Why Should You Have a Home Equity Line of Credit? ››

Why Should You Have a Home Equity Line of CreditFor homeowners, tapping into their home equity has long been a popular way to get the money they need. Proceeds from home equity loans are often used to consolidate bills, make repairs, take care of emergency expenses or help pay for a

Filing for Bankruptcy ››

Filing for BankruptcyBankruptcy is something that we all hope we never have to go through. But for all too many consumers, unforeseen financial difficulties make bankruptcy one of the few options to get one’s credit and good name back. Before you file for bankruptcy,

The Economics of Renting Versus Buying ››

The Economics of Renting Versus BuyingBuying a home is part of the so-called American Dream. It gives homeowners a sense of pride, as well as the freedom to do as the please (within reason and within the law) with their property. But there’s a lot to be

How to Dispute Your Credit Report Information ››

How to Dispute Your Credit Report InformationThe information in your credit report can affect many areas of your life, so it’s important to keep track of what’s in it. If you find information that is incorrect for any reason, it’s your job to dispute that information in order

Shopping for a Mortgage ››

Shopping for a MortgageOwning a home is a goal that many of us share. But it’s not as simple as choosing a house and laying down the money. Unless you have plenty of money saved up, you’ll have to get a mortgage first. Many prospective homeowners

Should You Downsize Your Mortgage? ››

Should You Downsize Your MortgageWhen interest rates drop, homeowners tend to flock to mortgage lenders hoping to refinance. In good economic times, they are usually looking to not only take advantage of lower interest rates, but tap into their home equity for some extra cash. But

Tips for Borrowing from a Family Member ››

Tips for Borrowing from a Family MemberWhen you need to borrow money, your first stop is likely to be the bank. But depending on your particular circumstances, they may or may not be willing to help you. If you strike out there, where do you go next? Lots of

How Much Credit is Too Much Credit ››

How Much Credit is Too Much CreditCredit is a good thing – if you ask the experts in the credit industry. Credit card companies begin luring in new customers with the promise that building a credit history will help their financial future. It may be beneficial to have

Best Reasons to Refinance a Mortgage ››

Best Reasons to Refinance a MortgageThere are a number of reasons that people may want to review their current mortgages and consider moving to refinance. Understanding the cost versus the benefits can be the best step in moving in the best direction for each individual need. Some

How Recent Credit Scoring Revisions Affect You ››

How Recent Credit Scoring Revisions Affect YouThe lending industry looks to the Fair Isaac credit scoring system to determine the strength or weakness of potential borrowers. The system periodically undergoes some changes to deal with the evolving economic system. Fair Isaac & Company introduced FICO 8 with the hope