Debt and Credit Articles

Debt is a common challenge, so there are many ways to approach it. We’ll help you through with guidance for simple strategies and big fixes to banish debt and keep your budget on track.

What Is a Thin Credit File?

A thin credit file is a credit report with a limited credit history. If a person has a thin credit file, they have a small number of credit accounts or a short credit history.

7 Tips for Effectively Managing Credit Cards

Managing credit cards effectively and developing good spending habits are important parts of financial wellness. By following a few tips, like keeping a low credit utilization ratio, prioritizing paying on time and paying more than the monthly minimum when possible, you can effectively manage your credit cards. You may even be able to increase your credit score over time.

Help Pay Down Debt With These Lifestyle Changes

The secret to ridding yourself of debt is to cultivate everyday habits to help you pay off what you owe and avoid going into debt in the future.

Have Different Types of Debt? 4 Ways to Pay It Back

The average American household has $132,529 in debt and pays $1,300 a year in interest on credit card debt, according to NerdWallet. So if you have more than one type of debt, although dealing with the burden may feel like a personal struggle, you're not alone.

The Ins and Outs of Being a Private Student Loan Cosigner for Your Child

Most incoming college students don't have the necessary income or credit to take out a private student loan themselves, being their student loan cosigner can be a great strategy to help pay for college.

Make a Plan to Reduce Your Debt

Consolidating and reducing debt helps you stabilize your finances and manage your budget while still building savings. Use this guide to get started.

Consolidate Debt<sup>1</sup> to Help Meet Your Financial Goals

Consolidate Debt¹ to Help Meet Your Financial Goals

Use this plan for consolidating debt to help you manage your budget, stabilize your finances and increase your savings.

How to Build Credit From Scratch: Getting Started

Start right, and credit can help you as you pursue your financial goals.

5 Debit and Credit Card Scams and How to Avoid Them

Scammers are gaining access to consumers’ banking and credit card accounts. Here are five of the most common ploys and tips on how to avoid them.

Money Lessons from the Pandemic – Managing Debt

The COVID-19 crisis has brought widespread change to the financial landscape. Here are three money lessons on managing debt that people are learning, as well as actions they are taking with this knowledge.