US economic headwinds as the pandemic stimulus wears off
Credit Sesame on how U.S. economic headwinds may be a natural consequence of government support during the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. economy has staged a remarkable comeback from the worst of the pandemic. The steepest economic contraction on record and widespread supply chain tangles resulted in some extraordinary measures by the federal government. This was […]
News roundup October 14, 2023
Credit Sesame’s personal finance weekly news roundup October 14, 2023. Stories, news, politics and events impacting the personal finance sector during the last week. 1. Surge in bond yields rattles markets A recent surge in bond yields got additional fuel from last week’s surprisingly strong jobs report. Recent increases have seen 10-year Treasury yields rise […]
Protecting your credit health and identity with credit monitoring
Credit Sesame discusses protecting your credit health and identity with credit monitoring. Protecting your credit health and identity is extraordinarily important. A poor credit score could cost you thousands yearly in higher borrowing, insurance, and home rental costs. And bad credit can stop you from getting the job you need to get out of financial […]
Rebalancing investments in stormy markets
Credit Sesame discusses rebalancing investments in volatile financial markets. Wild market swings can make it difficult to know what to do. Risk is amplified. Big market moves are often accompanied by surprising news that can be hard to process. Investors tend to respond by panicking out of fallen investments after the damage is already done […]
News roundup October 7, 2023
Credit Sesame’s personal finance weekly news roundup October 7, 2023. Stories, news, politics and events impacting the personal finance sector during the last week. 1. Job market posts strongest month since January The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the U.S. economy added 336,000 jobs last month. That makes September the best month for job […]
Higher mortgage rates hurt buyers and sellers
Credit Sesame discusses what higher mortgage rates in 2023 mean for home buyers and sellers. Higher mortgage interest rates have built a brick wall between many would-be buyers and their dream homes. The hardship caused by higher rates for people trying to enter the housing market is well documented. However, the pain is also felt […]
The credit card fees debate: What’s in it for consumers?
Credit Sesame discusses the credit card fees debate and what it means for consumers. The debate over credit card fees pits two deep-pocketed lobbying groups against one another in a heavyweight media bout. In one corner, you have the retail industry led by major players such as Walmart and Amazon. In the other corner, you […]
News roundup September 30, 2023
Credit Sesame’s personal finance weekly news roundup September 30, 2023. Stories, news, politics and events impacting the personal finance sector during the last week. 1. IRS goes after unscrupulous tax preparers The IRS has announced that it is investigating the “questionable practices” of some professional tax preparers. The practices center around a pandemic-era small business […]
Four credit management letters you can use
Credit Sesame with four credit management letters that may help you on your mission to build great credit. If you’re trying to build or protect a good credit rating, credit report blemishes won’t help. What may help is a well-written letter. These four letters can help you discover if a debt is your responsibility, help you […]
Are Americans getting rich or going broke?
Credit Sesame discusses how household wealth may not be enough to stop you from going broke at the end of 2023. As we enter fall 2023, the news carries conflicting signals about household finances. One report said household wealth had reached a new record. Another showed continued signs of rising debt levels. So which is […]
News roundup September 23, 2023
Credit Sesame’s personal finance weekly news roundup September 23, 2023. Stories, news, politics and events impacting the personal finance sector during the last week. 1. FTC says watch out for student loan scams as payments restart With payments on federal student loans scheduled to begin in October, the Federal Trade Commission warns that scammers are […]
21 credit score myths and misconceptions
Credit Sesame debunks some common credit score myths and misconceptions. Credit scores are essential to modern life, playing a critical role in securing loans, credit cards, and even apartment rentals. However, myths and misconceptions surrounding credit scores can lead to confusion and financial mistakes. Here are some of the most common credit score myths and […]
Interest rate increases are not a windfall for savers
Credit Sesame on how interest rate increases do not mean savers hit the jackpot. Rising interest rates make it more expensive for borrowers because they pay interest. It would seem that rising interest rates are a boon to savers because they earn interest on deposit accounts. Some people win, and some people lose in a […]
News roundup September 16, 2023
Credit Sesame’s personal finance weekly news roundup September 16, 2023. Stories, news, politics and events impacting the personal finance sector during the last week. 1. A record share of Americans say it is harder to get credit The latest Survey of Consumer Expectations from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York found that 59.8% of […]
20 good reasons to build your credit
Credit Sesame highlights 20 reasons it’s a good idea to build your credit. Responsible credit behavior allows you to build your credit and achieve financial freedom. Here are 20 reasons why it’s important to build your credit: Building your credit is fundamental to achieving financial stability and success. A high credit score means lower interest […]
