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Credit Monitoring & Fraud Protection

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5 Ways to Celebrate National Financial Awareness Day

by Kristin Hudson | Jul 29, 2025

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...

The Looming Credit Crisis: How Student Loan Delinquencies Can Drop the Credit Score of Millions of Americans

by Kristin Hudson | Mar 28, 2025

Millions of Americans are on the brink of a credit crisis as student loan delinquencies are now starting to appear on credit reports for the first time since the pandemic. According to a recent analysis by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, more than 9 million borrowers could see significant drops in their FICO® Scores in the coming months. This shift could have long-term consequences, affecting access to home and auto loans, credit card...

Do You Have to Pay a Loan Application Fee?

by Brian Acton | Mar 24, 2025

When you’re preparing to submit a loan application, the lender may inform you they charge a loan application fee. These fees reduce out-of-pocket processing costs for the lender and make their borrower transactions more profitable. Loan application fees are common for mortgages loans, auto loans and personal loans. But they aren’t universal. Not all lenders charge fees, and you may even be able to negotiate them down before you submit your...

What Are the Basic Types of Credit Cards?

by Kristin Hudson | Feb 9, 2025

IDIQ is not a bank, lender, tax advisor, or insurance company. Offers made on this page may come from our advertising affiliates, and we may earn a commission when you purchase products or services. 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...

When Is Debt Relief Necessary?

by Kristin Hudson | Nov 12, 2024

Are you drowning in debt, struggling to keep up with payments? Debt relief can be a lifeline. But what exactly is debt relief? When is debt relief necessary? This article explores what debt relief is, the signs that you might need it, and the different options available to help you manage and reduce your overwhelming debt burden. We cover credit coaching, debt consolidation, settlement, and even bankruptcy, so you can find the strategy that...

Does Debt Relief Hurt Your Credit?

by Kristin Hudson | Oct 21, 2024

Are you struggling with debt, overwhelmed by multiple payments? You're not alone. Many people find themselves in this situation, and debt relief programs may seem like a tempting solution. But before diving in, a critical question emerges: does debt relief negatively affect your credit? This guide unpacks the different debt relief options available, their short-term and long-term effects on your credit, and alternative strategies to consider...

What is Financial Literacy and Why is it Important?

by Kristin Hudson | Oct 14, 2024

Financial literacy is an essential skill for navigating modern life. Whether you’re managing day-to-day expenses, building your credit score, planning for retirement, or learning to invest, understanding how money works is critical. Yet, many people still lack the knowledge necessary to make informed financial decisions. This guide explores what financial literacy is, its core components, and why it's crucial for everyone to improve their...

Why Are There Multiple Names on My Credit Report?

by Kristin Hudson | Oct 14, 2024

You might be surprised to see multiple names listed when you get your credit report. In most cases, you don’t need to worry. In fact, there are often multiple names listed on a credit report. So why is this the case? There are several reasons why you might have multiple names on your credit report. In this post, we share more about why there may be multiple names on a credit report and what to do if a wrong name on your credit report is...

What is a Tradeline on Your Credit Report?

by Kristin Hudson | Sep 23, 2024

Understanding your credit report can be daunting, especially when encountering unknown terms like "tradeline." However, tradelines play a crucial role in determining your credit score and overall financial health. This guide breaks down what a tradeline is, how it impacts your credit, and what you can do to manage your tradelines effectively. Key Takeaways: A tradeline is a record of credit activities associated with a specific account...

How Young Adults Can Establish Credit Without Breaking the Bank

by Kristin Hudson | Jun 3, 2024

Establishing credit from scratch can feel like an uphill battle when you're a young adult on a tight budget. But having a solid credit history is important when it comes to making a major purchase, such as a car or even securing an apartment. The good news is there are low-cost strategies to help you establish credit without breaking the bank. Key Takeaways Low-cost strategies for establishing credit with little to no credit history include:...

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