Financial News Features

"The envelope method is a great tool for budgeting because it forces people to take control of their spending with cash in hand," says Howard Dvorkin, CPA and chairman of Debt.com.

While some debit cards offer cash back—including Discover Cash Back Debit, Neon PointCard and Axos Debit Card—the rewards programs on credit cards tend to be far richer. “And with a credit card, you can pick the type of rewards that you want,” says Howard Dvorkin, chairman of Debt.com—whether cash, travel points or discounts at a favorite retailer.

The CPA and chairman of Debt.com, Howard Dvorkin, warned of carrying credit card debt into retirement… Right now, [credit card] interest rates are hovering around 20%. That means you’re paying a dollar for every five you borrowed.

“People are buying ‘wants’ not ‘needs,’” Howard Dvorkin, CPA and chairperson of Debt.com, told CNBC.

"Credit utilization makes up such a significant part of your score because if you're maxing out credit cards, lenders may assume that you are living beyond your means, ultimately deeming you as a credit risk," says Howard Dvorkin, a CPA, author, columnist and chairman of personal finance site Debt.com.

Having a budget is always the best way to keep costs under control, and in recent years inflation has caused many Americans to take up the practice. According to a survey by debt.com, 80% budgeted their expenses in 2021, compared with only 68% in 2019.