Hey there, folks! If you’re hitched or planning to tie the knot and wondering, “Do lenders look at both spouses’ credit scores?”—we’re gonna clear that up right now at the jump. Spoiler alert: Yup, they do, especially when you’re applying for somethin’ big like a mortgage together. But it ain’t as simple as mashin’ your … Read more
Private mortgage insurance (PMI) is an added cost homebuyers must pay if they purchase a home with a down payment of less than 20%. This kind of insurance protects the lender in case the borrower defaults. Unfortunately, for many buyers, a down payment of less than 20% is the only option for buying a home. … Read more
Churning in mortgage refers to the unethical practice of mortgage lenders aggressively soliciting existing borrowers to refinance their current mortgage, often with little to no financial benefit to the borrower. It involves repeatedly refinancing a mortgage loan and charging the borrower extra fees and costs each time, without actually saving them money. How Does Mortgage … Read more
Having debt in collections is an unfortunate reality for millions of Americans — especially those who are struggling with unexpected financial hardships. But while facing a debt collection issue may be common, it can also have a big impact on your finances, and receiving calls, letters or lawsuit threats from debt collectors can also be … Read more
For a score with a range of 300 to 850, a credit score of 670 to 739 is considered good. Credit scores of 740 and above are very good while 800 and higher are excellent. For credit scores that range from 300 to 850, a credit score in the mid to high 600s or above … Read more
This calculator allows you to enter an initial lump-sum extra payment along with extra monthly payments which coincide with your regular monthly payments. We also offer three other options you can consider for other additional payment scenarios. If you’re a homeowner with a mortgage, you’ve probably wondered if making extra payments can help you pay … Read more
Credit card debt is a common problem nationwide. The level of credit card debt consumers face recently reached record highs, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, and Americans now owe more than $1 trillion to credit card companies. “Many Americans today are faced with weathering increased costs from higher-than-average inflation over the past two … Read more
If you want to know how to pay off a car loan faster, fortunately, there are plenty of options. But while you can pay off your car loan early, it’s not always the best financial choice. Consider the various methods listed below for working toward an early payoff, as well as whether this move makes … Read more
Looking to splash out on a Mercedes-Benz but stressed over how to afford it? Many financing options are available to help you drive off the dealer lot in your luxury ride, whether your heart is set on a new convertible, sedan or SUV. To help bring your new ride home, we’ve evaluated some of the … Read more
If you’ve used Affirm or other buy now pay later (BNPL) services you may be wondering does paying off Affirm boost your credit score? The relationship between Affirm and your credit is complex. Affirm does not directly report payment history to credit bureaus like Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. So simply using Affirm does not automatically … Read more