Let’s be honest: Spending money can sometimes be too easy for our own good. With a few purchases here, a few purchases there, bills and receipts add up quickly, and before we know it–poof!–it seems like our money has disappeared.
Only it wasn’t a magic trick; it was likely a lack of self-control, financial awareness, or both. If you find this disappearing act happening often or simply want to start saving more money, try these nine tips from American Consumer Credit Counseling to help you reig...
Having bad credit can be worse than having no credit at all. A lousy credit score can lead to a steeper credit hole to climb out of, and can take years to fix.
All is not lost. Borrowers with bad credit scores can still get approved for a new credit card, though they’ll have to jump through a few more financial hoops than other people.
If you’re trying to qualify for an unsecured card because you have bad credit, here are some things you’ll need to provide:
Proof of IncomeThe Credit Card Act of...Unable to get a credit card? If so, it may be harder for you to build a good credit rating, making everyday life tasks like making a hotel, plane or car reservation a little more difficult. The same goes for loan approvals.
A secured card can help those who don’t qualify for a regular credit card to establish or repair a poor credit history. But what is a secured credit card and how do you get one?
You’ll Need a DepositThese cards use your cash as a deposit for your spending funds, unlike regul...A late payment on a credit bill or other debt such as a mortgage can have a significant impact on your credit score. And the higher your credit score is to begin with, the more it can fall after a late payment.
Paying your bills on time is the best way to avoid this. If you don’t make your payments and your account is turned over to a collections agency, you won’t be able to get that account current again. Late payments can stay on a credit report for seven years.
Before it gets to that point,...The world of finances can feel overwhelming and sometimes even mysterious. Beyond the basics of savings and retirement funds, simple banking habits can have a surprising impact on your finances. These tricks can help you optimize your finances and get the most out of your banking by taking advantage of electronic banking tools, credit score hacks and more.
Shop Around for Your Bank Some banks offer special perks for their members and each one will differ. Shop around to find the best deal for y...
When you buy or sell a home, you will work with several professionals throughout the process. Your real estate agent, home inspector, and lender can all play a significant role in the transaction. Real estate attorneys can also play a pivotal part, but you may be unsure of what exactly they do. Use this guide to learn more about the role of a real estate attorney.
Victims of identity theft or fraud may feel they don’t have many options to protect themselves. An easy stopgap, however, is to place a fraud alert on your credit report.
A fraud alert can be placed fairly simply. Contact one of the three major credit bureaus to ask that they place a fraud alert on your credit report, giving potential lenders and creditors notice that someone may be trying to fraudulently use your identity to apply for credit. The three main credit bureaus are Equifax, Experian...