Tag: credit monitoring
-
5 Reasons Your Credit Score Really Matters
I remember when I first learned about how much my credit score could impact my life. At first, it felt like just a random number, but over time, I realized it was so much more. Your credit score is like a financial report card that affects everything from your loan approvals to where you live…
-
Why Freezing Your Credit is a Smart Move
It seems like every few months we hear about another company data breach leaking our personal information. Identity theft is on the rise, and freezing your credit is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself. While it might seem like an extra hassle, freezing your credit makes it much harder for fraudsters to open…
-
Surprising Ways Good Credit Can Help You
Growing up, my immigrant parents taught me the importance of only buying what I could afford. Naturally, this meant avoiding credit. However, once I hit my 20s, I realized that in the U.S., credit isn’t just necessary—it’s powerful when managed well. Understanding credit can open doors you may not expect. Let’s explore three ways good…
-
Top 5 Credit Mistakes That Hurt Your Score
Credit can be tricky. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the “rules,” especially when small mistakes can have lasting effects on your score. But here’s the thing: understanding what can hurt your credit score isn’t as complicated as it seems. I’ve learned that avoiding just a few common missteps can make a big difference.…
-
How Good Credit Can Steer You Toward Your Dream Car
So, you’ve been eyeing that sweet ride, and now you’re ready to make it yours. But before you hit the dealership, there’s one thing you need to know: your credit score is about to become your new best friend (or your biggest obstacle). Let’s break down why credit plays a crucial role in buying or…
-
Tips for Building and Managing Your Credit Score
Your credit score might just be a number, but it holds a lot of power over your financial future. Whether you’re buying a home, getting a new car, or simply securing better interest rates on loans, your credit score can make or break those plans. Even though I didn’t learn about credit until adulthood, understanding…
-
Understanding Soft vs Hard Credit Checks
Before I started routinely checking my credit, I believed the myth that checking it would hurt my credit score. This is because I didn’t know the difference between a soft and hard credit check. (We discuss what actually affects your score here). Soft Credit Check A soft credit check, also known as a “soft pull” or…