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To understand the anatomy of a credit score, you should begin by looking at a credit report, what it includes and how it is used by lenders. The credit score breakdown is based on information available to credit bureaus in a credit report.  

Credit scores are numbers that evaluate your creditworthiness and financial health. They are issued by credit bureaus or other consumer reporting agencies and are used by lenders to evaluate consumers for credit approval, terms and interest rates. In the U.S., there are three main credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Most credit scores are issued by one of these three. A credit score is generated when a bureau or other reporting agency runs consumer information through a scoring model; FICO…

In 2021, America celebrates 100 years of fast food restaurants. White Castle, believed by historians to be the very first fast food chain, opened in Wichita, Kansas, in 1921. Since then, fast food of all varieties has spread worldwide, becoming a billion-dollar industry that includes some of the most recognizable brands ever created. The top 10 fast food brands have a strong international presence with chains all over the world. Check out the rankings for 2021 and learn more about how…

For many, college is a time for brand new starts: new friends, new academic pursuits, new living situations and more. While some of these beginnings might come naturally, others aren’t as straightforward, like budgeting for the first time, looking for jobs or establishing your credit history.

Despite media attention surrounding student debt, which has grown to $1.59 trillion in 2021, most parents and their students still vastly underestimate the costs of college. In a recent survey by Fidelity, 1 out of 4 high school parents believes that a full year of college will cost $5,000 or less, $21,820 less than the actual average for a public four-year, in-state school.

If you joined the workforce pre-internet, you would likely agree that looking for a new job has always been an overwhelming process. In some ways, the internet has made it easier to find job listings, find reviews of workplaces and quickly submit applications to potential employers. However, online job hunts still have their disadvantages. There’s more competition, the process of filling out endless applications can get old really fast, and you still need to maintain your professional network both online…

There are few pleasures quite as exquisite as a stay in a five-star hotel. Add “getting a bargain” into the experience, and you may as well add an extra star. Bliss! Unfortunately, the words “five-star” and “bargain” rarely appear together. To qualify for the top rating, a hotel’s staff must personally greet every guest (with flowers or a gift if in Europe). The accommodation should be luxurious. The facilities should meet every need. This costs money.

Most people in debt share a common goal: to pay it off quickly and save as much money as possible. No one wants to spend more than they have to. Fortunately, there are many different ways to get out of debt faster and for less money. Consider six of the cheapest ways to get out of debt and find the solution that is right for you. 

Most people agree that keeping a budget is a good idea but how many faithfully do it? Like me, you’ve probably made a budget spreadsheet only to forget about it a few days later. I’m not proud to admit I’ve done this more than once, but why? Despite working in personal finance, I was influenced by budget myths. Are budgeting myths holding you back? Avoid these four misconceptions about budgeting and give your financial planning a fresh start. 4 Budgeting…

Children are notorious for asking hard questions, and it can be difficult to give them honest, age-appropriate answers. Yes, it’s okay to give a watered-down answer from time-to-time, but how exactly should you respond when they ask about your finances? In this blog, we’ll examine the importance of having money-related conversations and review the things that shouldn’t be shared with your kids. We’ll also offer advice on how to answer six tricky questions your children may ask about your money.