Most people know payment history and credit utilization play a huge role in their credit score. But there’s another factor that often gets overlooked: credit mix. Credit mix accounts for about 10% of your FICO score, and while that may not sound like much, it can be the difference between “good” and “excellent.” What Is […]
Most people know that late payments can hurt their credit score, but there’s another factor that often slips under the radar: credit utilization. It’s one of the most powerful pieces of your credit profile, and getting it wrong could be quietly lowering your score every month. What Is Credit Utilization? Credit utilization is the percentage […]
Most people only check their credit report when they’re applying for something big, like a mortgage, car loan, or new credit card. But waiting until then can be a costly mistake. Errors and outdated information are more common than you might think, and ignoring them could quietly cost you thousands of dollars over time. The […]
When most people think about improving their credit, they focus on paying down debt or disputing negative items. While those steps matter, there’s another piece of the puzzle many people overlook: the age of your credit accounts. Believe it or not, your oldest accounts can have a bigger impact on your credit score than you […]
If you’ve ever fallen behind on a bill, you may have gotten a notice that your account was “sold to collections” or “assigned to a debt buyer.” It’s a jarring moment, and one that raises a lot of questions about your credit. Let’s break down what this really means, how it shows up on your […]
First of all: Congrats.You did the work. You challenged inaccurate items, paid down debt, made changes, and rebuilt what once felt broken. That alone makes you part of a small (and growing) group of people who took their credit seriously and didn’t give up. But now that you’ve fixed your credit… what’s next? Is it […]
You’re at the register, ready to swipe your debit card, and then it happens: “Would you like to save 15% by opening a store card today?” It’s tempting. The discount is instant.And if you’re doing some serious shopping (school clothes, holiday gifts, or a major haul) it can feel like a smart move. But before […]
If you’re a business owner or entrepreneur, you’ve probably used your personal credit to fund your business at some point. Maybe you used a credit card, a personal loan, or even a home equity line. That’s not unusual. But at some point, you’ll hit a wall. Because personal credit can only take you so far, […]
Your credit report isn’t something you check once a year and forget about. If you’re trying to improve, protect, or build your credit, monthly check-ins are one of the smartest habits you can develop. Think of it like checking your bank balance: just with long-term impact. Here’s your simple 3-step checklist to review at the […]
Getting denied for credit stings. Whether it’s a credit card, car loan, or mortgage pre-approval, that “we’re sorry” message can feel like a punch to the gut, especially when you were counting on it. But here’s the truth most people don’t know:It’s not the denial that hurts your credit. It’s what you do next. If […]
