We urge everyone to check their credit reports regularly. Anyone can get a free credit report annually from annualcreditreport.com, from each of the three credit bureaus. That means three times per year you can check one of your credit reports at no cost. But some people need to check their credit more frequently. For them,…
Posts By: Melinda Opperman
We want everyone to learn how to read a credit report, and to get in the habit of checking their own credit regularly. You can get a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus once per year by visiting www.annualcreditreport.com. But when is the right time to check? Here are 3…
When it comes to boosting your credit score, there are a lot of myths floating around. It’s important to be skeptical and proceed with caution because your financial health is at stake. If you are influenced by the wrong myths about credit cards, you can actually suffer from poorer credit, because you might be avoiding things…
When people are trying to build credit, typically they will use a credit card to establish that they are a good credit risk. They might start with secured cards, or become co-signers on the accounts of other users with good credit. However, getting a credit card can become a life-long commitment, getting you into debt…
Your credit score is vital for your financial life. It’s what lenders will look at when deciding whether to offer you a loan or credit, and it will impact the terms they offer. As you can see from our “What is a Good Credit Score?” infographic and video, credit scores range from 300-850, with general…
We want homebuyers to have the best chance to succeed in achieving their goal of homeownership. Pre-purchase coaching is a must do for anyone looking to become a homeowner and here are the top 5 key benefits: Access to a knowledgeable housing coach Participating in a coaching session with a HUD-approved housing counseling organization provides…
When it comes to improving one’s credit score, there are few shortcuts to make note of. The best way to improve your credit is to make every payment in full, on time. Do this, and your score will show improvement within a very short period of time. So are there any things that can be…
Buying a home with your partner is one of the most fulfilling purchases you can make. Not only are you going to experience the joy of becoming a homeowner, you’re also going to have the person you love by your side through the journey. And when you get the keys to your new home, you…
Interest is the price you pay to borrow money. When a lender provides a loan, they make a profit off of the interest paid on top of the original loan amount. Interest rates affect the true amount you pay for homes, cars and other purchases made with credit. How an interest rate is determined depends…
Buying a home in your 20s is an investment in your future – and one that can grow significantly as you build equity. If you believe you are ready to take the leap from renting to owning, don’t let age deter you; follow these tips on the path to experiencing the joy and pride of…
One way people seek to address their debt is by transferring balances to a new credit card. They might be consolidating multiple cards into one debt, or combining different kinds of debts under a new revolving credit card account. This kind of strategy isn’t for everyone, and like any debt repayment strategy, has upsides and…
As you start the home buying process, it’s fairly common to begin researching available homes through the internet and to understand how much buying power you may have through mortgage pre-qualification. We suggest adding one more invaluable component, investing your time in Pre-Purchase Coaching, provided by a certified coach from a U.S. Department of Housing…
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