Using Credit Wisely

One upside to owning a home is that you can start building equity. Once you pay off a certain percentage of your mortgage, you can use this equity to borrow money against your property by taking out what’s known as a home equity loan. This money is often used by homeowners to make repairs, pay down debt or invest in their education. If you are interested in borrowing against the equity you’ve built up in your home, learn more about how these loans work and how to qualify.

If you’ve been in your home for several years or more, chances are you have what is known as home equity, which means you’ve paid off a substantial part of your mortgage loan. You can turn your home equity into cash with a cash-out refinance or a home equity loan. Refinancing your mortgage may also allow you to lock in a lower interest rate, helping you save money in the years to come.

If you are new to the world of Home Equity Loans and HELOCs, learn how these loans work and how you may be able to use them to your advantage.

If someone asked you about different types of credit and lending tools, what would you think of first? Credit cards, student loans, mortgages and auto loans would probably come to mind. But what about personal loans? Personal loans are general-purpose credit products that can be used for a multitude of purposes. Whether you’re covering an unexpected expense, big-ticket purchase or home improvement project, personal loans can provide some much-needed financing to help you achieve your goal.

An estimated one in ten adults in the U.S. are in medical debt, and millions of households owe more than $10,000. Carrying around this added debt can negatively affect your finances but paying off your medical bills is not as straightforward as paying off other types of debt. You do, however, have options for reducing the amount you owe and when you pay it back. Learn how to manage medical debt to limit its effect on your finances.

A good credit score generally falls within the range of 670 to 739, while a very good credit score is between 740 to 799. A score that is 800 or above is considered excellent. While it is important to know what is considered a good credit score, there is more to understand regarding credit scoring and how it affects you. Even though it is simply a number, it can make a big difference in your financial life. Therefore, let’s step back a moment and take a closer look at the impact your credit score has on purchases, the factors of a credit score and how to get a good score.

If your credit card debt is getting out of control or you’re having trouble making payments, you should consider consolidating your credit card debt. Depending on which route you take, you may be able to lock in a lower interest rate, which will help you pay off your debt sooner. Consolidating your debt will also make it easier to manage, especially if you have an outstanding balance on more than one card. You will only have to make one monthly payment instead of sending money to multiple creditors. There are several ways to consolidate your credit card debt but choosing the right option depends on how much money you have and the current outstanding balance. Some options could leave you with a higher interest and even more debt, so make sure you understand how these changes will affect your finances. Use this guide to learn how to consolidate your credit card debt the right way.

Home equity lines of credit (HELOC) have a wide variety of uses. Read this article to learn more about how they work and how they can help you tackle your next project.

Interested in signing up for a new credit card? Choosing a credit card can be daunting for some consumers. With so many vendors and options to choose from, these cards may look alike. However, every type of option comes with its pros and cons. Making the right decision all depends on your finances and what you’re looking to achieve with the card. From credit scores, interest rates, and valuable rewards, the terms of the card can have a major impact on your finances. Use this guide to find the right credit card based on your needs and lifestyle.

Getting out of debt is a lot more difficult than getting in it. You might feel overwhelmed or even discouraged at times, but it’s worth the discipline and determination it takes to pay it off. Getting out from under that financial burden will feel like a heavy weight has been lifted from your shoulders. It’s worth the effort.

It’s probably no surprise that the holidays tend to be one of the most expensive times of the year. Between holiday shopping, gift-giving and traveling, the holidays can be hard on your bank account. If you’re looking for a temporary way to increase your spending power this holiday season, you might consider using your credit card or applying for a personal loan. Both options can help you cover seasonal expenses, but they come with pros and cons that can have lasting impact on your finances.