Entries by Elyssa Carlos

What Your Credit Score Says About You

In today’s financial landscape, your credit score is akin to a financial report card that reflects your financial behavior and responsibility. While it is true that it primarily consists of numerical data, your credit score conveys much more than just digits. It reveals a lot about your financial habits, stability, and trustworthiness. In this article, […]

Should I Refinance My Car Loan?

If you currently have an auto loan, you may be considering whether refinancing could lower your monthly payments or get you a better interest rate. Refinancing your auto loan can make good financial sense in some situations, but it’s not right for everyone. Here are some of the key pros and cons to weigh when […]

Credit Scores: FICO vs. VantageScore

In the world of personal finance, credit scores play a crucial role in determining your financial well-being. Lenders, landlords, insurance companies, and even potential employers use credit scores to assess your creditworthiness. Two widely used scoring models, FICO and VantageScore, dominate this landscape. But how do they differ, and what do you need to know […]

What You Need to Know About Credit Line Increases

In the dynamic landscape of personal finance, maintaining a healthy credit profile is crucial for achieving your long-term financial goals. One important aspect of managing your credit is understanding and strategically utilizing credit limit increases. These increases can be a valuable tool in enhancing your financial flexibility, improving your credit score, and achieving your aspirations. […]

Most Common Types of Debt

Debt has become an integral part of many people’s lives. From financing education to purchasing homes and managing emergencies, debt can serve as a helpful tool when used wisely. However, it’s essential to comprehend the various types of debts to make informed decisions about borrowing and managing your finances effectively. In this article, we’ll explore […]

Debt’s Impact on Your Mental Health

In today’s fast-paced and consumer-driven society, debt has become an all-too-common reality for millions of people worldwide. While the financial consequences of debt are well-documented, its impact on mental health often remains overlooked or underestimated. The stress, anxiety, and depression that stem from financial burdens can create a vicious cycle that affects individuals and their […]

How to Manage Money as a Couple

Managing money on your own can be a challenge. Managing money as a couple, on the other hand, can help the process if done efficiently. However, getting it right takes strategy, especially since money is a major stressor in life. In fact, according to multiple surveys, about 40% of couples fight about money. Here are […]

Good Debt vs. Bad Debt

It’s not news to many that having debt is a near necessity in the United States. Taking on debt can help build wealth in many instances. But how does one distinguish between good debt and bad debt? What are the key differences between the two? How can you use each of them to your advantage? […]

Navigating Student Loan Forgiveness Programs: What You Need to Know

Student loan forgiveness has been the talk of many news outlets lately, especially with President Biden’s plan’s fate resting in the Supreme Court’s hands. If the Supreme Court deems the plan constitutional, then millions of borrowers are set to be forgiven of up to $20,000 in student loan debt. If not, or if a decision […]

How to Make Realistic Financial Goals

For many, finances are a constant worry. You may wonder how to get out of debt, how to afford a home, how to increase your portfolio returns, and so much more. The key to these questions lies in setting realistic financial goals. Here, we will guide you through the process of creating achievable financial goals […]