A reputable credit repair company helps you understand your credit report and provides guidance on how to improve your credit score. They may also assist in disputing inaccuracies on your report with credit bureaus and provide educational resources to help you manage your finances responsibly. Your credit score doesn’t say anything about your worth, but it can affect your ability to qualify for loans, credit cards, and lines of credit. Additionally, many insurance companies use your credit score to determine how much to charge you for home or auto coverage. If your score is lower than you’d l ..read more

The most surefire way to get out of debt is to create a detailed budget, prioritize paying off debts with the highest interest rates first while making minimum payments on others, and consistently allocate extra funds toward debt repayment until all balances are cleared. Additionally, consider seeking professional financial advice to explore options like debt consolidation or settlement if necessary. In the fourth quarter of 2023, the amount of household debt in the United States increased to $17.5 trillion. Although credit cards, mortgages, and loans have several benefits, some consumers hav ..read more

You can, but we don’t recommend it. In most cases, it’s not advisable to buy a car with a credit card due to limitations on credit card transaction amounts, high-interest rates on credit card balances, and potential merchant fees. However, some dealerships may allow you to use a credit card for a portion of the payment or for a down payment, but weigh the costs and consider alternative financing options before you do. Are you shopping for a new or used car? If so, there’s a good chance you’ll need to finance this purchase. There are several financing options available, such as an auto loan or ..read more

Paying off a credit card with a personal loan can offer the advantage of potentially lower interest rates, saving money on interest charges over time. It also simplifies debt repayment by consolidating multiple credit card balances into a single monthly payment. However, the personal loan could come with origination fees or other charges that should be carefully considered. When you have several high-interest credit cards, it’s easy to rack up more debt than you can manage. As your balance grows, you may find yourself worrying about your financial future. Fortunately, you have options. Learn ..read more

To remove a cosigner from a car loan and title, you typically need to refinance the loan solely in your name. This involves applying for a new loan based on your creditworthiness and income, which can be challenging if your financial situation has changed since the original loan was taken out. Once approved for refinancing, the lender will pay off the existing loan, and the cosigner will be released from their obligations on the loan and title. If your poor credit is preventing you from securing a car loan, using a cosigner may be the perfect solution. With the help of a cosigner, you could p ..read more

When getting your first credit card, consider factors such as the card’s annual fees, interest rates, rewards or benefits, and credit limit. Choose a card that aligns with your financial goals and spending habits, and make sure to understand the terms and conditions, including the consequences of late payments or carrying a balance. Additionally, aim to use the card responsibly to build positive credit history while avoiding overspending and accumulating debt. With so many credit cards on the market, getting your first card can be overwhelming. What type of card do you need? How often should ..read more

Generally, the credit bureaus consider anything over 670 a good credit score. Considering applying for a new line of credit like a mortgage or credit card, but not sure how your credit score stacks up? If your score is 670 or higher, you’re doing fairly well. The best credit score and the highest credit score possible is 850 for both FICO® and VantageScore® models. FICO considers a score between 800 and 850 to be “exceptional,” while VantageScore considers a score above 780 to be “excellent.” It’s possible to get an 850 credit score, but it’s tough to achieve. In This Piece What Is a Goo ..read more

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This may influence which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. A 1099-c cancellation of debt form is issued when a lender forgives or cancels a debt. The 1099 c form helps the IRS account for canceled debts from the previous tax year. The 1099-C cancellation of debt form deals with canceled or forgiven debt from the previous tax year. This form exists to ensure accuracy when reporting taxes and to help filers determine if th ..read more

A nest egg is a substantial amount of money that you save for a specific purpose. Savings accounts, investment accounts and working financial professionals can help you grow your nest egg. A nest egg is a fund that you set aside for a specific purpose. Nest eggs can be large sums of cash that you store in a safe, retirement accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs, or investments like index funds and government bonds.  Nest eggs are one of the best investments for long-term financial goals. This fund shouldn’t be touched until months or years into the future. Below, we’ll further break down wha ..read more

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This may influence which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. The credit repair companies chosen are based on rankings from reputable sites in the financial space.  Credit.com and CreditRepair.com are both owned by Credit.com Holdings, LLC. Oquirrh Mountain Law Group, PC, d/b/a Lexington Law Firm is an independent law firm that uses Credit.com Holdings, LLC, as a provider of business and administrative services. Your cred ..read more