Category: Financing and Loans
-
What Is Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) and Should You Use It?
You’ve probably seen it when shopping online — a tempting little button at checkout that says “Buy Now, Pay Later” or “Pay in 4.” With just a few clicks, you can get what you want now and pay for it over time — often with no interest. This payment method is called Buy Now, Pay…
-
Should I Lease or Finance a Car? Pros, Cons, and What’s Right for Your Budget
When it’s time for a new car, one of the biggest decisions isn’t just the brand or model — it’s how you’ll pay for it. Should you lease a car or finance it with an auto loan? Both options have their pros and cons. And the right choice depends on your income, lifestyle, and long-term…
-
I Just Lost My Job and Can’t Pay My Credit Card or Car Loan — What Should I Do?
Losing your job is a life-altering moment. The paychecks stop, but the bills don’t. Credit card payments, car loans, rent, groceries, utilities — it all keeps coming. If you’re here because you’ve lost your income and you’re wondering how to handle your financial obligations, especially your credit card or car payments, you’re not alone. This…
-
How to Report a Debt Collector for Violating the Law
Debt collectors are allowed to contact you about money you owe — but they are not allowed to harass, threaten, or lie to you. If a debt collector crosses the line, you have rights, and you can take action. Here’s exactly how to recognize illegal behavior — and how to report it if a debt…
-
Unauthorized Charges on Your Credit Card? Here’s Exactly What to Do
Spotting a strange charge on your credit card statement can be alarming — and unfortunately, credit card fraud is more common than ever. Whether it’s a $500 charge you don’t recognize or a $2 subscription you never signed up for, don’t ignore it. Acting quickly not only helps protect your money, but it also minimizes…
-
Best Credit Monitoring Services That Help Detect Fraudulent Activity (2025 Guide)
Keeping an eye on your credit isn’t just about knowing your score — it’s about protecting yourself from identity theft, unauthorized accounts, and fraudulent activity that can wreck your financial life. Whether you’re recovering from bad credit or just want to stay safe, these top credit monitoring services will alert you to suspicious activity and…
-
How Online Mortgage Companies Like Rocket Mortgage, Better.com, and LoanDepot Work
Gone are the days when you had to sit across from a loan officer at your local bank to get a mortgage. Today, companies like Rocket Mortgage, Better.com, LoanDepot, and SoFi are changing how people apply for home loans — by putting the entire process online. If you’re a first-time homebuyer or thinking about refinancing,…
-
What Lenders Are Looking For: 5 Things You Need Before Applying for a Loan
Whether you’re applying for a mortgage, auto loan, personal loan, or even a credit card — one thing is certain: lenders want to know if they can trust you to pay them back. That trust is built on a handful of key factors. The better you understand what lenders are looking for, the more you…
-
Mortgages 101: Getting Started on the Path to Homeownership
Buying your first home is one of the most exciting — and financially significant — decisions you’ll ever make. But before you start browsing listings or hitting open houses, it’s important to understand how mortgages work and what you need to do to prepare. This guide breaks down the mortgage process for beginners so you…
-
What to Do If You Have Bad Credit: A Step-by-Step Plan to Turn Things Around
Having bad credit can feel like hitting a financial wall. Denied for loans. Rejected for credit cards. Higher interest rates on everything. But here’s the truth: bad credit is not the end — it’s a starting point. You can rebuild. It won’t happen overnight, but with the right plan and consistent effort, you’ll see your…
-
Bad Credit vs. No Credit: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters
If you’ve been denied for a credit card or loan, lenders may have told you that your credit is “too low” — or worse, that you have “no credit history.” While both situations can make borrowing difficult, they’re not the same — and how you rebuild or start fresh depends on which one you’re dealing…
-
Home Loans & Mortgages 101: What First-Time Buyers Need to Know
Buying your first home is a major life milestone — and one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. But navigating the mortgage process can feel overwhelming if you don’t know the basics. In this guide, we’ll break down how home loans work, what types of mortgages are available, and how to prepare for…