- What is a Certified Credit Counselor?
If you’re looking to get out of debt, you might consider talking to a certified credit counselor. This term can describe a credit counseling agency or an individual who offers credit counseling services. As a result, you want to make sure that you’re working with someone you trust. Here’s what to look for when seeking… read more…
- How Long Does Negative Info Stay on My Credit Report?
It’s not always easy to keep up with our spending. Sometimes, before you know it, you’ve ignored your credit card bill for way too long and your issuer sends the debt to collections. That’s gonna hurt your credit. But how long does negative information stay on a credit report? The exact length of time is… read more…
- How to Build Credit Fresh out of College
Many recent graduates struggle to transition from college to the real world. As independent adults, they may be making major decisions concerning different aspects of their lives, including their finances, for the first time. If they want to buy a home and make other large purchases, they’ll probably need to have good credit. But many students… read more…
- 5 Ways to Rebound When You’ve Been Denied Credit
Being turned down for a credit card or a loan is never a pleasant experience. But it could happen, particularly if your credit score isn’t up to snuff. A rejected application can be a setback, but it doesn’t have to permanently prevent you from buying a home or making another major purchase forever. Here are five steps… read more…
- 3 Mistakes People With Good Credit Shouldn’t Make
When it comes to borrowing money, your credit score can make or break you. A high credit score can help you qualify for more favorable loan terms. And a low credit score can leave you with an expensive interest rate. Even if you have good credit, you’ll need to be careful. Here are three mistakes… read more…
- Can Selling Your Home Hurt Your Credit?
Maintaining a good credit score isn’t always easy. Maxing out credit cards, making late payments and failing to pay off your student loan debt are just a few moves that can hurt your credit. Even selling your home could potentially have an impact on your credit. Before you get to the closing table, here’s everything you… read more…
- What You Should Know About Credit Scoring Models
If you’re a little confused about how credit scores are calculated, you’re definitely not alone. Credit scoring models can be difficult to interpret, which isn’t very helpful when you’re trying to improve your credit. But don’t worry – we’re here to help. We’ll dive into what you need to know about two popular credit scoring… read more…
- How Landlords Run Credit Checks
Hunting for a new apartment? Don’t be surprised if your landlord says that she needs to check your credit before you sign a lease. In addition to contacting references, landlords often run credit checks to make sure potential tenants are responsible. If you’re curious to know what landlords look for when reviewing credit reports, read… read more…
- Top 4 Reasons Retirees Shouldn’t Let Their Credit Scores Slip
If you’re nearing retirement (or you’ve already retired), you might think that your credit score doesn’t matter all that much anymore. You might be surprised, however, to learn that your credit score can affect your financial life even if you’re no longer working a 9-to-5. Here are four good reasons to keep your credit score on track after… read more…
- How New Parents Can Protect Their Credit
Planning for the arrival of a new baby is exciting, but you’ll probably have to face some major financial changes. Between buying baby gear and planning for medical expenses, your budget can easily get blown out of the water. Plus, you could put your credit score at risk without even realizing it. If you’ve recently… read more…
- 5 Credit Rules Every 20-Something Should Follow
Your credit shapes just about every major financial aspect of your life, from your ability to rent an apartment to your chances of getting a mortgage. Establishing a solid credit history in your 20s can put you on the right path, but that’s easier said than done. According to a recent survey from Credit Karma,… read more…
- 3 Things You Need to Know About the FICO Score XD
Building credit is somewhat of a catch-22. You need a credit history to qualify for new credit but you often can’t establish that history without having debt. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, about 26 million Americans have blank credit reports. For these people, even something like getting a cellphone contract or utility service… read more…
- 5 Actions That Won’t Improve Your Credit Score
Credit scores are pretty mysterious. Your score can change overnight and vary by credit bureau. While there’s no secret formula to obtaining a perfect credit score, there are certain actions you can take to give it a boost. On the other hand, there are some moves that actually won’t help your score at all. Check… read more…
- 5 Ways to Protect Your Financial Information This Holiday Season
It’s that time of year again and as much as you might dread it, the holiday shopping season can’t be avoided. Whether you’re planning to head out to the stores on Black Friday or do all of your shopping online, keeping your financial details safe is a must. Before you get caught up in the… read more…
- Why Trying to Get an 850 Credit Score Is a Waste of Time
Achieving a perfect credit score is an impressive feat. But only a tiny percentage of consumers ever hit the 850 mark. Getting a perfect score requires a lot of hard work. And while it’ll make you a shoo-in for a loan, a perfect score isn’t necessary to qualify for financing. If you’re focused on nailing that elusive… read more…
- 5 Ways to Protect Your Child From an Identity Thief
Identity thieves and hackers seem to show very little mercy these days. Anyone can become a target and have their personal information stolen and used illegally. That goes for minors, too. As a parent, it’s important to monitor your own credit report, bills and bank accounts. It’s just as important to be vigilant and ensure that your son… read more…
- The Average Credit Score: It’s on the Rise
When it comes to personal finance, it’s natural to wonder how you compare to others. Want to know if your credit score is average? You’ve come to the right place. The good news is that American credit scores are on the rise. It seems we all learned something from the Great Recession. If your credit score is… read more…
- How Hard and Soft Inquiries Affect Your Credit Score
Your credit score can affect everything from whether you can buy a home to whether you can refinance your student loans. Maybe your score is low because you’ve recently applied for multiple credit cards. That’s okay – it’s never too late to adopt better habits. Before you apply for more credit, let’s take a moment to… read more…
- Top 3 Credit Rules Every New Grad Should Follow
College grads leave school with plenty of knowledge, but personal finance is one area where they tend to fall short. If you don’t actually know the difference between a credit report and a credit score, it’s time for a crash course. Here are the most important credit rules new grads need to follow to avoid… read more…
- 5 Things You’re Getting Wrong About Credit Scores
Credit scores are very important when it comes to your finances but ironically, they’re also widely misunderstood. From how they’re calculated to what they’re used for, many consumers are getting it all wrong. If you’re a little vague on the details of how credit scores work, these are some of the biggest misconceptions you need… read more…
- 3 Ways to Save Money With a 750 Credit Score
Improving your credit can take time and you might have to really pay attention to the choices you’re making to see a big payoff. If you’re diligent about reducing your debts and paying your bills on time, attaining a credit score in the 750 or higher range can be an achievable goal. Once your credit… read more…
- 5 Financial Habits That Can Improve Your Credit Score
Establishing a great credit score isn’t rocket science. But for so many Americans, it continues to be an elusive goal. If you dream of seeing your score hit the 850 mark, it’s going to take some time and work to get it there. In the meantime, you can commit to good financial practices. It’s important to… read more…
- How to Rebuild Your Credit
A low credit score is more than just a number. It affects the interest rate you’ll pay on a home mortgage – and whether you can get a mortgage at all. If your credit score is lower than you’d like, there’s hope. Rebuilding your credit takes time, but it’s doable. Let us help put you… read more…
- Could Credit Reporting Changes Boost Your Credit Score?
A good credit score can really go a long way these days, especially if you’re planning on refinancing your home or applying for a mortgage or new car loan in the near future. Having a black mark or two appear on your credit report can work against you and it can be especially frustrating if your… read more…
- What Should You Do When a Loved One Steals Your Identity?
Having your identity stolen can be devastating, especially when the thief racks up thousands of dollars of debt in your name and leaves a trail of unpaid bills that wreck your credit. The only thing worse than the theft itself is finding out that the person behind it all is a close friend or family… read more…