If you’re worried someone could steal your personal identity and buy something on credit or get a loan in your name, “freezing” your account at credit reporting bureaus could stop identity thieves cold. Not only that, Congress recently passed a law that ordered credit reporting bureaus to offer free credit freezes. More on that below.
On-time payments are a solid way to build your credit score. Your payment history constitutes 35% of your credit score – the largest contributor among the five factors used in calculating your score. Payments on most debts are reported to the three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) for inclusion in your credit report,
Much of personal finance is about achieving a perfect credit score. If your score isn’t exactly where you want it, luckily, there are plenty of ways you improve it. But, you’ll also be happy to know that, starting this month, your score could rise without you doing anything! Experian, Equifax and TransUnion will now exclude tax
Having a credit score can be important even if you don’t want or need to get a loan. Employers may run your credit before hiring you for a job. Or if you rent, your landlord may require a credit check before offering you a lease. Having good credit has always seemed like a big game
I won’t pretend paying off student loans is a positive financial experience, but there is a tiny bit of good news for borrowers: If you pay your bill on time every month, you’ll see a steady increase in your credit score. As you’re well aware, you’ll be paying your student loans for a long time,
While home ownership used to be a mainstay of the “American Dream,” rising housing prices and changing priorities mean not everyone wants to own a home these days. Many people prefer to have flexibility to move when they want, and just as many would prefer to let their landlord handle pricey upgrades and repairs. Plus,