How Does Inflation Affect Credit?

During times of high inflation, rising costs can put consumers under greater financial stress. High inflation can make it harder for you to pay for the things you need, more expensive for you to borrow money, and slow down economic growth on a large scale. If you’re...

What Is an SBA Loan?

Do you have a great business idea but need funding to get it off the ground? SBA small business loans offer affordable financing and flexible repayment terms to help entrepreneurs launch or expand a business. Here we explain what an SBA loan is and how it works. What...

Budgeting Tips to Pay Off Tax Debt

As tax season approaches, many individuals may find themselves grappling with the reality of owing money to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Whether due to unexpected income sources, insufficient taxes withheld from each paycheck, filing incorrectly, or missed...

Do Taxes Affect Your Credit Score?

Between the beginning of the year and mid-April, tax season is in full swing and many people are quickly going to tax professionals to either pay their taxes or get their refunds. One question on many minds is the connection between taxes and credit. Do taxes affect...

What Are the Different Types of Interest?

Whether you're considering a loan, navigating investments, or managing debt, understanding the intricacies of interest is a critical life skill in the modern world. The term “interest” comes up in all kinds of financial conversations, but what are the different types...

5 Essential Financial Skills for Every Adult

Looking to develop your financial skills? Young adults and even older adults all desire to be on top of their finances and not have to stress about money. But what do you do to continue having a great track record with your finances? Essential Financial Skills 1....

How to Improve Your FICO® Auto Score

Looking to buy your dream car? Having a strong credit score is an important early step in the process. Your creditworthiness determines the terms of your auto financing, making it crucial to understand how to enhance and maintain a strong credit profile. The most...

Raise Financially Responsible Children With These Tips

A parent's mission is to direct their children down the path of becoming responsible adults. One of the most valuable gifts parents can impart to their children is the knowledge and skills to manage personal finances responsibly and comfortably. The earlier children...

Top 10 MyScoreIQ Blog Posts of 2023

This past year you’ve looked to the MyScoreIQ blog for advice, making the following articles your go-to guides for navigating the sometimes-murky waters of credit scores and financial wellness. From conquering debt collector misreporting to handling credit after a...

7 Steps to Prepare for Retirement

While approaching retirement is exciting, it demands thoughtful planning and strategic decision-making. As you transition from your career into the golden years, envisioning the life you desire after the daily grind is essential. This guide helps you determine what...

Recent Articles

5 Ways to Celebrate National Financial Awareness Day

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 financial goals, learning more about personal finance, creating a budget, working on credit health, and exploring saving and investing strategies. What is National Financial...

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How Does Taking Out a Mortgage Affect Your Credit Scores?

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 mortgage can affect your credit scores. We also introduce you to a powerful tool – the FICO® Score Simulator offered by MyScoreIQ – that can help you plan for significant financial...

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What are the Benefits of Financial Coaching?

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 financial coaching. In this blog, we break down the benefits of financial coaching, so you can better understand if it’s the right solution for you. What is a Financial Coach?...

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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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