Is there even a difference between your credit score and your FICO score? Actually, yes! Check out this article to learn more. Your credit score tells lenders how likely you are to pay your bills on time. The better your credit score, the less risky you look as a borrower. But a “credit score” is
If you are associated with the military in any way, you’ve heard the acronym BAH. While you may know a few of the basics, this article will examine the military BAH in-depth, including types, benefits, and how to calculate rates. What is BAH? BAH stands for Basic Allowance for Housing, and it refers to
You probably know that a higher credit score helps you get a better interest rate. But there’s more to it than that. Your credit score directly affects the interest rate on your mortgage. The difference between a “good” versus an “excellent” credit score can save you thousands of dollars on interest. Most people know that
While some people do just fine with DIY budgeting, others need a little help managing their finances and maintaining healthy credit. What is a credit counselor? A certified credit counselor is someone who looks at your entire financial situation and helps create a personalized plan for getting back on track. If you work with
When it comes to credit scores, there’s a lot of conflicting information out there. Check out these little-known facts to keep you informed. 1. There are several types of credit scores The phrase “credit score” is an overarching term used to describe how likely you are to pay your bills on time. There are
If you don’t have a lot of credit history, it may seem a little intimidating to get started. But starting from scratch isn’t as difficult as you might think. Understand factors that could hurt your score Prevention is key. Once a late payment is sent to collections, this will harm your credit, and paying
How is your credit score calculated? Read below for the full breakdown. Credit can get pretty complicated because there are several different models and versions of your credit score. To keep things simple, we’ve broken down the main factors that impact your FICO score, which is the most widely used credit scoring model. Your FICO
Sadly, there are thieves and scammers out there who may try to steal from your credit card. Here’s what you can do to stop them. Keep your card numbers safe Do your best to keep your cards covered and not allow anyone to sneak a peek at your card information. When making a transaction,
Great job building up your credit score! After all that hard work, you’re probably wondering how you can maintain your credit. Read below to learn more! 1. Pay Your Bills On Time When it comes to late or missed payments, prevention is key to protecting your score. Paying bills on time won’t always boost
A credit repair service can be the perfect solution for people who need help improving their credit. Unfortunately, there are a lot of scams out there. Here’s how to avoid them. Credit repair scams: Red flags to watch out for These are some telltale signs of a credit repair scam: Asking for payment upfront
For renters interested in eventually purchasing the property they live in, there is a way to secure the front-of-the-line spot when the home goes on the market. Rather than have to worry about third parties driving up the price in a bidding war, the renter may purchase the house before any other can put in
If you have a less than perfect credit score or are self-employed with alternative income, you won’t qualify for a traditional home loan. However, you don’t have to rent forever. There is another option. It is called a non-QM loan or non-qualifying mortgage. This article will go over what a QM or a qualifying mortgage
Looking to refinance for a lower interest rate on your mortgage? Here’s what you need to know. When should you refinance? There are several potential benefits to refinancing your home. But one of the best reasons to refinance is getting a lower interest rate. As interest rates fall, you may want to refinance your
A lot of people struggle with getting their debt under control. It can be all too easy to rack up credit card debt before learning the best strategies for spending and saving your hard earned money. But even after you learn about these best practices, you may still be stuck with a mountain of debt
Significant life changes that affect income can happen, and when they do, homeowners are hit hard. In addition to a slew of living expenses that must be paid — groceries, water, keeping the lights on, etc. — there is a big expense that is sometimes hard to maintain when a financial difficulty happens. A home
Protecting your home’s value is a big deal. Take note of these common homeowner mistakes so you don’t have to learn about them the hard way! 1. DIY projects gone wrong Not everyone is a pro at home renovations. But you’d be surprised at how many aspiring carpenters have tried installing decks in their
Every homeowner wants to get the most out of their investment. Keep these tips in mind to help boost the value of your home. 1. Update your kitchen and bathrooms Most homeowners know that the kitchen and bathrooms are the most important areas to renovate when it comes to raising your home’s value. If
Remodeling can make you fall in love with your home all over again, but home renovations are hard work! Keep these tips in mind to help you along the way. 1. Assess the condition of your home Home renovations may reveal some unforeseen problems which can put the updates behind schedule. Understanding the conditions
Not only does a cramped and cluttered space add a lot of stress to your daily life, but it can also lower your home’s value. Here are some tips to maximizing the space in your home. 1. Open up your entryway The very first room your guests enter should feel welcoming and spacious. Unfortunately,
A beautiful landscape can add tremendous value to your home. However, it’s important to make the right decisions when updating your landscaping, as a poorly maintained yard can kill your curb appeal. 1. Think about how you’d like to use your outdoor space Do you wish you had a patio with seating so you
