Jessica's Latest Posts

I stayed at the Motto by Hilton New York City Times Square with my husband in early December. This property opened in September 2023, and staying in a new hotel in the big city was fun. The location was perfect….

Are you ready to pay off a credit card and wonder if it will improve your credit score? Generally, yes, you should expect your credit score to go up when you pay off a credit card in full. Making a credit…

Leaving your destination in a medevac helicopter probably isn’t in your travel plans. But if you need emergency medical evacuation, it will be costly and may be difficult to coordinate without help. A medical evacuation travel insurance plan can cover…

I stayed at the Hampton Inn and Suites Aurora South Denver with my family of 5 in mid-October 2023. It was a great stay and delivered exactly what we expected and then some. It was a great home base for…

When you have an issue with a charge on your American Express card, you can help resolve the concern. Amex makes it easy to file a dispute for charges you shouldn’t have to pay for, such as unauthorized charges, billing…

Many people are struggling with credit card payments as credit card delinquencies tick upward.¹ Get far enough behind on credit card payments and you could face legal trouble. You can be sued for debt if you default on your credit…

Paying off debt should boost your credit scores, but you may see your credit score drop after paying off an account. You might be discouraged, but the truth is it’s usually not paying off debt that lowers your credit score,…

I usually cut it pretty close on preflight arrival times at the low-key William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) in Houston, but those days are over. The Gameway lounge at Hobby has given me all the motivation I need to show…

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), consumer reporting agencies can’t report negative information that’s more than 7 years old — or 10 years for bankruptcies. While 7 (maybe 10) years is a long time to have negative information on…

If you have credit card debt and bad credit, you’re not alone. Credit card debt challenges the finances of many Americans, with the average household holding about $10,000 in credit card debt.¹ While your options for credit card debt management…

Heading south of the border? Consider getting travel insurance before you pack your bags. Even though Mexico is a nearby destination with direct flights for many Americans, it’s still international travel, and you may benefit from a travel insurance policy…

Carrying credit card debt can get in the way of your financial goals while dragging down your credit score. The good news is that as you reduce your credit card debt, your credit score should improve, though some debt consolidation methods…

I used my Thousand Trails Cabin Pass in late July 2023 to stay at the Thousand Trails Colorado River campground in Columbus, Texas. My family of 5 found this campground delightful, though the cabin was pretty cozy. The river access,…

Credit card debt can be financially draining and emotionally stressful. If you’re struggling with credit card debt, credit card debt consolidation can offer a lifeline, savings, and a pathway to living debt-free.  Read this guide to understand how to consolidate…

Unforeseen mishaps can happen after you make a purchase. Maybe your new laptop was stolen by a porch pirate before you could get it in the door, or you wore your new wedding ring on your honeymoon only to have…

I stayed at SunCoast Park Hotel Anaheim, Tapestry Collection by Hilton with my family in late August 2023 for a visit to Disneyland. This hotel was our last stop on a multi-destination California trip, and we went out on a…

I signed up for a Thousand Trails Cabin Pass in late June 2023. About 3 months in, I’ve stayed at 3 Thousand Trails cabins, and I’m enjoying my membership. It’s saved me money and offered comfortable cabins for my family…

I stayed overnight at the Wuksachi Lodge in Sequoia National Park with my family in late August. We loved the lodge’s rustic comfort and beautiful park setting. The location was exactly what we needed to rest up and be close…

If you’re about to embark on an international trip, take a moment to consider your credit cards. Some credit cards charge foreign transaction fees when you make a purchase in a foreign currency, which can add up quickly.  But there’s…

I stayed in a Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes cottage in mid-August with my family. This campground was just outside of Yosemite National Park and was a great home base for exploring the park. We enjoyed the scenic campground, comfy cottage,…

Planning a last-minute getaway, or just forgot to buy travel insurance? You can still protect your trip with last-minute travel insurance, which covers travel delays, emergency medical treatment, and more.  Travel insurance policies are generally available up to a day…