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I’m trying to learn more about ethical ETFs and sustainable investing funds because I want to invest in a way that aligns with my values. I keep hearing about ESG investment funds but I’m not sure how many of these funds actually exist or what exactly makes a fund an ESG fund. I live in the US and want to understand if these funds are really sustainable and how they differ from regular investments. Can someone explain how many ESG funds are out there and what defines an ESG fund?

Hey, I’m Jake — a college junior who thought bad credit was just something “grown-ups” worried about. Turns out, bad credit can hit you hard, even if you’re young and just starting out. Let me tell you how I struggled with bad credit, how I found out I had debts on my report I didn’t even owe, and how I finally learned to delete bad credit and fix my credit report.

The Wake-Up Call: Seeing My Credit Report for the First Time

It all started when I tried to apply for my first credit card. The bank said my credit score was too low. I was shocked — I barely had any credit history! So, I pulled my credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com and saw a bunch of negative stuff: collections, late payments, and even a debt I never heard of.

I had no idea how to handle this. I asked myself, “How do I take things off my credit report? Can I really remove negative items from my credit?” I was stressed, but I knew I had to fix it.

Discovering the Truth About My Credit Report

I learned that a lot of the negative items were either mistakes or old debts that shouldn’t have been there. Some were from a credit card I closed years ago, and one was a collection account that I never got a proper notice about.

I also found out about the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) — a law that protects people like me. It says I have the right to dispute any errors and get them removed if they’re wrong or unverifiable. That gave me hope.

How I Started to Delete Bad Credit?

Here’s what I did step-by-step:

• Got my credit reports from all three bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.
• Marked every error and suspicious debt: I found debts that weren’t mine and some old collections.
• Filed disputes online: I sent disputes with proof that some debts were wrong or outdated.
• Asked for debt validation: For the collections, I requested the debt collectors prove the debts were mine. They couldn’t for some, so those got removed!
• Negotiated pay-for-delete: For one small collection I owed, I contacted the collector and offered to pay if they removed it from my report. They agreed, but I made sure to get it in writing.

Should I Pay Wrong Debt on My Credit Report?

At first, I thought I should just pay everything to clear my name. But I found out that paying a wrong debt can sometimes make it harder to get it removed. So, I always disputed first and made sure the debt was valid before paying anything.

The Result: My Credit Report Got Cleaner

After a few months of working on this, my credit report looked a lot better. A few bad marks were deleted, and my score started to climb. It felt amazing to finally have control over my credit.

What I Learned and What You Should Know?

• You can remove negative items from your credit report, but only if they’re wrong or outdated.
• Disputing errors is your right under the FCRA.
• Don’t pay debts you don’t owe without validating them first.
• Keep good records and always get agreements in writing.
• Fixing your credit takes time, but it’s worth it.

Final Advice from a College Student Who’s Been There

If you’re like me and struggling with bad credit, don’t panic. Start by checking your credit reports and disputing errors. Use trusted tools and resources, and avoid shady credit repair scams. It’s your financial future, so take control early.

If you travel frequently, you’ve probably heard about CLEAR — the fast-track security service that promises to get you through airport lines quicker. But how much does CLEAR cost? What exactly is the CLEAR Plus membership, and is it worth the price? In this post, we’ll break down the cost of CLEAR, explain the CLEAR subscription options, and answer your burning questions like “How much is TSA CLEAR?” so you can decide if it’s the right investment for your travel routine.

What Is CLEAR Plus Membership and How Much Does It Cost?

CLEAR is a membership-based service that uses biometric data (like fingerprints and iris scans) to verify your identity and speed you through airport security. The most popular option is the CLEAR Plus membership, which lets you skip the ID check line and head straight to the physical screening.

So, how much is CLEAR Plus? As of June 2025, the standard CLEAR membership cost is about $189 per year. This fee covers unlimited access to CLEAR lanes at airports and other venues like stadiums and arenas where CLEAR is available.

Note: All pricing mentioned in this article is accurate as of June 23, 2025, and may be subject to change.

Keep in mind:

• CLEAR often runs promotions or offers discounts if you add family members.
• Some credit cards or loyalty programs may reimburse the CLEAR subscription fee.
• You can pay monthly or annually, but annual payment usually saves you money overall.

What Does CLEAR Cost Compared to TSA PreCheck?

You might be wondering, “What does CLEAR cost compared to TSA PreCheck?” TSA PreCheck is another popular way to speed through airport security, but it works differently. TSA PreCheck costs $85 for a 5-year membership (about $17 per year), which is much cheaper than CLEAR.

Note: TSA PreCheck pricing is current as of June 23, 2025.

However, the services differ:

Many travelers combine both for the fastest experience: CLEAR speeds up ID verification, and TSA PreCheck speeds up the physical screening line.

How Does the CLEAR Subscription Work?

Once you sign up for the CLEAR subscription, you’ll visit a CLEAR enrollment center at the airport or other venue to register your biometrics. After that, you just use your fingerprint or eye scan to verify your identity at CLEAR kiosks, bypassing the ID check line.

CLEAR is available at over 50 airports across the U.S., plus select stadiums and arenas. The convenience is a big draw for busy travelers who hate waiting in long lines.

Is CLEAR Worth the Cost?

Whether the airport CLEAR cost is worth it depends on your travel habits:

• If you fly multiple times a month, the time saved can be priceless.
• For occasional travelers, the $189 yearly fee might feel steep.
• Families can add up to three people to a membership for an extra $60 per year each (as of June 2025), which can make sense for group travel.
• Some users value CLEAR for venues beyond airports, like sports events.

Tips to Save on CLEAR Membership Cost

• Look for discounts through your employer, credit card, or airline loyalty program.
• Sign up during promotional periods — CLEAR often offers deals around holidays.
• Consider whether combining CLEAR with TSA PreCheck fits your budget and travel style.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the cost of CLEAR and how the CLEAR Plus membership works can help you decide if this fast-track service is right for you. At $189 per year (price accurate as of June 23, 2025), CLEAR offers a premium experience for frequent travelers who want to save time and hassle. But if you only fly occasionally, TSA PreCheck or other options might be a better fit.

I’m trying to figure out how many quarters make up 20 dollars because I want to count my change accurately. I live in the US and often deal with coins when paying for small purchases.

Sometimes I get confused about how many quarters equal a certain amount of dollars, especially larger amounts like $20. Can someone explain how many quarters are in 20 dollars and maybe a simple way to calculate it? Also, is there a quick trick or formula I can use next time I want to convert dollars to quarters?

If You’ve Ever Wondered How to Invest in Stocks

If you have ever searched for  how to get into stocks  or  best stocks to buy right now,  you are not alone. Millions of beginners are entering the world of investing every day. Thanks to easy-to-use apps and platforms, stock trading is more accessible than ever. With just a smartphone and the right guidance, anyone can start building wealth and planning for a better financial future. Whether your goal is to grow your savings, earn passive income, or achieve financial freedom, this guide will take you step by step through everything you need to know to start investing confidently.

Why Invest in Stocks

Investing in stocks has proven to be one of the most effective ways to grow wealth over time. When you buy shares of a company, you are essentially becoming a partial owner, which allows you to benefit as the business grows. Stocks generally provide higher returns than traditional savings accounts or bonds, giving your money the potential to grow faster over the long term. Many companies also pay dividends, which can serve as a steady source of passive income. By investing, you gain ownership in businesses you believe in and can participate in the growth of industries shaping the future, such as technology, renewable energy, and healthcare.

Over time, stocks can also help protect your wealth against inflation, preserving your purchasing power as the economy changes.

How to Invest in Stocks in Six Steps

The first step is to set clear financial goals. Are you investing for retirement, buying a car, or funding a dream vacation? Your goals will shape your investment strategy, risk tolerance, and timeline. Next, it is important to research the market carefully. Identify companies with strong performance, promising growth, and solid fundamentals such as revenue, profits, and competitive advantages. In 2025, both established tech giants and emerging AI companies offer interesting opportunities for investors.

Choosing the right brokerage comes next. Look for a reputable platform with reasonable fees, an intuitive interface, educational resources, and responsive customer support. Many brokers now offer zero-commission trades and mobile-friendly apps, making it easier than ever for beginners to start. When you are ready to invest, start small. Fractional shares allow you to own a portion of a stock even with a modest amount of money, which reduces barriers to entry.

Diversification is essential for managing risk. Spreading investments across different industries such as technology, healthcare, renewable energy, consumer goods, and finance can help stabilize your portfolio. Finally, staying informed is key to long-term success. Follow market news, track earnings reports, and pay attention to economic trends. Using stock-tracking apps, financial newsletters, and podcasts will keep you updated and allow you to make smarter decisions.

Understanding Key Stock Market Concepts

Investing in stocks involves owning shares in publicly traded companies with the potential to earn returns through price appreciation or dividends. Successful investors study company performance, market trends, and financial health before making decisions. Stocks carry risks, as prices can fluctuate due to market volatility, economic changes, or company-specific issues, but they also offer significant potential rewards over time.

Understanding costs such as brokerage fees, commissions, and taxes is important, and low-cost ETFs can simplify investing while reducing expenses. Investors follow different strategies, from long-term buy-and-hold approaches to dividend, growth, or value investing, each tailored to specific goals and risk tolerance. Consistently monitoring your portfolio and adjusting your investments ensures your strategy stays aligned with your objectives. Using financial tools, stock screeners, and market calendars can help you make informed decisions with confidence.

Best Stocks for Beginners

Choosing the right stocks can feel overwhelming, especially with thousands listed on major exchanges. However, the most successful investors often rely on simple, proven strategies. Warren Buffett has famously recommended that the best investment for most Americans is a low-cost S&P 500 ETF, which includes about 500 of the largest U.S. companies across multiple industries. Historically, this index has provided an average annual return of around 10 percent, making it a strong foundation for any portfolio.

Investors new to the market can also benefit from stocks of companies that consistently pay dividends, offering steady income while reducing volatility. Large, well-established  blue-chip  companies, such as Microsoft, Coca-Cola, and Johnson & Johnson, are often more stable and reliable. Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) allow beginners to diversify easily by holding a basket of stocks in a single investment. It is important to avoid chasing trends or relying on  hot tips  and instead focus on research, fundamentals, and a disciplined approach. Emotional control is crucial, as the market naturally fluctuates; patience and consistency often lead to the best long-term results.

Final Thoughts

Getting started in stock investing has never been easier, but success requires preparation, knowledge, and patience. By setting clear goals, educating yourself, starting small, diversifying, and staying informed, you can build a portfolio that grows steadily over time. Remember, investing is a marathon, not a sprint. The most successful investors stay disciplined through market ups and downs, continuously learning and refining their strategies.

For beginners who want to explore trading strategies and crypto safety, platforms like BYDFi provide tutorials, expert insights, and tools to help you navigate the world of investing with confidence.