Bouncing Back from Identity Theft: How She Recovered from $250,000 of Fraud
Update: The Equifax data breach potentially affects 143 million Americans, and some of the data that may have been compromised include drivers license numbers, social security numbers and credit card numbers. Freezing your credit is the first step to protecting your accounts and your personal data. You can visit any of the credit bureau websites and freeze your […]
Is 700 a Good Credit Score?
Your credit score affects your financial life in more ways than one. When you apply for a loan or credit card, lenders base approval decisions in part on your credit health. Not only that, but your credit score can also influence the interest rates you’ll pay for credit cards, car loans, mortgages and other lines […]
Top 10 Cities Where Millennials Have the Highest Credit Scores
Millennials make up the largest generation in the nation. The strength of our economy is clearly linked to their purchasing power. However, large student debt loads and stagnant wages present obstacles to major milestones such as homeownership, raising a family or actively saving for retirement. A good credit score is important for securing low interest […]
President-Elect Trump vs. Clinton: Whose Voters Have Better Credit Scores?
Before the elections, we examined which supporters were more financially savvy, in terms of their credit and debt. This time, we’re interested in voter economics so we analyzed anonymous Credit Sesame member data in the context of the election and see a clear financial divide along political opinion lines. We examined member data from the […]
Credit Sesame Guide: How to Get Your Credit Ready for a Mortgage
Preparing for homeownership requires you to get your credit and finances in order and understand the buying process before you even start searching for the actual house or condo. Many Credit Sesame members sign up for our free service because they want to prepare for their first big purchase — a home. It’s important to understand […]
3 Crucial Ways Your Student Loan Repayments Could Change in 2017
Student loan debt is a well-known issue in the United States. The soaring cost of tuition and issues with income-driven repayment plans have left many borrowers between a rock and a hard place. We might see some light at the end of the tunnel. Several bills currently before Congress could significantly alleviate many of the […]
How Your Credit Score Affects the Cost of Your Car Insurance
Your credit score influences your ability to secure financial products. A higher credit score could mean a more affordable mortgage or a better rate on a credit card. A lower score can affect your employment eligibility or cause a landlord to turn away your rental inquiry. Your credit score has a way of sneaking into […]
The Good & Bad Credit Divide: 5 Cities Where Residents Face Largest Credit Score Differences
Which class would you consider yourself a part of? Most people in America are in the middle class. Fewer people are poor, and an even smaller number are part of the elite rich class. Your credit score follows the same pattern. Exactly two-thirds of Credit Sesame members have good credit scores (66.7%; 759 – 551) […]
5 Strategic Moves to Improve Your Credit in the New Year
The start of the new year is the perfect time to make financial improvements in your life. Exercise is great for all, but don’t forget about your financial health and credit well being. Create a credit plan for the New Year to make sure your good intentions don’t fall by the wayside, as many resolutions do. […]
How to Recover From Your Holiday Credit Binge
Like stepping on the bathroom scale after too many holiday parties, checking your credit score after the holiday season could reveal a number you didn’t want to see. We can’t help you with your waistline, but we’ve got tips to help get your credit back in fighting shape. Top 3 harmful credit habits during the […]
Essential Checklist: How to Keep Your Credit Cards Safe All Year Long
Your credit cards may get a good workout in 2017. Make sure that you’re the only one doing the spending. Criminals don’t go on vacation. Whether you shop in stores, travel or make purchases online, here are a few tips. Don’t take your credit cards with you. If you don’t plan to use a card, leave […]
Credit Repair Guide: How to Fix Your Credit Score
Your credit plays a bigger role in your overall financial well-being than many people realize. Your credit score and your credit report are seen as markers of your responsibility with money — and ones that nearly all lenders and financial institutions take seriously. Whether you’re looking to buy a car or a house, start a […]
Property Inspection vs. Property Appraisal: What You Need to Know
When it comes to buying a home, whether it is your first time or you are a seasoned veteran, you must go through the process of a property inspection as well as a property appraisal. It is important to know the distinction between these two processes and how they affect both the buyer and seller […]
What the Fed Rate Hike Means for Borrowers Who Want to Get Loans in 2017
With the transition in national leadership, we’ve heard chatter about nearly every subject affecting Americans. Naturally, the buzz around finances occupies a special corner in many consumers’ minds. Will we see more Fed rate hikes in 2017? What will rate hikes mean for getting a loan in the New Year? One rate increase was just […]
How to Boost Your Savings While Paying Off Debt
Raise your hand if you’re heavily in debt, with little savings to boot! Same here. I’m working hard to pay off $85,000 of debt while earning a less-than-stellar entry-level salary a couple of years post-graduation. It’s tough to save, to say the least! I was tired of being broke all the time, living paycheck-to-paycheck while […]
