Articles About Credit Scores

What is an Installment Loan?

An installment loan is a type of loan where you borrow a fixed amount of money and repay it, along with interest, over a specified period. The interest rate is determined based on your creditworthiness. Installment loans provide predictability with fixed monthly payments until the loan is fully repaid. These loans can be secured, with collateral like a car, or unsecured, relying on your creditworthiness. Borrowers are advised to borrow only what they need, calculate affordability, and compare loan terms to make informed borrowing decisions.

The Bank of Canada Has Been On a Rate-Hiking Tear. Is That About to Change?

The Bank of Canada, once focused on raising interest rates, may now be considering a pause due to changing economic conditions. In response to high inflation, the central bank had aggressively increased rates in 2022, but the economy has shown signs of deceleration. If the economy continues to weaken, the Bank of Canada could reverse its rate-hiking strategy and lower interest rates in early 2024. This potential shift could impact various financial aspects, including mortgage rates and savings account returns, making it important for individuals to stay informed about the changing economic landscape.

What should I know before taking a personal loan?

Personal loans can be an effective financial tool to manage your expenses when you are short on cash. They are unsecured loans that can be used for a variety of purposes, such as paying off credit card debt, consolidating high-interest loans, or funding a major purchase.

How late payments impact your credit score and access to credit?

Even if you miss one bill payment, you can lose as much 150 points. While it’s not always so dramatic of a drop, it’s still essential that you pay things off before the deadlines. You may not qualify for prime credit cards, low-interest loans, and decent mortgage rates. This is because when your credit score is less because you’ve missed a payment or are late, this becomes a red flag to lenders. To keep your credit score healthy, make sure to pay your bills on time.

Mortgage credit score required for mortgage approval in 2023

Can you afford the monthly payments and property taxes as well as any incidentals that might come up? Here’s a guide on what a lender is looking for in terms of your credit score and how to get an approval.

What Is Considered a Good Credit Score?

Where you get your credit score from will then provide a varying range of what your credit is but check out the link we provide to check your credit score and determine whether you have fair, good or excellent credit in this post.

Is a business loan based on personal credit?

Business and personal credit aren’t the same thing. Learn why having good personal credit may help support you getting approved for a business loan, but is not the only factor.

What credit score do I need for a $3,000 loan?

Smarter Loans can connect you with over 20 lenders that share their eligibility requirements before you apply for a $3,000 loan. Learn what’s a good credit score and if your credit score will determine your loan approval.

How to build credit for your kids in Canada

During college years, this is the best time to get your kids started on the process of building credit. Once they graduate, credit generally makes getting started easier. Even if they get a good job, it’s going to be at least one year before banks and landlords take them seriously as a responsible adult. There are some things you can do to help them start the process.

Removing a Charge-Off From a Credit Report

Creditors use charge-offs as a last resort when a borrower stops paying a credit card, personal loan, or other debt. At that time, the debt is moved to the creditor’s bad credit ledger and the charge-off is reported as a derogatory remark on the credit file. Although a lender may write off a debt, it doesn’t end there for the borrower. A charge-off does not make the debt disappear. Removing a charge-off from a credit report is possible but there are no shortcuts in the process.