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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
CFPB Sues Experian for Sham Investigations
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has filed a lawsuit against Experian, one of the largest credit reporting companies in the U.S., for not properly handling consumer disputes. The CFPB claims that Experian has been failing to investigate errors on credit reports as required by law. These mistakes can harm people by limiting their access […]