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Credit cards can increase your purchasing power, but how many credit cards are too many? There are both pros and cons of having multiple cards.
Continue ReadingCredit fraud is a situation that millions of Americans have become all too familiar with, yet many still assume it won't happen to them. Whether you've just opened your first credit card or have fallen victim to fraud in the past, here are some proactive and common sense credit protection strategies to keep your information safe.
These days, all it can take is a single typo into an internet browser to put your identity at risk. Although that may seem like an extreme example, there's no denying that technology and the transfer of information has advanced at a breakneck pace—and with it, digital hacks designed to infiltrate and duplicate your most personal data.
Exams. Tuition. Internships. Graduation. College students have plenty to worry about at any given time, so it's no wonder that their credit score doesn't always make the list. However, college is actually the ideal time for students to begin building credit!
Many people regard credit scores as an indicator of overall financial health, but lenders primarily view them as a measure of creditworthiness. Credit scores are an extremely useful tool lenders employ to decide if they should offer someone credit and at what interest rate. But how exactly are those three little numbers on your credit report calculated? There are several key factors nearly all credit bureaus look at to determine your credit score, which is presented as a FICO® Score or VantageScore®. By understanding the different components of your score and how they are weighted, you can take control of your credit score today.
Credit challenges come in many forms: foreclosure, bankruptcy, or a costly medical emergency. Or maybe you just missed a few car payments during tough times. Bad credit happens to good people all the time. A run of bad luck can throw even the most responsible person into a financial free fall. Fortunately, learning how to build credit or rebuild your credit score is not as difficult as it may seem. In fact, one of the best ways to begin rebuilding is using small, everyday purchases to your advantage.
This material is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified tax advisor, attorney or financial advisor. Readers should consult with their own tax advisor, attorney or financial advisor with regard to their personal situations.