What are Education Tax Credits?

If you paid for college for yourself, a dependent or a spouse this year, you may be able to claim an education tax credit on your tax return. Education tax credits can help you afford college by reducing your tax liability and letting you save on your tax bill. There...

Which FICO® Score Do Lenders Use?

If you want to apply for a mortgage, take out a new credit card, or apply for an auto loan, any reputable lender will probably look up your FICO® Score before giving you a loan. FICO® Scores are important indicators of your credit health and will largely determine...

Why Do I Need My Credit Report?

Have you ever wondered why you even need to check your credit report? If so, you’re probably not alone. In this article, we answer the question of “Why do I need to check my credit report?” and break down how it impacts your day-to-day life. So, let’s dive into the...

5 Steps to Build Business Credit

Building a strong business credit score is crucial for any business owner. It not only separates your personal and business finances, but also provides access to better financing options and establishes credibility with suppliers and lenders. That’s why in this...

What is a Good Business Credit Score?

Just as a personal credit score reflects an individual's financial health, a business credit score is an important indicator of a company's financial well-being. In this article, we explore what a business credit score is, why it's important, how to improve it, and...

Does Investing Affect Your Credit Score?

Navigating personal finances has often left people pondering whether their investments affect their credit scores. In this blog post, we aim to provide an answer by untangling the relationship between investing and credit scores. By clearing up misconceptions,...

What Makes Up My FICO® Score?

Your credit score plays a big role in shaping your financial opportunities. And whether you're trying to get a loan, credit card, or better interest rates, lenders pay close attention to your FICO® Score in particular. In fact, FICO® Scores are used by more than 90%...

5 Ways to Celebrate National Financial Awareness Day

National Financial Awareness Day, celebrated every year on Aug. 14, is a great time to think about your money decisions and plan for a better financial future. In this blog, we explore five ways to celebrate National Financial Awareness Day, including reflecting on...

How Does Taking Out a Mortgage Affect Your Credit Scores?

For many people, securing a mortgage marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter. However, considering the scale of such a large purchase, it's only natural to wonder about its potential impact on your credit scores. In this blog, we explain how taking out a...

What are the Benefits of Financial Coaching?

Have you ever found yourself spending more time on Amazon than you’d like to admit? Taking a daily coffee run to Starbucks when you have coffee at home? Wondering why you aren’t able to save as much money as you’d like to? If you can relate, you might benefit from...

Recent Articles

Is It Better to Use a Credit Union or a Bank?

Is It Better to Use a Credit Union or a Bank?

Banks and credit unions offer many similar financial products and services. But if you’re looking for the best financial institution to open a new checking or savings account, take out a loan or open a new credit card, there are some key differences between banks and credit unions that you should know. Here’s how to help decide whether a bank or credit union is better for you. Credit Unions vs. Banks The biggest difference between banks and...

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What is an FHA Loan and How Does It Work?

What is an FHA Loan and How Does It Work?

FHA loans can help you buy a home when you have low-to-moderate income, a lower credit score or limited funds for a down payment. Compared to other loan types, FHA loans have more lenient requirements that allow first-time homebuyers and less qualified borrowers to attain homeownership more easily. In this blog, we discuss how an FHA loan works and how to know if it’s right for you. https://youtube.com/shorts/HYdNNSw3soE?feature=share What is a...

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Understanding Finance Charges: What You Need to Know

Understanding Finance Charges: What You Need to Know

What Is a Finance Charge? Finance charges refer to the costs associated with borrowing money or obtaining credit from a lender. It is the fee or interest that a borrower pays for the use of the lender’s funds or the extension of credit. The charges can vary depending on the type of loan or credit arrangement and the terms agreed upon between the lender and borrower. They are typically expressed as a percentage of the loan amount or credit...

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How Can Applying for a Credit Card Affect Your Credit Score?

How Can Applying for a Credit Card Affect Your Credit Score?

Getting a new credit card can be exciting, but it’s important not to get carried away. Having too many credit cards can lead to things like multiple card inquiries and falling into debt, which can directly impact your credit score. This is why you need to find the right balance to help you manage your credit wisely to avoid these potential risks. In this article, we explore factors you should consider when determining how often to apply for a...

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What Happens If You Don’t Use Your Credit Card?

What Happens If You Don’t Use Your Credit Card?

Credit cards can be a useful financial tool, making it easy to make purchases and help your credit. But, what happens if you don't use your credit card for a long time? In this blog, we explore what can happen if you don’t use your credit card and provide tips to help keep your account active and in good standing. We also discuss how neglecting your credit card can negatively impact your credit score, lead to fees and penalties, and even result...

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Cash Stuffing: The New Way to Save and Budget Your Money

Cash Stuffing: The New Way to Save and Budget Your Money

Cash stuffing is a new trend that is quickly gaining popularity. It is a simple and effective way to save and budget your money. And it can help you to stay on track with your financial goals. What is Cash Stuffing? Cash stuffing is a budgeting method where you physically take cash out of your bank account each month and divide it  into envelopes with each  labeled for a different expense. For example, you might have an envelope for rent, one...

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How Do You Build Credit in the Military?

How Do You Build Credit in the Military?

May is Military Appreciation Month, a time to honor the contributions of our military members. Managing finances and building their credit can be challenging for those serving in the military, especially when they are deployed and gave to spend a significant amount of time away from home. Here are tips on how to help improve your credit during your military service so that you can establish a solid financial foundation for the future....

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What Are the Basic Types of Credit Cards?

What Are the Basic Types of Credit Cards?

There are many credit cards to choose from, which might be overwhelming. To select the right one for you, it's crucial to understand the different types available. This blog reviews four basic types of credit cards, each with its unique features and benefits. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/xs6z42kBpLU Four Basic Types of Credit Cards Reward Credit Cards Rewards credit cards let you earn free rewards every time you use your card for eligible...

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What Is Soft Savings? The New Trend You Should Know

What Is Soft Savings? The New Trend You Should Know

In recent years, there has been a growing trend of "soft saving." This refers to a less restrictive and more flexible method of saving money than traditional methods, such as setting up a savings account or investing in stocks or bonds. There are several reasons why soft saving has become so popular. One reason is that it is more accessible than traditional methods. With soft savings, you can save money without making a large initial savings...

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Why It’s Important to Create a Budget as a College Student

Why It’s Important to Create a Budget as a College Student

Most college students simply can’t afford to ignore the importance of budgeting their money while working toward an education. Expenses such as tuition, room and board, monthly utility bills, books, food, and transportation costs can quickly add up and become impossible to manage when you aren’t carefully monitoring your finances. By budgeting your money as a college student, you can help ensure  you have sufficient funds to cover your costs...

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