How Risk in the Housing Market Affects Home Buyers
Credit Sesame discusses growing risk in the housing market and suggests how consumers may consider them in decisions about home buying. A recent study of mortgage activity suggests lenders are taking more risk. This echoes other data that suggest the housing market has gotten riskier in the past couple years. Real estate information firm CoreLogic […]
8 Ways to Make the Most of the New Student Loan Debt Relief Program
Credit Sesame discusses things to do when student loan payments on federal student loans resume after December 31, 2022. The Biden Administration’s new student loan relief plan has eased the debt burden for many borrowers. Even so, most still have payments to make starting after December 31, 2022. Now’s the time to start preparing. Though […]
How to Ask for a Lower Interest Rate on Your Credit Card
Credit Sesame advises on how to ask for a lower interest rate on your credit card. Higher interest rates and inflation mean consumers are using their credit cards more for everyday expenses, resulting in higher debt and credit card balances. The average credit card debt per borrower in the second quarter of 2002 was $5,270, […]
Personal Finance Weekly News Roundup August 27, 2022
Credit Sesame’s personal finance weekly news roundup August 27, 2022. Stories, news, politics and events impacting the personal finance sector during the last week. IRS to wipe out $1.2 billion in late filing fees FDIC issues cease-and-desist letters to 5 crypto firms Mortgage lenders taking more risk as housing market slows BBB issues warning about […]
A New Credit Card Can Make it Harder to Get a Mortgage
Credit Sesame explains why a new credit card can make it harder to get a mortgage Applying for too much credit at once can cause creditors to think you’re desperate for money and are facing some cashflow problems. Manage a new credit card well and it should raise your credit score. Pay the bill on […]
Credit Explained: Credit, Credit Score, Credit Rating, Credit History and Credit Report
All things credit explained by Credit Sesame. Credit, Credit Score, Credit Rating, Credit History and Credit Report Terms like credit score and credit report get used a lot, but not everybody has a clear idea of what they mean. That’s unfortunate, because these credit-related things can have a direct impact on your finances. Credit scores and […]
Cash to Credit: The History of Credit Cards
Credit Sesame on the history of credit cards. In an era when we carry digital credit cards on smartphones, and even then complain about having to carry our phones, imagine handling the clay tablets that Mesopotamians used 5,000 years ago to trade with the Harappan civilization. The earthen tablets are the first recorded accounts of […]
Consumers with Poor Credit Face Extra Dose of Inflation
Credit Sesame discusses the extra challenges facing consumers with poor credit. Inflation is tough on everybody, but a few recent stories how illustrate how it hits people with weak credit especially hard. Between larger credit balances and higher interest rates, people with debt problems pay more interest. Current conditions are making that worse. This has […]
Should You Get a Credit Card?
Credit Sesame debates whether you should get a credit card. Getting your first credit card is a sign of adulting right up there with getting a driver’s license or proudly sporting an “I Voted” sticker. In fact, pulling out a little plastic card with your name on it to pay for something says “I’m a […]
The Advantages of an Online Bank Account
Credit Sesame outlines the advantages of an online bank account. The most obvious advantages of an online bank account is convenience. You can manage your money in moments from any device, wherever you are, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. No more finding time to visit a bank branch during opening hours. There […]
Personal Finance Weekly News Roundup August 20, 2022
Credit Sesame’s personal finance weekly news roundup August 20, 2022. Stories, news, politics and events impacting the personal finance sector during the last week. Oil prices drop sharply as Chinese economy struggles U.S. pharmaceutical costs soar to new heights CFPB puts credit card companies on notice about interest rates Consumers are more optimistic about the […]
One, Two, Three, More? What is the Right Number of Credit Cards?
Credit Sesame discusses the optimal number of credit cards. Figuring out the number of credit cards you should have is really a personal choice, even if there are good reasons to have more than one. One credit card may be too much for some people to handle. Others may be okay using a spreadsheet to […]
What You Don’t Know About Credit Can Hurt You
Credit Sesame discusses what Americans don’t know about credit. Not everybody wants to be an expert on credit. However, there are certain basic facts that even a casual user of credit should know. Understanding a few simple things about how credit works can save you money throughout your lifetime. It can also help protect you […]
Ways to Build Credit and Create Good Credit Habits
Credit Sesame’s on ways to build credit and create good credit habits. Start by remembering that even if you feel hopeless and helpless about your low credit score, you can become highly creditworthy. The process takes time and effort, despite ads you might see from scammers promising instant results. You have to be patient and determined […]
What’s Happening with Inflation Rates Now?
Credit Sesame discusses the ongoing situation with inflation rates in 2022 and the lull in July 2022. The last year has seen the highest inflation rates since 1981. This has been a shock to the majority of Americans who have never seen such extreme price increases. For those who remember the severe price jumps of […]
