If you’ve been paying your federal loans for decades, you might be closer to student loan forgiveness after 25 years than you think. Forgiveness isn’t automatic, though—you need to make income-based payments during that time. Typically, months spent in deferment, grace periods, or forbearance don’t count toward those 25 years. But a temporary program introduced … Read more
You have the right to request one free copy of your credit report each year from each of the three major consumer reporting companies (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) by visiting AnnualCreditReport.com. You may also be able to view free reports more frequently online. Be cautious of websites that claim to offer free credit reports. Some … Read more
If you’re looking to buy a home right now, you know that in many markets, supply is challenging, and it’s driven home prices higher. The median home price is well under $600,000, but that may not be the case in some higher-cost areas. You may wonder about the income needed to afford a $600K mortgage. … Read more
In general, keep unused credit cards open so you benefit from longer average credit history and lower credit utilization. Consider putting one small regular purchase on the card and paying it off automatically to keep the card active. A crowded wallet and the temptation to spend might have you thinking about canceling unused credit card … Read more
A 609 letter is a tool that helps you request information about items on your credit report and address errors. Itâs named after Section 609 of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which allows consumers to access all data used to calculate their credit score. While 609 letters canât remove verified or accurate debts, they … Read more
Racking up credit card debt is a slippery slope. While there are a lot of conventional solutions to handling large amounts of debt, it’s important not to rule out other methods. Oftentimes, by exploring new options, you can find a better solution to your credit card debt dilemma. You cant pay off your existing credit … Read more
Your social security number is one of your most valuable personal identifiers. It is linked to your finances, medical records, employment history, and more. But have you ever wondered – how much is your social security number actually worth? Keep reading to find out. What is a Social Security Number? A social security number is … Read more
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is a powerful law designed to protect your rights as a consumer. Although it’s well-known for regulating credit reporting, the FCRA safeguards your job applicant and employee rights. It ensures that information collected and reported about you is accurate, allows you to challenge errors, and prevents unfair treatment in … Read more
When you finally receive the deed to your new house, it’s an exciting moment – the deed represents legal proof that you officially own the property. But then the question arises: as the homeowner, who should actually keep possession of the physical deed document? This article will provide a comprehensive look at house deeds – … Read more
Your FICO Score is what lenders, landlords and other service contractors refer to when determining whether you’re a responsible borrower and measure how likely it may be that you’ll default on a payment contract. The sooner you become familiar with how to build up a solid FICO Score and understand how it impacts your financial … Read more