To change your name with the credit bureaus, youâll need to start by filing any legal name change paperwork required in your state and updating your Social Security card. Then, update your name with your creditors. The new information will appear on your reports. When you change your name, youll want to make sure all … Read more
Prequalification is a key first step in the home purchase process for many borrowers. Getting prequalified for a mortgage wont impact your credit score, but the soft inquiry will show up on your credit reports. Getting prequalified for a mortgage loan can help you get an idea of your eligibility and how much you can … Read more
In times of financial hardship, paying a mortgage with a credit card can help you buy some time and even give you the option to pay off a single mortgage payment over several months. Paying a mortgage with a credit card can also be a way to scoop up truckloads of rewards—or earn a sizable … Read more
Hey there, fam! So, you’ve just dropped a huge chunk of change on a new crib—congrats! But now, you’re eyeballin’ a shiny new ride to park in that driveway. Hold up, though—is it really okay to buy a car after buying a house? I get it, you wanna roll in style, but we gotta talk … Read more
You can build credit with a credit card by regularly using the card, using a small amount of your credit limit and making all of your payments on time. By following these tips, you can build a good credit score. Credit cards offer one of the best ways for you to build your credit and … Read more
You have the right to file disputes to get inaccurate late payments removed from your credit report by contacting your creditor or the credit bureaus to remedy the issue. You have the right to try to remove a late payment from your credit reports if it was reported in error or the late payment was … Read more
Like understanding your credit score, getting to know your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio is an important part of managing your overall financial picture. More than 40% of Americans are looking for ways overcome debt, according to the 2024 Wells Fargo Money Study, and understanding your DTI ratio can help you make informed decisions about managing debt … Read more
This is a normal part of the debt collection process.It applies to most common types of consumer debt including: Having a collection account on your credit report can be frustrating, especially if you’ve already paid off the debt. Collections can significantly drag down your credit score, making it harder to qualify for loans, credit cards, … Read more
If you’re new to the world of buying real estate, you’ll quickly discover that you have lots of choices when it comes to selecting the right lender and the right home loan. One particular loan option you’ll need to weigh before buying a home is a 15-year versus a 30-year mortgage to decide what makes … Read more
The current average mortgage rate for someone with a good credit score (700) was 7.42% as of January 3, 2025, according to Curinos data. Your credit scores can directly impact your eligibility for a mortgage and the interest rate you receive. You may need a score in the high 700s (or higher) to get the … Read more