The 28/36 rule is an important guideline that potential homebuyers should understand when applying for a mortgage loan. This rule of thumb helps determine how much house you can comfortably afford based on your income, debts, and lifestyle. What Does 28/36 Mean? The 28/36 rule recommends that your total monthly housing costs should not exceed … Read more
According to recent data, over six million Americans are behind on their mortgage payments. If you happen to be in a similar situation and want to ease your financial burden, you may be asking, “Can I sell my house if I’m behind on payments?” In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to sell your … Read more
Buying a new car is an exciting experience. Driving off the lot with that new car smell is a feeling like no other. But that excitement can quickly turn to stress when the first payment comes due. Many new car owners are caught off guard when that first bill arrives in the mail. So when … Read more
Paying off your credit card balance every month is one of the factors that can help you improve your scores. Companies use several factors to calculate your credit scores. One factor they look at is how much credit you are using compared to how much you have available. In the case of a credit card, … Read more
For a score with a range of 300 to 850, a credit score of 670 to 739 is considered good. Credit scores of 740 and above are very good while 800 and higher are excellent. For credit scores that range from 300 to 850, a credit score in the mid to high 600s or above … Read more
A debt doesn’t generally expire or disappear until its paid, but in many states, there may be a time limit on how long creditors or debt collectors can use legal action to collect a debt. In many states, statues of limitations are in place to prevent creditors and debt collectors from using legal action to … Read more
There are laws to prohibit debt collectors from placing repeated or continuous telephone calls to annoy, abuse, or harass you or others who share your phone number. They’re also prohibited from communicating with you at times or places that are inconvenient for you. Dealing with debt collectors can be an unpleasant and stressful experience. The … Read more
Your credit score is more than just a number—it’s a key that can unlock financial opportunities or keep them out of reach. A 611 credit score is below the national average credit score and may limit your access to favorable loan terms, but it’s far from the end of the road. In this guide, we’ll … Read more
A 700 credit score is a solid starting point for homebuyers, offering a range of loan options. While it’s not the top-tier score, it’s good enough to get you a good rate on conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA loans. The higher your credit score, the better your mortgage terms, so it’s worth understanding how your … Read more
When you apply for a car loan—whether from your dealer, a bank, or a credit union—they will check your credit. This is known as a hard inquiry, and can temporarily affect your credit score. Since multiple credit checks within 45 days generally won’t affect your credit score more than a single check, you have that … Read more