Record Credit Card Use in March 2022 Comes at the Wrong Time
Credit Sesame explains why this is the wrong time for record credit card use what you can do if you have overspent. Normally, the month of March is a time of year when Americans pay down credit card debt. This year though, they ramped up their credit card balances – at a record pace. This […]
Personal Finance Weekly News Roundup May 14, 2022
Credit Sesame’s personal finance weekly news roundup May 14, 2022. Stories, news, politics and events impacting the personal finance sector during the last week. U.S. dollar soars to 20-year high Consumer borrowing is rising quickly Two-thirds of Americans check credit scores monthly Household wealth more dependent on stocks than in the past Household debt rose […]
How to Boost Your Credit Score and Live Well
Credit Sesame examines why you might want to boost your credit score. If you don’t want to boost your credit score, maybe you already have a perfect score of 850. Otherwise, you really should want a higher score. Why? Because the higher your score is, the more money you stand to save when you borrow. […]
How to Relieve Financial Stress During Difficult Times
Credit Sesame examines ways to relieve financial stress during difficult times. Financial stress can be damaging to our mental and physical health. Persistent money worries can lead to chronic stress, which can cause depression. This can have a devastating, snowballing effect on our minds and bodies. Ideally, you want to address issues before things get […]
The Consequences of Living Without a Bank Account
Credit Sesame looks at the consequences of living without a bank account. Millions of Americans rely on savings accounts and checking accounts from banks and credit unions to help manage their money. Although it’s possible to function in society today with no bank account, it’s not recommended. That’s because, without a bank account, the cash […]
How the Fed’s Largest Interest Rate Rise Since 2000 Impacts Consumers
Credit Sesame reported on Saturday that the Federal Reserve announced the largest interest rate rise in over 20 years. The Federal Reserve made news last week with its largest interest rate rise in over 20 years. Understanding what that means and how it will impact interest rates on loans and credit cards can help consumers […]
Ten Ways to Build Credit on a Budget
Credit Sesame recommends 10 ways to build credit on a budget. If you want to be able to apply and get approved for future loans, credit cards, and other financial accounts, you’ll need to establish a credit history. Unless you build credit, you may get turned down when you want to borrow money. Also, the […]
Personal Finance Weekly News Roundup May 7, 2022
Credit Sesame’s personal finance weekly news roundup May 7, 2022. Stories, news, politics and events impacting the personal finance sector during the last week. Fed announces largest interest rate hike in over 20 years Wages are up, but losing ground to inflation Theft of checks from mailboxes a growing problem Growth of buy now pay […]
The Reality of Financial Stress and How to Cope
Credit Sesame looks at the reality of financial stress and offers suggestions on how to cope. May is Mental Health Awareness month, and this year it’s more important than ever to be mindful of things that cause a strain on mental health. The past couple years saw the arrival of a deadly pandemic, a fraught […]
The Highest Credit Score and How to Get it
Credit Sesame explores the highest credit score you can achieve, theoretically and practically. FICO and VantageScore are the companies behind the credit scoring technologies used in nearly all lending decisions for consumers. They both agree that 850 is the highest credit score anyone can achieve. Well, almost. FICO provides special scoring systems that have been […]
10 Ways to Make Next Tax Season Less Stressful
Here is Credit Sesame’s list of ten ways you can make tax-filing next tax season less stressful. For many taxpayers, after they get through the chore of filing their taxes, the last thing they want to think about is next tax season. However, immediately after filing last year’s taxes is the best time to take steps […]
Does the First Quarter Decline in GDP Mean the U.S. is Heading for a Recession?
In last Saturday’s news roundup Credit Sesame reported on the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis’ (BEA) announcement that the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) declined by 1.4% in the first quarter of 2022. GDP is a broad measure of economic activity. It indicates whether the economy is growing or shrinking, and the pace at which changes are […]
Spend Your Tax Refund to Improve Your Financial Health
Credit Sesame’s advice on how to spend your tax refund wisely this year. Maybe you have planned how to spend your tax refund already. Most of us have no problem working our way through a windfall and a tax refund can fall into that category. If your personal finances are under control and you don’t […]
Personal Finance Weekly News Roundup April 30, 2022
Credit Sesame’s personal finance weekly news roundup April 30, 2022. Stories, news, politics and events impacting the personal finance sector during the last week. U.S. economy shrinks in 1st quarter of 2022 BBB warns of student loan scams targeting new grads Mail carrier arrested for credit card theft CEOs look on the bright side of […]
How to Open a Bank Account Online
Taking the time to open a bank account online worth it. Most banks now offer online applications so that you can quickly take care of business on your laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Whether you’re looking for a new checking account, savings account, or both, you don’t have to dread this item on your to-do list. […]
