Great Ways to Establish Good Credit

We all have to start somewhere. You might have just recently turned the age of majority. You may have just received your Green Card to live and work in the United States. Or, you might have embraced off-the-grid living until now and circumstances dictate a change in life. In any situation, if you need to establish good credit, you'll find it's not as easy as you think.Financial institutions love to lend money to clients with established credit scores. It seems that anyone with good credit can borrow as much money as they desire, and even people with bad credit have little difficulty getting a loan or credit card. It's the segment that falls in between - the people who haven't borrowed money at all - that seem to have the most trouble.Take heart, though. You can establish good credit that opens doors financially in just a short time. Here are a few ways to do so.

Why is a Down Payment Recommended?

You're shopping for a car. Every car ad that you look at - new, used, or certified pre-owned - has a payment listed. In the details, there's an explanation that tells you what that payment amount is all about, and it nearly always includes a down payment. Why is a down payment always recommended or required?

Make Your Money Go Further With Car Maintenance

Whether times are financially tough or you're living a frugal lifestyle, it's all about saving money wherever you can. Why spend more than you have to on vehicle repairs or car maintenance? It's just good sense to stretch your money as far as it can go.Do you need some ideas for keeping costs down with your car repairs or with car maintenance? CarUp has your back. Follow these pointers to get the most for your money.

How Good People Get Bad Credit

Bad credit doesn't discriminate. Whether you're a recent graduate or a senior citizen, you can experience bad credit. In most cases it's not because of criminal activity or willful disregard. In a vast number of situations, it's simply a mistake or a change in life that sets that ball in motion. And once it starts rolling, it tends to find its way to the bottom of the hill.

How Divorce Can Affect Your Credit

There's a 50/50 chance you've either experienced one, are in the midst of one, or will go through it in the future. Divorce is sadly a common occurrence in today's culture. It's the separation of two partners who decide to live their lives apart instead of together, but it reaches much further than just the home. It isn't often considered how divorce can affect your credit.It's true - it's all too easy for your credit to suffer when you're in the throes of a divorce. Here are just a handful of ways it can occur.

Best Practices for Using Your Credit Card

Read the fine print on your credit card statement. In most cases, you'll see the interest rate is anywhere from 19.99% up to 29.00%. That might not seem like a big deal because you pay your bill off every month...right? If you don't pay your credit card bill's full balance every month, you end up paying interest charges that add up quickly. If it's a one-time thing, it's not such a big deal. But when you use your credit card regularly, it can take its toll financially. Here are a few best practices for using your credit card. They could save you money and potential credit problems down the road.

Can a Car Loan Help Repair Bad Credit?

Life never stands still. Good or bad, there's always something that is changing. Some of those circumstances like relationship breakdowns, unexpected illnesses, job loss can cause missed payments because of insufficient income. Some of those circumstances are because of irresponsibility or a lack of understanding, and the results are the same: late or missed payments. It all leads to bad credit, collections, and even bankruptcy in some cases.Once you have bad credit, it takes time and hard work to get back on track. Your credit history stays with you for seven years. Any time you apply for a credit card, a loan, or a mortgage, the lender sees your past financial indiscretions.You're considered a high-risk client and receive less than optimal repayment terms and interest rates. But a car loan can help repair bad credit.