My Recommendations
Cell Phone Service
To save money on cell service, I personally use Mint Mobile. For just $15 per month, you get the same network as T-Mobile. They offer a premium support add-on for an extra $15 a year if you feel you need it, but I've never needed it.
If you use this link you and I get a discount:
https://fbuy.me/sAkzz
Password Management
I use SafeInCloud password manager. www.safe-in-cloud.com
I am a CISSP - which is a substantial credential in IT security. The CISSP proves you can master a massive, interdisciplinary body of security knowledge and apply it with real-world judgment.
I feel SafeInCloud is one of the best password managers out there. One of the reasons is that YOU select where you keep the encrypted password data. No hackers (especially nation state unless you are an employee with sensitive information access) will be specifically looking for that data.
Any password manager that keeps your data in their database is very risky. It is an advertised location of tons of passwords to be cracked. If I were a nation state attacker, I would very quietly take over all of those services that I could get into.
Expense Tracking
I also liked SmartReceipts for expense tracking, but their cost went up quite a bit. It is still a decent product, just more money than I want to pay at this point.
Credit Repair
I recommend Lexington Law if you need help with credit repair—they are affordable and seem effective. You can do what they do yourself if you have the time and patience. Ask me, we can have a call, and I can explain what they do.
Important Note on Medical Debt: Medical debt no longer damages your credit the way it used to. The three major credit bureaus have changed how they handle these accounts: paid medical collections are no longer reported, there is now a one-year waiting period before unpaid debt appears on your report, and all medical collections under $500 have been completely dropped.
Free Credit Reports
FreeCreditScore.com can give you free credit reports. They are a subsidiary of Experian, so you get their report. Additionally, most credit cards will give you access to what they see.
Keep in mind that every credit agency is required to give you a free copy of your report once a year, or any time you are declined or experience a negative impact (such as a higher interest loan or denial) due to credit reporting. You can contact the three major reporting agencies directly here:
• Equifax
• Experian
• TransUnion
Financial Education
If you are looking for financial literacy training, Khan Academy is a solid resource. I've reviewed some of the material and I recommend it if you need that type of education. And of course, if you just need an answer to a quick question or two, feel free to reach out to me.