All Resources - Using Credit Wisely and How-to Use Credit Responsibly

When lenders size you up for a mortgage, credit card, or small-business line, they aren’t reading your diary—they’re scanning your credit score. According to Experian, the average U.S. FICO Score was 715 for 2024 (Horymski, 2025), placing much of the country in the “good” range. However, that average hides lower scores for millions of consumers who stumble into common credit score pitfalls.

To help you get the most out of your credit card, we wanted to share some ways to establish and improve your credit. Building a solid credit history is essential for financial health, as it influences loan approvals, interest rates and even employment opportunities. By monitoring your credit regularly and maintaining good credit habits, you can build and maintain a strong credit history, opening doors to better financial opportunities in the future.

Nowadays, debit and credit cards are used as the primary way to pay for purchases. They are designed to be easy and convenient to use on the go, so you don’t have to carry around large quantities of cash. You can also freeze the card if it is lost or stolen to limit your exposure to fraud. But credit and debit cards work in different ways. A debit card gives you a direct line to the money already in your checking account, while a credit card means buying something on credit. You will then need to pay off the balance on the card plus any interest that has accrued. Credit cards can enhance your credit score, while debit cards do not impact credit history. Additionally, credit cards frequently offer rewards and benefits, such as cash back or points. Learn how to find the right type of card for your situation and ensure you use these two cards responsibly.

If you’ve ever wondered what you can do with good credit, the answer is quite a lot. One, a high credit score opens doors to better interest rates. Two, it grants access to premium credit cards, exclusive loyalty programs, and other perks. In essence, a good or excellent credit score is a financial launchpad. You can leverage it to turn your financial aspirations into realities—whether you want to buy a home, finance a new car at a low interest rate, or qualify for attractive travel rewards cards that make your next vacation more affordable.

So, what can you do with an excellent credit score specifically? You could negotiate more favorable terms on major loans, tap into 0% introductory APR credit union credit card offers, and qualify for high-end financial products. It could mean fewer hassles when applying for rentals or landing that dream apartment. A top tier score also helps you keep more money in your pocket over the long run. With lower interest charges and fewer fees, you can channel your savings into investments and retirement accounts or simply enjoy more of your hard-earned money.

Credit cards offer convenience, security, and even rewards. However, using a credit card without proper planning can lead to high-interest debt and land you in financial hardship. Therefore, it’s important to understand how to use a credit card responsibly. Setting a clear budget, paying off balances in full, monitoring credit scores, and avoiding common pitfalls are essential credit card management techniques. With discipline, you can enjoy the benefits of credit while maintaining control over your finances.

Imagine unlocking a treasure chest hidden within your home—this is essentially what a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) allows you to do. So, what is a HELOC? A HELOC loan lets you tap into the built-up equity of your home, offering a flexible line of credit that you can use for a myriad of purposes. You can use it for a kitchen makeover, consolidating high-interest debt, funding your child's education or as a financial safety net to cover unforeseen costs. Simply put, it transforms your home’s equity into accessible cash whenever needed.

In personal finance, one of the most pivotal metrics that reflects your financial health is your credit score. This three-digit number is the culmination of your credit actions and behaviors. It is a shorthand for lenders to gauge your trustworthiness as a borrower. Are you wondering how to build credit? First, understand the nuances of credit scores, including what a good credit score is and how it can affect your financial opportunities. This guide explains the key variables and details to navigate the credit market successfully.

If you’ve ever been to a department store or chain retailer, the salesperson probably asked you if you wanted to open a store credit card. A store credit card is like a normal credit card except that, in most cases, you can only use it at participating stores and businesses. Some of the biggest chain outlets and retailers, such as Target, Home Depot, Walmart, Macy’s and other clothing retailers offer this option. 

But how do these cards work? And can they actually help you save money? Let’s find out.

If you have a home equity line of credit (HELOC), you can withdraw money from your open HELOC line during what’s known as the draw period. HELOCs work like credit cards by providing you with a revolving line of credit, letting you borrow what you need, when you need it. Once you get approved for a HELOC loan, you can use this money to pay for home repairs and other major life expenses as needed.

However, once the draw period comes to an end, you can no longer access these funds. You will also need to start repaying the money borrowed plus interest. It's important to know how much of your HELOC has been utilized, so you don't run out of money in the middle of your project or life event. Learn more about the HELOC draw period and what this means for your finances.

Beginning your career after college is meant to bring optimism as you start a new phase in your life. Unfortunately, many Americans are weighed down by student debts. With different repayment options, interest rates, and loan terms, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. However, with some strategies, you can manage your student loan debt and avoid default.

Since debt management is critical for long-term financial health, we'll provide student loan management tips to help you stay on track and achieve financial stability.

Anyone that has taken on debt has what is known as a credit history. Credit bureaus keep records of your credit history to determine whether you can pay off your debt on time. Lenders will then use this information when deciding whether to issue you a loan.

Your credit history will impact your chances of getting approved for a loan as well as your credit limit. If you have a bad credit rating, you may also have to pay a higher interest rate, increasing debt. If you are buying a home for the first time  or making a major purchase, how credit ratings work should be important to you. If you are thinking of applying for a loan, use this guide to improve your credit history and save money.

With rising inflation rates in the United States, Americans increasingly rely on credit cards to cover their expenses. However, one of the growing effects of inflation is a significant increase in credit card balances, which creates the risk of consumer financial stress due to both inflation and mounting debt. Here are several tips for managing your credit cards during this inflationary period.

Lenders, landlords and credit card issuers use credit scores to determine the risk of a borrower defaulting on their debt. If the score is high, it shows the person has a reliable stream of income and can be trusted to repay their debt on time. If the score is low, there is a risk the person may be unable to pay their bills. Credit scores determine the likelihood of the person falling behind on their bills for more than 90 days within the next 24 months.

If you are applying for a loan or credit card, your credit score will determine your interest rate. Having a high score can help you lock in a lower interest rate, which will make it less expensive to buy a house, car or borrow money in the future.

FICO and Vantage scores are two different types of credit scores. These scores may be used to tally your final score based on your financial history. Lenders have long used the FICO score to evaluate loan applicants, but the Vantage score has been growing in popularity over the last few years. These scores are generally used in the same way, but they are calculated using different percentages and equations.

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, these cards may look alike. However, every type of option comes with its pros and cons. Making the right decision depends on your finances and what you want to achieve with the card. From credit scores to interest rates, and valuable rewards, the card’s terms can significantly impact your finances. Use this guide to find the right credit card based on your needs and lifestyle.

Are you looking to improve your credit score? A secured credit card can help you do just that. Like a traditional credit card, you can use a secured credit card to pay for everyday expenses, such as gas, groceries and even booking your next vacation. However, to qualify, you will need to put down a deposit, which safeguards your credit in case you fall behind on your credit card payments. If you don’t qualify for a traditional credit card, you may have to use a secured credit card until your credit score improves. Use this guide to find out if a secured credit card is the right choice for you.

The true cost of your credit card depends on a range of factors, including how much you spend and how much and how often your card issuer charges interest on the unpaid balance.

It’s always a good idea to know exactly how much you’re paying every time you use your credit card. What may seem like an innocuous purchase could come back to haunt you down the line after you calculate the interest and other related fees. You should be aware of how much you will have to pay down the road when using a credit card, including how soon you will need to pay it off, the annual interest rate and any other guidelines for using the card. Use this guide to find out how much you’re really paying every time you swipe.

If you buy something online or on your mobile device, you might see the option to “buy now and pay later.” This feature allows you to buy the item right away without paying the full price upfront. These services may help break up larger payments into smaller, more affordable ones, but can also encourage excessive spending. Learn more about buy now pay later services and how they can affect your finances.

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.

Many of us need to take out a loan to buy a new or used car, considering many makes and models can cost tens of thousands of dollars. However, you don’t need to stick with the original loan you used to purchase the vehicle. Refinancing your current auto loan can potentially help you lock in a lower interest rate, helping you reduce your monthly payments. However, auto loan refinancing isn’t for everyone. Learn about the pros and cons of this option before you sign off on a new loan.

Banks and credit unions aren’t the same. They both offer banking services and different types of loans, but one option tends to be cheaper than the other. Credit unions offer competitive interest rates and more flexible terms with little to no lending fees, so you can keep more of what’s already yours. If you are in the market for a home, personal, auto or RV loan, discover why so many people choose credit unions over traditional banks.

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.

For homeowners, a common financial goal is to pay off the mortgage as soon as possible and avoid paying extra interest. The lower the interest rates, the less you will owe down the line. That’s why it’s important to find a loan with the lowest possible interest rates, usually represented as annual percentage rate (APR), and other fees associated with the lending process. Use this guide to help you find the best mortgage rates to save money over time.

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.

Carrying high credit card debt month to month can have a negative impact on your finances. Credit cards have some of the highest interest rates on the market today, making it more difficult to get out of debt. Carrying around credit card debt can also negatively affect your health. This kind of debt can lead to increased stress and anxiety. If you have credit card debt, learn more about how it can affect your health and what you can do to pay it off.

If you’re in the market for a consumer loan, you may have the option of choosing between what’s known as a secured loan and an unsecured loan. Both types of loans will give you access to funds that you will need to pay back at a later date, but they come with clear differences that every borrower should be aware of. Learn more about the difference between secured and unsecured loans so that you can find the right type of loan for your needs.

Now that the holidays are over, many Americans are winding down from the celebrations and family time that come this time of year. The extra shopping, eating and travel are fun, but can take a toll on your finances. It’s now time to get back on track. From credit card bills to paying off your holiday loans, use these tips to get out of debt as soon as possible.

Rewards credit cards may sound like free money, but that’s not always the case. Credit card companies typically use rewards programs to attract consumers that like to travel, rack up points or burn through gallons of gas on long road trips. If you sign up for one of these cards, you may be able to earn a free flight, cash back rewards or discounts on gas, groceries and other everyday purchases. Whatever the reward may be, there are a few things you should keep in mind when using these cards. Learn how to make the most of your rewards program without spending more than you need to.

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.

Applying for a credit card, using it responsibly and paying bills on time every month can help you achieve your credit goals. Are you wondering how to apply for a credit card? Depending on your existing credit, payment history and income, applying can either be a breeze or a bit of a challenge.

If you’re thinking about getting a credit card, you may be wondering “How does a credit card work?” Applying for credit cards can open up a world of possibilities for you by helping you build credit and maintain a respectable credit score.

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.

If you’re hoping to get a home loan, auto loan or debt consolidation loan, there’s one important number lenders will want to take a close look at. That number is your debt-to-income ratio (DTI.) Even if your credit report is squeaky clean, your DTI is a good indicator of whether or not you’re overextended and might have trouble with additional monthly debt payments like house or car loans.

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.

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.