September 2022

If money woes have you down, you’re not alone. A recent LendingTree survey found that 40% of Americans have cried about their finances in the last year. The top reasons for shedding those tears? Not being able to afford things for their families, the toll of soaring inflation and the stress of debt.

It can be easy to get emotional about money when you feel helpless, overwhelmed and powerless. The good news is that there are steps you can take to regain control — starting with following the tips and advice we offer right here at The Vine.

Read on for the money moves that can help put you back in the driver’s seat.

—Ismat Mangla, Editor

Get paid for your back-to-school spending

The kids are back to the books — and with that comes a slew of expenses. Sure, you may have already purchased the basics, but many parents report covering school costs well into the school year. It’s time to get something in return for that spending — and we don’t mean Junior’s straight A report card. Here are a few ways you can earn a little back:

Don’t pay cash. Use a credit card that rewards you for your spending. Just make sure you pay the bill in full at the end of the billing cycle.

Consider getting a new credit card. Choose one that offers rewards in the categories you spend the most. (Shop for the best rewards cards here.)

Try a cash back app for everyday shopping. Options like Rakuten and Ibotta offer opportunities to earn rebates on purchases.

Pro Tip

“Back-to-school shopping is always stressful, but rampant inflation means it’s even worse this year. However, the right rewards credit card, used wisely, can help you stretch your budget further. Getting 1% or 2% cash back may not seem like a big deal, but when you're on a tight budget, every little bit counts.”

—Matt Schulz, chief credit analyst at LendingTree

Get your credit into tip-top shape

Is your credit score not where you want it to be? A solid credit score is the key to unlocking a world of benefits, including good rates on loans that can save you thousands of dollars, lower insurance premiums and even access to certain kinds of credit cards.

If you’re unsure of what your score is, you can get it from LendingTree — it’s fast and free, and won’t impact your score.

Once you know your score, you can take the next steps to give it a boost.

Top tips:

Check your credit report for errors. If you find any, be sure to dispute them with the credit bureaus.

Work to pay down debt, especially on credit cards. One of the biggest factors in determining score is how much credit card debt you carry.

Open a secured credit card. A secured card is a safe way to help you build a good credit history.

Be obsessive about paying your bills on time. Even if you can’t pay the balance in full, make your minimum payments on time. Late payments have a significant impact on your score.

Get help repairing your credit. We’ve partnered with Ovation, a reputable firm that can help guide you through the steps you need to take to get your credit back on track.

Cash in on unused rewards (aka, treat yourself!)

Nearly nine out of 10 credit card users own a rewards credit card, and if you’re one of them, you may be leaving money on the table. LendingTree surveyed nearly 1,300 credit cardholders to learn that nearly 70% are sitting on unused cash back, points or miles. Of that group, nearly half (49%) are hoarding unused cash back rewards.

Sure, you may be saving those points and cash back for a big purchase or dream trip, but remember that the longer unused rewards sit, the more likely they are to lose value. So take some time this week to log into your credit card accounts and treat yourself to some cash back!

Join us next month for more news and tips on how to grow your wealth with The Vine. See you then!