When you’re barely scraping by month-to-month, getting out of debt can seem like a lost cause. When traditional debt reduction techniques (like the snowball and avalanche methods) aren’t working with your current paycheck, it can feel like you’re headed for a financial natural disaster. This doesn’t have to be the case. Break the cycle with … Read more
While credit score requirements vary based on loan type, lenders generally require a credit score of at least 620 to buy a house with a conventional mortgage. The minimum credit score needed to buy a house can range from 500 to 700, but will ultimately depend on the type of mortgage loan youre applying for … Read more
If you knowingly report inaccurate data on a credit application, you’re committing fraud. And while a credit card issuer might not immediately request verification, legally its possible. Many or all of the products on this page are from partners who compensate us when you click to or take an action on their website, but this … Read more
In one way or another, we’re all chasing the American Dream. Not the white picket fence per se, but the sense of security that comes with it. You know, the relief of paying your bills on time. The pride that comes with covering your kids’ tuition. The satisfaction of owning a home you love. The … Read more
According to data compiled by TransUnion, the average credit card debt for Americans was an estimated $6,329 through the second quarter of 2024. This was an increase of about 6% from the roughly $5,090 average credit card balance Americans had at the same time in 2023. But what does that number mean exactly? And if … Read more
Your credit score is one of the most important numbers in your financial life. It gives lenders an idea of how creditworthy you are – whether you’ll be able to pay back money you borrow. But what constitutes a “good” credit score can be confusing. In this article we’ll take an in-depth look at whether … Read more
Having a credit score above 760 can open up a world of financial opportunities A score of 760 or higher is considered excellent credit, and will qualify you for the best interest rates and loan terms from lenders But reaching that high credit plateau takes diligent work. Here are the key steps you need to … Read more
MarketWatch Guides may receive compensation from companies that appear on this page. The compensation may impact how, where and in what order products appear, but it does not influence the recommendations the editorial team provides. Not all companies, products, or offers were reviewed. Start comparing the low rates with multiple top companies using myAutoloan below … Read more
If you have a collection on your credit report, you may be wondering how it may impact your FICO® Scores. Below we share answers to the most commonly asked questions about collections. As with any derogatory information, when reported, its impact on a FICO Score will gradually lessen over time as they age off the … Read more
Its generally — but not always — a seamless process, and some redemptions have more value than others. Many or all of the products on this page are from partners who compensate us when you click to or take an action on their website, but this does not influence our evaluations or ratings. Our opinions … Read more