Credit Creep: How credit card convenience can lead to debt disaster

Woman Holding Two Credit Cards, Demonstrating Financial Independence

Credit Sesame looks at how credit card convenience can quietly lead to dependency and long-term debt disaster. Swiping a card to cover everyday expenses can feel harmless—even helpful. But when credit card convenience quietly becomes a financial habit, it can lead to mounting balances, rising interest costs, and long-term consequences. This gradual shift, known as […]

Missed debt payments are on the rise, what it means for your credit

debt problem late payments

Credit Sesame discusses the rise in missed debt payments and growing concerns about credit access and financial stability. A recent survey found a big jump in the probability that consumers will miss a minimum debt payment over the next three months. If that happens, it could disrupt the economy, tighten credit availability, and significantly impact […]

News roundup March 15, 2025

finance news March 15 2025

Credit Sesame’s personal finance news roundup March 15, 2025. Stories, news, politics, and events impacting personal finance during the past week. 2024 credit card debt and spending surge A Nilson Report on 2024 credit card volume found that total spending on Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover reached $6.1 trillion, a 5.3% increase over 2023. […]

12 ways a good credit score can save money and help your finances

good credit score can save money

Credit Sesame explains how a good credit score can save money and improve your personal financial outlook. 1. Lower interest rates on loans One of the clearest benefits of strong credit is qualifying for lower interest rates. Borrowers with high credit scores generally receive better loan offers, potentially saving thousands over the life of a […]

How federal job cuts could affect the economy and your finances

Federal job cuts

Credit Sesame breaks down federal job cuts and explains their potential impact on jobs, wages, consumer spending, and your financial health. Federal job cuts often spark debates between those who rely on government services and those who think spending should shrink. But the reality is more complex. As layoffs unfold, it’s clear that the effects […]

News roundup March 8, 2025

finance news March 8 2025

Credit Sesame’s personal finance news roundup for March 8, 2025. Stories, news, politics, and events impacting personal finance during the past week. February 2025 job growth sub-par Total US employment continued its winning streak by posting its 50th straight month of growth in February. However, February’s job growth of 151,000 was below the average of […]

How to protect yourself from credit card skimming scams

Credit card skimming

Credit Sesame helps you safeguard your finances by explaining how to avoid credit card skimming scams. Credit card skimming remains a significant threat in 2025, with fraudsters continually evolving their tactics to steal financial information. If a scammer gains access to your credit card details and racks up unauthorized charges, it could impact your credit […]

How falling consumer confidence affects personal finance and spending

falling consumer confidence

Credit Sesame examines how falling consumer confidence is shaping financial decisions. Consumers are much less confident than they were a couple of months ago. How they act on their growing fears could determine the economy’s direction. Every month, the University of Michigan publishes an Index of Consumer Sentiment. As the name suggests, this measures how […]

News roundup March 1, 2025

Credit Sesame’s personal finance news roundup March 1, 2025. Stories, news, politics, and events impacting personal finance during the past week.

Credit Sesame’s personal finance news roundup March 1, 2025. Stories, news, politics, and events impacting personal finance during the past week. Consumer confidence plunged in February 2025 The University of Michigan’s Index of Consumer Sentiment dropped by 9.8% in February. All five components that comprise the Index fell during the month, led by a 19% […]

How fintech innovations are changing personal finance

Fintech innovations

Credit Sesame explores how fintech innovations are changing personal finance, offering new tools for managing money, protecting credit, and making informed financial decisions. Financial technology (fintech) is revolutionizing how people manage their money, offering more control, convenience, and security than ever before. From artificial intelligence-driven budgeting tools to blockchain-based transactions, fintech innovations are reshaping personal […]

Credit scores and dementia: A hidden connection

Credit scores and dementia

Credit Sesame explores how credit scores and dementia may be connected. A new study suggests declining credit habits could be an early warning sign of cognitive decline. Discussion of credit scores often centers on young people starting to build credit or people trying to rebuild credit after financial trouble. However, a new study shows that […]

News roundup February 22, 2025

finance news February 22 2025

Credit Sesame’s personal finance news roundup February 22, 2025. Stories, news, politics, and events impacting personal finance during the past week. FDIC forced to fire new recruits The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) fired an undisclosed number of recent hires. The terminations were part of personnel cuts mandated by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency. […]

Credit in 2025: The new realities you can’t afford to ignore

Credit in 2025 -- a new reality

Credit Sesame explains why credit in 2025 matters more than ever, how emerging financial trends impact your score, and what you can do to stay ahead in a changing credit landscape. The evolving role of credit in 2025 Credit in 2025 is more than just a number—it’s an important factor in financial security, borrowing power, […]

New tax rules for 2024 and how it affects your April 15, 2025 filing

New tax rules for 2024

Credit Sesame explains the new tax rules for 2024 and how they may impact your tax bill, deductions, and tax credits. Tax laws evolve every year, and 2024 is no exception. Understanding the latest updates can help you maximize your refund, reduce your tax bill, and plan smarter for the future. The 2024 tax year […]

Rising consumer debt keeps setting records, but can borrowers keep up?

Debtflation as a result of overspending, rising consumer debt

Credit Sesame examines the latest trends in rising consumer debt, from surging credit card balances to increasing delinquencies—and what it could mean for borrowers. Government reports on consumer borrowing are starting to feel like the boy who cried wolf. Every quarter brings another warning—household debt is rising, borrowing is surging—yet the economy keeps moving, and […]