Rising oil prices causes triple whammy for consumers
Credit Sesames discusses the impact of rising oil prices on consumer spending, inflation and interest rates. Just as inflation seemed to be easing, oil prices have risen, meaning fuel oil and gasoline are more expensive. However, oil prices have a broader impact on the economy. Consumers may have to pay for recent increases in three […]
Crack the credit code and get your finances on track
Credit Sesame on how you can crack the credit code for a more sustainable financial future. Credit impacts consumers’ ability to buy homes or cars and secure loans for education or starting a business. It is integrated into all aspects of modern financial planning. Understanding all aspects of credit and the intricacies of credit management […]
News roundup September 9, 2023
Credit Sesame’s personal finance weekly news roundup September 9, 2023. Stories, news, politics and events impacting the personal finance sector during the last week. 1. Mastercard denies it has plan to raise credit card fees Mastercard issued a statement denying a report that it was planning to raise the interchange fees it charges merchants when […]
Do current economic conditions mean a soft landing for inflation?
Credit Sesame discusses whether the current economic conditions have resulted in a soft landing for inflation. At the end of July 2023, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell announced that his economists were no longer predicting a recession. A couple of major banks also upgraded their economic forecasts. Does this mean the threat of a recession […]
Unlocking financial clarity with three-bureau credit reports
Credit Sesame discusses the value of reviewing three-bureau credit reports. Understanding your credit health begins with knowing your credit scores and reviewing reports from the three major credit bureaus, TransUnion, Experian and Equifax. Each bureau collects and maintains credit data supplied by lenders. This information is compiled into a credit report tracking your historic behavior […]
How to establish credit without credit cards
Credit Sesame with suggestions on how to establish credit without credit cards. Life is expensive enough without a poor credit history. Without good credit, you may not get the apartment or job you want and borrowing money can be more expensive. One way to establish credit and a credit score is to open a traditional […]
News roundup September 2, 2023
Credit Sesame’s personal finance weekly news roundup September 2, 2023. Stories, news, politics and events impacting the personal finance sector during the last week. 1. Fed Chair signals further rate hikes may be coming In a recent speech, Fed Chair Jerome Powell acknowledged that the fight against inflation made progress over the past year or […]
August 2023: 7% mortgage rate is still below average
Credit Sesame discusses the current 7% mortgage rate that is still below average in August 2023. 30-year mortgage rates recently hit 7% and higher. For many people, young adults in particular, that’s a shockingly high number. Mortgage rates are now at their highest since June 2001. Until 2022, 30-year rates had remained below 5% for […]
Is a good credit score key to peace of mind?
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: Since employers and landlords often check the credit reports of applicants these days, your credit score can even affect where you work and where you live. These are […]
Why credit building just got more important
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 […]
News roundup August 26, 2023
Credit Sesame’s personal finance weekly news roundup August 26, 2023. Stories, news, politics and events impacting the personal finance sector during the last week. 1. Overdraft fee charges rise for the first time since 2021 The total dollar amount of overdraft fees charged rose in the second quarter of 2023. It was the first such […]
Put credit improvement on autopilot
Credit Sesame discusses how to put your credit improvement on autopilot. How difficult is it to build your credit score? Does it take a lot of time? Many people think it is complicated and time-consuming to manage and improve their credit and so they don’t even try. Failing to manage your credit can block opportunities […]
News roundup August 19, 2023
Credit Sesame’s personal finance weekly news roundup August 19, 2023. Stories, news, politics and events impacting the personal finance sector during the last week. 1. Ratings agency sees challenging 2nd half of 2023 for U.S. banks FitchRatings, an institutional credit analytics company, cautioned that U.S. banks will see continued financial headwinds through the second half […]
Tighter credit standards make good credit more important
Credit Sesame discusses what tighter credit standards mean for consumers. A good credit score is always valuable. It can make it easier to get credit and less expensive to use credit. In mid-2023, good credit is more than just a nice thing to have. Trends in banking mean good credit is a must if you […]
Personal finance weekly news roundup August 12, 2023
Credit Sesame’s personal finance weekly news roundup August 12, 2023. Stories, news, politics and events impacting the personal finance sector during the last week. 1. Inflation remained calm in July 2023 FoTheonsumer Price Index (CPI) rose by just 0.2% for the second consecutive month. The inflation rate for the past 12 months was 3.2%. Significantly, […]
