Jessica's Latest Posts

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’ve had a Thousand Trails Cabin Pass since June 2023. Well into my second year of membership, the pass has proven valuable. I enjoy the perks of having cabins available for stays in many locations throughout the U.S. It’s saved…

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…

I stayed with my family at the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City in August 2023. We chose this hotel for its proximity to Universal Studios Hollywood, and it delivered on that and more. Our 3 jam-packed nights at this hotel weren’t…

Air travel can present unexpected circumstances, including cancellations, delays, missed connections, and lost or delayed baggage. At the same time, flights may be the most costly part of your trip budget. This can present a high-stakes scenario where you’ve spent…

A cruise can take you to exciting destinations with adventurous shore excursions, but no trip is immune to unexpected interruptions. Cancellations, delays, missed port calls, or illness can all interfere with your plans. But cruise excursion travel insurance can help…

Taking a cruise is one of the easiest ways to travel, but cruising isn’t immune to unexpected hiccups. Sudden illness, travel delays, or other unforeseen events could cancel or interrupt your cruising plans — you might even need medical coverage. …

If you’re trying to travel inexpensively, you might be hesitant to add the expense of travel insurance to your trip budget. But travel insurance — even low-cost travel insurance — can offer value far beyond its cost. With coverage for…

You’ve booked your flight, hotel, and tours and are ready to go on your trip — but what happens if you can’t make it? Unexpected circumstances can pop up that force you to cancel your trip, such as illness or…

The best time to buy travel insurance is shortly after you book your travel, but it’s still a good idea to buy travel insurance even if you’ve already started your trip. While your coverage and policy options will be more…