| How to Make Rolled Oats Posted: 09 Nov 2020 04:00 PM PST Use rolled oats, also known as old-fashioned oats, to make a fast, delicious bowl of oatmeal. If you're craving something nice and hot for breakfast, or maybe to warm you up on a chilly, rainy afternoon, you can whip up this timeless classic bowl of porridge in no time. Once you prepare the oats, your bowl of oatmeal is a perfect base for you to top with whatever sweet and nutritious additions you like. Keep it simple or get creative to wow your tastebuds—or your breakfast guests! [Edit]Ingredients [Edit]Stovetop Rolled Oats - 1/2 cup (45 g) of rolled oats or old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup (250 mL) of water or milk
- 1/8 tsp (0.75 g) or a pinch of salt (optional)
Makes 1 serving of oatmeal [Edit]Microwave Rolled Oats - 1/2 cup (45 g) of rolled oats or old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup (250 mL) of water or milk
Makes 1 serving of oatmeal [Edit]Stovetop Rolled Oats - Boil 1 cup (250 mL) of water in a pot on your stove. Measure out 1 cup (250 mL) of water and pour it into a pot, then grab a pinch of salt and toss it into the water. Set the pot on a stovetop burner and turn the heat on to high, then wait for the water to boil.[1]
- The ratio of water to rolled oats to make oatmeal is always 2:1, so you can easily scale this recipe up to make more servings. For example, use 1 cup (90 g) of rolled oats and 2 cups (500 mL) of water to make 2 servings.
- A pinch of salt is about 1/8 tsp (0.75 g) or a little less. The salt is optional, but it helps bring out the flavor of the oats when you cook them on the stovetop.
- You can substitute milk for some or all of the water to make your oatmeal creamier.
- Stir in 1/2 cup (45 g) of rolled oats and wait for the oatmeal to boil again. Measure out 1/2 cup (45 g) of rolled oats using a measuring cup and pour it into the boiling water. Stir the oats into the water and wait a few seconds until the mixture returns to a boil.[2]
- You can also add the oats to the water at the beginning and bring everything to a boil at once. It doesn't really matter, but it might take a bit longer to boil initially.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer the oatmeal for 3-5 minutes until it thickens. Turn the burner's heat down to low, so that there are a few bubbles in the oatmeal every second or two. Use a large spoon to stir the oatmeal occasionally for 3-5 minutes until it's a thick, even consistency.[3]
- You might have to play with the heat on your specific burner to get the oatmeal to simmer perfectly. If it's not bubbling over low heat, try turning up the heat to medium-low or medium.
- Remove the oatmeal from the heat and let it cool down for 2-3 minutes. Turn off your stove and transfer the pot to a cool burner or another safe surface. Let it rest for about 2-3 minutes, so it's not blazing hot when you serve it.[4]
- You could use this time to start preparing all your tasty toppings.
- Transfer the oatmeal to a serving bowl. Use your large spoon to scoop the oatmeal out of the pot. Put the oatmeal in a serving bowl, sweeten it if you want and add any desired toppings, then enjoy![5]
- If you scaled the ratio of oats and water up to make more than 1 serving of oatmeal, divide it accordingly among several bowls. For instance, if you doubled the recipe, divide the oatmeal evenly between 2 bowls.
[Edit]Microwave Rolled Oats - Combine 1/2 cup (45 g) of rolled oats and 1 cup (250 mL) of water in a bowl. Measure out the oats and the water using a measuring cup and pour the ingredients into a large microwave-safe bowl. Give the oats and water a quick stir using a spoon to mix them together.[6]
- You can use milk instead of water or use a mixture of milk and water for creamier oatmeal.
- Make sure the bowl has a capacity of at least 2 cups (500 mL), so the oatmeal doesn't spill over the rim when it bubbles up.
- You can scale up this recipe by keeping the ratio of oats to water the same. For example, you can use 1 cup (90 g) of rolled oats and 2 cups (500 mL) of water to make 2 servings. Just make sure you also scale up the bowl accordingly.
- Microwave the oats and water on high for 2, then check the consistency. Stick the bowl in your microwave and set the power to high. Set the cook time for 2 minutes and start your microwave. Check the consistency of the oatmeal after the 2 minutes are up and remove it if it's thick after 2 minutes.[7]
- Always cook rolled oats uncovered in the microwave or you might end up with a mess in there.
- Cook the oatmeal for an additional 1 minute if it hasn't fully thickened. Set the cook timer on your microwave for 1 minute. Start the microwave and let the oatmeal finish cooking, then remove it when the microwave turns off.[8]
- Rolled oats shouldn't ever require more than 3 minutes to fully cook and thicken in a microwave.
- Stir the oatmeal before serving. Carefully take the bowl out of your microwave using an oven mitt or glove. Set it down on your counter and stir it up well with a spoon. Sweeten the oatmeal and add toppings as desired, then dig in![9]
- Microwaves have hot and cold spots, so this ensures that your bowl of oatmeal is evenly warm throughout.
[Edit]Adding Sweeteners and Toppings - Sweeten your oatmeal with brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup. Sprinkle about 1 tsp (4.17 g) of brown sugar on top of your oatmeal for a classic sweetener. Drizzle your bowl of oatmeal with about of honey or maple syrup or to taste for an alternative sweetener.[10]
- Feel free to mix sweeteners if you want! For example, you could use of maple syrup and 1/2 tsp (2.29 g) of brown sugar for a delicious combo.
- Pour a splash of your favorite milk or creamer on top of your oatmeal. Use whatever milk or creamer you have handy to add some creamy goodness to your oatmeal. Just pour it on top of the oats slowly until you add as much as you feel is enough.[11]
- You can also substitute your favorite non-dairy milk, such as almond milk, if you don't do dairy or prefer the taste of a milk alternative.
- If you're on a diet, go for something like low-fat or nonfat milk.
- Top a serving of oatmeal with a pat of butter for a rich, creamy dairy addition. Slice a small square of butter off a stick of butter and put it in the middle of a hot bowl of oatmeal. Let it melt and stir it into your oatmeal as you eat it to enhance the flavor.[12]
- You can combine this with a splash of cream and a sprinkle of sea salt for a nice savory bowl of oatmeal.
- Try adding warm spices like cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, or ginger. Start by sprinkling on about 1/8 tsp (0.75 g) of any warm spice you want to try. Stir it in as you eat your oatmeal to flavor the whole bowl.[13]
- Get creative and experiment with combining different spices to create a unique blend that suits your tastes.
- You can also use store-bought warm spice blends, such as pumpkin spice.
- Top oatmeal with your favorite fruits for added flavor and nutrients. Try adding a handful of fresh or frozen berries like blueberries, raspberries, or sliced strawberries. Cut up some fresh fruit like an apple or 1/2 a banana and add that to your serving of oatmeal.[14]
- You can also use dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, and dried apricots as toppings. It's totally up to you and your personal preferences.
- Try your oatmeal with nuts and seeds to add some crunch and protein. Put a small handful of almonds, pecans, walnuts, peanuts, or any other nuts you have handy on top of your bowl of oatmeal. Sprinkle some sesame seeds, flax seeds, or chia seeds on top for another crunchy and healthy option.[15]
- Try thinking about your favorite pastries or desserts and the flavor combinations they use to pair nuts with other ingredients. For example, pecans go very well with maple, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Put a scoop of peanut butter in your oatmeal for a creamy, nutty topping. Pick a jar of your favorite creamy or crunchy peanut butter. Dig a scoop out and plop it right down into your oatmeal. Stir it in as you eat to flavor every bite![16]
- If you're using creamy peanut butter, you could add a small handful of roasted peanuts for some crunch.
- You could also use another nut butter like almond butter if you prefer.
- Stir chocolate chips into your oatmeal to get your chocolate fix. Sprinkle a small handful of chocolate chips on top of a warm bowl of oatmeal. Stir them in as you eat the oatmeal so the chocolate melts into it.[17]
- You could also try stirring in a spoonful of cocoa powder to infuse your whole bowl of oatmeal with chocolatey flavor.
- Mix about half a scoop of protein powder into oatmeal to add protein. Use the scoop provided with your protein powder of choice to measure out half a regular scoop. Dump it into your oatmeal and stir it in thoroughly.[18]
- You can use flavored protein powder like chocolate or strawberry protein powder to add more flavor to your oatmeal as well.
- There aren't really any limits to what you can top oatmeal with. Try all kinds of different combinations and take note of your favorites to come up with your own unique oatmeal recipes!
[Edit]Warnings - Be careful when you handle a bowl of oatmeal after microwaving it and use something to protect your hands. The bowl is hot!
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Stovetop Rolled Oats - Pot
- Measuring cup
- Large spoon
- Serving bowl
[Edit]Microwave Rolled Oats - Microwaveable bowl
- Measuring cup
- Spoon
- Serving bowl
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Understand Social Distancing Posted: 09 Nov 2020 08:00 AM PST The term "social distancing" is all over the news, but what does it really mean? This term refers to staying a specific distance away from other people to help prevent illnesses from spreading. The specific distance is determined by health experts and national governments, and social distancing is a recommended medical practice to help "flatten the curve," or lower the number of COVID-19 cases throughout the world.[1] With all the misinformation online, take a few minutes review how to social distance and learn why it's so important to help stop COVID-19. [Edit]The Basics - Know that the term "physical distancing" also refers to "social distancing." You may hear the terms "social distancing" and "physical distancing" used a lot. While these terms mean the same thing, the World Health Organization (WHO) actually prefers the term "physical distancing" over "social distancing." The main purpose of this practice is to stay separated, which can lower your risk of spreading or receiving COVID-19. However, for the sake of your mental health, it's still important to stay engaged and connected with your loved ones, even if it's through a video chat.[2]
- Stay , or your government's recommended distance, away from other people. COVID-19 typically spreads through droplets, like sneezes or coughs, as well as germ-infested surfaces, which are typically found in public spaces. These droplets can travel a pretty long distance through the air, which is why physical distancing is so important.[3] Try to put a lot of space between you and the people around you.[4]
- Check with your government for the most up-to-date advice on how far to distance from other people.
- In the US, a distance of is advised. For reference, 2 golden retrievers standing back-to-back, a sedan, a dining room table, or a long sofa are all about . Pretend 1 of these things is between you and the people around you.
- Wear a face mask whenever you go out in public. Since COVID-19 typically spreads through coughs and sneezes, it's best to keep your mouth and nose covered whenever you go outside.[5] Both medical masks and cloth coverings can provide ample protection when you're out and about, and can prevent your own germs from spreading to other people.[6]
- Always double-check that your mask is covering both your nose and mouth, or else it won't be very effective.
- Don't attend parties or big gatherings. Social distancing can be really lonely, and it's perfectly valid and normal to miss the company of others. Unfortunately, party-goers aren't practicing proper social distancing guidelines, and there's a lot of opportunities for germs to spread when lots of people are close together. With this in mind, stick to video chats or phone calls when you're craving some social interaction.[7]
- Always follow the specified COVID-19 restrictions provided for your area, like the maximum number of people allowed in a social gathering.[8]
- Stay away from crowded areas. Going out in public is inevitable, especially when you're going to pick up groceries and other necessities. If choose to visit a public space, check that they're practicing safe social distancing measures, so you can stay safe during your visit.[9]
- As a general rule of thumb, stay away from most public spaces unless you absolutely have to go there.
- Do your best to wipe down any surfaces that other people may have touched, and use contactless payment options whenever you can.
- Call or video chat with loved ones instead of visiting. Get in touch with a friend or family member and see if they'd like to chat or catch-up. If a phone call isn't cutting it for you, see if they'd be interested in video chatting. While there's no real replacement for in-person social gatherings, virtual hang-outs can help you stay connected.[10]
- For instance, you can watch movies with others using "party" programs on popular streaming services.
- There are plenty of multiplayer games you can download to play with other people.
- Work from home instead of your usual workplace. Social distancing doesn't just apply to your grocery runs—it's an aspect that you should add to every part of your life. If possible, talk to you supervisors and see if working from home is a viable option, so you don't risk spreading germs to your co-workers.[11]
- Order delivery instead of eating at restaurants. COVID-19 is exhausting both emotionally and mentally, and there's no reason for you to cook meals every single day. It's great to support your local restaurants—just do it safely by ordering delivery through the restaurant or a third-party delivery service.[12]
- Delivery drivers make a lot of effort to stay sanitary.[13]
[Edit]Explaining Social Distancing to Children - Read educational children's books to your little ones. Search online for children's books and videos that offer bite-sized, educational messages about the importance of social distancing. This is a great way to introduce the topic to young ones without making it seem overwhelming.[14]
- For instance, "Time to Come In, Bear" is a great children's story you can share with your own kids.
- You can also use simple analogies to drive the point home. Remind your kids that social distancing is similar to standing back or pulling over when an ambulance or fire truck goes by. While social distancing may be inconvenient, it's a valuable way to keep other people safe.
- Turn social distancing into a game for really little kids. Tell your young children that they're superheroes and that they can "save" the world by keeping their distance from the people around them. Encourage your children to make an effort to dodge and avoid the people they pass on the street. To make the game more engaging, offer points and rewards for your child's actions.[15]
- For instance, you can give your kid a "point" for sneezing into their elbow, or running to avoid someone on the street. Once they have 10 points, they can earn a small prize.
- Show your children kid-friendly videos that explain social distancing. There are a lot of videos on the web that help break down what exactly social distancing is to younger viewers. Fun videos can make the topic a lot less overwhelming and may help hit home with your children.[16]
- Engage younger kids by turning face masks into something fun. Invest in fun-looking cloth masks that your kids will really enjoy wearing. This can help your children really look forward to staying safe when they go outside.[17]
- For instance, you can get a mask with a dinosaur design, or one that makes your child look like a cat.
- Your kids may also enjoy masks with a lot of fun colors and patterns.
- Explain social distancing in more detail to older kids. Chances are, your grade school children won't be as interested in games and stories that explain the basics of social distancing. Without going into any scary details, explain how COVID-19 spreads really easily, and how social distancing helps to "flatten the curve" of how many people catch the illness. It may help to show them a graph or other diagram that shows why social distancing is important.[18]
- For instance, you can say something like: "COVID-19 is kind of like a cold, and it spreads really easily from person to person. When we stand apart from other people and keep our distance, we lower the risk of getting sick, as well as spreading the virus to anyone else."
- It's still important to go outside! Exercise and fresh air are very important—all that matters is that you're distancing yourself whenever you head out.[19]
- Sanitize your hands frequently.[20]
[Edit]Warnings - If you test positive for COVID-19, stay home and isolate yourself from any roommates or family members that you live with.[21]
[Edit]References |
| How to Rebuild Credit After Bankruptcy Posted: 09 Nov 2020 12:00 AM PST As most who have filed for bankruptcy at some point are aware, not only does it affect your finances, but it also does great damage to your credit score. Fortunately, rebuilding credit after bankruptcy is a possibility, and by establishing proper financial habits and both cautiously and responsibly taking on credit, it is possible to eventually attain a credit score of 700 or even 750. Having a good credit history will not only allow you to obtain credit, but also get better rates. [Edit]Establishing Good Financial Habits - Commit to maintaining solid financial habits over time. The key to rebuilding credit is consistency over time. This means paying bills on time and meeting all credit obligations when they are due.
- It is important to remember that delinquencies remain on your credit report for seven years before disappearing. A delinquency refers to a missed payment of one month, although they typically aren't reported to credit bureaus until two months are missed. This means that you will need to focus on maintaining good credit paying behavior for at least seven years (which means not adding any further delinquencies) in order to have a clear report.[1]
- Review your credit report. The journey to rebuilding credit begins by knowing exactly where you stand with regards to credit, and how far you need to go to get to the credit score you want. Typically anything over 700 is considered good, with 750 — 850 considered excellent. Conversely, anything under 640 is considered poor with 400 or lower being very poor. Knowing this helps inform you how drastically your finances need to be restructured.[2]
- Get copies of your credit report from all three major bureaus, which are Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Do not contact the three nationwide credit reporting companies individually— you can request reports from the bureaus of your choosing via one source. Free annual credit reports are provided only through annualcreditreport.com, 1-877-322-8228 or mailing to Annual Credit Report Request Service.[3] Be careful of fraudulent websites.
- To request through the mail, complete the https://www.annualcreditreport.com/requestReport/landingPage.action Annual Credit Report Request Form] and mail it to:
- Annual Credit Report Request Service
- P.O. Box 105281
- Atlanta, GA 30348-5281
- Mark the date on your calendar when you can get another round of free credit reports next year. Consider that your appointment for checking your progress.
- You can also get a free credit score from websites like Credit Karma and Credit Sesame.
- Dispute any incorrect information on your credit report. It is not uncommon for incorrect information to appear on your credit report, or for there to be inconsistencies between reports by different bureaus. For example, debts that are paid in full could be listed as unpaid, or incorrect payment history could be present.
- To dispute incorrect information on your credit report listed by the bureaus listed above, you can use this sample dispute form and mail it to the company.[4]
- Include copies of any documents that prove there is an error in the report.[5] Make it clear where the error is on the report (you may wish to include a copy with the error circles or highlighted) and that you wish to have it corrected.[6]
- Send your letter via certified mail and make sure you request a return receipt, which will give you documented proof that the bureau received your letter.[7]
- Create a budget. Bankruptcy can negatively affect your credit score for up to 10 years. Proper budgeting skills are the first step in building strong financial habits that will not only help you rebuild credit, but also help you maintain good credit going forward and prevent financial hardship. Budgeting allows you to know what money comes in, and make a strict plan for what goes out. That prioritizes and leaves room for debt repayment, savings, and on-time bill payments. The golden rule of budgeting is to never spend more than you make. If you are, this means spending needs to be reduced, or income needs to be increased.[8]
- Start by determining exactly how much you bring in every month.
- Then determine how much you spend each month. This will include necessities like housing/shelter, food, utilities, communications, transportation, medical expenses, and all loan repayments. It will also include discretionary items like vacations, nights out, etc. To figure this out, it is helpful to look at your bank statements.
- Subtract your expenses from your income to determine how much extra cash you have every month. Your goal should be have 5 to 10 percent of your monthly income left over for savings.
- Create savings in your budget and reduce non-essential expenses. Once you know how much you make and how much you spend, it is important to reduce non-essential expenses as much as possible. This will leave more room for on-time bill payments (an essential part of rebuilding credit), free up cash for repaying loans in a timely manner, and allow for savings every month. The key is to be aware of what you want versus what you need, and to reduce needs as much as possible. Make sure to look at your needs as well, and confirm they are not wants. For example, you may need a cell phone, but a 3GB data plan is likely a want, where a 1GB plan may be all you need. Here's a list of needs for most people:
 - Housing/shelter. You probably have to pay rent or a mortgage every month. If what you're paying is too high, consider more affordable housing.
- Food. Realistically estimate how much money you spend on food every month, including both groceries and dining out. If you need to cut that number down, consider eating at home and packing a lunch more often.
- Utilities. Water, trash, electricity, and/or natural gas bills are usually unavoidable, but you can reduce them by being conservative. Take shorter showers, unplug electronics that are not in use, dress warmly instead of turning on the heat, and so on.
- Communications. You probably need access to a phone, whether it's a land line or a cell phone. If your mobile bill is eating a big chunk of your money every week, see if you can downgrade to fewer minutes or a smaller data plan.
- Most people probably wouldn't consider cable or internet access absolutely necessary to live. If you need to get online, but you can no longer afford access at home try using the WiFi at your local library or coffee shops.
- Transportation. Whether it's a car, a bike, or a bus pass, you probably have to spend money to get around. If you have a car, figure out the monthly costs for gas, insurance, maintenance, and registration.
- Medical expenses. If you have a chronic condition that requires regular doctor visits or medication, be sure to note these costs. You could also include how much money insurance costs you every month. There is a tax deduction for those individuals whose medical costs exceed a certain threshold; make sure you know what you keep track of your spending (keep the receipts) when you prepare your tax return.
- Pay your bills on time. Once your budget is created, you will have a clear image of what your expenses are. It is important to prioritize your expenses so that all bills are paid exactly when they are due. Payment history makes up 35 percent of your credit score,[9] and on-time repayments can quickly and easily rebuild your credit score.
- If you tend to be late paying your bills and incur late fees, it is essential to stop. Draw up a calendar with all of your due dates (or enter it into your phone), and check it religiously. Make sure the money is ready ahead of time, and try to mail payments or do online transfers a day or two ahead of the deadline.
- Getting into the routine of paying your bills consistently can help you break some of the bad financial habits that contributed to your bankruptcy. Accept that it might be a difficult adjustment, but it will ultimately be best for your bank account.
- Build a small cushion in savings. Every month, it is important to put a little bit away in savings. Although 5 to 10 percent is recommended, saving anything is positive. Having emergency savings allows you to forgo using credit if there a sudden bill that emerges.[10]
- Start small. Most financial experts recommend having enough money in savings to cover six months of expenses, but that is an ambitious starting goal (although you can make that an eventual goal).
[Edit]Applying For Credit - Open a new checking and savings account. If you do not already have both a checking and a savings account, open one of each at a local bank or credit union. To choose a bank or credit union:
- Compare the interest rates and fees of all financial institutions between your residence and place of employment, or if you are unemployed, within 10– of your home.
- Consider the various services each bank provides and the likelihood you will want or need each of them. A bank with many different services you will never use may not be the best choice for you.
- Talk to friends and family members about their banking institution. Find out if they are happy with the interest rate, minimum deposit requirements, fees, and service they receive, and if they would recommend that you use the same institution.
- Get a secured credit card. Unlike a debit card that directly draws money from your bank account, a credit card allows you to borrow money and pay it over time. This is the easiest way to start rebuilding credit. A secured credit card involves giving the bank money (say $500), and then the bank gives you credit in that amount. Secured credit cards are typically offered through banks, although some credit card companies like Discover also offer secured credit cards. [11]
- Start with around $500. As your credit improves, ask the bank if you can slowly start raising the limit.
- Be wary of anyone that asks you for outrageous start-up fees (some places try to charge up to $200) or for you to call a 1-900 number that will charge you money. Some lenders specifically seek out recently filed bankruptcies since they cannot seek court protection again for seven years. Don't open more than one or two accounts.
- Be sure to ask if your transactions will be reported to all three major credit bureaus. You want them to see that you're paying off your debts so your score can begin to improve.
- Know that some banks might force you to wait for a year after you've filed bankruptcy to get a secured card. If that's the case, focus on building up your savings in the meantime.
- Get a secured card at a bank you want to continue to use for awhile. You'll eventually want to ask if you can switch to an unsecured card with the same bank, so choose wisely.
- Get a retail or gas credit card. When you're back on track with a secured card, you can try applying for a retail or gas credit card. This is important to improving credit, because one aspect of your credit score is "types of credit in use." By using different types of credit, you improve your credit score. Keep these points in mind when you're looking into it:[12]
- Make sure your transactions will be reported to all three credit bureaus. Remember, the point of all this is for them to see you being responsible with your money.
- Avoid huge start-up fees.
- Try to get a card at a store where you won't be tempted to go on a shopping spree. Gas cards are a good idea because gas is a necessary expense you won't be tempted to splurge on. Try to avoid department stores that might tempt you with expensive items that are out of your price range.
- Along with retail and gas cards (which are typically accessible to people with poor credit), eventually adding other types of credit can go a long way to improve your credit rating. These other types of credit include installment loans (like a line of credit, or car loan) or mortgages. If you do not already have loans in these categories, it is very wise to wait at least two years after bankruptcy to consider a car loan, mortgage, or line of credit.
- Pay off your balance every month. You might have heard that carrying a balance is great for your credit score, but that's not necessarily true. Especially if you have bad credit, the credit bureaus want to see that you're capable of paying off the balance as often as necessary. Keep in mind that 35 percent of your credit score is payment history, so paying bills on-time and in-full will quickly build your credit.
- Avoid closing accounts. As mentioned earlier, 35 percent of your credit score is payment history. Another 30 percent is amounts owed. This is calculated by looking at how much you owe relative to how much credit you have available. When you close accounts, your total credit limit decreases, which lowers your credit score.[13]
- If you feel you can't control the urge to spend on a particular account, destroy your card.
- Avoid finance companies. Remember, finance companies exist to make a profit. Instead of being swayed by debt consolidation offers, focus on maintaining your budget, putting money into savings, and slowly building up the limit on your secured card or retail card.
- Ask when you can upgrade to an unsecured card. If you've successfully managed a secured card for more than 12 months, consider asking your bank if you can switch over to an unsecured card. Most banks will agree to letting you have a low-limit unsecured card after 12 to 24 months.
- Keep the same mentality you had with the secured card. Avoid spending money you don't have on the unsecured card so that you can keep yourself from sliding into bankruptcy again.
- Try to do most of your business through one bank, through which you have a checking account, savings, and a credit card. Being a member in good standing with one bank can help you get access to better account perks later on.
- Track your spending with the help of an online banking app or website. Look for one that you can attach to your bank account and credit card, so you can see exactly where your money is going and budget accordingly.
- Seek professional help. The National Foundation for Credit Counseling can offer free or low-cost help if you're trying to rebuild your finances. Start here: http://active.nfcc.org/FirstStep/firststep_01.cfm.
- Don't give in to shame. Fight the instinct to punish yourself for having bad credit, and instead focus simply on what you're doing to improve. Remember, lots of people have walked this path before you. If they can make it, you can too.
[Edit]Warnings - A large number of inquiries on your credit report can have a negative impact on your credit score. Therefore, you should not apply for every credit card or loan offer that arrives in your mail or inbox.
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References |
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