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. […]
How to Develop Good Habits for Building Credit Score
Building credit score points is not as difficult as you may think. Credit scores are calculated using complex algorithms. And the exact same event (say, skipping a payment) can have a much bigger impact on one person’s credit score than another’s. But, actually, it’s easy to build credit score points. You just have to apply […]
Interest Rate Increases Mean Less Home for Your Money
Credit Sesame’s analysis confirms that higher inflation resulting in interest rate increases is hitting Americans where they live – literally. Fast-rising prices push interest rates up and higher mortgage rates are already impacting the housing market. In real estate, people often talk about either a “buyer’s market” or a “seller’s market.” Higher mortgage rates lead […]
What Do Rising Interest Rates Have to Do with Inflation?
Rising interest rates affect day to day living for everyone, but what is the relationship between inflation and interest rates? How High Could Interest Rates Rise? If you’ve shopped at the grocery store or filled up your gas tank recently, you may have noticed that prices are rising quickly. If you’ve made a major purchase […]
Personal Finance Weekly News Roundup April 23, 2022
Credit Sesame’s personal finance weekly news roundup April 23, 2022. Stories, news, politics and events impacting the personal finance sector during the last week. BoA reports sharp jump in credit card spending Mortgage economist expects rising rates to slow, not halt housing rally Consumer credit defaults rise for 4th month in a row Student loan […]
How Financial Literacy Month Motivates Financial Wellness
Credit Sesame supports Financial Literacy Month wholeheartedly, but what is it? Financial Literacy Month happens every April. Its current form launched as the Financial Literacy for Youth Month in 2000. In 2004 it was recognized by the US Senate as an official annual event, the “for youth” disappeared, and it became simply Financial Literacy Month. […]
How to Build Credit Fast
Credit Sesame advises that learning how to build credit fast helps to potentially improve your chances of getting approved for financing, such as a loan or credit card. Plus, the better your credit score, the more competitive interest rate you’ll receive. That means you’ll end up paying less to borrow money. Discover nine strategies that […]
Highest Inflation Since 1981: What Does This Mean for the People of America?
Credit Sesame reported that the highest inflation in over forty years made the news last week. You may have noticed that prices have risen dramatically since early 2021. If you didn’t notice, you are one of a tiny minority. Most working Americans weren’t alive the last time inflation was this high. So, most people in […]
Credit Sesame’s Guide to Dealing with Taxes You Cannot Afford to Pay
Tax day 2022 is here. If you owe taxes you cannot afford to pay this may be the day you’ve been dreading. The tax filing deadline can be a headache just because of the pressure to get your returns in on time. It’s much worse if you find you don’t have the money to pay […]
