Tag: Mark Evitt

How to Get Free Weekly Credit Reports | Credit Cards
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How to Get Free Weekly Credit Reports | Credit Cards

The three major U.S. credit reporting agencies – Equifax, Experian and TransUnion – have made their offer of free weekly credit reports to consumers permanent. The reports, available on AnnualCreditReport.com, are being made available to all Americans to "empower consumers to more regularly review their credit history and better understand their financial data," the companies announced in a statement. The free weekly reports began in April 2020 at the start of the COVID-19 crisis. The service was initially in place for a year, but it had been extended several times since then. Most recently, in September 2023, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion made the service permanent.Before the pandemic, you could get one free copy of your credit report every 12 months from each credit bureau. Lenders a...
How to Avoid Foreclosure | Mortgages and Advice
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How to Avoid Foreclosure | Mortgages and Advice

A recent job loss or unexpected medical bill can cause you to fall behind on your mortgage payments. If you fall too far behind, your lender may start foreclosure proceedings, meaning you could lose your home.Going through foreclosure is stressful and can negatively impact your credit score for up to seven years. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to avoid foreclosure, and ways to stop the foreclosure process once it starts.Compare Top Mortgage Lenders Lender Learn More Min. Down Payment Min. Credit Score Lender Learn More Min. Down Payment Min. Credit Score Lender Learn More Min. Down Payment Min. Credit ScoreWhat Is Foreclosure? Foreclosure is the process through which a lender repossesses your property because you've failed to make mortgage payments. Foreclosure can also be i...
Should I Refinance My Student Loans? | Find the Best Loan for You
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Should I Refinance My Student Loans? | Find the Best Loan for You

Refinancing student loans could benefit you in numerous ways: You could score a lower interest rate, simplify your debt repayment or help release a co-signer.Refinancing could also eliminate protections and benefits from your original student loan, particularly if you convert a federal student loan into a private one. Plus, current interest rates are significantly higher going into 2024 than they were a few years ago, minimizing the potential for big savings.Before you refinance, make sure you understand your options. Learn more about the student loan refinance environment so you can make the best decision for your education debt. Find the Best Student Loan Refinance Lenders Lender Learn More Fixed APR Variable APR Loan Term Lender Learn More Fixed APR Variable APR Loan Term Lender Learn ...
Dun & Bradstreet Business Credit Score: Here’s What You Need to Know | Credit Card News & Advice
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Dun & Bradstreet Business Credit Score: Here’s What You Need to Know | Credit Card News & Advice

Business credit scores incorporate payment history, available credit and other financial factors to measure the creditworthiness of a business. Dun & Bradstreet is a leading provider of business credit scores, so if you've ever applied for a business loan or line of credit, the lender might have checked your Dun & Bradstreet number to evaluate your company's reliability and financial stability.Since your D&B score can make or break your approval for a business loan, it's important to understand what impacts your rating and, if necessary, find ways to improve it. Here's a closer look at Dun & Bradstreet credit scoring and how it can play a role in your business's access to financing and investments.What is a Dun & Bradstreet Business Credit Score? Similar to a personal ...
What Is APR? Understanding Credit Card Interest Rates | Credit Card News & Advice
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What Is APR? Understanding Credit Card Interest Rates | Credit Card News & Advice

All credit cards come with more than a few moving parts. Among them is an annual percentage rate, or APR – the cost of borrowing money using the card. However, the tricky thing with credit cards is that they can have multiple APRs, each of which applies to a different transaction type. Knowing how credit card APRs work can help you keep your debt in check and better compare cards when you're in the market for one.What Is APR on a Credit Card?When you don't pay your credit card balance in full each month, your card issuer charges interest on your carried balance. The rate you pay is the card's APR – a figure expressed as a percentage. A card's APR is the annual cost of borrowing money using the card.For instance, say you make a $1,000 purchase using your credit card but can't pay the balan...
Do Student Loans Affect Your Credit Score? | Student Loans and Advice
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Do Student Loans Affect Your Credit Score? | Student Loans and Advice

Student loans can have a major effect on your credit score, so it pays to understand the relationship between student loans and credit. Borrowing and paying back student loans can do wonders for your credit history but missteps like skipping payments or defaulting can send your score plummeting.Can Student Loans Positively Impact Your Credit?If you manage your student loans responsibly, they can help you build good credit. Here's how:Build a Positive Payment History The most heavily weighted factor in your credit score is your payment history, which makes up 35% of your score. That's why one of the best things you can do for your credit is pay your student loan bill on time and in full every month.You can also help your credit score by starting your student loan repayment ahead of schedul...
Best Credit Cards for Streaming Services | Credit Card News & Advice
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Best Credit Cards for Streaming Services | Credit Card News & Advice

For many of us, streaming services have become a daily staple in our lives. The American Experiences Survey by Consumer Reports found that more than half of all U.S. households subscribe to four or more streaming services.Fortunately, streaming services have become a frequent bonus category offered on credit card rewards. Many cards offer between 2% to 6% cash back on popular services, and some cards provide a monthly streaming credit you can use to offset the costs.Here are the five best credit cards for streaming services, plus some things to consider before opening a new credit card.Blue Cash Preferred Card from American ExpressBest for: Largest rewardsIf you're looking for ways to maximize your credit card rewards, the Blue Cash Preferred card is one of the best options available. You...
Payday Loan Consolidation: What You Need to Know | Personal Loans and Advice
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Payday Loan Consolidation: What You Need to Know | Personal Loans and Advice

Payday loans are designed to be short-term loans for modest amounts to bridge the gap from today until payday. While they can quickly get you the cash you need, those fast funds come with a price. While some states cap the interest rate, others allow lenders to charge annual percentage rates in excess of 600% – far more expensive than the average credit card.If you have this type of loan you can get out from under those high interest rates through payday loan consolidation. With this strategy, you'll use a personal loan to pay off your payday loans. If your credit is less than stellar, you may face a higher interest rate than borrowers with good credit. However, that interest rate will likely be far lower than what you're paying with a payday loan.Find the Best Personal Loans for You Lend...
LightStream Auto Loans Review | U.S. News
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LightStream Auto Loans Review | U.S. News

What Types of Auto Loans Does LightStream Offer?LightStream offers a number of auto loan options, including: Loans for new cars Loans for used cars Auto loan refinancing Auto lease buyout loans Motorcycle loans and refinancing RV loans and refinancing LightStream loans can be used to buy vehicles from dealerships or individuals, and there are no restrictions based on the vehicle's make, model, mileage or year.How Does LightStream Work?LightStream's auto loan application process is completely online. To apply for a LightStream auto loan, you will need to provide personal and financial information along with details about the loan you are requesting. LightStream will also check your credit. If you are approved, you can sign the loan agreement online. You can get funds in your account ...
What You Should Know About Private Mortgage Lenders | Mortgages and Advice
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What You Should Know About Private Mortgage Lenders | Mortgages and Advice

There are a lot of aspects to qualifying for a mortgage, and no two borrowers are alike. In some cases, a person might not meet traditional bank mortgage lending requirements but still have the means and ability to become a homeowner. That's when turning to a private mortgage lender – in some cases, a close family member – might be worth trying.What Is a Private Mortgage? A private mortgage is a loan that's provided by an individual or company, rather than a financial institution. "Homebuyers usually consider a private mortgage when they're unable to qualify for a mortgage from a traditional lender," says Leslie H. Tayne, founder and head attorney focusing on consumer and business debt matters at Tayne Law Group. In many cases, a private mortgage is an intrafamily loan in which one family...