Do you recommend credit consolidation?
Do you recommend credit consolidation to improve scores and decrease debt? Submitted by Natasha P. There are two parts to this question, so let’s dig into them separately. Improving Your Credit Score Whenever a financial institution pulls your credit with the purpose of offering you a loan, your score may be affected. Closing a credit…
Read MoreHow many credit cards should I have?
“Hi Saundra! As someone who is getting her credit back in order, I want to be wise about applying for credit cards. I have two and working hard to keep them both under 30% utilization. I’m considering applying for one last card. How many credit cards is too many?” Submitted by Laurin O. There are…
Read MoreWhat Does It Mean to Refinance a Mortgage?
Let’s start with the basics. Refinancing simply means that you’re replacing your existing loan with a new mortgage. Reasons for Refinancing a Mortgage If you’re considering refinancing, your reasons may include: A lower interest rate Shorter (or longer) term to pay off the loan or cash out equity Changing the type of mortgage (you may…
Read More2018: Thank you for a wonderful year!
Happy holidays from all of us at SaverLife! 2018 has been a big year for us. We’ve been busy creating new ways to reward you for saving and learning more about what actually helps people save. Here are just a few highlights from 2018: You won prizes for saving every week In 2018, we launched…
Read MoreHow do you balance debt and savings? Here’s what our research found.
If you’re paying down debt, saving money may be a low priority for you. After all, you’re probably paying interest on your debt every month, so paying off your debt more quickly means keeping more money in your pocket long-term. It’s harder to save when you have debt Our research found that Savers with a…
Read MoreUnderstanding Your Debt
Hi, I’m Saundra Davis, financial coach here at SaverLife. Today we are going to talk about one of the biggest financial stressors in many of our financial lives: debt. The “No Judgment Zone” So, the very first thing is remember the “no judgment zone.” Everything that you have done in your financial past that you’re…
Read MoreHow to Get the Best Rate on a Loan
If you need money for the short or long term, it’s important to remember that not all loans are created equal – and the price you pay for that money (in fees and interest) may vary dramatically. What do you need? Before shopping around for loans, you should know how much money you’re looking to…
Read MoreIs there anyone who will work with you one-on-one to get out of debt?
Is there anyone that works one on one to get the person to get out of debt and credit collections? Submitted by Amanda B. Credit “repair” is a hot topic and you are wise to seek out someone reputable to help you sort out the best solution for your situation. The CFPB (Consumer Finance Protection…
Read MoreWhat is trailing interest and how do I avoid it?
What is “trailing interest”? I just got a credit card bill with interest charged after I paid it off! Submitted by Sasha. When you are using credit cards, timing is everything. The difference between the date you make a credit purchase and the date you pay can have a huge impact on the “cost of…
Read More“What credit card refinancing options do you recommend?”
What are some credit card debt refinancing options you recommend? Submitted by anonymous. My favorite approach to debt reduction is a payment plan. It helps you reduce interest by paying the debt in a way that works within your budget. A payment plan also minimizes the risk of consolidating, which can incur additional debt. If…
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