Industry News, Resources, and Useful Tips

how to improve credit score

How to Improve Your Credit Score

8 Expert Tips for How to Improve Credit Score Think your credit score is just a boring number that doesn’t matter? Think again – it could be the key to unlocking a life-changing loan or moving into your dream home. Learning how to increase credit score is crucial because your score affects your ability to…

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installment vs revolving credit

Installment Loan vs Revolving Credit?

Differences Between Revolving Credit and Installment Credit Credit allows you to borrow money based on an agreement that you’ll pay it back later. Whether through a personal loan, credit card, or line of credit, it gives you the ability to finance major purchases and handle unexpected emergencies. There are two main types of consumer credit:…

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understand

How to Calculate Debt-to-Income Ratio

Understanding Debt-to-Income Ratio The debt-to-income ratio is one of several factors that contribute to overall financial wellness. It compares your monthly debt payments to your gross monthly income. This ratio is significant because it can help you find peace of mind with your finances and make smart decisions when making big life decisions. In this…

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Woman in graduation cap.

Do Student Loans Affect Your Credit Score?

Understanding the Effect of Student Loans on Credit Score If you took out loans to pay for your education, you might be concerned about how student loans affect credit scores. It’s true that student loans can impact your credit. However, responsible management of student loans can actually help you build your credit, while mismanaging loans…

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apr

Annual Percentage Rate (APR): Meaning & How It Works

APR Meaning and Significance What does APR stand for, and why does it matter regarding your finances? APR stands for annual percentage rate, and it’s a crucial factor when borrowing money or using a credit card. It’s a rate calculated based on a yearly cost and represented as a percentage. APR matters because it represents…

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debit vs credit

Accounting 101: Debit vs Credit: What’s the Difference?

Credit vs. Debit: What’s the Difference in Accounting? One of the most important financial concepts to understand in accounting is debit vs. credit. Even if you are not pursuing a professional career as an accountant, these concepts are crucial because they impact financial record keeping and business decision-making. Knowing the difference between debit and credit…

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How to Cash a Check

How to Cash a Check

How Do You Cash a Check? One of the most common banking activities that people regularly use is check cashing. But do you understand the various ways how to cash in a check and how to handle issues that may arise with check cashing? People often need to cash checks they receive from their employers…

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Illustration of someone reading a chart about Debt-to-Credit Ratio: What Is It & Why Is It Important?

Debt to Credit Ratio: What Is It & Why Is It Important?

Understanding Your Debt to Credit Ratio Your debt-to-credit ratio is the percentage of available credit you currently use. It’s an important financial metric to understand because lenders use it to determine how much you can borrow and your interest rate. Before applying for a personal loan, you can use a debt-to-credit ratio calculator to assess…

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Two people at a table discussing Debtor vs. Creditor: Difference, Characteristics, and Examples

Debtor vs Creditor: Difference, Characteristics, and Examples

Introduction to Debtors and Creditors In financial relationships, people and organization’s roles are commonly split into debtors and creditors. In straightforward terms, a debtor is someone who borrows money, and a creditor is someone who lends it. Yet, it’s important to understand the key differences between a debtor vs creditor because their obligations differ based…

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A graphic depicting someone at a table thinking about How to Plan and Budget for Unexpected Expenses

How to Plan and Budget for Unexpected Expenses

Understanding Unexpected Expenses vs. Overlooked Costs Even the most responsible and financially secure people get thrown off by unexpected expenses when they least expect it. Unexpected expenses are financial emergencies that arise without warning and that you couldn’t have seen coming. On the other hand, overlooked costs are more like recurring bills or seasonal costs…

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