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Should You Use a Credit Card or a Debit Card?

August 21, 2019Shawn LaneConsumer Credit Expert When it comes to credit cards, people have strong opinions. You’re probably either a fan of credit cards and the perks they provide, or you may prefer not to use them at all. If you’ve ever struggled with credit card debt in the past, you may be afraid to trust yourself with them again. But …

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How Good Credit Can Save You Money on Insurance Premiums

July 9, 2019 Shawn Lane Consumer Credit Expert The benefits of good credit are seemingly endless. There’s the obvious — good credit can help you to qualify for loans, credit cards, and other types of financing. Solid credit can also help you pay lower interest rates when you’re approved. But low rates and high approval odds are only the tip …

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What Makes Up Your Credit Scores? Part 5: New Credit

June 4, 2019 Shawn Lane Consumer Credit Expert When you apply for a new loan or credit card, you give the lender permission to check your credit report. This credit report access is known as an inquiry. What you might be surprised to learn is that inquiries have the potential to hurt your credit scores. Keep reading for a breakdown of …

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What Makes Up Your Credit Scores? Part 4: Credit Mix

March 21, 2019 Shawn Lane Consumer Credit Expert Your credit scores are a tool lenders use to predict the risk of doing business with you. FICO credit scores specifically are designed to predict the likelihood that you will become 90 days late on any credit obligation within the next 24 months. When your credit scores are low, it can be …

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What Makes Up Your Credit Scores? Part 3: Length of Credit History

March 7, 2019 Shawn Lane Consumer Credit Expert You know your credit scores are important. They can make or break your applications for loans and credit cards. When you’re approved for financing, your scores can impact how much you’ll pay and the terms you are offered. Of course, you can know that your credit scores matter without understanding how they …

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What Makes Up Your Credit Scores? Part 2: Amounts Owed

February 21, 2019 Shawn Lane Consumer Credit Expert   Many people think that paying your financial obligations on time is all it takes to earn great credit scores. The truth, however, is that credit scoring is more complicated than that. Believe it or not, the majority of the points in your credit scores don’t have anything to do with how …

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What Makes Up Your Credit Scores? Part 1: Payment History

February 7, 2019 Shawn Lane Consumer Credit Expert Your credit scores are an important component of your financial wellbeing. Without solid credit scores, life can be a lot more difficult (not to mention more expensive) than it needs to be. The good news is that if you learn what influences your credit scores, you’ll be better equipped to improve them. …

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Credit Repair: Hire a Pro or Do-It-Yourself?

December 6, 2018 Shawn Lane Consumer Credit Expert Recovering from credit problems is often a long, uphill battle. There are certainly steps you can take to potentially speed up the process, but it’s important to begin any credit repair journey with the proper expectations. Your credit problems most likely didn’t happen overnight. It’s probably going to take some time to …

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Signs You Could Need Professional Credit Repair Help

November 9, 2018 Shawn Lane Consumer Credit Expert Bad credit is not only embarrassing and frustrating, it can also close a lot of doors. With bad credit you could have a difficult time qualifying for loans, landing a job, securing affordable insurance coverage, or even providing a place to live for yourself and your family. In addition to all of …