Personal Finance

Credit Monitoring & Fraud Protection

With MyScoreIQ, you get more than just your FICO® Scores. We give you peace of mind with industry-leading credit monitoring, financial fraud protection, identity theft insurance underwritten by AIG, and tools to help you build your credit.

When Is Debt Relief Necessary? 

When Is Debt Relief Necessary? 

Are you drowning in debt, struggling to keep up with payments? Debt relief can be a lifeline. But what exactly is debt relief? When is debt relief necessary?   This article explores what debt relief is, the signs that you might need it, and the different options available to help you manage and reduce your overwhelming debt burden. We cover credit coaching, debt consolidation, settlement, and even bankruptcy, so you can find the strategy that...

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Does Debt Relief Hurt Your Credit? 

Does Debt Relief Hurt Your Credit? 

Are you struggling with debt, overwhelmed by multiple payments? You're not alone. Many people find themselves in this situation, and debt relief programs may seem like a tempting solution. But before diving in, a critical question emerges: does debt relief negatively affect your credit? This guide unpacks the different debt relief options available, their short-term and long-term effects on your credit, and alternative strategies to consider...

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What is Financial Literacy and Why is it Important? 

What is Financial Literacy and Why is it Important? 

Financial literacy is an essential skill for navigating modern life. Whether you’re managing day-to-day expenses, building your credit score, planning for retirement, or learning to invest, understanding how money works is critical. Yet, many people still lack the knowledge necessary to make informed financial decisions. This guide explores what financial literacy is, its core components, and why it's crucial for everyone to improve their...

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Why Are There Multiple Names on My Credit Report?

Why Are There Multiple Names on My Credit Report?

You might be surprised to see multiple names listed when you get your credit report. In most cases, you don’t need to worry. In fact, there are often multiple names listed on a credit report. So why is this the case? There are several reasons why you might have multiple names on your credit report.  In this post, we share more about why there may be multiple names on a credit report and what to do if a wrong name on your credit report is...

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What is a Tradeline on Your Credit Report?

What is a Tradeline on Your Credit Report?

Understanding your credit report can be daunting, especially when encountering unknown terms like "tradeline." However, tradelines play a crucial role in determining your credit score and overall financial health. This guide breaks down what a tradeline is, how it impacts your credit, and what you can do to manage your tradelines effectively.   Key Takeaways: A tradeline is a record of credit activities associated with a specific account...

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5 Ways to Celebrate National Financial Awareness Day

5 Ways to Celebrate National Financial Awareness Day

National Financial Awareness Day, celebrated every year on Aug. 14, is a great time to think about your money decisions and plan for a better financial future. In this blog, we explore five ways to celebrate National Financial Awareness Day, including reflecting on financial goals, learning more about personal finance, creating a budget, working on credit health, and exploring saving and investing strategies.   What is National Financial...

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How Young Adults Can Establish Credit Without Breaking the Bank

How Young Adults Can Establish Credit Without Breaking the Bank

Establishing credit from scratch can feel like an uphill battle when you're a young adult on a tight budget. But having a solid credit history is important when it comes to making a major purchase, such as a car or even securing an apartment. The good news is there are low-cost strategies to help you establish credit without breaking the bank. Key Takeaways Low-cost strategies for establishing credit with little to no credit history include:...

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How Does Inflation Affect Credit?

How Does Inflation Affect Credit?

During times of high inflation, rising costs can put consumers under greater financial stress. High inflation can make it harder for you to pay for the things you need, more expensive for you to borrow money, and slow down economic growth on a large scale. If you’re worried that inflation could negatively impact your credit, the good news is that your credit score is not directly affected by inflation or the state of the economy. But there are...

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What Is an SBA Loan?

What Is an SBA Loan?

Do you have a great business idea but need funding to get it off the ground? SBA small business loans offer affordable financing and flexible repayment terms to help entrepreneurs launch or expand a business. Here we explain what an SBA loan is and how it works. What is an SBA Loan? What exactly is an SBA loan? To break it down, SBA loans are business loans partially guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Because they are less...

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Budgeting Tips to Pay Off Tax Debt

Budgeting Tips to Pay Off Tax Debt

As tax season approaches, many individuals may find themselves grappling with the reality of owing money to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Whether due to unexpected income sources, insufficient taxes withheld from each paycheck, filing incorrectly, or missed deadlines, tax debt can quickly accumulate. This can often leave individuals feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about how to regain control of their financial situation. Fortunately,...

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