💡 First Things First: What is a Credit Union? A credit union is a nonprofit, member-owned financial institution. Like a bank, it offers checking accounts, savings accounts, loans, and credit cards. The main difference is that credit unions are owned by their members, not shareholders. Because of this structure, credit unions often offer lower fees and better rates than traditional
A good credit score isn’t just about getting approved for a loan or credit card; it opens doors in ways many people don’t realize. Investing in your credit can pay off in multiple areas of life, often in ways you wouldn’t expect. 💸 Lower Interest Rates A high credit score signals to lenders that you’re low-risk. This means you’re eligible
For years, people have talked about revenge spending, splurging after periods of financial stress. But in 2025, the tables have turned. Say hello to revenge saving: the financial trend where people are going hard on saving, cutting unnecessary expenses, and building strong financial foundations to bounce back from years of high inflation, rising credit card rates, and overspending. So, what
Big news for Texas students! Gov. Greg Abbott has officially signed HB 27 into law, requiring all high school students (Starting with the Class of 2030) to complete a standalone personal financial literacy course in order to graduate. Before, financial topics were just a small part of economics classes. Now, students will receive real-world lessons on budgeting, saving, credit, loans,
College teaches you a lot, how to cram at 2 a.m., how to survive on ramen, and how to make friends fast.But what doesn’t it teach you?👉 How to build and protect your credit. One wrong move with your first credit card, roommate bills, or buy-now-pay-later shopping spree can haunt your credit report for years. Let’s break down the 5
Streaming is so routine, you probably don’t think twice about those charges.But what if we told you those $10 auto-payments could be quietly wrecking (or helping) your credit score? 😳 Here’s what no one’s talking about, and how to stop your binge habits from becoming a financial nightmare. ⚠️ 1. Forgotten Subscriptions Can Go to Collections You get a new
Sharing rent. Splitting bills. Saving money. 🏡Moving in with roommates sounds like a smart financial move, but if you’re not careful, it could quietly wreck your credit. Here’s what most people don’t realize about roommates and credit scores, and how to protect yours. 💡 1. Shared Bills Could End Up in Collections (Even If You Paid Your Part) If the
Summer trips and back-to-school shopping are increasing prices everywhere!It’s tempting to swipe your cards and “deal with it later.” 🚨 But here’s the hard truth: Maxing out your credit cards in 2025 could crush your score and cost you thousands in extra interest. Here’s why this is the worst time to carry high balances, and what you should do instead.
So, you’ve got an old credit card sitting in your wallet, or maybe in a drawer, collecting dust. You’re thinking, “Why not just close it? I don’t use it anyway.” 🚨 STOP right there. Closing the wrong credit card could send your score crashing, even if you’ve been paying everything on time. Here’s why, and how to decide which cards
Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services like Klarna, Afterpay, Affirm, and Sezzle exploded in popularity over the last few years. And for good reason: who doesn’t want to split a purchase into four easy payments with no interest? But here’s what most people don’t realize:In 2025, these services are now being reported to credit bureaus—and misusing them can quietly tank
For years, people have talked about revenge spending, splurging after periods of financial stress. But in 2025, the tables have turned. Say hello to revenge saving: the financial trend where people are going hard on saving, cutting unnecessary expenses, and building strong financial foundations to bounce back from years of high inflation, rising credit card rates, and overspending. So, what
Big news for Texas students! Gov. Greg Abbott has officially signed HB 27 into law, requiring all high school students (Starting with the Class of 2030) to complete a standalone personal financial literacy course in order to graduate. Before, financial topics were just a small part of economics classes. Now, students will receive real-world lessons on budgeting, saving, credit, loans,
College teaches you a lot, how to cram at 2 a.m., how to survive on ramen, and how to make friends fast.But what doesn’t it teach you?👉 How to build and protect your credit. One wrong move with your first credit card, roommate bills, or buy-now-pay-later shopping spree can haunt your credit report for years. Let’s break down the 5
Streaming is so routine, you probably don’t think twice about those charges.But what if we told you those $10 auto-payments could be quietly wrecking (or helping) your credit score? 😳 Here’s what no one’s talking about, and how to stop your binge habits from becoming a financial nightmare. ⚠️ 1. Forgotten Subscriptions Can Go to Collections You get a new
Sharing rent. Splitting bills. Saving money. 🏡Moving in with roommates sounds like a smart financial move, but if you’re not careful, it could quietly wreck your credit. Here’s what most people don’t realize about roommates and credit scores, and how to protect yours. 💡 1. Shared Bills Could End Up in Collections (Even If You Paid Your Part) If the
Summer trips and back-to-school shopping are increasing prices everywhere!It’s tempting to swipe your cards and “deal with it later.” 🚨 But here’s the hard truth: Maxing out your credit cards in 2025 could crush your score and cost you thousands in extra interest. Here’s why this is the worst time to carry high balances, and what you should do instead.
So, you’ve got an old credit card sitting in your wallet, or maybe in a drawer, collecting dust. You’re thinking, “Why not just close it? I don’t use it anyway.” 🚨 STOP right there. Closing the wrong credit card could send your score crashing, even if you’ve been paying everything on time. Here’s why, and how to decide which cards
Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services like Klarna, Afterpay, Affirm, and Sezzle exploded in popularity over the last few years. And for good reason: who doesn’t want to split a purchase into four easy payments with no interest? But here’s what most people don’t realize:In 2025, these services are now being reported to credit bureaus—and misusing them can quietly tank
Credit scores aren’t what they used to be. In 2025, lenders are playing by new rules, and hitting that “good” range now takes more than just paying your bills on time. Let’s break down what’s changed, why it matters, and what you can do to stay ahead of the game. The New Reality: FICO 10 and VantageScore 4.0 Have Raised
Not all credit-building tools are created equal. If you’re aiming to repair or boost your credit in 2025, two of the buzziest options—Apple Card and Chime Credit Builder—offer very different approaches. But which one can give you the biggest credit score boost? Understand the Tools: Two Popular Options with Big Differences Apple Card is a sleek, modern credit card backed
1. Target High-Interest Credit Card Debt: The Fastest Win Your highest-interest credit card is a financial emergency. It’s actively working against you every single day through compounding interest. Prioritizing this debt is the most effective first step you can take. 2. Settle Collection Accounts: Erase the Past A collection account is one of the most damaging items on a credit
Dreaming of a stable income stream, building significant wealth, and leaving a legacy? Investing in real estate, specifically long-term rentals, might be your golden ticket. While short-term rental trends grab headlines, the steady, reliable nature of long-term leases offers a compelling pathway for investors seeking consistent returns and less day-to-day hustle. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential
