No Credit History. No Credit Score. No Credit.
Credit Sesame discusses the reality of having no credit history, no credit score and no credit. If you’ve ever applied for a loan or credit card, you understand the importance of having a detailed set of records that illustrates your financial history. Typically, this information comes from one of the national credit reporting agencies: Equifax, […]
What Are Your Financial Vital Signs?
Credit Sesame discusses the financial vital signs of a finance check-up. Having your physical vital signs checked regularly by a doctor is a good idea. Routine checks may spot a medical issue before it progresses to something more serious. What if you want to do the same thing with your finances? What vital signs indicate […]
What is FICO Score vs VantageScore? | Money Mentor
Credit Sesame’s Money Mentor video explains your FICO score vs VantageScore. It’s a myth that there is just one magic credit score telling lenders about you. In fact, lenders use many different credit scoring models, including the FICO score and the VantageScore. When you apply for a loan, you probably won’t know which credit score […]
The Fed Announces Another Interest Rate Rise – When Will It Stop?
Credit Sesame discusses another interest rate rise announced by the Fed. On September 21, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) announced the fifth Fed funds rate increase of 2022. The FOMC within the Federal Reserve makes decisions on interest rates. With yet another rate increase on the books, it’s natural for consumers to wonder what’s […]
You Can Counter Economic Threats by Working on Your Credit Score
Credit Sesame on why you should work on your credit score to counter economic threats. Even as the economy bounces back from the pandemic, new challenges have arisen. Consumers try to make ends meet while prices rise faster than they have for 40 years. A possible recession looms. Increasing interest rates make borrowing more expensive. […]
Pay Down Debt as a Financial Gift to Yourself
Credit Sesame explains how learning to pay down debt can be a great way to improve your finances. If you’re unsure what to get someone as a gift, money is always a good option. The same goes for treating yourself. Instead of an occasional night out or some new clothes, you could enjoy a permanent […]
Personal Finance Weekly News Roundup September 24, 2022
Credit Sesame’s personal finance weekly news roundup September 24, 2022. Stories, news, politics and events impacting the personal finance sector during the last week. Federal Reserve hikes rates for the fifth time in 2022 Consumer watchdog issues report on Buy Now Pay Later plans 1 in 5 U.S. households has medical debt Retail store thefts […]
When Will Things Get Better for Home Buyers?
Credit Sesame on when things will get better for home buyers. Now is not a good time to buy a home. But when will it be? A combination of rising interest rates and high home prices have sharply increased the cost of buying a home. According to data from the National Association of Realtors, the […]
Budget Calendar: Worth Buying or Build One for Free?
Credit Sesame debates the use of a budget calendar for improving personal financial management. A physical calendar on your office wall or refrigerator may be all you need to remember important upcoming events. From birthdays, soccer practice and doctor’s office visits, to counting down the days until vacation starts, wall calendars are daily diaries of […]
What Is Your Personal Finance Dashboard Telling You?
Credit Sesame advises on how to read your personal finance dashboard. A dashboard in a car is designed to give you a lot of essential information at a glance. Imagine you have a personal finance dashboard. Who would it indicate? You car’s dashboard gives you feedback on how you’re driving and the condition of the […]
How Inflation Affects All Parts of Life
Credit Sesame discusses how inflation affects all parts of life. It started with a jump in oil prices. Then food prices shot up. Now, inflation affects almost every aspect of living. That’s exactly what makes inflation so hard to kill. It’s pervasive and it feeds on itself. A look at the recent news gives plenty […]
Comparison Shopping for Big Expense Items During Self-Improvement September
Credit Sesame advises on comparison shopping for big expense items during Self-Improvement September. Although gas is a big expense on a monthly basis, driving from gas station to gas station looking for the cheapest gas is probably one of the worst ways to save money. Time and gas is wasted, and you are unlikely to […]
Focus on the Incentives for Improving Credit Score
Credit Sesame explains why you should focus on the incentives for improving credit score. Advice about credit often has an “eat your vegetables” tone to it. There are a lot of things you should do. The question is, why would you want to? Making your payments on time, keeping credit utilization low, maintaining the right […]
Personal Finance Weekly News Roundup September 17, 2022
Credit Sesame’s personal finance weekly news roundup September 17, 2022. Stories, news, politics and events impacting the personal finance sector during the last week. Consumers expect less inflation but more credit trouble Household wealth suffers a record loss in second quarter New supply chain threat averted for now August inflation moderate but still scary Stocks […]
It’s time to be real with a financial selfie
Credit Sesame recommends taking a financial selfie during self-improvement September. People take photographic selfies for many reasons. Usually, they show us at our best. Over time, they can provide a form of visual diary. Where you were, what you were doing, who you were with and how you looked. The social media app Be Real […]
