Category: Credit Help and Tips

Below is my Credit Karma review, which is my personal experience with the company’s credit scoring tools. So I decided to give Credit Karma a whirl, considering they proclaim to be the providers of absolutely free credit scores and credit reports without the need for a credit card. They even highlight that fact in their… Continue reading Credit Karma Review

Credit card Q&A: “How many credit cards should I have?” Credit cards can be useful tools to manage debt and earn rewards for everyday purchases, but they can also cause problems if you’re not responsible. Aside from landing yourself in serious credit card debt, too many credit cards can drag down your credit score, though… Continue reading How Many Credit Cards Should I Have?

Credit score Q&A: “Does my spouse’s credit affect mine?” So you’ve got excellent credit, but your spouse’s credit isn’t so hot. Does this mean your spouse’s bad credit history will affect your pristine past? Not exactly. Just because you’re married or living together doesn’t mean your credit history is commingled, which may or may not… Continue reading Does My Spouse’s Credit Affect Mine?

Credit Q&A: “What credit score do you need to rent an apartment?” Like all things credit, nothing is written in stone here, but obviously the higher the credit score the better (what is a good credit score?). Apartment shoppers should realize that not all landlords pull credit, but not bank on it. And even if… Continue reading What Credit Score Do You Need a Rent an Apartment?

Here’s a bit of a subjective question: “What credit card has the best rewards?” The answer to this question is easy. Drum roll please… The best credit card available is…the one that provides you with the most benefits. That’s it. We’re done. See you later. You can stop reading this now. Okay, I’m being dramatic,… Continue reading What Credit Card Has the Best Rewards?

Another frequently asked question that comes up in the credit world: “Are credit card cash rewards taxable?” Often, this question heats up around April, right before taxes are due. And with all the cash back rewards credit cards around these days, it’s no wonder consumers are concerned that they may be taxed for things like… Continue reading Are Credit Card Cash Rewards Taxable?

More credit Q&A: “Should I close my credit card?” So you’ve decided you don’t want your credit card anymore. You don’t use it and it just sits around in your wallet. Either that, or you’ve got spending habits that are out of control and you just want to pay off the credit card and close… Continue reading Should I Close My Credit Card?

Let’s address the following timely question: “How are credit card minimum payments calculated?” Since the credit crunch hit, credit card minimum payment requirements have been going up as card issuers attempt to tighten their grip on borrowers’ spending habits. Instead of letting them run up hefty credit card balances, they’re requiring card holders to pay… Continue reading How Are Credit Card Minimum Payments Calculated?

For those obsessed with their credit score, I’ll attempt to answer the age old question, “What is an excellent credit score?” For the record, we’re talking about FICO scores, which are far and away the most common and widely used by creditors. The FICO score ranges from 300-850, with higher scores representing a lower risk… Continue reading What Is an Excellent Credit Score?

If you’re thinking about taking a family trip this summer, or simply need to a rent a car for a business trip, make sure you’ve got a credit card handy. If you show up to a Hertz or an Avis without a credit card, you could find yourself walking away frustrated on foot Most, if… Continue reading Better Have a Credit Card If You Plan to Rent a Car