College is in full swing for many first-time college students and many more students are back after summer break to continue their education. One thing we all know by now is that financial education is likely not on their course list, so when it comes to parenting a college-aged student, there are ways to help […]
7 Tips To Help Improve Your Credit Score
Credit scores are essential to ensuring your finances are healthy, but getting your credit score and tracking it has always been problematic. I’ve shared previously that Discover allows cardmembers to access their FICO® Credit Score for free, but Discover is now doing something no other card company has done-they’re offering everyone (yes EVERYONE) their FICO® […]
How To Use Your Tax Return To Build Credit
If you’re one of millions of Americans who received a tax return this year you may be tempted to spend your return, but there are lots of other ways to use your tax return for your long-term financial benefit. One thing you can do is build better credit or start building your credit. I’ll share […]
How To Use A Secured Credit Card To Build Or Rebuild Credit
One of the cornerstones of good personal finance habits is managing your credit well. This includes monitoring your credit report and knowing your credit score. I’ve shared how to do that with you previously, and Discover makes it easy by providing your FICO® Credit Score for free on monthly statements, but I know not everyone […]
How To Get Holiday Budget Ready
With the calendar flipped to November, cooler weather in the forecast, and shopping lists being made it’s time to start thinking about holiday budgets. We partnered with Discover to share everything you need to know to get a holiday budget ready. How To Get Holiday Budget Ready Did you know there’s a Shopping Reminder Day? […]
Track Your FICO® Credit Score with Discover
There are lots of numbers you should know off the top of your head. Your doctor’s phone number, your bank account balance, and your kids’ shoe sizes. Another number that is often overlooked that’s important to keep track of is your FICO® Credit Score. While you may not need to check it every day, ignoring […]
Credit Guide: Everything You Need To Know About Credit
Personal finance gurus often look down on credit cards. They may claim that it’s irresponsible to borrow or equate credit cards with some sort of moral failure. But the truth is that credit is helpful in many ways. Credit allows you to leverage your money today. It helps provide you with a borrowing history in […]
5 Steps To Get Your Student Ready For A Credit Card (and what to do if they’re already in debt)
Credit cards and young people don’t seem to mix well. We all know the story of the teenager that goes off to college, gets their first credit card, and before they know it they’re in a mountain of debt with no way out. That story is all too common. I’m sure many of you relate […]
How To Build Credit Without Credit Cards: New FICO Scores
A good credit score is an important part of your financial arsenal. A good score will allow you to borrow funds for major purchases like student loans, a car loan, or a home loan. It can impact your interest rates meaning you’ll spend less over time and in turn that can have a huge impact on your […]
How to Establish Good Credit
Good credit is the key to borrowing smart. It allows you to secure lower interest rates on a mortgage or auto loan, it gives you a larger pool of funds to borrow against for larger purchases or remodels, and can even help when you’re looking for a new job. Why does credit history matter? When […]