40,000 in contributions from my Roth IRA. Paid off one of those pesky credit cards (and all lingering credit card debt!)Bought a house from a tax saleSet up a future inheritance with an attorneyAnd can I just say how much LIGHTER I feel? How much that was needed?