What is Fair Credit? (And Ways to Improve It)
I will remember certain numbers my entire life. They include my undergraduate grade point average, my draft lottery number (yes, there used to be... read more »
By: Eric Bank • 9/11/24
Eric Bank has been covering business and financial topics since 1985, specializing in taking complex subject matters and explaining them in simple terms for consumer audiences. Eric's writing regularly appears on Credible.com, eHow, WiseBread, The Nest, Get.com, Zacks, Chron, and dozens of other outlets. A former software engineer, Eric holds an M.B.A. from New York University and an M.S. in finance from DePaul University.
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2,071 views
13 min read
I will remember certain numbers my entire life. They include my undergraduate grade point average, my draft lottery number (yes, there used to be... read more »
By: Eric Bank • 9/11/24
Guide
3,078 views
9 min read
I joined a credit union about eight years ago, motivated by the desire to keep my money local. I knew right away it was a good decision, as the... read more »
By: Eric Bank • 9/9/24
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3,008 views
9 min read
Financial terminology can sound like a secret language, and sometimes it makes me feel as if I just walked into an economics lecture. When... read more »
By: Eric Bank • 9/3/24
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5,382 views
11 min read
Film buffs might recall Humphrey Bogart as Sam Spade in “The Maltese Falcon,” under that mercilessly bright spotlight during the police’s hard... read more »
By: Eric Bank • 8/26/24
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8,352 views
11 min read
Picture this: Your application for a loan or credit card is flat-out rejected because the lender looked at your credit report. I know rejections... read more »
By: Eric Bank • 8/21/24
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11,921 views
11 min read
There may come a time when you need cash now, but your bank account (if you have one) is nearly tapped out. That’s when cash advances can come in... read more »
By: Eric Bank • 8/6/24
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14,467 views
11 min read
Your credit history is a record of your financial background, covering every time you’ve borrowed or repaid money. It includes information about... read more »
By: Eric Bank • 8/5/24
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11,250 views
9 min read
A lien is a legal claim or right against a property that secures a loan. If you are a lender, liens are an efficient way to ensure debt... read more »
By: Eric Bank • 7/30/24
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12,768 views
11 min read
A prepaid card works like a traditional debit card but doesn’t require a bank account. Instead, consumers load money onto the card before using... read more »
By: Eric Bank • 7/29/24
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16,146 views
13 min read
Credit monitoring is a process that involves tracking your credit reports and scores so you can quickly identify any changes or suspicious... read more »
By: Eric Bank • 7/18/24
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13,092 views
13 min read
For many, the Great American Dream still is home ownership. Owning your home can provide profound emotional benefits and a sense of security. It... read more »
By: Eric Bank • 7/11/24
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22,021 views
13 min read
Debt settlement is a process through which you negotiate with creditors to pay less than you owe by offering a lump sum payment that’s lower than... read more »
By: Eric Bank • 7/3/24
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27,945 views
13 min read
A default occurs when you don’t make payments on your credit card or loan for an extended period, usually several months. It will damage your... read more »
By: Eric Bank • 7/2/24
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32,022 views
17 min read
Debt consolidation is when you combine multiple debts — including loans and/or credit cards — into a single payment. By consolidating them, you... read more »
By: Eric Bank • 7/1/24
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21,267 views
19 min read
Garnishment happens when a court allows a creditor (i.e., the person or company you owe money to) to take part of your paycheck or money from... read more »
By: Eric Bank • 6/27/24
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15,521 views
21 min read
A cosigner is someone who helps you get a loan or credit card by promising, in writing, to pay the loan if you cannot pay it back. This makes it... read more »
By: Eric Bank • 6/26/24
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25,836 views
13 min read
Credit counseling is a service that provides help from a professional to better manage your money and debts. Counselors can help you plan to pay... read more »
By: Eric Bank • 6/19/24
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20,436 views
15 min read
A payday loan is a small amount of money that consumers can borrow and then pay back when they receive their next paycheck. This type of loan is... read more »
By: Eric Bank • 6/18/24
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22,476 views
21 min read
Unsecured credit cards are available without putting down any money as a deposit to secure your credit line. When you spend with an unsecured... read more »
By: Eric Bank • 6/6/24
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37,725 views
9 min read
The Consumer Credit Protection Act (CCPA) is a federal law in the United States enacted on May 29, 1968. It includes four titles that focus on... read more »
By: Eric Bank • 5/29/24