Knowledge Center

12/19/2024
Buy Now, Pay Later

What Is Buy Now Pay Later and How Does It Affect Your Credit?

"Buy now, pay later" services can be convenient for those on a tight budget. But how do these BNPL services affect your credit? Let’s take a look at how this popular payment option could impact your credit scores.
12/15/2024
How Are Authorized User Tradelines Considered by Credit Scoring Systems? By John Ulzheimer

How Are Authorized User Tradelines Considered by Credit Scoring Systems?

Just like primary accounts, authorized user tradelines can help or hurt your credit score, depending on how they are managed.
11/21/2024
The Top 3 Credit Myths That Won't Go Away

The Top 3 Credit Myths That Won’t Go Away

Myths about credit are extremely common, even among people who purport to repair credit. In this post, we’re going to focus on the top three credit myths that just won’t seem to go away, according to credit expert John Ulzheimer.
11/15/2024
Money management habits

4 More Master Money Habits for Wealth: Essential Money Cognitive Capacities

Even if you feel you are at a total loss for any positive money habits, you can still gain new habits to transform your wealth. in this article, we’re going to cover four advanced skills to help you bring your money skills to the next level.
11/05/2024
Best Money Habits to Master

Four Best First Money Habits to Master

If you can’t seem to keep hold of your money, we recommend you look at these four essential money cognitive capacities and see where you can improve. We'll help you reframe the narratives you have around money and help hone in on a better approach to your finances.
11/03/2024
Credit repair contract

Insider’s Guide to Buying Credit Repair

Most ratings and buyers' guides of credit repair companies are nothing more than paid advertisements—but not here! This is the insider's guide to the good, the bad, and the ugly credit repair companies. Our guide is dedicated to helping you find the best credit repair company for your situation.
10/27/2024
Why Did My Credit Score Go Down?

Why Did My Credit Score Go Down?

It’s never a good feeling when you notice that your credit score has dropped. Let’s explore some of the possible reasons that could cause your credit score to decline. 
10/24/2024
Irregular income graph

How to Protect Your Credit Score When You Have an Irregular Income

An unpredictable income can make managing your finances a bit more complicated. But with a little bit of planning, you can map out a strategy to protect your finances and credit score from the swings of an irregular income.
10/18/2024
Mortgage essentials

Mortgages 101—What Home Buyers Need to Know

If you are considering a home purchase, you are likely looking at taking out a mortgage. For many, purchasing a home is the biggest financial commitment you’ll ever make.
10/07/2024
Home equity loan calculator

Unlock the Power of Home Equity Loans—Essential Guide

It can be a financial challenge to become a homeowner. But once you make your homeownership dreams a reality, there are plenty of benefits to enjoy. One of those financial benefits is the ability to build home equity with each mortgage payment.
09/30/2024

How to Grow a Thin Credit File

A thin credit file can be problematic. Although your finances may be in good shape, a thin credit file can make it challenging to access financing for major purchases when you need it.
09/27/2024
Loan application approved

Line of Credit—Essential Guide to Expectations & Realities

A line of credit is a flexible funding solution that allows you to tap into funds on an as-needed basis. Depending on your situation, a line of credit can offer much-needed access to cash.
09/08/2024
Debt consolidation plan

Debt Consolidation vs. Credit Card Refinancing: Which Is Right for You?

When you have high-interest credit card debt holding you back, it can be a drain on your personal finances. The good news is that debt consolidation or credit card refinancing may offer a path to freedom from your credit card debt.
09/06/2024
Renters' rights

Essential Guide to Renters’ Rights—What You Need to Know

If you are renting a place to call home, your use of the property is protected through renters’ rights (also known as tenants’ rights). Whether you are living in a rental or renting out a property to a tenant, understanding the ins and outs of renters’ rights can make your life easier.
08/23/2024
Graduating college without loans

Back to School: How to Pay for College Without Loans

It’s no secret that college is expensive, and the costs seem to continue rising without an end in sight. The increasing cost of college has far outpaced inflation.
08/07/2024
Credit card mistakes

Credit Card Mistakes to Avoid

Credit card mistakes can eat away at your budget and your credit score. Let’s explore the most common credit card errors and what you can do to avoid them.
08/05/2024
Long-term wealth-building success

Feelings in Finance—Your Empowerment Guide

What if you connected to your emotions surrounding money and that helped you actually master your finances? This guide will help you feel confident in tackling your money from a new perspective and build your wealth so that you can live a fuller, happier life.
07/28/2024
Bankruptcy court

What Is Bankruptcy and How Does It Impact Your Credit?

When you file for bankruptcy, it’s usually because you have no other option for your finances. Although it might be the right choice for your situation, the decision to file for bankruptcy will have a negative impact on your credit.
07/26/2024
Healing from financial trauma

Fixing Your Emotional Relationship with Money

I’m going to let you in on a secret. Most people aren’t bad at handling their money. Most people are bad at handling their emotions about money. When you can hone in on your emotions, your finances fall into line.
07/17/2024
Inquiry Bumpage and Choppage

Can Inquiry “Bumpage” and “Choppage” Help Your Credit?

Could inquiry "bumpage" and "choppage" improve your credit? Find out from an expert who has spent three decades in the industry, John Ulzheimer.
07/11/2024
Identity theft

People’s Guide to Financial Identity Theft Protection

Identity theft is no laughing matter. When your identity is stolen, it can affect your entire financial life, from your credit to your ability to apply for loans. You want to make sure that you’re protected from identity theft.
07/11/2024
Mortgage loan vs. rent

Is Renting Better Than Owning—for You?

It’s no secret that keeping a roof over your head can get expensive quickly. On average, households spend over a quarter of their household income on housing costs each year, and housing costs are on the rise.
06/27/2024
Credit Countdown: What Is a Date of Last Activity?

Date of Last Activity (DLA): What Is It and Does It Really Matter?

The “date of last activity,” also known as the DLA, is often discussed within the field of credit repair in a way that is inaccurate or misleading. Because of this, many consumers do not understand the DLA as it relates to their credit reports and credit scores.
06/21/2024
Personal loan interest rates

Americans Are Taking Out More Personal Loans: What You Need to Know

Personal loans have grown in popularity over the years. As more Americans take out personal loans, many households are adding another monthly payment to their budgets.
06/06/2024
Credit Mix: Do You Need to Care About Types of Credit?

Credit Mix: Do You Need to Care About Types of Credit? [Infographic]

While credit mix only makes up 10% of your FICO score, it’s still important to consider when building credit. Check out our infographic about mix of credit and types of credit.
05/30/2024
Missing a payment even once can seriously set back your credit score, but the damage will be even worse the longer you put off bringing the account current.

What Is a Derogatory Item on Your Credit Report?

Derogatory items can stay on your credit report and damage your credit scores for years. We’ll help you understand minor and major derogatories, how derogatory items affect your credit score, and what you can do about them.
05/20/2024

How to Use a Windfall to Improve Your Finances

Whether you got a bonus at work or won the lottery, a financial windfall is always welcome. After all, who doesn’t love when extra funds hit their bank account? What you do with those funds can have a big impact on your financial situation.
05/10/2024
Coffee money myth debunked

Money Myths Debunked

money myths can cause significant financial damage if you follow through on the ideas. As you navigate your own financial situation, it’s helpful to understand which often-repeated money ideas are actually just myths.
05/03/2024
Limiting money beliefs

Start Making Good Money Moves by Destroying Limiting Beliefs

Limiting beliefs are beliefs that keep you from doing something. Some limiting beliefs are helpful because they keep you safe (e.g. you believe you can’t fly, […]
04/22/2024
Increasing credit card debt

How to Avoid a Growing Credit Card Balance

Credit card debt is common. Many households are facing a growing credit card balance. But this type of debt, with notoriously high interest rates, is one of the hardest to climb out of. Once you slide into credit card debt, it can be difficult to pull yourself back out.
Contact Phone
619-255-9588
Monday – Friday: 7:00 AM PST- 6:00 PM PST Saturday: 8:00 AM PST - 5:00 PM PST