Resources to build your own personal financial freedom
Tools to protect and maintain financial independence
In the landscape of personal finance, the traditional pillars of a robust portfolio have long been stocks, bonds, and cash. While these assets provide...
Read More
Personal finance is the cornerstone of a secure and intentional life, far exceeding the simple act of balancing a checkbook. It is the practice of man...
Read More
Personal finance extends far beyond simply earning and spending money; it is the strategic management of one’s resources to build security and achie...
Read More
For many individuals, acquiring a vehicle is not just a convenience but a necessity, yet the financial path to ownership is often paved with debt. The...
Read More
A debt consolidation loan can be framed as "saving $100 a month" (a gain) or "paying $5,000 in interest" (a loss). We are more risk-averse when a choice is framed in terms of losses. Lenders often use gain-framing to make consolidation appealing, downplaying the total long-term cost.
The positive effects of paying off a loan (reducing your debt load, demonstrating successful repayment) outweigh any minor, temporary impact from the change to your credit mix. You should never pay interest just to keep an account open for scoring purposes.
It is generally a minor factor, accounting for about 10% of your FICO® Score calculation. While not the most influential factor, it can be a tie-breaker between two otherwise identical credit profiles.
A late payment can remain on your credit report for seven years from the date of the initial delinquency. Its impact on your score lessens over time, especially if you re-establish a consistent pattern of on-time payments.
Yes, if you fall behind on payments, creditors and third-party collection agencies have the legal right to contact you via mail, phone, and even text message to attempt to collect the debt, which can be intrusive and stressful.