Collections on your credit report are the worst. They tank scores, make renting harder, and cost you money. A pay-for-delete is one of the cleanest ways to get a collection removed: you pay (or settle) the debt, and the collector agrees to remove the negative account from your credit report. It’s not guaranteed, but when it works, it removes the
For a generation that grew up online, Gen Z is facing a surprising challenge: a harsh credit reality. Recent reports indicate that the average credit score for this demographic has dropped to its lowest point nationwide, landing around 676, well below the national average. This isn’t just a number; it’s a financial bellwether signaling potential long-term issues for millions of
For decades, credit scores have been calculated using traditional models like FICO, based mostly on payment history, debt, length of credit, and a few other factors. But times are changing, and fast. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is starting to reshape how lenders evaluate borrowers, sparking debates about whether this will make credit more fair or more flawed. Why AI in Credit
When you think of home insurance, you probably imagine protection, peace of mind, and security. But did you know that your insurance company could suddenly drop you as a customer? It happens more often than you’d expect, and often for reasons homeowners don’t see coming. Here’s a breakdown of the most common reasons insurers cancel policies (and how you can
What Happened 📰 • On July 28, 2025, TransUnion experienced a major data breach through a third-party vendor, exposing sensitive personal information of approximately 4.46 million Americans.• The breach was identified two days later, on July 30, and TransUnion began notifying affected individuals around August 28.• Although credit reports themselves were not accessed, the compromised data included:names, birth dates, billing
💡 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
Collections on your credit report are the worst. They tank scores, make renting harder, and cost you money. A pay-for-delete is one of the cleanest ways to get a collection removed: you pay (or settle) the debt, and the collector agrees to remove the negative account from your credit report. It’s not guaranteed, but when it works, it removes the
For a generation that grew up online, Gen Z is facing a surprising challenge: a harsh credit reality. Recent reports indicate that the average credit score for this demographic has dropped to its lowest point nationwide, landing around 676, well below the national average. This isn’t just a number; it’s a financial bellwether signaling potential long-term issues for millions of
For decades, credit scores have been calculated using traditional models like FICO, based mostly on payment history, debt, length of credit, and a few other factors. But times are changing, and fast. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is starting to reshape how lenders evaluate borrowers, sparking debates about whether this will make credit more fair or more flawed. Why AI in Credit
When you think of home insurance, you probably imagine protection, peace of mind, and security. But did you know that your insurance company could suddenly drop you as a customer? It happens more often than you’d expect, and often for reasons homeowners don’t see coming. Here’s a breakdown of the most common reasons insurers cancel policies (and how you can
What Happened 📰 • On July 28, 2025, TransUnion experienced a major data breach through a third-party vendor, exposing sensitive personal information of approximately 4.46 million Americans.• The breach was identified two days later, on July 30, and TransUnion began notifying affected individuals around August 28.• Although credit reports themselves were not accessed, the compromised data included:names, birth dates, billing
💡 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
