Knowledge Center

02/23/2024
Student loans

How to Prepare Your Finances for Student Loan Payments

Back in 2020, the federal government gave student loan borrowers a payment reprieve. The temporary measure was designed to help borrowers with federal student loans get through the financial uncertainty caused by the pandemic. But the federal student loan payment pause came to an end in fall 2023.
02/09/2024
Financing a used car

What to Do if You Can’t Afford Your Car Payment

When you need a vehicle to get around, you might feel pressure to spring for more than you can truly afford. Whether your financial situation has changed or you felt pressure to overspend at the dealership, being stuck with a car payment that you cannot afford is an uncomfortable situation.
02/04/2024
Will These Strategies Help You Get More Credit Score Points?

Will These Strategies Help You Get More Credit Score Points?

Everyone wants to get a higher credit score, but not all of the “hacks” or tips being promoted actually help you get more credit score points. Credit expert John Ulzheimer answers some common questions about ways to get more credit score points.
01/21/2024
When Being an Authorized User Doesn't Help

When You Should NOT Be an Authorized User

Being an authorized user on someone else’s credit card can often be a valuable strategy for consumers who are looking to build credit. However, it is not true that everyone will benefit from authorized user accounts in every situation.
01/18/2024
Secured credit cards

Complete Guide to Opening a Secured Credit Card

A secured credit card gives cardholders an opportunity to build credit. While you’ll have to make a security deposit to serve as collateral, this can serve as your entry point into building credit.
01/15/2024
Credit Sweep Fraud

Are Credit Sweeps Legal or Will They Get You in Trouble?

Credit sweeps are a heavily advertised and promoted service among credit repair companies. John Ulzheimer explains why you need to watch out for credit sweep scams in an episode of Credit Countdown.
01/10/2024
Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit

Best Rated Credit Cards for Bad Credit in 2024

These credit cards allow you to apply despite having a low credit score. Read this guide to learn about the best-rated credit cards for bad credit in 2024!
01/05/2024
Giving up small purchases

Financial Myths to Ignore

You can find financial advice almost everywhere you turn. Whether you are hearing advice from TikTok stars or friends and family, you’ve likely heard more than a few financial myths thrown into the mix.
12/30/2023

Buying Tradelines: How to Choose the Best Tradeline Company

Buying tradelines can be a difficult decision. Here are some tips on what to look for and what to watch out for when choosing a tradeline company.
12/30/2023
Credit Card Credit-Building—2022 Best Cards for Credit-Building

Credit Card Credit Building—2024 Best Cards for Credit Building

If you need help building your credit, the right credit card can make all the difference. Here is a list of the best credit-building credit cards of 2024 to get you started.
12/28/2023
Budgeting for savings goals

How to Improve Your Finances in 2024

Making smart money choices can propel you toward the future you desire. Luckily, it’s easy to take action to improve your financial situation this year.
12/26/2023
How to Improve Your Credit Score

How to Improve Your Credit Score in 2024

While your credit score is just a three-digit number, it can have a big impact on your life. When building your life in the midst of economic uncertainty, a good credit score is an even more important asset.
12/22/2023
AI financial advice

Should You Trust AI Financial Advice?

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been making headlines in recent months. As AI develops into a more sophisticated tool, it’s natural to wonder how this technology might impact financial advice. If AI can answer other questions, can it be trusted to provide worthwhile financial advice?
12/15/2023
Credit card revolving credit accounts

Building Credit With Revolving & Open Credit Accounts

If you want to build your credit score, responsibly managing revolving and open credit accounts can help. Let’s explore what these accounts are and how you can leverage these types of accounts into a better credit score.
12/07/2023
Credit hacks that work

Easy Credit Hacks That Will Actually Get You Results

Credit repair can take months to see results, but we have effective credit hacks that you can use to get a better credit score fast. Check out our list of the best credit hacks that will help you improve your credit.
12/06/2023
Do Tradelines Still Work in 2024?

Do Tradelines Still Work in 2024?

Do tradelines still work in 2024? Find out if tradelines still work and if they will continue to be effective for years to come.
12/04/2023
Is a Balance Transfer Worth It? How to Know if It’s Right for You

Is a Balance Transfer Worth It? How to Know if It’s Right for You

Balance transfers can be a valuable tool for helping consumers get out of credit card debt without being crushed by interest charges. On the other hand, if you’re not careful, they can leave you worse off than you were before. Read this article to find out everything you need to know about balance transfers and how to decide if a balance transfer is right for you.
12/01/2023
Increasing savings rate

How to Grow Your Savings Rate

Saving more money is solid financial advice. In theory, we all know that saving money is important. But when it comes to managing our funds, it can be difficult to track how much of our income we actually save.
11/28/2023
Buying a new car

2024 Car Shopping Secrets Unlocked

Are you thinking of driving a new car? If so, you're in luck. Here are some of the best tips and tricks for shopping for a car.
11/19/2023
This Is How a Rapid Rescore Can Boost Your Credit Score Fast

This Is How a Rapid Rescore Can Boost Your Credit Score Fast

If you’re wondering how to update your credit report information fast so that you can improve your credit rating quickly, you may be interested in getting a rapid rescore. Find the answers to all your questions about rapid rescores in this article.
11/17/2023
Generation Z credit scores

Top Credit-building Tips for Generation Z

Generation Z represents the youngest generation of consumers. As a member of Gen Z, the financial choices you make now can have an outsized impact on your financial future.
11/10/2023
How to Remove Derogatory Entries on a Credit Report

How to Remove Derogatory Entries From Your Credit Report

Do you have derogatory items dragging down your credit score? Here's how to get derogatory entries removed from your credit report.
11/03/2023
Financial stress

How to Lower Financial Stress

While stress of any kind can take a toll on your health, certain kinds of stress are especially prevalent in American society. Financial stress is one type of stress that can permeate your life.
10/30/2023
Negative Items That Can Stay on Your Credit Forever

Are There Negative Items That Can Stay on Your Credit Forever?

Certain negative items could potentially stay on your credit report permanently. Here are the three exceptions to the 7-10 year limit on negative information imposed by the FCRA.
10/27/2023
Credit card debt statistics

How to Avoid Credit Card Debt

While it’s relatively easy to slip into credit card debt, it’s a challenge for many to pay off this kind of debt. High interest rates make repayment an uphill battle. With that, it’s best to completely avoid credit card debt if you can.
10/19/2023
Too much credit

Is There Such a Thing as Too Much Credit?

Is it possible to have too much credit? We answer the question of whether having too much credit could hurt your credit score by breaking it down into three parts: having too much available credit, having too much debt, and having too many credit accounts.
10/18/2023

How to Overcome Financial Trauma

If you have negative feelings around money, or you just don’t know what to do with it, there’s a chance that you might have experienced financial trauma in the past.
10/10/2023

What Is a Good Credit Score? 7 Must-know Essentials

Credit scores indicate how responsible you are with credit. Even if your credit isn’t the best, you need to understand how it works.
10/05/2023
Credit Reports: What You Need to Know

Credit Reports: What You Need to Know

Credit reports are an integral part of our financial system, yet many of us are seriously misinformed about how credit reports work. We'll help you understand what your credit report is and why it’s important.
09/29/2023
Past due payments

Derogatory Credit Marks—Grow From Bad to Great Credit

If a good credit score is a priority for you, a derogatory mark is the last thing you want to see on your credit report. Unfortunately, a derogatory mark could spell trouble for your credit score.
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