Applying For A Mortgage? Understand Your Debt To Income Ratio

When you are finally considering purchasing your own home there is a lot you need to do to understand your finances so you can get a mortgage that works for your life. One of those key numbers is your debt to income ratio.

Consumer, Personal FinanceBryan CaplanMay 26, 2018consumer, mortgageComment

5 Tips For Travel On A Budget

Summer is the time when pretty much everyone has a bit of wanderlust. But if you're on a budget right now or saving for a new home you may not think you have the cash for a trip this season. The truth is you can travel and have a great vacation while sticking to your budget...

Vacation Smarter This Summer

Summertime is getting close! This year take a few steps to save and manage your money better so you can have fun without the huge spend.

Personal Finance, ConsumerBryan CaplanMay 13, 2018consumer, personal finance

Hard Inquiries - What Are They?

If you've been looking to improve your credit you are probably familiar with many terms that affect your credit score - one being a hard inquiry. What exactly is a hard inquiry and what does it mean for your credit?

Consumer, Credit CardsBryan CaplanApril 30, 2018credit cards, consumerComment

Why Does My Credit Card Have A Chip?

In 2015 the US joined Europe and much of the world in utilizing EMV technology on credit and debit cards. But why exactly did we add those little computer chips to our cards?

Credit Cards, ConsumerBryan CaplanApril 18, 2018consumer, credit cards Comment

Three Steps Before Applying For A Mortgage

Owning your own home is a big part of the American dream. When you are ready to take the plunge there are a few steps in the beginning that can determine where you may end up.

Consumer, Credit RepairBryan CaplanApril 8, 2018mortgage, credit scoreComment

Should I Cancel My Unused Credit Card?

If your wallet is stuffed or you've finally paid off that troublesome balance canceling a credit card can seem like the smart thing to do. But is it really the best idea for your credit?

Consumer, Credit CardsBryan CaplanMarch 27, 2018credit score, credit cardsComment

One Credit Card Mistake To Avoid During Tax Season

Not everyone gets money back from the government during tax season. For those who have to pay up there's one thing you definitely shouldn't do - pay with a credit card.

Consumer, Personal FinanceBryan CaplanMarch 18, 2018consumer, personal financeComment

The Easiest Way To A Low Credit Score

Dealing with a low credit score is a reality for millions of Americans. And while there are many pieces that go into building your score there is one that holds the most weight - making on-time payments.

Consumer, Credit CardsBryan CaplanMarch 18, 2018consumer, credit scoreComment

What Is A Credit Utilization Ratio?

It has an enormous impact on your credit score but how much do you know about your credit utilization ratio?

Credit Cards, ConsumerBryan CaplanFebruary 24, 2018credit cards, credit scoreComment

Save by Cutting Your Cable Bill

We are in a television renaissance - and the price to participate has never been higher. How can you still get everything you want without paying the hefty price?

Personal Finance, ConsumerBryan CaplanFebruary 24, 2018consumer, savingComment

3 Ways To Save More This Year

Saving money is tough but sometimes you don't have to completely eliminate things that make you happy to put some money in the bank.

Consumer, Personal FinanceBryan CaplanFebruary 19, 2018personal finance, budgetingComment

Equifax Extends Free Credit Freezes

Still contemplating freezing your credit after the Equifax breach last year? Well now you've got another shot to do so without a fee.

Consumer, Credit CardsBryan CaplanJanuary 31, 2018credit cards, securityComment

Store Credit Cards - Good or Bad?

We've all been at the checkout at our favorite store when the cashier asks if we would like to save additional money by opening a credit card with that store. What should you do?

Credit Cards, Personal FinanceBryan CaplanJanuary 23, 2018credit cards, personal financeComment

Debit vs Credit: What's The Difference?

They may look the same but the way a debit card functions is a great deal different from its credit counterpart.

Credit CardsBryan CaplanJanuary 15, 2018credit cardsComment

How To Save on Utilities This Winter

There are some expenses you cannot avoid - but that doesn't mean you can't lower them.

Consumer, Personal FinanceBryan CaplanJanuary 8, 2018savingComment

One Simple Way To Spend Less

Are you looking to change how much you spend in 2018? It may be simpler than you think.

Consumer, Personal FinanceBryan CaplanDecember 28, 2017personal finance, consumerComment

Avoiding Interest Payments in 2018

If your New Year's resolution is to get yourself in financial shape adding more to your debt is the last thing you are looking to do. But once you pay down those cards how can you avoid paying interest in the future?

Credit Cards, ConsumerBryan CaplanDecember 20, 2017credit cards, consumerComment

Credit Card Debt Is On The Rise

Are you struggling to make a real dent in your credit card balances? According to recent data you are not alone.

Credit Cards, ConsumerBryan CaplanDecember 13, 2017credit cards, consumerComment

How Does Your Credit Card Interest Rate Work?

One of the more confusing and frustrating parts of having a credit card is the interest rate. How can you get a lower one? How does it actually work?

Credit CardsBryan CaplanDecember 5, 2017credit cards, credit scoreComment

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