Author: B.A. Kirschner

Credit Pulls: Hard Inquiries vs. Soft Inquiries

Credit Pulls: Hard Inquiries vs. Soft Inquiries

Here, we explain the difference between soft inquiries, which have virtually no effect on your credit score, and hard inquiries, which can negatively affect your score.

How to Remove Defaulted Student Loans from Your Credit Report

How to Remove Defaulted Student Loans from Your Credit Report

Defaulting on a student loan can be a major financial impediment in the short-term future, but it doesn’t have to ruin your financial outlook for good. Below, we provide are a few simple steps you can take to get back on track and recover your credit score in a matter of months.

How to File for Bankruptcy in Illinois

How to File for Bankruptcy in Illinois

Maybe you are considering bankruptcy as a strategy for getting out of debt. However, before making any life-altering decisions, it’s important that you carefully explore all of your options. In this article, we give you a basic guide to filing for bankruptcy in Illinois.

How to File for Bankruptcy in Hawaii

How to File for Bankruptcy in Hawaii

Maybe you are considering bankruptcy as a strategy for getting out of debt. However, before making any life-altering decisions, it’s important that you carefully explore all of your options. In this article, we give you a basic guide to filing for bankruptcy in Hawaii.

How to File for Bankruptcy in California

How to File for Bankruptcy in California

Maybe you are considering bankruptcy as a strategy for getting out of debt. However, before making any life-altering decisions, it’s important that you carefully explore all of your options.

Rainy Day Funds: How to Build One and How Much You Should Have

Rainy Day Funds: How to Build One and How Much You Should Have

Sooner or later, we’re all bound to face a financial setback: a job loss, a medical emergency or car problems can each force us to reach into our personal savings, or, worse, go into debt just so we can keep going about our daily business. […]

How to Get Medical Bills Removed from Your Credit Report

How to Get Medical Bills Removed from Your Credit Report

Out of the many impacts that come with unpaid medical bills, damage to your credit score is one of the most consequential. Technically, a medical bill can not be included in your credit report, but once your account remains unresolved after 180 days, the owner of the debt–typically, a hospital or a doctor’s office–can sell the outstanding amount to a debt collector. At that point, the debt collector can (and probably will) report your  debt as delinquent to all three credit agencies, thereby harming your credit score.

How to Write a Credit Dispute Letter

How to Write a Credit Dispute Letter

If you’ve noticed something awry in your credit report, there’s a lot you can do to take action and fix the problem. A well-composed credit dispute, first and foremost, should help you get back on your feet in no time.

20 Actually Funny Jokes About Money

20 Actually Funny Jokes About Money

Money isn’t always a laughing matter, but there are so many jokes out there that can give anyone reason to chuckle about their finances. Here, we’ve put together a list of the funniest jokes about money so that you can have fun while saving up.

Yes, You Can Negotiate Your Credit Card APR—Here’s How

Yes, You Can Negotiate Your Credit Card APR—Here’s How

If you’re in the process of paying off a credit card debt but feel like your interest rate is too high, you have the option of negotiating your Annual Percentage Rate (APR) with your credit issuer. When you feel ready to talk to your credit card company, dial the customer service number on the back of your credit card, then choose the options that will route you to speak with a representative. When the representative picks up, here are some tips that can help you negotiate.