Can working from home can help your credit?
Summary: You can potentially save thousands a year by working from home. Saving money from working from home can help your credit score. 70 percent of employees, as reported in June, were required by their employers to work from home. Are you currently working from home? According to a remote work survey from PwC that […]
Can a loan forbearance really help you save money?
Summary A forbearance agreement does not forgive your payments. Rather, it suspends your payments for a certain amount of time before you will need to pay it all back. If you can afford to make payments, then you should pay what you owe each month. Forbearance should not have a negative impact on your credit […]
FICO vs VantageScore: Which credit score is best?
Summary There are many different credit scoring models that lenders use for different purposes, including FICO and VantageScore. Despite being different models, each of these different credit scores are all based on the same five factors: payment history, credit utilization, credit age, credit mix, and credit inquiries. You can use the VantageScore® 3.0 score shown […]
Student loan forgiveness and what you need to know now
This content is for informational purposes only and should not be relied on as financial advice. This article is based on current proposed enactments and is subject to change. Summary What is the difference between private and federal student loans, and which ones qualify for student loan relief from the government? Student loan payment forbearance […]
Travel plans canceled? Make the most of being home for the holidays
Summary If you’re staying home for the holidays, there are a lot of fun things you can do on a budget wherever you live while still staying safe. Driving through a dazzling light show or hiking with your family in a nearby park are just a few of the affordable ideas you can enjoy. Keep […]
Holiday gift ideas that won’t break the bank
Summary: Giving handmade or homemade gifts can be very affordable and even more special than a store-bought gift. Donating to a charity in a person’s name or creating an “experience” are other thoughtful gift options. An online Secret Santa program can be a lot of fun and save you money since you only have to […]
Prevent the “Holiday Hangover” with these 5 tips
Summary When you’re in the holiday spirit, it can be easy to get carried away by store sales and the gifts you want to buy; however, it’s important to stick to your budget when purchasing holiday gifts. Frequently monitor your credit score so that you know what’s impacting it. Remember the 30 percent rule when […]
Ways to Improve Your Credit Score
Table of Contents The major credit score factors are: Each of these factors plays a role in your path to credit score improvement. The first two generally make up 65% of your total credit score weight so make sure you are paying your bills on time and keeping your credit utilization below 30%, or better […]
7 Tips for Cooking Holiday Meals on a Budget
Summary Make delicious meals and save money by substituting certain ingredients, buying generic or store brands, and using digital coupons. Purchase fresh fruits and vegetables that are “in season.” Stick to your list when grocery shopping; avoid “impulse” buys. Whether your holiday meals include turkey or tofu, immediate family or virtual gatherings, below are seven […]
Save money with these 3 holiday shopping hacks
The holiday shopping season may look a little different this year, but one thing that hasn’t changed is the importance of saving money. Whether you’re shopping online or in store, these tips can help you spend less and set you up for long term financial success. Know when to use credit or debit. “The answer […]
Trick or Treat! Find out which credit offers are tricks, and which ones are treats
Summary: Watch out for what we call “tricks”, such as a payday loan, too many hard inquiries, and credit card fees. Take advantage of treats such as 0% APR, various rewards, and purchase protection. Make sure you pick the right credit card for your needs. Halloween is right around the corner, so we thought we […]
Creepy Credit Tales and Avoiding the Credit Score Scaries
Summary: Fixing your credit score doesn’t have to be scary. Check out these tips on how you can improve your credit score. Don’t let the ghosts of missed payments scare you. You may be able to settle a debt by paying less than what was originally owed. Creating a budget and sticking to it will […]
Is now a good time to buy a home or car?
Summary The market demand for homes and cars appears strong despite economic shocks from the pandemic. In several cases, interest rates have reached historical lows. Only you know the full picture of your own needs, desires and means, so it’s best to do your research and make the decision based on what’s best for you […]
How prepared are you financially for a natural disaster or other emergency?
Summary: Safeguard important financial records by putting them in the cloud. Make sure you have $500-$1000 in cash on hand. Keep a separate credit card for emergencies only. If someone were to ask you if you’re prepared for an emergency situation, what would you say? From wildfires ravaging the West Coast to hurricanes brewing on […]
A Pumpkin Spice Latte Can Affect My Credit Score?
Summary: A PSL a day can add up, so watch your credit score if using your credit card to purchase your favorite beverage. With Sesame Cash, you can get up to 15 percent cash back instantly from some of your local coffee shops. Try this other money-saving hack to get a PSL at a fraction […]
