Category: Credit Scores

Raising Your Credit Score Can Save Thousands on a Mortgage

Before you buy a home and get a mortgage, there are ways to ensure you get a better deal from a lender. The difference can save you many thousands of dollars throughout your mortgage. Taking time to raise your credit score beforehand can enable you to get the better terms you want. The Savings Potential…


How to Get Your Credit Score Above 800

One of the best things you can do for your finances is to have a good credit score. Having a good score will help you get some good deals on credit, but the best deals come to those with credit scores of 800 or more. Along with it, you can enjoy the 800 credit score…


10 Hacks to Increase Your Credit Score Fast

Your credit score impacts everything from getting a favorable interest rate on a credit card to buying a home, paying for insurance, and more. If your current credit score is less than ideal, here are ten hacks to increase your credit score fast. 1. Dispute Errors on Your Credit Report Because of your credit report’s…


Online Credit Reports & How They Are Tracking Everything You Do

Imagine that you’ve been invited to join a friend on a weekend getaway. The only problem? Your dog has to stay home. Thankfully, you can solve this problem by hiring a pet sitter. Of course, you aren’t going to have anyone watch over your four-legged friend. You’re going to ask them some questions first. Primarily,…


5 Ways to Build Your Credit Score in 2023

You’ve got big financial plans for 2023. Maybe they include buying a home or car, or getting a new travel rewards credit card to help pay for your next trip. There’s a key piece of these plans you may not have considered: building your credit score. A better credit score can expand your access to…


Millennial Money: How Stay-at-Home Spouses Can Build Credit

Spouses share a lot, but no matter your relationship status, your credit score belongs to you and you alone. Even if you’re 100 percent supported financially by your spouse or partner, establishing and building your own credit score is essential. It can benefit you both as you navigate financial decisions together. But should you divorce…


How Shortcomings in Credit Scoring and Tax Processing Affect Consumers

There are nearly 50 million consumers in the United States without a firm credit score, leaving them financially fragile. Those same people are impacted by a massive IRS backlog of paper 1040s, leading to delayed tax returns. However, a few initiatives could help turn those circumstances around. Even if you generally feel well-to-do, it’s a…


6 Tips You Can Use to Help Improve Your Credit Score

Credit scores are complicated and because rating agencies consider many factors, the process of improving them can look different for everyone. When Willard Carpenter, 68, wanted a loan to open a new business, he realized that his credit score was not high enough to get approved. After checking his credit history, he found several issues…


How to Shop for a Low Mortgage Rate

By Daniel Bortz From Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Looking to purchase a home in this market? Take these steps to qualify for the best mortgage rates. Increase your down payment To qualify for the lowest rates on a conventional loan backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac—the nation’s two largest mortgage buyers—you’ll need a 20 percent…


What to Do If Your Credit Card Account Is Closed

By Rivan V. Stinson From Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Question: My credit card company closed my account for “inactivity.” Is there a way to get my card reinstated? Answer: Credit card issuers can close your account due to what’s known as “inactivity,” meaning you haven’t used the card in a certain amount of time—let’s say a…