December 19, 2025
Medical Debt, Collections & Settlement: What 2024–2025 Policy Changes Mean for You
Learn how CFPB and credit bureau changes in 2024–25 affect medical collections, settlement tactics, legal risk, and whether to settle or consider bankruptcy.
December 16, 2025
Choosing a Card in an Era of New Scoring Models: Fees, Features and Strategies for Rebuilding Credit
Practical card-picking advice for people rebuilding credit: how new scoring models, BNPL and rent reporting affect fees, rewards and card selection.
December 14, 2025
Adverse Action 2.0: How to Request Clear Explanations After an Automated Credit Denial
Get clear adverse-action explanations after automated credit denials: learn what ECOA/FCRA require, sample letters, and steps to dispute or escalate.
Adverse Action 2.0: How to Request Clear Explanations After an Automated Credit Denial
Get clear adverse-action explanations after automated credit denials: learn what ECOA/FCRA require, sample letters, and steps to dispute or escalate.
FICO Direct Licensing & VantageScore Adoption: What Mortgage Applicants Need to Know
Learn how FICO's new direct licensing and VantageScore 4.0 acceptance affect mortgage score sourcing, lender costs, and what applicants should watch when applying.
When Lenders Use AI: What the CFPB’s Predictive‑Model Guidance Means for Your Credit
CFPB guidance requires lenders using AI to give specific adverse-action reasons. Read how this changes approvals, disputes, and steps to protect credit.
Thin Files and Small‑Dollar Credit Builders: Micro‑Savings, Round‑Up Apps and Starter Tools That Move Scores
Practical guide to micro‑savings, round‑up apps, secured cards and credit‑builder loans that help thin‑file consumers build credit and move scores safely.
BNPL That Builds Credit: Which Providers Report, How They Report, and How to Benefit Safely
Which BNPL providers report to credit bureaus in 2025, how the data appears, and step‑by‑step tactics to use BNPL safely to build credit.
Rent Reporting, Algorithm Bans and the RealPage Lawsuits: What Renters Need to Know in 2025
Understand how RealPage lawsuits, city algorithm bans, and regulator moves in 2025 affect rent reporting and your credit — and what renters should do next.
Handling Collection Accounts: Validate Debt Letters, Negotiation Scripts and Reporting Outcomes
Learn how to validate collection debts, use FDCPA/FCRA rights, send debt‑validation letters, negotiate payment or settlement, and track reporting outcomes effectively.
When a Credit Bureau Won’t Fix an Error: How to Escalate and Enforce Your Rights
Learn what to do when Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion won’t fix an error: step-by-step escalation, your FCRA rights, sample letters, and how to file complaints.
Sample Dispute Letters That Work: Remove Errors, Outdated Items & Identity Fraud
Proven dispute letter templates to remove errors, outdated items, and identity-fraud entries from credit reports. Step-by-step samples and timelines.
Choosing a Card in an Era of New Scoring Models: Fees, Features and Strategies for Rebuilding Credit
Practical card-picking advice for people rebuilding credit: how new scoring models, BNPL and rent reporting affect fees, rewards and card selection.
How to Compare Credit Card Fees and Hidden Costs: APR, Annual Fees & Penalties
Learn how to compare APR, annual fees and penalty charges so you can pick a card that fits your budget and goals. Practical tips and current trends.
Avoiding Rewards Traps: How Sign-Up Bonuses Can Backfire on Your Credit Health
Sign-up bonuses can lead to overspending, hard inquiries and account churn. Learn how to earn rewards safely and protect your credit score.
Bankruptcy Recovery Playbook: Practical Steps to Rebuild Credit, Budget and Access Credit After Chapter 7 or 13
Practical playbook to rebuild credit after Chapter 7 or 13: budgeting, secured cards, credit-builder loans, rent reporting, BNPL risks and timelines to access new credit.
Medical Debt, Collections & Settlement: What 2024–2025 Policy Changes Mean for You
Learn how CFPB and credit bureau changes in 2024–25 affect medical collections, settlement tactics, legal risk, and whether to settle or consider bankruptcy.
How Debt Settlement Affects Your Credit Long Term: Realistic Expectations and Timelines
Learn how debt settlement appears on credit reports, realistic recovery timelines, and practical steps to rebuild credit after settling debts.
Low-Income Budgeting Hacks That Help You Avoid Missed Payments and Build Credit
Practical, low-income budgeting hacks to avoid missed payments, build credit, and create a starter emergency fund — step-by-step systems and a quick checklist.
Save vs Pay Down Debt: How to Prioritize When Money Is Tight
Practical rules and a step-by-step plan to decide whether to build emergency savings or pay down debt when funds are tight. Protect your finances today.
How to Build an Emergency Fund When You’re Deep in Credit Card Debt
Practical steps to build a starter emergency fund while carrying credit card debt: prioritize a mini-buffer, cut interest costs, automate savings, and protect your credit.