If you’re like the majority of U.S. taxpayers, you’ll soon have a tax refund check burning a hole in your pocket (if you haven’t received it already). What next? Using your refund wisely can accelerate your progress toward important financial goals. Here are our top suggestions to make the most impact with your tax refund….
read moreWe recently wrote about 5 things to know about paying off a credit card. While we coach people to pay off their debts and live more on a cash basis, we recognize that credit cards also have some very important benefits. There are, however, some risks that can be a serious threat to your personal…
read moreThe Home Buying Process The home buying process can be overwhelming, especially for first-time home buyers. We want to give you a quick overview of the process, including some important steps you should do at the beginning of the process. 1. Attend a pre-purchase education course This is a very important first step that too…
read moreAs we enter the spring of 2018, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, or FDCPA, remains an important legal protection for consumers who are dealing with debt collectors. Due to its importance, our free Consumer Guide to Good Credit has valuable information about the FDCPA. The FDCPA was passed in 1977 to restrict abusive activity…
read moreThe experience of buying a home is more enjoyable when you’re able to stay one step ahead of the process. If you have already followed our checklist for preparing to buy a home, it’s time to get pre-qualified and pre-approved for a home loan. These two are not necessarily the same, and serious buyers are…
read moreBuying a home is one of life’s most meaningful milestones, particularly for first-time homeowners. At credit.org, we’re here to provide the information you need in order to pave a clear path toward your homeownership goal. While it is indeed a journey from the time you decide you want to buy through closing and moving into…
read moreMany financial experts say one credit card is all any consumer needs. Yes, it’s possible to have multiple credit cards and manage them wisely, but ultimately, the typical consumer should be able to get by with only a single card. However, if you happen to make a lot of purchases online or travel, you may…
read moreLeaving your 20s behind can feel like a call to be more responsible, a more full-fledged “adult” than you were in college and those first years on your own. Many articles suggest trips to take before you turn 30. Our advice? Don’t worry about booking vacation flings before a birthday deadline. Those countries will stick…
read moreIs there a room in your home that you rarely use, such as a spare bedroom or den? If so, under certain circumstances, it might make sense for you to rent that space out to a tenant, especially if you live in a big city or desirable suburb with high demand for rentals. Renting out…
read moreDebt Collectors Keep Calling Me! No one likes getting calls from debt collectors. Owing money to a group of strangers who have all of your personal information can be frightening and stressful. But why do debt collectors call? You typically only receive collection calls when you owe a debt. Collection agencies buy past-due debts from…
read moreSimply put, getting a mortgage with bad or even no credit is a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right help, you can take control of your financial health by improving your credit and getting the best mortgage rates you. What do Mortgage Lenders Look For? When you apply for a mortgage,…
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