Finance

The median sales price of houses sold in the U. S. stood at $417,700 in the fourth quarter of 2023—down from a peak of $479,500 in Q4 2022. But that drop hasn’t made homebuying much easier since mortgage rates remain high. As of April 8, 2024, the average 30-year fixed rate mortgage rate stands at … Read more

No, checking your credit score does not lower it. When you check your credit score, it’s considered a soft inquiry that won’t affect your credit score. Experian, TransUnion and Equifax now offer all U.S. consumers free weekly credit reports through AnnualCreditReport.com. Anytime your credit is checked, an inquiry is noted on your credit report. This … Read more

In a Nutshell: A fair credit score is typically in the middle of the range, not very high nor very low. You might have trouble getting approved for some credit cards or loans with advantageous terms and rates if your credit score is only fair. You can improve your credit by learning how to read … Read more

Ever wondered how much you can safely charge on your credit card without jeopardizing your credit score? The answer lies in understanding the crucial concept of credit utilization, often expressed as a percentage This guide will delve into the 30% utilization rule, a widely accepted benchmark for maintaining a healthy credit score What is Credit … Read more

Hey there, credit-conscious friends! Are you looking for ways to boost your credit score and unlock better financial opportunities? Look no further than Experian Boost®, a game-changing feature that can instantly improve your FICO® Score by leveraging your positive payment history on everyday bills. What is Experian Boost? Experian Boost is a revolutionary tool that … Read more

The world of the ultra-wealthy can seem like a realm of endless extravagance and luxury. But beneath the surface, a complex financial strategy often underpins their seemingly effortless affluence. One key element of this strategy is the art of living off loans. The wealthy have perfected the art of using debt as a tool for … Read more

Rejection hurts. And it’s even more upsetting when it gets in the way of buying your dream home. Once you get your offer accepted, it may feel like there’s nothing that’ll stop you. But, unless you’re a cash buyer there’s one last hurdle you’ll need to go through before everything’s final. The mortgage underwriting process … Read more

Although there is no legal restriction on the number of co-borrowers on a mortgage, underwriting software limitations usually prevent lenders from accepting applications from more than four or five borrowers. Having several co-borrowers on your mortgage application might help you qualify for a larger loan, but it can also complicate things. The number of borrowers … Read more

You have to admit it…when you see one you have the thought. What kind of money are you pulling in? Well…we have an answer. If I’m not mistaken, Centurion, the magazine that Amex Centurion cardholders receive, is now available digitally, along with Departures. They ended their publishing agreement with Meredith in 2021 and pivoted to … Read more

Utility companies typically don’t report your payment history to the credit bureaus. But paying utility bills on time can help your credit score when you use Experian Boost. This tool specifically integrates gas, electric, water and other utility payments into your Experian credit report and scores. When you use a service like Experian Boost® that … Read more