Education

It’s usually not until you attempt to get a loan that you realize just how valuable a great credit score can be. Lenders typically price loans based on your creditworthiness. Lower credit scores lead to higher interest rates.

You may feel lenders are punishing you, but the reality is that financial institutions are trying to protect themselves from potential losses. A credit score provides a bird’s-eye view of your money management abilities. If you struggle to manage your money or make payments on time, lenders will perceive you as a higher risk.

When you work diligently to pay off a credit card, nothing is more satisfying than seeing the balance hit $0. It’s a eureka moment – filled with accomplishment and freedom. And your next desire may be to shred the credit card and close the account. But is that the right move?

Everyone sets goals. Typically, these goals fall into two categories – short-term and long-term. Short-term goals may consist of saving for a well-deserved vacation or shedding 10 lbs. before summer. Long-term goals focus more on what you want to accomplish in life and retirement planning.

While selling your home can be exciting (especially if you’re upgrading to a new home), it isn’t always the quickest process. If you’ve lived in your home for an extended period of time, you probably have a laundry list of items you need to do to get it ready to sell.

In this day and age, it’s very easy to fall into the category of ‘living beyond your means’. With everyone sharing their lives through social media, it’s simple to get caught in the trap of wanting more than you need. Combine this trend with the ease of spending money, especially online, and it’s the perfect formula for spending more than you can afford.