Credit

When applying for a loan, you want to make sure you get the lowest interest rate possible. A loan interest rate is the amount a lender charges for borrowing money. It’s a percentage of the total loan amount. The lower your interest rate, the less you’ll end up paying during the life of the loan.

Improving your credit score doesn’t just happen overnight. It takes consistent hard work over time that involves making payments on time and controlling your credit card spending. Here are some tips to help you improve your credit score and start the new year out right.

As another year comes to an end, taking a moment to review your finances is a great way to prepare for the new year. Here are 12 steps you can take to review your own finances so you can make necessary adjustments to improve your financial health.

Your credit score is a crucial part of your financial health. It measures the capacity of your credit, the proficiency of your money management and your financial responsibility. An excellent credit score can open the door to large loans with better interest rates, as well as employment opportunities and more. On the flip side, a poor credit score can be a strong barrier towards building wealth, funding large purchases and finding gainful employment.

The three nationwide credit reporting agencies, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, have announced they’re making changes in how medical debt is reported on a consumer’s credit report. The agencies could remove nearly 70% of medical debts from credit reports.

What’s changing?

The three credit reporting agencies have agreed to the following important changes to reporting medical collection accounts.

As 2021 draws to a close and we get ready for 2022, take a moment to go through this year-end financial checklist for ensuring your finances are in order before the start of the New Year.

These days with inflation, it feels like you almost need to take out a second mortgage just to fill up on gas and restock the pantry. What everyone wants to know is, are these inflated prices here to stay? According to the most recent report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. inflation is currently running at a 13-year high of 5.4% — and it’s showing no signs of slowing down. Here’s what you need to know about the current state of the U.S. economy and what you can likely expect in the coming months.

The IRS is sending out letters to more than 36 million families about getting monthly Child Tax Credit payments (as part of the American Rescue Plan) starting in July and lasting through December.

The IRS is sending letters to families who may be eligible for the tax credit based on information provided in either your 2019 or 2020 federal income tax return. Later, a second letter will be sent to eligible families letting them know the estimated amount for each monthly payment. 

It’s smart to review your finances regularly. Giving yourself a financial review is a great way to check on the progress you’ve made towards achieving your goals, highlight areas needing improvement and evaluate your accounts, funds and investments. Here are some tips on how to give yourself a financial review.

Your credit score is determined by many factors. It affects just about everything including housing, insurance rates, employment, as well as loan rates and loan eligibility. That’s why knowing what makes your credit score go up or down is important to your overall financial wellness. Here are some helpful tips about how your credit score is calculated, how it affects your life and how to improve your credit score.