If you’ve ever applied for a loan, apartment rental or even a job, you might have seen the three-digit number that is your credit score. And if that number changes from day to day, or application to application, chances are you’re wondering why. What many borrowers don’t realize, however, is that there are multiple credit […]
Which Credit Bureau, Report or Score is Most Accurate? Read More »
For borrowers struggling with debt and poor credit, you might check your credit report and note that an account has been “charged off.” But what does that mean? Should you still pay it, and what are your options to try to protect your credit score? While the simplest way to get it removed is to
Got a Charge Off on Your Credit Report? What It Means and How to Remove It Read More »
Millions of Americans carry balances on several credit cards, juggling payments and watching interest spiral out of control. That’s a problem. Consolidating your credit cards may be the solution. But does it make sense for your financial situation? That will depend on how much you owe, your income, your credit score, your commitment to paying
8 Effective Ways to Consolidate Credit Card Debt Read More »
Your credit utilization ratio, or credit utilization rate, is the amount of available credit you have versus how much you’re currently using. It primarily refers to revolving credit — lines of credit and credit cards — since these have an upper limit but the balances can change based on your usage. It is a key
How to Calculate Your Credit Utilization Ratio Read More »
You don’t need to have $50,000 in credit card debt to know you’re in trouble. There are some telltale signs that it’s probably the right time to seek debt relief. First is when you have no chance of repaying all unsecured debt within five years. Unsecured debt includes credit cards, medical bills, utility bills, and
Credit Card Debt Relief: Here are the 5 Best Options Read More »
Today, there are about 23,000 payday lenders — twice the number of McDonald’s restaurants in the United States — across the country. These lenders prey on people who need money immediately and don’t have time to seek better options. But there’s a better alternative. Before you hit “Apply Now” for that payday loan, consider a
Payday Alternative Loans: Why PALs Are Better than Payday Loans Read More »
Payday lenders don’t check your credit when you apply for a loan, and they don’t report it to the credit bureaus when you repay it by the due date. But if you think an unpaid payday loan just disappears, think again. A payday loan default will stay in the payday lenders’ system for six years,
How Long Does a Payday Loan Stay in the System? Read More »
No one wants to hear from a debt collector. Some folks believe there’s an 11-word phrase that forces debt collectors to stop hounding you. Is it true or simply a myth? This 11-word Phrase Won’t Stop Debt Collectors’ Calls “Please cease and desist all calls and contact with me immediately.” If it sounds too good
Will This 11-Word Phrase Actually Stop Debt Collectors From Calling? Read More »
Which are the differences between secured and unsecured debt?
The Difference Between Secured vs. Unsecured Debt: Which Is Better? Read More »
If your mailbox and email account are overflowing with “guaranteed” loan offers, it may seem like qualifying for a debt consolidation loan should be easy. And it will be, as long as your credit score is good, your income is high and you’ve established a pattern of creditworthiness. But if you apply for one of
11 Reasons Why Your Debt Consolidation Loan Was Denied Read More »
