credit score

How to Boost your Credit Score with a Secured Card

The frustrating thing about credit cards is that, in order to get a credit card, you have to have reasonably good credit.  But the only way to build a solid credit history is by establishing a pattern of responsible credit card use. See the dilemma?  If you have bad credit, or even no credit, it can be difficult to get back on solid ground, credit-wise.  One way to bounce...

Credit, Debt, and Taxes: What You Should Know

The official IRS deadline is nearly here (it’s April 15 – unless you’re planning to file for an extension), but it’s never too late to talk about some of the ways that income taxes can affect your life – and your credit.   For example, did you know that certain types of credit card rewards are considered taxable income?  Or that paying your taxes late can hurt your credit...

Five Steps to a Better Credit Score

You probably already know that less-than-perfect credit can make life difficult:  Bad credit can make it difficult to buy a car or a home, and folks with bad credit can even have trouble getting a job. They have fewer choices when it comes to credit and financing, and they often end up saddled with astronomical interest rates.   If you’ve ever struggled with credit issues, you also probably already...

Bad Habits that Can Ruin Your Credit Score

Bad Habits that Can Ruin Your Credit Score   Everyone wants a better credit score, but there’s more to the credit game than simply making your payments on time.  Other factors – such as how you use credit, how often you use credit, and even what kind of credit you use can all affect your score.  And if you don’t know exactly how your score is determined, you might...