How-To Guides
Need a better understanding of bad credit and how to fix it? Our finance experts have put together a series of step-by-step guides on a variety of bad credit related subjects.
Collection accounts can quickly tank your credit scores. If one appears on your credit reports unexpectedly, it can also create a moment of panic. Before you let... Read More »
By: Gerri Detweiler • 8/4/26
Credit Reports
How to Track Credit Score Changes (Without Obsessing)
How often do you check your credit scores? If you look at them at least once a month, you’re... Read More »
Credit Repair
How to Organize Your Debts for DIY Credit Repair
Whenever I’ve talked with someone about credit repair over the years, inevitably, the biggest... Read More »
Credit Reports
Why Credit Reports Sometimes Show Old Debts as New
No matter how bad your credit is now, there’s an off-ramp in the future. Federal law prohibits... Read More »
Credit Management
How to Use Credit Utilization Zones to Target Score Increases
When it comes to credit, I think I’ve heard all the rumors and partial truths by now. This myth... Read More »
Credit Score
How to Tell Which Accounts Are Hurting Your Credit the Most
Pay down your credit card balances. Pay on time. Don’t close your oldest account. Dispute... Read More »
Credit Reports
Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Charge-Off and a Collection?
Charge-offs and collections are both bad for your finances, but they aren’t the same thing. When... Read More »
Debt Collection
Why Paying Off Collections Doesn’t Always Raise Your Credit Score
Paying off your debt is supposed to make your credit score increase, but what about when it... Read More »
Credit Management
How to Time Credit Applications to Avoid Credit Score Damage
Have you ever thought: “I want a credit card, but every time I apply, I get turned down, and now... Read More »
Loans
Why Applying for Multiple Loans Can Hurt Your Credit Score
We’ve all had that moment when we decide to get serious about a big purchase. Maybe it’s a new... Read More »