Debt & credit
What’s Your Debt Threshold?
Debt is a mainstay of modern life. It’s hard to buy a home, a car, or (let’s face it) get through the holidays without leaning on credit somewhere. In fact, you could argue that the definition of being in debt has shifted, in large part thanks to... ➡
A Clear Shot at Better Credit
If your credit has taken a hit in this dragging economy, do you know where to go for help? Probably not, says a survey last month by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC). Nearly half of respondents had no idea where to turn, and... ➡
Money 101: How Secured Cards Work
Whether you’re trying to build good credit (or rebuild it), consider a secured card. “Secured cards are perfect for people with thin or damaged credit files,” says credit expert Erica Sandberg, like college students, new grads, or folks who are... ➡
Get Ready for Platinum
You boosted your credit score—and you want to upgrade to a credit card with actual… whaddya call them? Perks. Higher-end cards typically offer features like cash back, airline miles, and lower interest rates. How do you know you’re ready for... ➡
A Hands-On Way to Pay Down Debt
Debt is such a drag—especially when you’ve got multiple cards with different balances and interest rates. Yes, I know about the “snowball” method (where you pay off the smallest balances first), but I have two new ideas for you today. First,... ➡
What You Need to Know About VantageScore
When you think “credit score,” you’re probably thinking of FICO, the granddaddy of scores. But there’s a relatively new kid on the block called VantageScore. Here’s what you need to know: VantageScore crunches the same data as FICO, but with more... ➡
Best Travel Rewards Cards
‘Tis the season to rack up some serious travel rewards points. Just make sure your card matches your spending style, says card expert Beverly Harzog. If you...want a straightforward, high-yield program: Go with the Capital One Venture... ➡
Credit Score Number Crunching
How big a difference does a higher credit score make, really? Let’s crunch some numbers--with help from Frank Donnelly, CFP, President of the Mortgage Bankers Association of Metropolitan Washington. Susie and Jane each take out a $200,000... ➡
