July 7, 2022 Shawn Lane Consumer Credit Expert Credit cards have long been one of the most controversial topics in personal finance. For every piece of rational, constructive advice you can find on the internet, you’re just as likely to find 10 examples of misguided information or fear-mongering nonsense. Thankfully, it’s not that difficult to clear up fact from …
How Credit Bureaus Are Mishandling Customer Disputes
February 10, 2022 Shawn Lane Consumer Credit Expert For many people, credit bureaus seem like static, unchanging entities. It would certainly be comforting to think that the organizations in charge of determining credit scores have everything under control. But these companies are anything but perfect – and that may be putting it mildly. Credit bureaus have been receiving an increasing …
Can Holiday Spending Hurt Your Credit Score?
January 6, 2022 Shawn Lane Consumer Credit Expert The holidays are not a time to pinch pennies. There’s nothing wrong with loosening the purse strings, giving generously, and using this time to focus on friends and family instead of money. But you at least want to make it through to the end of the year with your finances intact, …
What Consumers Don’t Know about Free Credit Score Companies
November 2, 2021 Shawn Lane Consumer Credit Expert If you’re trying to actively monitor your credit, paying for a copy of your credit score can be a frustrating expense. In this situation, companies offering a free copy of your credit score probably seem like a godsend. But while these services can show you a free credit score, it might not …
Credit Report Mistakes
September 2, 2021 Shawn Lane Consumer Credit Expert Most people think of a credit score as a concrete, unchangeable piece of data. The reality, however, is a bit more open to interpretation.While your score is determined with a reliable algorithm, the incidents on your credit report that are used to calculate that score are often open to dispute – and …
How Holiday Shopping Can Affect Your Credit
December 23, 2020Shawn LaneConsumer Credit Expert As the 2020 Christmas shopping season begins in earnest, consumers are likely concerned about how holiday spending will affect their finances. This year has seen more economic turmoil than any year since the Great Recession of 2008 – particularly affecting those in lower income brackets – so it’s understandable if the average shopper has …
3 Ways You’re Accidentally Sabotaging Your Credit Score
February 11, 2020Shawn LaneConsumer Credit Expert Good credit is a lifelong journey. It’s not something you can work to earn and then forget about once you reach your goal. Just like you need to constantly take care of your health by eating right and exercising, your credit requires constant attention. Learning good credit habits is a great place to start. …
Should You Use a Credit Card or a Debit Card?
August 21, 2019Shawn LaneConsumer Credit Expert When it comes to credit cards, people have strong opinions. You’re probably either a fan of credit cards and the perks they provide, or you may prefer not to use them at all. If you’ve ever struggled with credit card debt in the past, you may be afraid to trust yourself with them again. But …
What Makes Up Your Credit Scores? Part 3: Length of Credit History
March 7, 2019 Shawn Lane Consumer Credit Expert You know your credit scores are important. They can make or break your applications for loans and credit cards. When you’re approved for financing, your scores can impact how much you’ll pay and the terms you are offered. Of course, you can know that your credit scores matter without understanding how they …
What Makes Up Your Credit Scores? Part 1: Payment History
February 7, 2019 Shawn Lane Consumer Credit Expert Your credit scores are an important component of your financial wellbeing. Without solid credit scores, life can be a lot more difficult (not to mention more expensive) than it needs to be. The good news is that if you learn what influences your credit scores, you’ll be better equipped to improve them. …