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Heather Vale

Heather is an accomplished writer and editor in the financial and business industries, with expertise in credit building, investments, cryptocurrency, entrepreneurship, and thought leadership. She loves investigating and pulling apart complicated topics to make them simple, engaging, and easy to understand. But she also enjoys writing about the personal side of life, including self-help, creativity, relationships, families, and pets. She approaches everything from a yin-yang perspective, so her passion for wordplay and metaphors is always balanced with an intense focus on accuracy. Heather has a BFA in Visual Arts from York University, and has worked as a journalist in all media: TV, radio, print, and online.

Posts By This Author

A page titled Bankruptcy sits on a desk beside a calculator, glasses and pen, ready to create a plan to rebuild credit.

How To Rebuild Credit After Bankruptcy

Rebuilding credit after bankruptcy takes time and commitment. But it’s definitely possible with some patience, diligence, proven strategies, and the right tools.

A man and a woman sitting and reviewing financial statements while applying for a credit card with bad credit

Can I Still Apply for A Credit Card with Bad Credit?

If bad credit makes you doubt whether you’ll be approved for a credit card, don’t worry. With some work, time and compromise, options are available.

A man uses a calculator while examining reports, possibly checking the rates between a high-yield savings account and a money market account.

High-Yield Savings Accounts vs Money Market Accounts: What Are the Differences?

Looking to earn a higher rate of return on your money? Find out the similarities and differences between high-yield savings accounts and money market accounts.

A young woman at a laptop scowls as she looks at her credit card in one hand while holding her mobile phone in the other, likely wondering whether her credit utilization ratio is too high.

What Is a Credit Utilization Ratio?

Your credit utilization ratio might seem confusing, but it’s really just a simple equation. Here’s what it is and how it affects your credit score.

A woman holds her phone near a store’s payment processor so she can check out using her digital wallet.

Using Digital Wallets: Apple Wallet, Samsung Wallet, and Google Wallet

Digital wallets are the future. Here’s how to use Apple Wallet for Apple Pay, Samsung Wallet for Samsung Pay, or Google Wallet for Google Pay.

A young woman holds a credit card while looking at her smartphone, appearing thoughtful and possibly wondering if she can reopen a closed credit card.

Can You Reopen a Closed Credit Card?

Potentially reopening a closed credit card comes with some considerations. Find out the eligibility requirements, potential benefits, steps to take, and tips for success.

A couple sits at the kitchen table using a tablet while looking at paperwork and holding a credit card, indicating that one of them may be an authorized user.

What Is an Authorized User on a Credit Card?

Are credit card authorized users a credit boost or risk? Here are the benefits and drawbacks of adding an authorized user to your credit card.

A woman holds a credit card and fills out paperwork while receiving help from another woman, perhaps trying to purchase a money order.

Can You Buy a Money Order with a Credit Card?

When you need to send a money order to make a payment, you have purchase options. But what about buying it with a credit card?

A hand holds a credit card while a pile of several more sits on a laptop keyboard, indicating that the cardholder has often applied for credit cards.

How Often Should You Apply For a Credit Card?

Lots of credit card options are available, but applying too often isn’t recommended. Here’s how to decide when you could consider submitting another application.

This material is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified tax advisor, attorney or financial advisor. Readers should consult with their own tax advisor, attorney or financial advisor with regard to their personal situations.

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