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 […]
Personal Finance Weekly News Roundup April 16, 2022
Personal finance weekly news roundup April 16, 2022 brought to you by Credit Sesame. Stories, news, politics and events impacting the personal finance sector during the previous week. Inflation soars to highest 12-month increase since 1981 One-third of US parents may neglect to claim child tax credit CFPB wraps up comment period on “junk fees” […]
How to Increase Your Credit Score
Credit Sesame’s handy guide to how to increase your credit score can get you on track for a strong credit score that opens doors to a range of opportunities. From getting approved for financing to qualifying for lower interest rates, improving your credit score can help you achieve your financial goals without having to pay […]
Save Yourself from Overdraft Fees
Credit Sesame discusses outrageous overdraft fees. “Overdraft fees are outrageous”. So says a coalition of state attorneys general, who on April 6th called on banks to eliminate these charges – or else. Otherwise, banks may have the choice taken away from them by legislation or anti-discrimination lawsuits. This public pressure is already prompting some banks […]
Payment Options If You Owe Money to the IRS This Tax Season
You’ve done the calculations and finished your tax return. The bottom line shows that you owe money to the IRS. Problem is, it’s going to be tricky to pay this bill due to tight finances. Fortunately, you can pursue options to pay what you owe and avoid penalties. Learn more about IRS rules for paying […]
Personal Finance Weekly News Roundup April 9, 2022
Personal finance weekly news roundup April 9, 2022 brought to you by Credit Sesame. Stories, news, politics and events impacting the personal finance sector during the previous week. Late fees cost credit card customers $12 billion a year Most medical debt will be removed from credit reports U.S. economy strengthened in late 2021 American households […]
Tax Day Deadline Looms: How to File a Tax Extension
Have you filed your taxes for 2011? If not, the filing deadline is today, April 17th, by midnight. If you’re struggling at the last minute and need more time, you can request an extension, here’s how.
Reduce Next Year’s Tax Bill With These 7 Simple Tips
How to reduce your tax bill next year If you could find a legal way to reduce your tax bill, would you do it? Most people prefer to pay the government as little as possible. Here are seven ideas that could help you reduce your tax bill. Not all of them will apply to you. But […]
The Impact of Credit Invisible Americans Entering the US Economy
It is easy to take credit use for granted. For most Americans, it is part of everyday life. From the convenience of a credit card to the wealth-building benefits of having a mortgage, credit allows consumers to participate more fully in the economy. And yet, an estimated 45 million American adults do not enjoy access […]
