Nobody dreams of waking up buried under 29% APR and a mountain of shame. But here we are—dreading every credit card statement like it’s a jury summons. Here’s the $16,000 truth (yep, that’s the average U.S. household credit card debt): Credit cards aren’t the problem. It’s how we use them that gets us stuck. So, …
You’d think getting a loan with horrible credit is impossible… but guess what? Lenders are practically lining up to give you money. Why? Because they know they can charge eye-watering interest rates and fees so sneaky they should be illegal. That’s the dirty secret no one tells you—banks and lenders love bad-credit borrowers because they …
Debt plays a crucial role in determining your credit score, influencing various aspects of your financial life. How Debt Affects Your Credit Score is a crucial topic that many overlook, yet it can significantly impact your financial future. This guide provides a thorough look at how debt impacts credit scores, covering both direct financial effects …
Question: Dear Steve, Several accounts past due on my credit report due to some medical problems last year. Trying to raise my score by 30-50 points to obtain a home loan. I have approximately five accounts with minimal balances that for some strange reason, I stopped paying all together last year. Please do not judge …
Among all the strategies out there for improving your credit standing, it’s important to take note of the things that are easy. Some of the best ways you can help your credit are so ingrained in your day-to-day routine, you’re probably working on your credit without really thinking about it. The simple, carefree route to …
“Dear Steve, Hello, I am 21 years old and recently checked my credit score. Due to pass due bills not being paid I am carrying a 580 credit score. I am aware that this is horrible but I am not sure how to go about getting this fixed. I already have a secured credit card …
I recently got laid off and I have a lot of credit cards and other bills that I can’t pay. I have no savings and I recently checked my credit score and it’s already being ruined. I’m afraid if I don’t get a job soon I’m never going to get out of debt or save …
A low credit score is bad news, particularly if you are trying to renegotiate the terms of a loan, applying for a home loan, trying to land a job, or searching for an apartment. In today’s environment, you need a high credit score for a slew of reasons. So if you need to build your …
“Dear Lewis, My husband and I filed bankruptcy chapter 7 in Dec. 2010 and it was discharged in march 2011. I have previously worked as a bank teller before we moved states( which caused our bankruptcy because we couldn’t sell our house). I have had 2 great interviews for bank teller but my credit report …
“Dear Steve, My husband and I would like to purchase our first home, but are having difficulty getting approved for a loan in the amount we desire and can afford. My husband has bad credit (score 585) and quite a bit of collections on his credit report. It consists of an old unpaid loan, unpaid …