Using Credit Responsibly

Federal student loan payment obligations resumed in October 2023. Here’s what you need to know about where federal student loan forgiveness stands.

Keeping track of your credit health is a critical part of responsible personal finance and can save money over time. Thankfully, it’s never been easier to get free credit report details and free credit scores online. Here are your best options.

With some strategic moves, like targeting any collections owed, lowering your credit utilization ratio, and using your utility bills as a credit-building tool, your score will start climbing.

Bankruptcy is designed to give people a fresh start when they need one, but it is a last resort. Here’s everything you need to know about filing for bankruptcy.

Starting with zero credit history, you can establish credit in as little as six months. Achieving a “good” credit score of 700 or better usually requires making timely payments for at least 18 months to two years, but it’s possible to find shortcuts.