Creditworthiness is a measurement that banks and credit card issuers use to deem you worthy of credit based on financial markers. These markers can vary by company but are usually based on your income, credit score, assets, payment history, credit accounts, and credit utilization. Your creditworthiness is key to securing financial assets, so it’s in…
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What Is a Bad Credit Score?
FICO credit scores below 580 and VantageScores below 601 are typically considered poor or bad credit. Bad credit can prevent you from getting loans, credit cards, or even renting property. You can avoid bad credit status by using less than 30% of your total available credit and by consistently paying debt on time. What Is…
12 Best CD Rates 2020
A certificate of deposit (CD) is a bank account that offers a premium interest rate provided the entire deposit amount remains untouched for a fixed, predetermined period. If the CD account is withdrawn before maturity, it will be penalized. The best CD rates include annual percentage yield (APY) rates up to 2.60%, depending on the…
10 Best Solo 401(k) Providers for 2019
A Solo 401(k) allows small business owners to save up to $56,000 for retirement through tax-free salary deferrals and profit-sharing. Choosing the right provider is an important part of successfully using a Solo 401(k). We’ve reviewed many Solo 401(k) providers and compare the best below, including their costs and investment options. is an experienced Solo…
10 Best 401(k) Companies 2019
401(k)s allow business owners and employees to save up to $56,000 annually through tax-free salary deferrals, matching, and profit-sharing. While all 401(k)s follow IRS rules, choosing the right provider is still very important. We’ve reviewed more than a dozen 401(k) companies and compare the 10 best below. For a low-cost, full-featured 401(k) plan that is…
Top 17 Tips for Buying & Selling Stocks
One important rule for investing in the stock market is to buy low and sell high. However, you can’t predict when the stock prices will go up or down. While there’s no definite way to time your trades perfectly, there are some tips for buying stocks that can help you make better decisions. Here are…
Top 23 Small Investment Ideas From the Pros
Investing is an important aspect of building financial stability. If you want to have a financially healthy future, then you should consider making investments as early as possible, no matter how small. If you only have a few hundred to a few thousand dollars to invest, consider these top small investment ideas. Below are the…
Top 25 Stock Market Tips From the Pros
Investing in the stock market can be challenging and rewarding if you know what to do. There are some basic parameters you need to follow to avoid making harmful decisions. We spoke with the experts who shared their stock market tips to help new and existing investors make the right trading and investing moves. Below…
Credit Utilization Ratio & How It Affects Your Credit Score
Your level of credit utilization is measured by comparing your credit card balances to your total credit card limits. This calculation is known as the credit utilization ratio, and lenders use it to evaluate how well you manage your finances. A credit utilization of less than 30% and greater than 0% is generally considered good….
UltraFICO Credit Score: What It Is & What You Need to Know
The UltraFICO score evaluates personal bank account information in addition to the data on an individual’s credit history. This opt-in credit model helps individuals with low personal credit scores of 680 or lower boost their existing FICO score by 20 or more points. It evaluates your savings’ amount, age of your bank accounts, and your…
How Hard Inquiries Impact Your Credit Score & Report
A hard inquiry, also known as a hard credit check, gives people your full credit report and typically occur when you apply for a loan or credit card. Hard inquiries stay on your credit report for up to two years, are visible creditors, and can decrease your personal credit score by one to five points….
The 5 C’s of Credit: What Banks & Lenders Actually Look For
The 5 C’s of credit are character, capacity, capital, conditions, and collateral. Together, these serve as a way for lenders to evaluate the creditworthiness of potential borrowers. Banks and lenders generally look at your ability to repay, level of debt, how you plan to use the funds, and the collateral you have to offer. The…