Lenders look at your credit report to determine whether you qualify for a loan or credit card. Inaccurate information could lead to an unfavorable interest rate or outright denial of your application. You should periodically request copies of your credit reports and check them for errors. If you find a mistake, act immediately to have it corrected so it doesn’t hurt your chances of obtaining credit.
How an Error Might Have OccurredIf you have a common name, your records could have gotten mixed...
Saving money is often easier said than done, but if you’re serious about bulking up your savings account, there are ways to achieve your financial goals. And while eliminating vacations, canceling your cable subscription or getting rid of your car and relying on public transportation can help you save big chunks of money, these may not be practical solutions for you and your family.
If eliminating big expenses is too difficult, take a step back and focus on cutting smaller expenses that won’t i...
When you’re purchasing a home, most of your budgeting is built around the costs directly associated with your purchase. You’re probably planning for your EMD, home inspection, some repairs, your down payment, and closing costs. However, it’s also important to think through the way your budget will change once you’ve signed on the dotted line and bought your first home or upgraded to a new one. Here’s a list of expenses to take into consideration as you prepare for the months and years following...
There are so many things to think about when deciding to begin a home search. How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need? Do you want stairs or are you hoping to have everything on one level? Of course, there’s the all-important question of flooring, countertops, and light fixtures. But what else should you be thinking about—and how can you build a smarter wish list that really adds value?
What does your wish list look like?
When you start perusing listings online, you’re probably spending mos...
A common phone call that new credit cardholders get from their bank is an offer for credit card add-on products, such as protection against fraud and identity theft. Payment protection is another service offered regularly, providing a monthly payment to the cardholder’s account if they lose their job or are sick in the hospital.
Credit monitoring and debt-cancellation products are optional and are paid for through a monthly or annual fee.
Before signing up for these products, consumers should k...
Credit card rewards can be a free way to travel and get cash back for your daily expenses.
But if you’re not paying your credit card bill in full when it arrives, then you’re paying interest and those free rewards are no longer free. That’s not a surprising fact, but it’s a top one to keep in mind when considering these four surprising facts about credit card rewards:
A 1% reward
Don’t expect to receive nearly in much in rewards points as you do in spending to get them. The typical reward point...
Selling a home is hard work, and the staging process can be intimidating. Many people think about how expensive the staging process will be, but with these tips, it doesn’t have to be!
Starting fresh
It can be tough to stage a home when furniture has been removed by the homeowner, but no need to fear! Of course, you don’t have to go out and buy new furniture. The easiest way to save money is use what you already have, pick up pieces from goodwill or a used furniture store like “Restore”. Thes...
