Category

FICO

What is negative equity? How does it affect my credit and buying power?

By | Bad Credit, Consumer Knowledge, Credit Cards, Credit Score, FICO, financial advice, Interest Rates, Rebuilding Credit | No Comments

If you’ve ever applied for a loan, chances are you’re familiar with the term “negative equity”. However, you may still lack a full understanding of exactly what it means. Secured loans are basically loans that use physical collateral to calculate the amount and terms of the debt repayment. Secured loans with negative equity An example of a secured loan would…

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Once I pay off a past debt, how long until my credit updates?

By | Consumer Knowledge, Credit Score, FICO, financial advice, Interest Rates, Rebuilding Credit | No Comments

You pay off a past debt, now you want the reward! Many people ask about the time it takes for their credit report to update once they pay off a past debt. If you’re anything like me, you wait a few weeks and then start checking to see if the derogatory mark has dropped. It can never happen soon enough;…

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What is rent to own, and does it affect my credit?

By | Bad Credit, Consumer Knowledge, Credit Score, FICO, financial advice, Rebuilding Credit | No Comments

Rent to own – Let’s start with the basics. If you are planning to buy a home but your income leaves something to be desired, don’t despair. There are certain ways you can still own a home, though they’re not as straightforward and conventional as a traditional mortgage. Rent to own, which is also known as lease to own, permits…

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What is Debt to Income Ratio and How Does it Affect my Credit Score?

By | Consumer Knowledge, Credit Cards, Credit Score, FICO, financial advice, Interest Rates | No Comments

I’m good at making money, even better at spending it. Debt to income (DTI) ratio confuses a lot of people. Unfortunately, these people are often the ones in need of some kind of financial assistance. Many consumers aren’t aware of the simple calculation they can do to find their DTI, or the affect it has on their buying power. As…

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How Does My Credit Score Affect New Purchases?

By | Bad Credit, Credit Cards, Credit Score, FICO, financial advice, Rebuilding Credit | No Comments

Trying to borrow with bad credit? Not so fast. Many Americans are asking questions like, what is a good credit score or how to rebuild a credit score? Chances are if you’re asking these questions, your credit score could use some work. According to Lexington Law; 12% of the U.S. population has a credit score below 550. This group of…

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How long will paying minimum monthly payments really cost me?

By | Credit Cards, Credit Score, FICO, financial advice, Interest Rates, Unsecured Debt | No Comments

I’ll pay more next month… When creating a budget, you’re told to keep your expenses as low as you possibly can, and it’s good advice. Unless of course you’re making credit card payments. Most people are tempted to make the minimum monthly payment on their credit card in an effort to offset other bills. In the long run this is…

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How is your FICO score calculated?

How is my FICO score calculated?

By | Consumer Knowledge, Credit Score, FICO, financial advice, Rebuilding Credit | No Comments

What is a FICO score? Your FICO (Fair, Isaac and Company) score is your credit score that is calculated with exclusive formulas and algorithms using the data from your credit report. If you are wondering “how is your credit score determined?” Then have a look at the factors that contribute to your FICO score below: How is Your FICO Score…

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