The Moak Law Firm April 2019

How to Rebuild After Bankruptcy: Part 3

If you’ve been following along with our monthly tips for rebuilding your credit, odds are you have bad credit or no credit yourself. There’s no need to feel ashamed because you’re not alone. Around 43 million Americans are burdened with bad credit, which is a score of 599 or less. A person’s credit can drop for any number of reasons, but fortunately, there are a number of strategies for improving your score. Last month, we looked at the numbers that make up your credit score. You may remember that having access to a number of different high-lending credit cards really improves a credit score. But if your credit isn’t great, you might be struggling to get approved for any credit cards. This is where secured credit cards are a big help. Secured credit cards require a cash deposit equal to your credit limit to open the account. For example, if you deposit $500, your credit card limit is $500. The deposit reduces the risk to the lender, which is why secured credit cards are ideal for those with bad or no credit. With a secured credit card, you are able to get back into the credit game and build good credit.

Because the limits on secured credit cards tend to be on the lower end, they’re best used for groceries or filling your car with gas. Remember, maintaining a low credit use ratio is ideal for improving your credit score. Over time, if you use the card responsibly, you can transition to an unsecured card, which is even better for building a high credit score. Using a secured credit card to build your credit to qualify for unsecured cards isn’t an overnight fix. They’re meant to prove your track record, which means you might have to use them for 12–24 months before your credit really starts to improve, which is the case for all sustainable credit-building strategies. Improving your credit score means playing the long game, but if you put in the time, you can see great results. Interested in learning more about secured credit cards? Visit CreditCards.com/secured/ today to research available secured credits cards and find the ones that are right for you.

Secured Credit Cards Safely Build Credit

Roasted Radishes With Radish Greens

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Directions:

1. Heat oven to 500 F. While heating, trim radishes and wash greens. Pat both dry using a paper towel. 2. In a large ovenproof skillet, heat oil over high heat until shimmering. Season radishes with salt and pepper, add to skillet, and cook until lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Transfer entire skillet to oven rack and roast for 15 minutes. 3. Once removed from oven, return skillet to stove. Over medium heat, stir in butter and add greens. Cook until they are wilted, about 2 minutes. 4. Finish with lemon juice and additional salt if desired. Serve immediately.

Radishes start showing up in droves during the spring and summer months, but all too often we only eat the bulbs raw on salads and discard the greens. This recipes bucks both of those trends, with the radishes being roasted alongside their green tops.

Ingredients:

RAINBOW EASTER PRANK PASSOVER FOOL

SHOWERS TAURUS HOAX SPRING BUTTERFLY

DANDELION MISCHIEF

• • • • •

3 bunches radishes with greens attached 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

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