How would you make ends meet if your family experienced a job loss? If one of you developed a serious illness, would you be able to pay the medical bills? Though challenges such as these occur without notice, you can be prepared to handle their financial implications by diligently creating an emergency fund. My husband and I are not … [Read more...] about Emergency Fund Basics
personal finance
Clarifying Credit (Part 3)
Over the last two weeks we’ve looked at several basic credit-related topics. Today we’ll take a final look at the finer details of credit by examining what factors influence credit scores and how to build good credit. How different parts of your credit history impact your credit score As noted in a previous post, each of the credit … [Read more...] about Clarifying Credit (Part 3)
Clarifying Credit (Part 2)
Last week we looked at the definition of credit and at reasons to have credit (even for individuals who strive to live debt free). Today we’ll continue our look at the finer details of credit. Requesting a credit report The Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act is a federal law that entitles each consumer to one copy of his or her … [Read more...] about Clarifying Credit (Part 2)
Clarifying Credit (Part 1)
Many of you know that my husband and I strive toward debt-free living. We avoid taking on new debt and we work hard to pay off our existing debt, which includes student loans, our mortgage, and a small amount we owe on my husband’s car. Though we’ve gleaned a lot of information about credit throughout our adult years, in examining our finances … [Read more...] about Clarifying Credit (Part 1)
