What To Do If You’re Upside Down in a Car Loan
In the ideal car buying scenario, the value of your car would always exceed your outstanding loan balance. However, sometimes the opposite can happen and you owe more on your car than your car…
Credit and Debt
Improve your credit score, manage debt, and understand how credit works. From credit card usage to debt consolidation and credit repair tips, this section gives you tools to strengthen your financial foundation and regain control of your money.
When Your Credit Report is Missing Information
When you’re checking your credit report, one of the things to watch for is that all your information is complete and accurate. But, if you notice an account missing from your credit report, you could…
What a New Application Means for Your Credit Score
Any time you make an application that requires a credit check, an inquiry is added to your credit report. These inquiries are factored into your credit score for the next 12 months, which means…
Using the Debt Avalanche Strategy to Pay Off Debt
Getting out of debt is nowhere as easy as it is getting into debt. Many people start out their debt journey by putting a little bit of extra toward all their debts. Even though you may…
The New UltraFICO Will Give Millions of Consumers a Score Boost
Since it was created, the FICO score has been based only on consumer credit history. The score uses past credit information that’s compiled by major credit bureaus to calculate a credit score that predicts a consumer’s…
5 Tips for Negotiating with Creditors
There may come a point when you realize you’re unable to pay a creditor in full. While you could default, it’s much better to contact your creditor with the idea of negotiating your debt. As…
Credit Freezes Are Now Free for Everyone
Placing a security freeze on your credit report is one of the best ways to protect yourself from identity theft and thanks to changes in federal law, you can now do it for free. What…
6 Tips to Bounce Back From Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy has the stigma of ending your financial life, but if you’ve been struggling with debt for months, or even years, bankruptcy can give you the fresh start you need to get back on your feet. Once…
10 Things You Should Know About Credit Report Disputes
Your credit report has a major influence on your life. The information in your credit report is used for everything from your home purchase to getting a new cell phone to car insurance and even…
Debit Cards vs. Credit Cards
This might be common knowledge to many, but there are people who have asked me what the differences are in debit cards and credit cards. Also if you want to teach your kids, below can…