Building and maintaining good credit is crucial for achieving financial goals like getting approved for loans, renting an apartment, or even landing a job. While using credit cards responsibly is foundational, making strategic major purchases can also significantly boost your credit score. This comprehensive guide will explain what types of purchases can help build your … Read more
Credit card debt is nothing new for most Americans. In fact, the “vast majority” of adult Americans have at least one credit card in their wallets and borrowers across the United States owe credit card companies a combined total of more than $1 trillion according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office. As you use your … Read more
A credit limit is the maximum amount of credit a lender authorizes a borrower to use on a credit card or line of credit. If the borrower exceeds the credit limit, they may be subject to penalties, fees, or even canceled credit cards and lines of credit. Keep reading to learn how credit limits work, … Read more
Many employers, especially when hiring for positions that include financial management, perform credit checks on job candidates before making employment offers. Employers may use credit report information to verify an applicants identity and to look for signs of excessive debt or past financial mismanagement. Employers cannot see your credit score, but they can view a … Read more
Paying off the mortgage after 30 years was a rite of passage for Americans approaching retirement age, but this once-common scenario is no longer the norm. According to research from Fannie Maes Economic and Strategic Research Group, baby boomers, those born between 1946 and 1965, are carrying more mortgage debt than earlier generations and are … Read more
Can a loan be denied after closing? If you’re looking to buy a home in Ocala, Florida, and plan on using a lender, you might be wondering if your loan could be denied after you’ve closed on your new home. It’s usually rare for a loan to be denied at this part of the buying … Read more
Balloon financing means reducing your monthly car payments now, but making a large “balloon payment” at the very end of the loan. After that, you can break out the balloons and celebrate. Using a balloon payment for your car has some advantages, but not all vehicles qualify, and that final payment can be rough. Leasing … Read more
Mortgage lenders consider factors like a strong credit report, steady income and employment, a savings buffer, an adequate down payment and the ideal loan type. Youve found your dream home and youre ready to make whats probably the biggest purchase of your life. While a lucky few can pay for a home with cash, most … Read more
Credit scores are mysterious three-digit numbers that can have a huge influence on your financial life. As you take out loans and credit cards pay bills, and manage money your credit score goes up and down, determining the interest rates and terms you’ll be offered. With something so important, it’s natural to wonder how every … Read more
You could elevate your credit score with tips such as making on-time payments, paying credit card bills more than once a month, becoming an authorized user and fixing credit report errors. Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you take certain actions on … Read more