The assets and debts you enter marriage with typically remain your own separate property. But after the wedding, things change depending on your stateâs laws. Common law states keep most new debts made after marriage separate, though community property law states view both spouses as equally responsible, even if itâs only in your spouseâs name. … Read more
This is a great question, and it’s good to hear that you’re taking steps to get your finances in order and take care of these collection accounts. Unfortunately, I don’t think what the collector is suggesting will work. The credit bureaus are unlikely to remove the paid collection account if it is legitimately incurred. They … 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
While credit score requirements vary based on loan type, lenders generally require a credit score of at least 620 to buy a house with a conventional mortgage. The minimum credit score needed to buy a house can range from 500 to 700, but will ultimately depend on the type of mortgage loan youre applying for … Read more
Selling a house before fully paying off the mortgage is not just possible—it’s incredibly common. In fact, most homeowners don’t stick around long enough to pay off a 30-year loan. According to the National Association of Realtors, the average homeowner lives in their property for just 13 years. This trend raises an important question for … Read more
On a scale of 300-850, a “good” credit score falls somewhere in the mid-600s to mid-700s. Learn how to get a good score and what opportunities it unlocks. 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 … Read more
Imagine finding yourself at a crossroads — unemployed and concerned about your financial future. You may have heard the prevailing myth that having a job is a prerequisite for improving your credit score. However, here’s the reality — your employment status doesn’t directly impact your credit score. Still, it’s important to know that when you … Read more
Home, a four-letter word that can’t describe the amazing feeling of just being there. A space that is ours from the inside-out, a safe-haven to run to when needed. Doesn’t it sound great to just have one until the end of our days? No matter how nice it sounds, that is not a choice many … Read more
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
Paying off a mortgage is one of the biggest financial goals for homeowners. Making those monthly payments for 15, 30 years or longer can feel like a lifetime commitment. Fortunately, there are options to pay off your mortgage faster or receive help paying it off. One potential option is receiving help from family members who … Read more