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Credit Sesame discusses why credit building is more important than ever as consumers navigate the economy, inflation and interest rates in 2023. In 2022, individuals faced new financial challenges as the global economy continued to recover from the pandemic. Inflation and interest rates rose, making credit building an even more crucial tool for achieving financial

Credit Sesame discusses whether a good credit score is key to peace of mind. The financial benefits of having a good credit score are well-established and include: Easier access to credit. Better credit card offers. Lower interest rates. Since employers and landlords often check the credit reports of applicants these days, your credit score can

A Credit Sesame analysis found huge differences in the ten best and worst states for job seekers in the United States in 2023. When businesses opened up after the pandemic shutdowns, employers went on a hiring binge. More recently, we may have started to see the hangover from that binge. In 2023 unemployment remains low

Credit Sesame discusses the different kinds of inflation and what they mean. Inflation has been in the news a lot over the past few years and with good reason. In mid-2022 inflation reached heights not seen since 1981. Though it has subsided a little, it is still much higher than consumers–and the Federal Reserve –would

Credit Sesame’s personal finance weekly news roundup April 15, 2023. Stories, news, politics and events impacting the personal finance sector during the last week. Bank withdrawals take a break Debt and interest rates continue to rise Older applicants often blocked from new mortgages IMF outlook continues to get gloomier Inflation eases but still threatens Producer

Credit Sesame discusses whether the U.S. is heading for an economic Goldilocks zone. The task of economic policymakers is to steer the economy into an area where it is comfortably between extremes, the so-called economic Goldilocks zone. Recent news reports indicate this may be happening. However, there have also been reminders that the economy is

Credit Sesame’s personal finance weekly news roundup April 8, 2023. Stories, news, politics and events impacting the personal finance sector during the last week. Oil production cut threatens a new boost to inflation Fewer job openings may reduce inflation pressures Merrill Lynch hit with $9.5 million fine for not disclosing fees Health Savings Accounts grew

Credit Sesame discusses why lenders are tightening credit standards for borrowing in the second quarter of 2023. The number of new credit accounts opened has reached its lowest level since the height of the pandemic shutdowns in the spring of 2020. According to the February 2023 VantageScore CreditGauge report, the fall-off in new credit activity

Credit Sesame looks at how failing banks complicate the Fed’s decision on how much to raise interest rates. On March 22, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) announced that it was raising the Fed funds rate by 0.25%. This small increase says a lot about the conflicting issues the Fed is juggling. In the twelve

Credit Sesame’s personal finance weekly news roundup March 25, 2023. Stories, news, politics and events impacting the personal finance sector during the last week. Fed makes a mild rate hike in the shadow of bank concerns Treasury Secretary clarifies stance on FDIC insurance Home sales break 12-month losing streak Dip in mortgage rates sparks increase