There are different reasons why your credit may not be in the best of shape. Maybe you fell behind on some payments, and your score took a hit as a result. Or maybe you’re carrying a ton of debt and are working on paying it off. You’re probably aware that having bad credit could make...
It is very easy to start building your personal credit. One of the easiest ways to start your credit file is to be added as an authorized user on someone else’s credit card account. This is not an option for everyone. If this is an option for you, make sure the credit card account is...
Bad credit – two of the most dreaded words in the English language. Bad credit can really take a toll on a person’s life – and not in a good way. In fact, the effects can be worse that one might think. Having bad credit can make it next to impossible to attain a new...
Good Credit versus Bad Credit Good credit and bad credit are the talk of the financial world. If you hold the key to good credit you will have the chance to take advantages of good credit loans. If you don’t possess this key, then you have bad credit. Good credit and bad credit can determine...
There are three little words you’ll probably hear time and time again as you approach major financial milestones in life: “You need credit.” Interested in a credit card so you don’t have to carry around a lot of cash? “You need credit.” Looking to buy a car? “You need credit.” Want to own a house? ...
No matter how much you’re earning, an emergency fund is a critical component to your financial health. But if you don’t even have enough cash to cover a $400 expense, how are you supposed to build an emergency fund? If money is tight, the key is to build your savings gradually. Most experts recommend saving...
An emergency fund may seem like just another task on your lengthy financial to-do list, so it’s tempting to move it to the back-burner and focus on more immediate responsibilities. However, not building an emergency fund can actually cost you more money in the long run. If you don’t have an emergency fund and you...
Saving for the future isn’t easy, especially when you probably have multiple financial responsibilities pulling your money in different directions. Between the mortgage, car payments, and all your other household bills, it’s a challenge to find spare cash to put toward your savings. So when it comes to establishing an emergency fund, it’s tempting to...
You know you need an emergency fund for life’s little surprises, but where should you keep it? Stuff happens. Often when you least expect it. A flu that gets the best of you. A clunking noise coming from your car brakes? A busted water heater. You get the picture. It’s why most financial experts suggest...
We all need money on hand for unplanned expenses, yet a frightening 27% of Americans have no savings at all. Without cash in the bank, you risk racking up scores of debt the next time a financial emergency strikes. That debt, in turn, can cost you money in accrued interest, damage your credit score, and...