A credit score is an unavoidable part of financial life. This three-digit number derived from information on your credit report directly impacts your ability to borrow money or access credit. It is one of the indicators used by lenders to assess how likely you are to repay debts in a timely manner. This score also affects how much you’ll pay to borrow money. The more you know about your credit score and what affects it, the easier it will be for you to protect your credit from negative impacts. Read More “What You Need to Know About Credit Inquiries and Your Credit Score” →

Lenders rely on credit reports as part of the process to qualify you for a loan. Negative information on a credit report or a low credit score could suggest that you are less likely to pay back debt as agreed. The tips below will help you “clean up” your credit so that you can put your best foot forward when applying for a loan.
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As a first step in preparing for a home purchase, it’s important to determine if you are actually ready to become a homeowner. Are you able to stay put for a while? Is your income fairly stable? If you answered yes to both questions, the next step is to carefully consider your finances. Resolve to do the following in the New Year and you could be ready to purchase a home sooner than you think – maybe even ahead of any anticipated rate increases.

Read More “Setting Goals to Achieve Homeownership” →

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One of the first steps to true independence is developing a strong sense of financial responsibility. The moment you start earning any money at all is the ideal moment to learn about money management, budgeting, and the importance of good credit. Whether you are exploring financial independence for the first time, or looking to re-build after a few credit mistakes, here are some options for getting on a path to a solid credit history.

Read More “How To Build Good Credit As A Young Person” →