Credit scores are three-digit numbers, typically between 300 and 850, that represent your overall credit risk at a glance. Credit scores help lenders decide whether to grant you credit. Credit scores are calculated based on past financial behavior. This includes your payment history on credit accounts, the credit you use compared to total credit available, … Read more
If you and your wife reside in a community property state, then there is a legitimate risk that a creditor will garnish wages from a joint bank account to pay a debt that only you owe. In general, your spouse’s wages cannot be garnished for a debt you owe if they have a separate checking … Read more
Unless you plan on purchasing a vehicle in all cash, your credit score is one of the most important factors in securing financing on a new or used car. Your credit score provides lenders with the likelihood that you’ll repay your debts on time. A solid understanding of your credit score before you head to … Read more
American Express offers a wide range of credit cards to suit different credit profiles and lifestyles. With options for no annual fee, travel rewards, cash back, and more, many wonder what credit score they need to qualify for an Amex card. This article will explain Amex’s credit score requirements and how you can get approved, … Read more
Having a default on your credit file means a harder time getting credit cards, loans, mobile phone contracts, or even opening current bank accounts. A default on your credit report can feel like a black mark that won’t go away. After all defaults typically stay on your report for six years. But there are situations … Read more
Among all of the difficult choices associated with buying a house, choosing a time of month to close might seem like a low priority. Compared to many home buying decisions, it’s certainly lower stakes. Nevertheless, there’s likely $500 – $2,000 on the line when it comes to your closing date. That’s enough to cover that … Read more
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is a federal law that helps to ensure the accuracy, fairness and privacy of the information in consumer credit bureau files. The law regulates the way credit reporting agencies can collect, access, use and share the data they collect in your consumer reports. When you apply for credit – … Read more
Trying to pay off your debt can seem overwhelming, but there are strategies that can help. There are generally two different approaches to take to help pay down your debt, and each method has its pros and cons. There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to which method is best because every … Read more
As parents, we want our children to have the best possible start in life — from getting good grades and excelling at sports and activities, to learning responsibility by holding a part-time job. Some go even further to set their children up for saving and investing by opening a custodial account for them, like a … Read more
Paying off debt early is generally a good thing. That includes car loans. But itâs worth understanding how paying off debt earlier than planned might affect your credit. It may seem backward, but paying off a car loan early could hurt your credit. But how exactly it could affect your scores depends, in part, on … Read more