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
Student loans from the federal government are one of the only debts that can be forgiven at death. Although some private lenders that offer student loans also offer loan forgiveness. In June 2023, the average federal student loan debt in the U.S. was about $37,650.1 A high student loan amount may worry you, but in … Read more
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
If your loved one recently passed away, you may have many questions about filing income tax for them. Perhaps the most important thing is to understand that you are not alone. Dealing with a deceased’s unpaid taxes can be challenging. For example, who is responsible for paying taxes when someone dies? Do IRS debts go … Read more
You can unfreeze your credit report at each of the three bureausâExperian, TransUnion and Equifaxâonline through your accounts, over the phone or by mailing the correct documentation. Freezing your credit reports can help safeguard you against identity theft, but if youre planning on applying for a loan or credit card or taking any other action … Read more
A poor credit history can be a big financial roadblock, but there are strategies available to help you improve your situation. In many cases, improving your credit scores takes time and patience. However, there are steps you can take if youre aiming to increase your credit scores quickly. A good credit score is important for … Read more
Whether you want to expand your real estate investment portfolio or expand your personal vacation home count beyond your primary residence, you might wonder how many mortgages you can take on. Buying multiple properties can be a great way to increase your assets and make money, particularly if you make excellent decisions along the way. … Read more
Getting a car loan with a 686 credit score is definitely possible, but your interest rate may be higher than borrowers with excellent credit. While there is no specific minimum credit score needed to qualify for auto financing, most lenders view a score of 686 as average to good credit. By understanding how your credit … Read more
Just because you’ve had a few dings on your credit in the past doesn’t mean they have to permanently affect your financial future. If you believe you have bad credit, you can still look forward to buying a home if you make the right moves. We’ll go over the lowest credit score to buy a … Read more