How to Prepare for and Shop for an Auto Loan
Picking out the car is the fun part of the car buying process. The loan, on the other hand, isn’t so much fun. You’ll be stuck with the loan for four or five years, so…
latoyairby
LaToya Irby is a full-time freelance writer and a graduate of the University of Alabama. She primarily writes about personal finance, freelancing, and other self-employment topics.
A Thin Credit File Lowers Your Approval Odds
When it comes to credit, thin is not in. In fact, you want a fat credit file full of lots of positive information. What is a “thin” credit file and how do you know whether…
Write a Letter to Get Collectors Off Your Back
Debt collectors are known for using intimidation tactics to bully people into paying outstanding debts. Don’t get me wrong – there’s nothing wrong with a creditor or collector pursuing you for a debt that you’ve…
Options for Paying Back Your Student Loans
The amount of outstanding student loan debt has surpassed that of credit card debt for the first time in history. Studies predict the amount of student debt could pass $1 trillion this year. Student loan…
Your Money Mistakes Will Catch Up to You
“You can run, but you can’t hide” is never truer than when it comes to money, more specifically to owing money. You can get away with not paying your bills for a little bit, but…
How Utility Bills Can Affect Your Credit
Out of all the bills you pay every month, only a few of them are routinely reported to the credit bureaus. For example, credit cards and loan payments are almost always updated on your credit…
Tips for Spending the First Paycheck From a New Job
Whether it’s your first job or just a new job, the first paycheck is critical. There’s often a lag between the day you start and the day you get your first check, so you may…
Many American Families Still Rely on Credit Cards
The average amount of credit card debt has declined over the past several months, but many families are still struggling to pay basic necessities. Based on a recent survey, 40% of low- and middle-income families…
Why You Should Always Read Your Credit Card Statement
The two most important pieces of information on the credit card statement are the minimum payment amount and the payment due date. We have to know this so we can make payment and avoid the…
Walking Away From a Mortgage
The mortgage crisis has left many homeowners in the difficult position of having a mortgage that’s worth more than the home it’s secured by. Being upside-down in a mortgage is an undesirable situation so much…