Credit scores and credit score ranges are crucial to personal finances. A high credit score can help you net approval for financial products, while a low one can result in a denial — or only being […]
Credit scores are a key indicator of financial health, and a city’s average credit score can help paint a picture of its residents’ economic well-being. Although these scores don’t tell the whole story (especially since […]
We all know that it’s never good to bounce a check, but did you know that there are multiple means of doing so? Here are five surprising ways you can bounce a check. Image Credit: […]
If you’ve ever had difficulty opening a checking account, then you’re probably all too aware of a company called ChexSystems. But how much do you really know about this company that happens to be scoring […]
Thanks to companies like ChexSystems, we all have what we like to call “debit” reports. These reports track our banking behavior just as credit reports track credit behavior. The key difference between the two is […]
When you have a debt that goes to collections, it can feel as though debt collectors rule your life until you pay up. Thanks to the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act (FDCPA), though, there are […]
Ever wonder what happens if your check bounces? Although checks might seem like relics of the past, many companies still use them, and so we must keep a box or two on hand. The problem […]
When a natural disaster comes our way, we can feel powerless to its effects. And those effects don’t just hurt our hometowns, but our pockets as well. 2017 alone was marked by 16 natural disasters in America […]
So, you’ve been getting calls from a debt collector. What now? Believe it or not, all hope isn’t lost when an account go to collections. Read on to learn how to deal with a debt […]
The last thing that college students and recent graduates might think about is how their student loans can impact their credit reports in particular and their financial lives in general. Nevertheless, the impact is real. […]
Credit reports are the foundations on which credit scores are measured. Even though there are multiple credit scoring companies (and multiple formulas for each type of score), where your scores land depends on information from […]
How long do negative items stay on my credit report? This is the question anyone in need of credit might ask if bankruptcy, collections accounts, or late payments are dragging down their credit scores. Since […]
So, you’ve read your credit reports and found something that isn’t right. What do you do now? Get ready to file a dispute. There’s no reason to let credit reporting errors drag down your credit […]
Reviewing your credit reports is one of the most important steps you can take to solidify your financial health. After all, your credit reports inform your credit scores, which determine if you’re going to be […]
If you’ve declared bankruptcy in the past, you probably won’t be surprised to see this on your credit report. What might surprise you is how long the bankruptcy will stay there. The amount of time […]
You’ve got your credit report, you’ve reviewed all your accounts, and you now know that nothing is amiss on your payment history. That’s it, right? You’re good to go? Not so fast. Did you review […]
When you need a new car, it can sometimes feel like you needed it yesterday. Sure, there are times when our cars become predictably unreliable, and we can start to prepare for the purchase, but […]
Would you have ever thought that you could live in a castle in the United States? Well, you can. So, if you’re looking for some much-needed inspiration in your search for a new home, look no further. […]
If you’re in the market for a new home, then you’ve probably already thought about the implications of obtaining a 15- or 30-year mortgage — specifically, how crucial the interest rate can be. Even the […]
Shopping for a new car? Don’t forget to shop for a loan as well. Although the majority of people have to finance new and used vehicle purchases, it’s often assumed that the financing will happen […]
Is a new home on your financial wishlist? Even if your budget doesn’t allow it, it’s always fun to take a look at luxury homes on the market. If nothing else, they serve as inspiration, […]
There’s nothing like a good home renovation show to get the creative juices flowing. Whether it’s for designing your own home or to give you ideas about buying a foreclosure to flip, these shows can […]
Ever wonder if a foreclosure might be a way to get a better deal on a new home? Or if it might work out better for you if you want to buy a home with […]
Buying a home is one of the most important financial decisions you’ll ever make. After all, a mortgage typically has you on the hook for anywhere from 15-30 years. And even though you can always […]
So you’ve decided to buy a car — but you don’t want to go to a dealership to do it. You’re in luck. There are now more places than ever to buy a car online, […]
When you’re buying a car, you might not want to think about someday needing to sell it. However, you’ll eventually need an upgrade and, when you do, selling your car could net you a higher […]
So your car is on its last legs, and you’ve opted to forego the dealership dance and instead buy your next car online. How can you make sure you’re getting a good deal? Many online […]