loans
Freeze Your Credit in 3 Steps
Freeze Your Credit in 3 Steps
Freezing your accounts at the three major credit bureaus is the best way to prevent thieves from opening new credit accounts in your name.
January 10, 2022
Biden Extends Suspension of Student Loan Payments
Biden Extends Suspension of Student Loan Payments
The president gave borrowers another 90 days until May 1 before they have to start paying back their student loans.
December 22, 2021
Good Marriage, Bad Credit
Good Marriage, Bad Credit
Credit reports aren’t merged for married couples, but their individual records affect joint loans.
December 21, 2021
What Does Your Credit Score Really Mean?
What Does Your Credit Score Really Mean?
Your score helps lenders assess the likelihood you’ll repay a loan. It can also help you assess your credit health.
December 20, 2021
Where to Find Emergency Cash
Where to Find Emergency Cash
Even if you're debt-averse, having a credit card to pay for emergencies could be an important lifeline.
November 22, 2021
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The Return of Student Loan Payments
The Return of Student Loan Payments
A pandemic reprieve on student loan payments ends in January. If you still need financial help, there are steps you can take.
November 22, 2021
Car Buying for Beginners
Car Buying for Beginners
Haggle over the price of the car and the terms of the loan to keep your monthly payments in check.
October 27, 2021
Tax Changes and Key Amounts for the 2021 Tax Year
Tax Changes and Key Amounts for the 2021 Tax Year
Americans are facing a long list of tax changes for the 2021 tax year. Smart taxpayers will start planning for them now.
September 23, 2021
Consider These Programs to Help You Repay Your Student Loans
Consider These Programs to Help You Repay Your Student Loans
Check to see if you qualify for one of the income-driven repayment plans or a loan forgiveness program.
August 11, 2021
Plan to Start Repaying Student Loans
Plan to Start Repaying Student Loans
The pandemic-era pause on student loan repayments is scheduled to end September 30. If you can’t afford payments, you have options.
July 29, 2021
Think Twice Before You Close a Credit Card
Think Twice Before You Close a Credit Card
Even if you’re no longer using it, closing an account could ding your credit score.
June 24, 2021
Rates on Student Loans Will Go Up
Rates on Student Loans Will Go Up
You could refinance with a private student loan, but consider waiting until the pause on federal loan payments expires.
June 22, 2021
New Graduates’ Guide to Paying Off Student Loans
New Graduates’ Guide to Paying Off Student Loans
Congratulations on finishing your degree! Now it’s time to study up on the best way to pay off your student debt. You have a lot of options, so choose…
June 12, 2021
Protect Yourself Against New ID-Theft Schemes
Protect Yourself Against New ID-Theft Schemes
Crooks are using more-sophisticated tricks to steal your data. It's time to improve your armor.
May 27, 2021
How to Fix Your Credit Reports
How to Fix Your Credit Reports
Before you apply for a mortgage or car loan, check your credit files for errors that could derail your plans.
May 24, 2021
Getting an RV Loan: What You Should Expect
Getting an RV Loan: What You Should Expect
An RV's steep price tag means lenders may have stricter requirements, such as a higher credit score and additional documentation, for borrowers.
April 1, 2021
PPP Loan Basics for Small Business Owners
PPP Loan Basics for Small Business Owners
Although uncertainty and confusion have surrounded the Paycheck Protection Program since its launch, that shouldn't stop small business owners from pa…
March 30, 2021
Get Free Weekly Credit Reports for Another Year
Get Free Weekly Credit Reports for Another Year
Take advantage of the extension to check each report for errors or signs of fraudulent activity.
March 26, 2021
6 Biden Stimulus Benefits That Pack the Biggest Punch
6 Biden Stimulus Benefits That Pack the Biggest Punch
From stimulus checks to enhanced unemployment benefits, these perks from the American Rescue Plan will provide significant financial relief to million…
March 26, 2021
Forgiven Student Loan Debt Will Be Tax-Free
Forgiven Student Loan Debt Will Be Tax-Free
President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion stimulus package lays the groundwork to forgive some student loan debt.
March 11, 2021
How to Keep Tabs on Your Credit Report
How to Keep Tabs on Your Credit Report
Free weekly access is ending, but several services let you view your credit files more than once a year.
March 5, 2021
Student Loans: Pay Down or Hold Pat?
Student Loans: Pay Down or Hold Pat?
Before you tell your lender you want to resume payments, consider whether there are better uses for your money.
February 22, 2021
Biden Steers PPP Loans to Smallest Businesses
Biden Steers PPP Loans to Smallest Businesses
For two weeks, mom-and-pop businesses will move to the front of the line for Paycheck Protection Program loans.
February 22, 2021
Tax Changes and Key Amounts for the 2020 Tax Year
Tax Changes and Key Amounts for the 2020 Tax Year
There were a lot of tax changes for the 2020 tax year. Get familiar with them now – before you file your 2020 tax return.
February 8, 2021
FAFSA Application Changes Are Coming – What They Mean for Middle- and High-Income Families
FAFSA Application Changes Are Coming – What They Mean for Middle- and High-Income Families
Applying for college financial aid will soon get easier, but some single parents and those with multiple kids in college may not be happy about other …
February 2, 2021
Biden Extends Student Loan Relief, Is Loan Forgiveness Next?
Biden Extends Student Loan Relief, Is Loan Forgiveness Next?
On his first day as president, Joe Biden continued the suspension of student loan payments until October.
January 22, 2021