A delinquency on a credit report occurs when an account becomes past due because you missed a minimum payment by the due date. Missing a payment can have immediate effects, such as late fees, and if the payment goes 30 or more days past due, it can be reported as a delinquency to credit bureaus, …

Credit card fraud is one of the most prevalent types of financial fraud today. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), there were over 214,000 reports of credit card fraud in the first half of 2024 alone. While many credit cards offer zero liability protection, meaning you won’t be held responsible for unauthorized transactions, dealing …

An annuity can be a valuable retirement planning tool, offering guaranteed income when you're no longer working. Some annuities even allow your premiums to grow tax-deferred. Understanding how to buy an annuity can help you make the most of this financial product. Here’s a closer look at what annuities are, how they work, and what …

Dealing with car repairs after an accident can be stressful. One common concern is finding transportation while your vehicle is in the shop. If you have rental reimbursement coverage, your auto insurance may pay for a rental car after an accident for up to 30 days. However, not all insurance policies include rental reimbursement, and …

Your home is your castle, but sometimes it can feel more like a money pit. Fortunately, there are many ways to save money and reduce home-related expenses. From budgeting to reducing utility usage, making simple changes can lead to significant savings. Below are 20 practical ways to save money at home. Some require an upfront …

Wondering, "What is a delinquency on a credit report?" A delinquency occurs when you fail to pay at least the minimum amount due on your account by the specified due date. Missing this payment can lead to immediate consequences, such as late fees. If the payment remains overdue for 30 days or more, it could …

Eager to pursue higher education but worried that bad credit might hold you back? Rest assured, having bad credit—typically defined as a FICO® Score of 579 or less—doesn’t automatically disqualify you from getting a student loan. In fact, there are options available to help you finance your education, even with less-than-perfect credit. How to Get …

Many homeowners dream of paying off their mortgage early. One effective strategy is to make biweekly mortgage payments. By paying half your monthly mortgage every two weeks, you can potentially shave years off your loan and save thousands of dollars in interest. Before you adopt this strategy, it’s essential to check with your lender to …

When a data breach occurs, confidential information, including consumer data, falls into the wrong hands. If you receive a notice that your information has been compromised, take swift action to secure your accounts and prevent fraud. Here’s what you should do after a data breach to protect yourself. 1. Stay Alert First, stay alert. If …