Hey there! So, you’ve got a 777 credit score, or maybe you’re just curious if that number is any good. Well, lemme tell ya straight up—yes, 777 is a damn good credit score! It’s considered “Very Good” and sometimes even “Excellent,” sitting way above the average. With a score like that, you’re in a sweet … Read more
Nearly a quarter (22%) of Americans have a FICO Score of 800 or higher, which the credit scoring company describes as exceptional. “Exceptional.” Depending on ones frame of mind, the word may conjure up anything from a mint condition rookie card to possibly being asked, again, to stay after class. But in the world of … Read more
To claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), you must have what qualifies as earned income and meet certain adjusted gross income (AGI) and credit limits for the current, previous and upcoming tax years. Earned income includes all the taxable income and wages you get from working for someone else, yourself or from a business … Read more
Applying for a new credit card can complicate your homebuying experience. To minimize the risk of credit-related issues during the mortgage process, it’s best to avoid making any major changes to your credit activity, including opening new credit cards. Getting a mortgage to buy your dream home can be an exciting yet stressful process. You … Read more
They have debit cards and do go to the bank to withdraw money. Stars, they’re just like us. This is just one of the stories from our “I’ve Always Wondered” series, where we tackle all of your questions about the world of business, no matter how big or small. Ever wondered if recycling is worth … Read more
No homebuyer wants to hear the words, “Mortgage loan denied in underwriting.” The good news? A denial doesn’t have to be the end of the road for obtaining a mortgage. By understanding the warning signs your mortgage will be denied, you can take the right steps to get your homebuying journey back on track. Key … Read more
So, you’re struggling with debt and starting to catch up, one payment at a time. But how long does it take for fully paid off debt to be removed from your credit reports? Many people assume that once a debt is paid off, it immediately disappears from their report. However, the reality is a bit … Read more
There’s no doubt that not having any debt can give you a certain sense of freedom. When you don’t owe anything to anybody, the money you have is yours to do with as you wish—a great retirement dream scenario. But as we all know from experience, reality can be a bit different. In an ideal … Read more
You can pay off your car loan faster using several strategies, including refinancing your car loan, making biweekly payments, putting money toward extra lump-sum payments and canceling add-ons. If youre anxious to remove your auto loan from your list of debts, there are ways to do it more quickly. You can pay off your car … Read more
It’s good practice to make a down payment of at least 20% on a new car and 10% for used. A larger down payment can also help you qualify for a better interest rate. But how much a down payment should be for a car isn’t black and white. If you can’t afford 10% or … Read more