If you’ve ever searched “how to fix your credit,” you’ve probably seen it all: fast fixes, shady hacks, and conflicting advice. The credit repair space is full of noise. Unfortunately, a lot of that noise is just flat-out wrong. Some of these myths have been floating around for years. No matter how many times they […]
How to Create a Mid-Year Budget Reset (Before the Holidays Sneak Up)
We’re halfway through the year: how’s your budget holding up? If you’re like most people, you started the year with good intentions. Maybe you even made a detailed plan. But life happens. Bills pile up, unexpected expenses pop in, and suddenly your budget feels more like a loose suggestion than an actual strategy. Now is […]
Kid-Friendly Budgeting: Teaching Financial Habits at Home
Most kids grow up learning math, science, and history, but almost nothing about money. By the time they’re old enough to open a bank account or get a credit card, they’re already at a disadvantage. But it doesn’t have to be that way. You don’t need to be a financial expert to raise financially smart […]
How Credit Scores Work: The Basics Everyone Should Know
If you’ve ever applied for a loan, tried to rent an apartment, or even gotten a quote for car insurance, chances are your credit score played a role in the outcome. But what actually is a credit score—and how is it calculated? Let’s break it down in plain English so you can finally understand the […]
The Truth About Credit Bureaus: What They Don’t Tell You
When most people think of credit bureaus, they imagine some official government agency keeping tabs on their financial behavior. But here’s the truth: credit bureaus aren’t government-run at all. They’re for-profit companies. And what they don’t tell you could be costing you thousands of dollars. What Is a Credit Bureau? There are three major credit […]
Credit Repair 101: What You Need to Know to Get Started
If you’re reading this, chances are your credit score isn’t where you want it to be, and you’re ready to do something about it. First, take a breath. You’re not alone, and the situation is absolutely fixable. Credit repair isn’t magic, but it also isn’t as complicated as some make it out to be. This […]
Late Car Payments Hit Highest Level in Decades
More Americans are struggling to keep up with their car payments, reaching the highest delinquency rates in over 30 years. Rising costs and high interest rates have made it increasingly difficult for borrowers to stay current on their auto loans. As financial pressure mounts, many consumers are facing serious consequences, including potential repossession of their […]
What Is a Data Breach?
With cybercrime on the rise, protecting personal data has become more critical than ever. But what is a data breach? A data breach occurs when criminals gain unauthorized access to sensitive information, often for malicious purposes like identity theft and fraud. In recent years, data breaches have become more frequent, affecting millions of individuals and […]
How to Know What Car Fits Your Budget
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 […]