News roundup February 15, 2025
Credit Sesame’s personal finance news roundup February 15, 2025. Stories, news, politics, and events impacting personal finance during the past week. Consumer debt passes $18 trillion Total consumer debt now exceeds $18 trillion for the first time, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s latest Household Debt and Credit Report. Household debt increased […]
How financial milestones at 30 have changed across generations
Credit Sesame explores how financial milestones at 30 have evolved across generations, from income and homeownership to credit access and debt management. Turning 30 has long been seen as a significant life and financial milestone. For some, it marked homeownership, stable careers, and growing savings. For others, it meant struggling with debt, rising costs, and […]
Consumer spending habits are spiraling—here’s why it’s a problem
Credit Sesame examines how consumer spending habits are shifting dangerously, with more Americans relying on debt instead of financial stability. Rising incomes have outpaced inflation for more than two years, creating a prime opportunity for households to reduce debt and build savings. Yet, many consumers have chosen to increase their spending instead of taking advantage […]
News roundup February 8, 2025
Credit Sesame’s personal finance news roundup February 8, 2025. Stories, news, politics and events impacting personal finance during the past week. 2024 personal income grew faster than inflation The Bureau of Economic Analysis found that personal income grew by 2.4% in 2024 after adjusting for inflation. However, household spending grew even faster, at 3.1%. The […]
10 ways to get back on the credit wagon if you fell off
Credit Sesame shares 10 practical steps to help you get back on the credit wagon and work towards improving your credit score. Life can throw curveballs, and sometimes, your credit score may take a hit. Whether it is missed payments, high credit card balances, or unexpected financial stress, it is never too late to get […]
Debt consolidation and credit scores: What you need to know
Credit Sesame discusses the relationship between debt consolidation and credit scores. Consolidating debt can simplify payments, but it’s important to understand its impact on your credit score. Recent news has shown that Americans’ debt struggles are growing. Debt balances are rising, and more and more households are falling behind. Much of the problem comes from […]
News roundup February 1, 2025
Credit Sesame’s personal finance news roundup February 1, 2025. Stories, news, politics, and events impacting personal finance during the past week. Economic growth continued in Q4 2024 The US economy finished 2024 with its 11th consecutive calendar quarter of economic growth. In the fourth quarter, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew at an inflation-adjusted annual rate […]
10 popular jobs with credit building challenges
Credit Sesame explains how certain jobs come with credit building challenges and the steps you can take to help overcome them. 1. Freelancers and gig workers Being your own boss sounds great, but inconsistent income, fluctuating earnings, and a lack of traditional pay stubs can make lenders wary. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, […]
The minimum payment trap: how it’s costing you more than you realize
Credit Sesame reveals how the minimum payment trap can lead to costly debt and signal deeper financial trouble. New data from the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia found that the percentage of credit card customers making just the minimum payments on their cards has reached a record high. This is a warning sign for those […]
News roundup January 25, 2025
Credit Sesame’s personal finance news roundup January 25, 2025. Stories, news, politics, and events impacting personal finance during the past week. Chicago bank first failure of 2025 Pulaski Savings Bank of Chicago, IL, was closed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, making it the first bank to fail in the new year. […]
The financial ripple effect of your everyday choices
Credit Sesame explores the financial ripple effect of everyday choices, revealing how decisions in education, career, and living can shape your financial health and creditworthiness. The choices you make every day—where to live, which career to pursue, and how to further your education—can create ripples that shape your future in unexpected ways. These ripples extend […]
Rising bond yields: what they mean for your wallet and the economy
Credit Sesame explains how rising bond yields could impact your finances and the economy—and what you can do to prepare. When it comes to questions about the direction of interest rates, the spotlight is usually on the Federal Reserve. However, recent activity in the bond market may steal the show. Long-term bond yields behave more […]
News roundup January 18, 2025
Credit Sesame’s personal finance news roundup January 18, 2025. Stories, news, politics and events impacting personal finance during the past week. Mortgage rates surge past 7% 30-year mortgage rates rose by 11 basis points last week to 7.04%. This marks the first time they’ve been above 7% since May 2024. Both 30-year and 15-year mortgage […]
9 ways to simplify your financial life and reduce stress
Credit Sesame simplifies your financial life with tools to monitor and manage your credit. Life gets busy, and managing finances often takes a back seat until a late fee or missed payment reminds you to pay attention. But simplifying your financial life doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right strategies, you can reduce stress […]
CFPB rule on medical debt: A boost or a bust?
Credit Sesame discusses the proposed CFBP rule on medical debt and whether it can ever come to fruition. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has approved a rule banning reporting agencies from including medical debt on credit reports. As a result, that debt would no longer directly affect people’s credit scores. A natural reflex might […]
