When it is time to buy a new car, determining your budget is essential. Many factors influence affordability, including your income, expenses, and other financial commitments. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) recommends spending no more than 10% to 15% of your monthly take-home pay on total transportation costs. These include car payments, gas, insurance, […]
What Is a Fraud Alert?
A fraud alert notifies creditors that you may be a victim of identity theft and instructs them to verify your identity before approving any new credit in your name. This added layer of security helps prevent unauthorized accounts from being opened using your personal information. Fraud alerts are free to place, and once you set […]
Why Did My Credit Score Drop?
A sudden drop in your credit score can be frustrating, especially if you’re unsure why it happened. Credit scores fluctuate based on your financial behavior, and understanding the factors behind these changes can help you take control. If you’re asking yourself why did my credit score drop, here are some of the most common reasons […]
Should You Close Old Credit Cards? Here’s What It Does to Your Score
You’ve got an old credit card you never use. Maybe it has no rewards, a high interest rate, or you’ve just moved on to better cards. Closing it seems like the smart, responsible move… right? Not so fast.Closing a credit card, especially an old one, can actually hurt your credit score if you’re not careful. […]
How To Stop Going Over Budget
You make a budget. You swear you’ll stick to it. Then… life happens. A few dinners out, an unexpected expense, and somehow you’re back in the red wondering what went wrong. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. But the good news is: going over budget doesn’t have to be your norm. With a few […]
What Is a Personal Loan and When Should You Use One?
Personal loans are one of the most flexible financial tools available, but many people don’t fully understand how they work or when they’re a smart choice. Whether you’re facing a financial emergency, consolidating debt, or planning a big expense, a personal loan can offer a structured way to borrow money often with lower interest rates […]
Can Secured Cards Raise My Score?
If you’re trying to build or rebuild your credit, you’ve probably heard that a secured credit card can help. But do they really work? Can a secured card actually raise your credit score? The short answer: Yes—but only if you use it wisely. Let’s break down how secured cards work, how they affect your score, […]
How to Protect Your Credit If You Lose Your Job
Losing your job can feel like your world just flipped upside down. Between the emotional stress and the financial uncertainty, your credit might be the last thing on your mind, but protecting it now can save you a lot of pain down the road. The good news? Even during tough times, there are smart moves […]
Debt Snowball vs. Debt Avalanche: Which One Works Best?
If you’re overwhelmed with multiple debts, you’ve probably heard of two popular strategies to pay them off: the Debt Snowball and the Debt Avalanche. Both methods can help you get out of debt, but they take different approaches, and choosing the right one depends on your personality, financial goals, and discipline. Let’s break down each […]
Discover and Capital One Merger
On May 18, 2025, Capital One Financial Corporation finalized its $35.3 billion acquisition of Discover Financial Services, marking one of the most significant mergers in the U.S. financial sector in recent years. This all-stock deal combines two of the nation’s largest credit card issuers, creating a formidable competitor to industry giants like Visa and Mastercard. […]