Credit and Debt
Optimizing Your Credit Score in 7 Steps
4-19-2010
Are you thinking about buying a car, renting an apartment, or purchasing a home? What about simply qualifying for a new cell phone plan or a credit card? Your credit score is an important factor in determining how successful you’ll be in achieving these goals. Credit scores can be as low as 300 or as high as 850. What constitutes a good credit score will vary, depending on the type of loan you’re getting and your lender’s specific requirements. A solid score generally ranges between 680 and 720. Getting the best interest rates and loan offers typically require a credit score of 750 or better. Yours not up to snuff? Don’t panic! Improve it with the following seven steps.
(Read more...)10 Ways to Pay Down Debt
11-10-2009
If you’re like most Americans, you have debt – student loans, car payments, mortgages, and credit card debt. Although lenders bill you for a minimum payment each month, sticking to the minimum could cost you thousands of dollars in the long term. Prioritizing debt is challenging, but following these top ten tips for paying off your debt can help you get started.
(Read more...)How to Choose a Credit Card
9-11-2009
You probably get offers in the mail every week for credit cards boasting high spending limits and low interest rates. Some of these offers are too good to be true, but there are solid credit cards out there if you know what to look for. Comparison shopping will help you find a credit card that fits your needs and doesn’t cost a fortune. This article helps you weigh the pros and cons when selecting a credit card.
(Read more...)Credit Reports and Credit Scores – the Basics
8-15-2009
Do you know your credit score or what’s on your credit report? Do you know who uses that information and why it’s so important? Your credit score and credit history are two of the most important components of your personal finances. Your credit impacts many areas of your life, including the house or car you’re able to purchase, your credit card interest rate, and even your insurance premiums, among other things. Before you can optimize your credit score, you must learn the basics of credit reports and credit scores.
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