Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you take certain actions on our website or click to take an action on their website. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and … Read more
A credit score increase can be a welcome surprise, but it may have you wondering why. Your credit score may go up for several reasons, and they all have to do with changes to the information on your credit report. Common reasons for a score increase include: a reduction in credit card debt, the removal … Read more
So you’ve set a date for your loan closing – the big day when you’ll sign on the dotted line and officially become the owner of a your new home. Here’s a guide to everything you need to know about the loan closing process and the timeline leading up to the main event: closing day! … Read more
Credit cards are a great way to make purchases more convenient. Having one credit card is often enough, but different credit cards can serve different spending habits, such as travel rewards cards for frequent travelers. But can you have too many credit cards? Learn how having credit cards can impact your financial health as well … Read more
Understanding your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio is crucial when applying for a mortgage. This ratio compares your monthly debt payments to your monthly income and helps lenders determine how much house you can afford. But what exactly gets included in the DTI calculation? Specifically, does your escrow payment for taxes and insurance count? The short answer … Read more
Retirement is something most people dream of — and part of that dream is debt-free living. But what if you’re headed into retirement with a mortgage? If you are, you’re certainly not alone. GOBankingRates spoke with financial experts to get the low-down on whether or not you can — or should — retire with a … Read more
Its an age-old question we receive, and to answer it requires that we start with the basics: What is the definition of a credit score, anyway? Generally speaking, a credit score is a three-digit number ranging from 300 to 850. Credit scores are calculated using information in your credit report. Your payment history, the amount … Read more
With a 5% discount and a slew of extra perks, a Target RedCard could offer more benefits than you realize. If youre a fan of shopping at any of the 1,851 Target stores throughout the U.S. or Target.com, youve likely heard about the Target Circle Card. With both credit and debit card options, coupled with … Read more
Can you borrow money to buy a house? Absolutely. Many mortgage lenders accept multiple forms of assistance to finance your purchase. For first-time buyers, this might include using gift funds for a down payment, which can reduce upfront costs. Some borrowers may also consider personal loans from family members to pay down debt or even … Read more
Do Banks Track Your Spending? The Surprising Ways Financial Institutions Monitor Your Habits Have you ever wondered if your bank tracks where and how you spend your money? With technology enabling more data collection and analytics than ever before, financial institutions now have an unprecedented ability to monitor customers’ spending habits and transaction patterns. But … Read more