Building Credit Archives - Hanover Mortgages

August 23, 2021

Life Insurance for Seniors: Tips on Getting the Best

Life Insurance

Life insurance is essential if you want to provide for your family after your death and don’t have substantial assets to leave them. It’s something that everyone should consider when they have dependents, but if you’re over the age of 60 those insurance premiums could cost more than you can afford and more than they’re worth.

Find the Right Life Insurance for You!

Attention: Still Open During the Financial Crisis…

Tip: Act now to see if you qualify for lower rates!

Compare free personalized quotes from the nation’s top providers.

If you need seniors life insurance that doesn’t cost the earth and provides the benefits you need, keep these tips in mind.

Why is Seniors Life Insurance So Expensive?

Insurance is an industry built on statistics and probability. You’ve probably heard detractors refer to it as gambling, using this as a reason to refuse any form of life, travel or home insurance. To an extent, they’re right.

Just like a casino, an insurance company studies the numbers and tweaks the outcomes to ensure they always fall in their favor. A policy may award an individual $200,000 when they’ve only paid $20,000, but for every big loss there are many big gains, just as a jackpot win is offset by the countless players who walk away with nothing.

Insurance premiums are fixed based on a series of probabilities. Where life insurance is concerned, the underwriters will look at previous health conditions, genetic disorders, mental health history, drug/alcohol abuse and more, before determining how likely that individual is to cash-out the policy.

For instance, they know that smokers live 10 years less on average, and that heavy drinking and a sedentary lifestyle are two leading causes of preventable death. The average life expectancy in the US is around 78 to 79 years. If you’re purchasing a 30-year policy aged 40, and you’re a heavy smoker, recovering alcoholic who works as a writer, designer, or IT technician, and doesn’t exercise, you fall into all those demographics.

There is a high probability that you will not make it to the end of the term, in which case you’re a high risk and may be charged higher premiums, offered a reduced term or denied a policy altogether.

As a senior, you’re high risk because you’re more likely to cash in the policy than someone aged 20, 30 or 40. As a result, many insurance companies may refuse to work with you while others will simply offer you expensive policies and limited terms. To get around this, you may need to work with specialist senior life insurance companies.

Do you Need Seniors Life Insurance?

At the outset of this guide, we noted that life insurance was essential if you have dependents and no assets. That “if” is key here, because with those things, it becomes less of a concern. It would certainly benefit your family more to have a cash payout on your death, but there is no guarantee and without that guarantee you could be paying into a policy that never pays out, thus taking valuable money from your pocket and your estate.

Life insurance should be considered for seniors who:

Have a mortgage to repay
Don’t have sizeable cash reserves or assets
Are the main breadwinner
Have debts

That final point is important, because if you have lots of debt then it won’t matter if you have assets because the debt could take them away. As discussed in our guide to what happens to your money when you die, your debt will be passed onto your estate (and if you live in a Community Property Estate, it could be passed onto your spouse).

Prioritization will be declared, and tax debt will be placed at the top of the pile, after which all unsecured creditors can collect their pound of flesh.

If your debts are greater than the value of your estate, you could lose everything, assuming those debts are not forgiven upon your demise (as is the case with most student loan debt). At that point, your family will have nothing.

In this scenario, life insurance is essential. It’s also important to assign beneficiaries, ensuring that the money goes to them and not to the estate.

If your mortgage hasn’t been repaid in full and is passed onto your estate, your heirs will either need to continue making those payments or repay in full (either in cash or by selling the house). If there are additional debts that do not exceed the sum of the estate, these will be repaid, and your heirs will get what’s left.

Therefore, when calculating whether you need seniors life insurance, you need to ask yourself the following questions:

Do I live in a Community Property State? (includes Louisiana, California, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, Wisconsin, New Mexico, and Arizona).
Do I owe a lot on my mortgage?
Will my heirs struggle to pay for my funeral?
Are my debts greater than my assets?
Will I leave my heirs with substantial debts and obligations?

If your answers are negative, life insurance is an optional extra. It’s something that we recommend looking into, but not something you should commit to if you can’t find a suitable deal.

If you answered yes to most of these questions and you don’t have an existing policy, it’s worth doing all you can to acquire life insurance or to find another means of supporting your family after you’re gone.

Options for Senior Life Insurance

Unlike whole life policies, which are designed to pay out substantial sums of money in the event the policyholder dies, senior’s life insurance is often designed to payout relatively small sums.

There are typically two options for seniors seeking the protection of life insurance:

Funeral and Burial Insurance

Funerals are expensive and can cost upwards of $10,000 if you want a burial with a premium casket and all the trimmings. That’s a lot of money for your heirs to handle, but it’s something that funeral and burial insurance can cover.

Funeral and burial insurance can either be purchased through an agent or through an insurance company. In the first instance, you can make the funeral home your beneficiary, which allows you to arrange and plan your own funeral in advance, knowing that the costs will be covered and your loved ones won’t have to deal with the stress of planning and paying for a funeral while grieving.

In the second instance, everything is arranged through an insurance company and the money goes to your heirs. There is no prerequisite stating that this money must be used to pay for your funeral, but you can prepare instructions for when you pass.

Generally, these policies cost anywhere from $10 to $100 a month, depending on how much coverage you want. We recommend looking at some catalogs and discussing with funeral homes to discover how much your desired funeral will cost before applying for this insurance.

Term Life Insurance

Whole life insurance is rare for seniors due to the high risk involved. As the name suggests, whole life insurance is designed to be paid for the whole of your life, at the end of which there will be a payout. The alternative is known as term life insurance and is fixed over a specific period.

This way, there is a chance that you won’t die during the term, which means the insurance company doesn’t have to payout, reducing the risk and the costs and allowing them to offer you some favorable terms.

Term life insurance for seniors typically begins at age 60 (if you’re younger, you can apply for traditional term life insurance). Many insurance companies will stop providing these plans when you hit 75, at which point the liability is too high.

You pay a fixed sum of money every month for a predefined term, often 10 or 20 years. The insurance company will then pay out an amount if you die during that term. As an example, a healthy 60-year-old applicant on a 10-year term can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $150 a month with a $250,000 payout.

As soon as you include previous and existing health conditions into the mix, those premiums increase. You’ll also pay a lot more for a 20-year term as that will take you to 80 years old.

The Best Life Insurance Policies for Seniors

Here for a few options to consider for seniors life insurance. But don’t just take our word for it. Do some research of your own, get as many quotes as you can, and choose the best one only when you’re absolutely satisfied that you’re getting the best deal.

Haven Life

With Haven Life, you can begin your cover up to your 65th birthday. The application process is quick and simple and it’s one of the cheapest options around for seniors, with term policies costing between $50 and $100 a month on average. If you’re 59 or younger, you don’t even need a medical exam for your cover to be finalized.

Haven Life policies are underwritten by MassMutual, an insurer that has existed for over 160 years.

AIG Life

One of the biggest insurers in the United States is also one of the cheapest for seniors. You can get up to $25,000 without the need for a medical exam. This is offered to all applicants aged between 50 and 85, with payouts that begin at just $5,000.

Transamerica

Transamerica offers a final expense policy, which provides a cash sum to be used for funeral expenses and other costs. This ranges from $5,000 to $50,000 and there are multiple policy options aimed at applicants up to the age of 85.

Mutual of Omaha

Although the costs can be a little higher and the options fewer, Mutual of Omaha offers coverage up to $100,000 without the need for a medical. This is rare and will come as a welcome relief to countless applicants who don’t want the additional stress and worry of a medical exam.

What’s more, Mutual of Omaha will release part of your benefit in the event of a terminal or chronic illness.

New York Life

Apply for a policy that lasts for between 5 and 20 years and get a death benefit paid to your family when you die. There are many policy options to add and remove and very respectable premiums and payouts.

Summary: When to Apply for Seniors Life Insurance

The sooner you apply, the greater your options will be. Whether you’re 29 or 59, if you need life insurance then now is a good time to apply. A single year can make a massive difference the older you get, potentially adding tens of dollars to your monthly premiums and reducing your chances of getting the payout you seek.

As soon as you have dependents, bills, and responsibilities, look into getting a whole life or extended-term life insurance.

Source: pocketyourdollars.com

May 3, 2021

Will Becoming an Authorized User Help You Build Credit?

Authorized users are secondary account holders on another’s credit account. It usually benefits those that have little credit history and are looking to build it.

Being an authorized user means the account is yours to use, but you won’t be listed as the primary account holder. And therefore, you’re not responsible for bill payments. However, you get all credit benefits of the account, which, if done right, can help boost your credit score and credit in general.

Let’s delve into the world of authorized users to learn how and when it’s done.

How Does an Authorized User Work?

It denotes having someone share their account with you. So, you can get the credit benefits of the account.

Why would you need someone else’s credit benefits? The reason people do this is when they need their credit score boosted, or raised, in a way they’re unable to do on their own.

For example, Danny needs a high credit score within the month to be approved for a mortgage loan. Danny has zero credit cards open so his credit score is very low, in the 500’s.

Here’s where Danny would be added onto his brother Leo’s credit. Leo, who has a Capital One credit card open for the past 12 years and pays it on time every month, is going to ask Capital One to add Danny as an authorized user to this card. Within the next few days or couple of weeks at most, Danny will see the Capital One card on his own report, with himself reported as an authorized user of the account.

Danny will notice his score shoot up. How? Because Leo’s card has been open for 12 years and is in good status, which are excellent factors for a credit score. Because Danny was added as an AU to this card, his credit report now boasts a 12 year old account. FICO sees that and calculates it into his score, bringing Danny’s score up.

Danny is now eligible to apply for a loan because his score is high enough.

Those are the major benefits of being an authorized user.

How Is It Done?

Whoever is adding you to their account, be it a relative, friend, or acquaintance, will call up his/her bank with your personal information on hand. This includes your legal name, home address, date of birth, social security number. And they’ll ask the bank to add your name to his/her credit card.

Once the request has been processed and the info is reported to the credit bureaus, which can take up to 30 days, the credit card account will show up on your credit report. You’ll be labeled an authorized user of the account.

The responsibility of the account is not yours, only the primary account holder’s. Moreover, the actual credit card will be delivered to the primary account holder’s house, and not to yours. Your relationship to the account is really just that your name is being labeled on the account as an authorized user. That’s enough for you to get the account details onto your own report.

Your credit history will automatically update according to the account. If the account’s been open for 10 years, your credit history will now include a 10 year old account. Even if the account has been added to your report just a few days earlier, you still get the full credit history of the account.

To get maximum benefit, the card you’re being added to should be open for at least 2 years and have absolutely no delinquency or late payment marks. Otherwise, that would just pull your credit down.

Why Is This Really Done?

Authorized users were created to offer a parent, spouse or child a chance to start building credit. By adding a parent, spouse or child to your credit card, you give them a head start on their credit. That’s because they get your credit card reported to their credit report, adding that credit history to be considered in their score.

When Is the Appropriate TIme to Add a Child to a Credit Account?

Some banks have a minimum age from when you can add your child to your account.

	Minimum Age
Amex	13 years old
Barclay	13 years old
Bank of America	No minimum age
Chase	No minimum age
Citi	No minimum age
Capital One	No minimum age
Discover	15 years old
US Bank	16 years old

Authorized User Services

When this idea was popular, way back then, it was making waves for consumers in the credit world. People were adding authorized users not just for a spouse, parent or child, but also for acquaintances who needed their scores boosted. It got so popular that some companies even started making money. They would charge a fee to officially match up individuals to account holders of good status and credit, and have them added to the third party’s card. These companies’ clients would see instant score boosts of 100 plus points.

What’s about Authorized Users Now?

FICO were feeling that any consumer was able to boost his or her credit, regardless of their creditworthiness. FICO decided to therefore stop including authorized user accounts as part of a borrower’s credit file. The change was implemented as of the FICO 8 model.

But, the Equal Lending Act (12 CFR § 1002.6 (b) (6)) states: “In evaluating the creditworthiness of an applicant, a creditor shall consider the history, when available of accounts designated as accounts that the applicant and the applicant’s spouse are permitted to use or for which both are contractually liable.”

What that means, scoring models must include authorized user accounts as part of the account history if they’re the primary account holder’s spouse.

To this, FICO claims they can differentiate a legitimate authorized user account from a random party, and are allowed to decide per account.

Still, that cuts down on borrowers’ chances to boost their credit through authorized use.

When Is It Still In Use?

Now that authorized users were no longer an option for many, it slowed down, almost stopping completely. The only time it’s still being used is when applying for mortgages. Mortgage loans use FICO scoring models older than FICO 8. That means authorized user accounts all still get included, just like the older models always were. So, if you’re applying for a mortgage loan and you need a score boost, you may be able to be on someone’s credit and potentially boost your score, saving yourself lots of dollars in interest once the mortgage goes through.

Does Every Bank Allow Authorized Users?

As exciting as it’s made to be, for home buyers going for mortgages, even so, not every bank accepts authorized user accounts as if the account belongs to you. And they don’t count authorized user accounts as yours. Therefore, they often don’t report it to the credit bureaus. In addition, not all banks will report the complete account history. They will report the account history as of when it’s been added to your report, and not the back dated history.

Back to Danny, knowing this, he would have to make sure that the credit card Leo is adding him to, is issued by a bank that reports authorized user accounts to the credit bureaus, with the accounts complete history. Otherwise, if it was a bank that wouldn’t count authorized user accounts into the borrowers report, Danny would get nothing out of being added to the card. The bank would not report it to the credit bureaus, FICO would never see such an account on his report, and they would not include it when calculating his credit score.

It’s therefore important to know which banks report authorized user accounts to the credit bureaus. Here’s a list of those that do:

Card Issuers Who Report to Credit Bureaus

Credit card provider	Reporting to credit bureaus
American Express	Yes, if the authorized user is at least 18
Chase	Yes
Wells Fargo	Yes, if the authorized user is at least 18
Bank of America	Yes
Discover	Yes, if the authorized user is at least 15
Capital One	Yes
Citi	Yes
Barclaycard US	Yes, if the authorized user is at least 16
US Bank	Yes, if the authorized user is at least 16
TD Bank	Yes

Source: https://www.finder.com/which-credit-card-companies-report-authorized-users

Source: credit.com

March 13, 2021

Using Rebuilding Credit Cards to Rebuild Your Credit Score

From the Mint team: Mint may be compensated by some of the links that appear in this article. Our partners do not endorse, review or approve the content. Any links to Mint Partners were added after the creation of the posting. Mint Partners had no influence on the creation, direction or focus of this article unless otherwise specifically stated.

How do you start to rebuild your credit when you can’t get approved for a line of credit in the first place?

Let’s use this as a scenario: A consumer takes out a reasonably-sized loan. Maybe it’s for school, maybe for a house, maybe to start a small business. They make their payments on time and their debt slowly starts to dissolve.

Then, something bad happens.

Whether it’s a medical emergency or some other personal disaster, the borrower is no longer in a position to make their payments. They scrape and scramble to pay what they can, but their credit score continues to tank. When the dust settles, they can’t even get approved for a credit card.

This story is all too common, and the way forward isn’t always clear.

But a secured credit card might be able to help.

Whether you have a rocky credit history or have yet to establish one, a secured credit card is a great way to safely raise your score over time. Here’s what you need to know about how they work and how to use them.

Use the links below to skip ahead or read end-to-end for a comprehensive take on secured credit cards.

What Is a Secured Credit Card?

A secured credit card is halfway between a traditional unsecured credit card and a prepaid debit card. The main difference between the two is that issuers who provide secured credit cards require a cash deposit to act as collateral before giving out the card.

The deposit must usually be the same amount as the credit limit. For instance, if you get a card with a $200 credit limit you’ll have to deposit $200 of your own money. Sometimes you might qualify for a card with a deposit less than the credit limit, but it’s not very common.

Just like a security deposit pays for any damages you might incur while renting an apartment, a secured credit card deposit reassures the credit card company that you won’t run up a balance and then default on your payments.

Borrowers typically take out secured credit cards because their credit isn’t good enough to qualify for “normal” credit cards, or because they don’t have any credit history. A normal or unsecured credit card generally requires a score of 600 or more, and a score of 700 or higher is usually necessary for a first-rate cash back or travel rewards card.

Keep in mind, there are many options you can take advantage of if you’re still building your credit (in addition to secured credit cards). Student credit cards for example, are credit cards offered to current college students generally at lower credit limits and interest rates than a regular credit card.

How Can I Make the Best Use of a Secured Credit Card to Build My Credit Rating?

Building a credit score can be a bit of a catch-22. To build your credit, you need to apply and be approved for credit—but to be approved, you need good credit already.

That’s where secured credit cards come in. They report your activity to all three credit bureaus, allowing your credit to improve as you use the card. Since card providers ask for a deposit, they’re protected in case you stop making payments. It’s a win-win for everyone.

Many consumers get prepaid cards and secured credit cards confused with one another, but they act very differently. Prepaid cards are more like gift cards or debit cards than credit cards, and using them won’t help you establish a solid credit history like secured cards do. Prepaid cards also tend to charge excessive fees when you reload the card, withdraw cash, or pay your bills online.

Building credit with a secured credit card isn’t difficult. All you need to do is make one or two transactions on it every month, pay off the balance when the bill comes, and watch your credit score rise.

Here’s an easy way to use a secured card responsibly: pick a recurring monthly bill that doesn’t make up more than 30% of your credit limit and put it on the secured card. As long as you don’t use the card for anything else, this will keep you consistently under the 30% credit utilization limit needed to improve your credit score.

For example, if you have a $200 credit limit and your monthly cell phone bill is $50 a month, that’s below the 30% mark. Pay your cell phone bill with the secured card every month and wait for the billing statement to be issued. Then, pay the secured card bill.

After a few months of paying your bills on time, the credit card issuer may automatically offer you a traditional credit card and return your deposit to you. You can also call and ask them to convert the card to a normal one. Depending on your previous credit history, this may only take a few months.

Once you get a normal credit card, continue the same pattern. Pay a few bills with it, wait for the statement to come, and then pay off the total balance.

To see if the secured card is working, check your credit score once a month. You can find your credit score for free through your Mint account, and you can request a free copy of your credit report from each of the three credit bureaus – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion – through AnnualCreditReport.com. You’re entitled to a free copy of your credit report once a year, so most experts recommend checking your credit report every quarter with one of the three credit bureaus.

Some secured credit cards provide a free credit score as a special feature, including Capital One and First National Bank.

Where Can I Get a Secured Credit Card?

If a secured credit card seems like a viable option for your financial situation, you’ll be glad to know you have plenty of choices when it comes to finding credit cards for rebuilding credit. Many major banks offer secured credit card programs including:

Bank of America
Capital One
Citi
Discover
USAA
U.S. Bank
Wells Fargo

Do all banks offer secured credit cards?

Not all banks offer secured credit cards, but those that do all have their own way of structuring their card agreements—so it’s important to know how to compare your options.

How to Compare Secured Credit Cards

Like normal credit cards, every secured credit card has its own fees, interest rates, and perks. Here are the criteria to use when comparing different secured cards.

What kind of charges will there be?

Interest rate or APR

Each card has a unique interest rate or APR that can vary depending on your credit history. Secured cards usually have higher APRs than traditional credit cards. The interest rate only matters if you don’t pay off the entire balance when it’s due, so ignore this if you’re a responsible borrower.

Annual fee

Some secured cards will charge you a nonrefundable annual fee, ranging from $29 to $99. Not every card has an annual fee, so if possible you should apply for ones that don’t.

Late fee

Each card has its own schedule, but most fees are between $25 and $35. You can avoid these easily by paying on time every month or setting up auto-pay.

Foreign transaction fees

If you love to travel, you probably know that using a credit card abroad can result in unnecessary fees. Before you sign up for a secured card, check their policy on foreign transaction fees. Most charge the standard 3% foreign transaction fee, but a few, like Discover it® Secured, don’t.

Other factors to consider

Cash-back or other rewards

Almost every credit card these days offers cash-back or points when you use the card. It’s less common for a secured card to provide perks, but a few offer cash-back, like Discover it® Secured. Most secured cards at least give free travel accident insurance, rental car coverage, and fraud protection.

Security deposit

The required security deposit is unique for each card. Most ask that you put down an amount equal to the credit limit, but some cards give you the option of putting down less. This special option is only available if you don’t have a terrible credit history. The security deposit will be returned when you close the account unless you’re behind on payments.

Credit limit

The credit limit on secured cards is generally low, usually with a max of $200 to $300. There are exceptions to the rule, such as the First National Bank Secured Visa® Card with a $5,000 credit cap.

Takeaways: Secured Credit Cards

Whether you’re looking for credit cards for rebuilding credit or cards that will help you establish a credit history in the first place, secured credit cards are a great option to consider. When comparing secured credit card offers, be sure to review each credit agreement to ensure you’re making a decision that makes the most sense for you.

Learn more about security

Source: mint.intuit.com

February 28, 2021

7 Questions to Ask a Life Insurance Agent

Life Insurance

A life insurance agent can make the process of buying life insurance much easier. They can find you the best deals and ensure you’re completely covered. This is important, as close to a third of all Americans admit to lacking confidence about the insurance application process and can’t answer many basic questions about their needs and the coverage they seek.

Find the Right Life Insurance for You!

Attention: Still Open During the Financial Crisis…

Tip: Act now to see if you qualify for lower rates!

Compare free personalized quotes from the nation’s top providers.

But what sort of questions should you be asking your life insurance agent and what answers can you expect in reply?

Who is Offering the Insurance?

Does your life insurance agent work on behalf of a single company or multiple companies? What are the names of those companies, and can you verify their legitimacy using a simple Google search?

No two insurance companies are the same. Many policyholders focus their attention solely on the price of the policy and the coverage it provides. But the company’s history of payouts and its reputation also comes into it. A cheap life insurance policy is pointless if the company has a reputation for not paying out.

Fortunately, it has never been easier to determine the legitimacy of an insurance company and a simple online search is all you need.

What Are the Guarantees?

The numbers you need to focus on the most are the guaranteed ones. This tells you how much a permanent policy will pay regardless of market changes. The projected figures are subject to change, but the guaranteed figures will provide you with some stability and assurances over the term of the policy.

Will It Adjust for Inflation?

It’s important to make sure the grant you receive will be paid after adjusting for inflation, because what seems like a lot of cash today may be worth much less in the future after years or decades of inflation.

$250,000 can seem like a huge sum of money today. If anything happens to your spouse and they are the breadwinner, this money can help to clear the mortgage and bolster your savings, securing you for years to come and allowing you to prepare for a future without them.

In forty years, however, $250,000 may count for very little. As an example, let’s imagine that you took out an insurance policy for your spouse in 1980 and they have just passed away. That policy was $100,000 at the time and this was a huge sum, enough to buy you two houses or 13 cars based on the national average rate.

Today, after accounting for inflation, that sum would be over $315,000, which is also a lot of money (although not quite enough for two houses). However, if the policy didn’t adjust for inflation, you’d get $100,000, which simply isn’t enough to cover an individual for life, especially if they have just lost most of their household income and still have a big mortgage to repay.

What Happens in the Future?

What happens to your policy as you age, can you switch your term policy to a permanent one, what options do you have, and can you save any more doing this? The older you are, the more you will pay, and by quite a considerable amount.

What costs you $100 a year when you’re in your forties could cost you $500 a month when you’re in your seventies. You’re a higher risk, and because life insurance is based on probability, you will be expected to pay a lot more.

Are You Covered if You Become Ill or Disabled?

Life insurance is designed to support your family in the event of your demise. However, you have your own wellbeing to think about as well. What happens if you become disabled or fall ill—what happens if you can no longer work and have growing medical bills to worry about?

This could place a big financial burden on your household and it’s something that you need to prepare for. Ask your life insurance agent if you will be covered in the event that you fall ill or become disabled. And, if so, what will that cover provide?

Many life insurance policies offer some kind of disability or illness cover, but this can vary greatly from policy to policy. More importantly, life insurance companies have their own definitions of what constitutes “disabled”. For some, it’s the inability to perform specific actions; for others, it’s about being unable to perform any actions at all.

What Happens if I Can’t Pay the Premium?

Life insurance providers are not as forgiving as banks and creditors when it comes to missed payments. They won’t chase you down, give you multiple chances, and then offer payment plans and other assistance programs to get those payments started again. In many ways, the ideal outcome for a life insurance company is if you meet the payments for twenty years and then stop.

That way, they have secured a sizeable profit without the risk of a payout. And if you need to resign, you’re now much older and will, therefore, have higher premiums to repay.

Discuss this potential issue with your life insurance agent in advance. Ask about grace periods and automatic premium loans; the former will give you a break to allow you to find your feet again, the latter will allow you to borrow against the policy.

What if Your Health Improves?

If your health gets gradually worse, your policy shouldn’t change and that’s a good thing, otherwise, life insurance would be pretty pointless. However, if you’re not in the best of health when you take out the policy, but this soon improves, there’s a chance you could get a discount.

Ask your life insurance agent what your options are in the future if your health or your situation changes. You could get a new underwriting if you lose weight, stop smoking, stop drinking or remove some other negative trait that initially increased your premiums.

Summary: Keep the Questions Coming

Life insurance agents are there to answer questions and support you in whatever way they can. Obviously, they benefit more if you don’t take up too much of their time, agree with the first policy they offer you and quickly sign on the dotted line. But you’re not there to make their life easier, you’re there to make a commitment that will impact you for years to come, one that will continue to provide for your family after you’re gone.

It’s important, therefore, to take your time and get everything off your mind. Don’t worry about sounding stupid and asking a question you feel you should know the answer to. You’d be surprised at how little the general population knows about life insurance and how common the most basic of questions are.

The most important thing is that you get the answers you seek and the policy you need. If that means asking a string of questions and making a life insurance agent wish they’d never met you, so be it!

Source: pocketyourdollars.com

January 27, 2021

The Smart Way to Rebuild Credit

April 1, 2014 &• min read by Christine DiGangi

0 Comments

div#contentdisclaimer background: #fff;padding: 1.5em;line-height: 1.25em;max-width: 500px;
Advertiser Disclosure

Disclaimer

Even if you’re not the most organized person, you should have a plan for building a good credit score. The good news is building credit isn’t complicated — you just need to know a few things to get started.

Know What You’re Dealing With

If you don’t know what’s broken, you’re going to struggle to fix it. If you want to improve your credit score, the first thing you need to do is look at your credit reports. You’re entitled to a free annual copy from each of the three major credit reporting agencies, and your scores will be based on the information in these reports.

Your credit report lists all sorts of information about you, from loans and credit accounts to report inquiries (when a third party requests your report) and collections accounts. It will show how much debt you have, your overall credit limit, the dates you opened accounts and if you’ve paid your bills on time — it’s a lot of information, which can be overwhelming, but everything is labeled pretty clearly.

Get It Now
Privacy Policy

Identify Problems

Once you have your credit reports in hand, look for anything you don’t recognize. If you see an account listed that doesn’t belong to you, it could be a mix-up or a sign that someone is fraudulently using your personal information. Make sure your name is spelled correctly, that your address is right and all your payment history looks accurate. You should dispute anything that is incorrect by following the dispute directions on Experian, Equifax and TransUnion’s websites.

Assuming everything is accurate, look at what may be having a negative impact on your credit standing: Do you have late payments? Do you use a lot of your available credit? Did you apply for a lot of credit cards or loans within a 12-month period? These are all things that could lower your credit score. Your score may also be suffering if the average age of your credit accounts is less than seven years or if you only have one type of credit in your name, as opposed to a mix of loans and credit cards.

Set Goals and Track Progress

Once you’ve identified the issues, the path forward can be pretty simple: If you’re late on making payments, do whatever you can to set a streak of on-time ones. Automatic payments and calendar reminders are really helpful for that. If you notice you’re carrying a lot of debt in comparison to your available credit, try to pay it down and reduce your spending — keeping your credit utilization rate below 30% (or better yet, below 10%), will help raise your score.

The most effective strategy for improving your credit score is to watch it change over time. There are dozens of credit scoring models out there — some are used by lenders and others are educational — but they all give you an idea of where you stand. There are also tools available with a free Credit.com account that allow you to gauge your credit weaknesses in addition to comparing your score from month to month.

You’ll never know which score a lender will use to assess your credit risk ahead of when you apply, so the best thing you can do is pick a score or two that you can access regularly (ideally for free), and compare the same score periodically. Your Credit.com account will show you why your score improved or fell, but you can also get a pretty good idea of that by thinking back on what you’ve done since the last time you’ve checked your score.

Awareness makes a big difference in financial behavior. Watching your score drop if you’re late on a payment or seeing it spike after cutting your debt can be a great source of motivation as you go forward, and figuring it out requires minimal effort on your part, as long as you make a habit of checking your score.

More on Credit Reports and Credit Scores:

Image: Copestello

#animation-wrapper max-width: 450px; margin: 0 auto; width: auto; height: 600px; font-family: ProximaNova-Regular, Arial, sans-serif; #animation-wrapper .box background: linear-gradient(#0095D8, #1D4BB6); color: #fff; text-align: center; font-family: ProximaNova-Regular, Arial, sans-serif; height: 130px; padding-top: 10px; .content .box p margin: 0 0; .box .btn-primary color: #fff; background-color: #ff7f00; margin: 10px 0; .chat ul margin: 0; padding: 0; list-style: none; .message-left .message-time display: block; font-size: 12px; text-align: left; padding-left: 30px; padding-top: 4px; color: #ccc; font-family: Courier; .message-right .message-time display: block; font-size: 12px; text-align: right; padding-right: 20px; padding-top: 4px; color: #ccc; font-family: Courier; .message-left text-align: left; margin-bottom: 7px; .message-left .message-text max-width: 80%; display: inline-block; background: #0095D8; padding: 13px; font-size: 14px; color: #fff; border-radius: 30px; font-weight: 100; line-height: 1.5em; .message-right text-align: right; margin-bottom: 7px; .message-right .message-text line-height: 1.5em; display: inline-block; background: #1D4BB6; padding: 13px; font-size: 14px; color: #fff; border-radius: 30px; line-height: 1.5em; font-weight: 100; text-align: left; .chat background: #fff; margin: 0; border-radius: 0; .chat-container height: 450px; padding: 5px 15px; overflow: hidden; .spinme-right display: inline-block; padding: 15px 20px; font-size: 14px; border-radius: 30px; line-height: 1.25em; font-weight: 100; opacity: .2; .spinme-left display: inline-block; padding: 15px 20px; font-size: 14px; color: #ccc; border-radius: 30px; line-height: 1.25em; font-weight: 100; opacity: .2; .spinner margin: 0; width: 30px; text-align: center; .spinner>div width: 10px; height: 10px; border-radius: 100%; display: inline-block; -webkit-animation: sk-bouncedelay 1.4s infinite ease-in-out both; animation: sk-bouncedelay 1.4s infinite ease-in-out both; background: #000; .spinner .bounce1 -webkit-animation-delay: -.32s; animation-delay: -.32s; .spinner .bounce2 -webkit-animation-delay: -.16s; animation-delay: -.16s; @-webkit-keyframes sk-bouncedelay 0%, 100%, 80% -webkit-transform: scale(0); 40% -webkit-transform: scale(1); @keyframes sk-bouncedelay 0%, 100%, 80% -webkit-transform: scale(0); transform: scale(0); 40% -webkit-transform: scale(1); transform: scale(1); .ad-container padding: 15px 30px; background-color: #fff; max-width: 690px; box-shadow: 1px 1px 4px #888; margin: 20px auto; .ad padding: 10px 6px; max-width: 630px; .ad-title font-size: 20px; color: #07b; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 6px; letter-spacing: -.32px; .ad-link line-height: 18px; padding-left: 26px; position: relative; .ad-link::before content: ‘Ad’; color: #006621; font-size: 10px; width: 21px; line-height: 12px; padding: 2px 0; text-align: center; border: 1px solid #006621; border-radius: 4px; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; position: absolute; left: 0; .ad-link a color: #006621; text-decoration: none; font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px; .ad-copy color: #000; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; letter-spacing: -.34px; margin-top: 6px; display: inline-block; .ad .breaker font-size: 0; .box .box-desc font-family: ProximaNova-Bold, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17px; font-weight: 600; width: 225px; margin: 0 auto; .btn display: inline-block; margin-bottom: 0; font-weight: 400; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; touch-action: manipulation; cursor: pointer; background-image: none; border: 1px solid transparent; white-space: nowrap; padding: 6px 12px; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.428571429; border-radius: 4px; -webkit-user-select: none; -moz-user-select: none; -ms-user-select: none; user-select: none; font-family: ProximaNova-Semibold, Arial, sans-serif; text-decoration: none; .btn-group-lg>.btn, .btn-lg padding: 10px 16px; font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.3333333; border-radius: 6px; #ad-4 font-family: Arial, sans-serif; background-color: #fff; #ad-4 .ad-title color: #2130ab; #animation-wrapper .cta-ec background: #79af3e; color: #fff; width: 155px; height: 41px; font-family: ProximaNova-Semibold, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 10px auto 4px auto; #animation-wrapper .ec-logo display: block; margin: 0 auto; width: 140px; @media (max-width:500px) .ad padding: 20px 18px; max-width: 630px;

Get everything you need to master your credit today.

Get started

Source: credit.com

January 26, 2021

How to Use Your Wanderlust to Build Credit

June 15, 2016 &• min read by Jill Krasny

0 Comments

div#contentdisclaimer background: #fff;padding: 1.5em;line-height: 1.25em;max-width: 500px;
Advertiser Disclosure

Disclaimer

Love to travel? Good news: There are ways to put that wanderlust to use with a travel rewards credit card.

Though travel rewards cards aren’t the easiest to get approved for as they require an excellent or good credit score, those who are able to snag one can use it to build better credit. (Just remember, before you apply it’s important to know where you stand so you don’t get turned down only to see your score suffer as a result of the inquiry.)

Travel Rewards Cards & Credit

A travel rewards credit card lets accountholders earn points or miles that can be put towards hotel stays, airfare and other travel expenses. These rewards can help travelers lower the cost of vacations, and the card itself can be a good tool for building credit.

If you make payments on time, eventually your score will begin to rise because this behavior creates a positive payment history, an important factor in credit scoring models. The card’s credit limit will also count toward your credit utilization rate, which is another big factor in scoring models. Your credit utilization rate is how much debt you carry versus your total available credit. For best credit scoring results, it’s recommended that you keep your debt below 10% and at least 30% of your credit limit(s). So if you charge a vacation and then pay most or all of the purchases off right away, your score could benefit.

You can keep track of how your usage and payments are affecting your credit by signing up for Credit.com’s free credit report summary. Beyond seeing your credit scores, you’ll be able to check how you’re doing in five key areas of your credit report that determine your credit score, including payment history, debt usage, inquiries, credit age and account mix.

[embedded content]

Since interest rates for travel rewards cards tend to vary depending on creditworthiness, you’ll want to be mindful about carrying a balance. Doing so could hamper your credit goals, and the interest you pay could exceed whatever you’ve managed to glean from rewards. Many travel rewards cards carry annual fees, too, so you’ll want to make sure your spending habits justify the potential cost. (You can read about the best travel credit cards in America here.) Of course, making purchases on your card and paying them off quickly (and on time) will generally boost your credit.

Remember, if your credit is looking a little lackluster and you’re having a hard time qualifying for any type of credit card, you may be able to improve your scores by disputing errors on your credit report, paying down high credit card balances and limiting new credit inquiries until your score bounces back.

More on Credit Cards:

Image: Geber86

Get everything you need to master your credit today.

Get started

Source: credit.com

January 26, 2021

How to Start Building Credit Once You Turn 18

div#contentdisclaimer background: #fff;padding: 1.5em;line-height: 1.25em;max-width: 500px;
Advertiser Disclosure

Disclaimer

Good credit is crucial to unlocking many financial opportunities in life. When you have a great credit score, you can get lower interest rates on car loans, credit cards and mortgages. Some employers and landlords even check credit reports before they make a job offer or approve a resident application. While developing a solid credit history takes time, follow some of these tips on how to establish credit once you turn 18 to get started as soon as possible.

1. Understand the Basics of Credit

Make sure you understand the basics of how credit works. Your credit reports are maintained by three major credit bureaus—Experian, TransUnion and Equifax. It contains data on your current and past debts, payment history, residential history and other facts. This data is supplied by lenders, creditors and businesses where you have accounts.

The information contained in your credit report determines your credit score. Higher credit scores are more attractive to lenders and creditors. The factors that influence your score include:

As a new adult, some of these factors may not currently apply to you. However, they can all negatively or positively affect your score, depending on your behavior as a consumer. Educating yourself on credit now helps you avoid costly mistakes in the future.

2. Monitor Your Credit Report and Credit Score

Now that you understand the basics of building credit, you need to start monitoring your report and credit score. Monitoring your credit is one of the best ways to learn what will positively or negatively impact your scores. It also helps you catch inaccuracies or signs of identity theft sooner.

#animation-wrapper max-width: 450px; margin: 0 auto; width: auto; height: 600px; font-family: ProximaNova-Regular, Arial, sans-serif; #animation-wrapper .box background: linear-gradient(#0095D8, #1D4BB6); color: #fff; text-align: center; font-family: ProximaNova-Regular, Arial, sans-serif; height: 130px; padding-top: 10px; .content .box p margin: 0 0; .box .btn-primary color: #fff; background-color: #ff7f00; margin: 10px 0; .chat ul margin: 0; padding: 0; list-style: none; .message-left .message-time display: block; font-size: 12px; text-align: left; padding-left: 30px; padding-top: 4px; color: #ccc; font-family: Courier; .message-right .message-time display: block; font-size: 12px; text-align: right; padding-right: 20px; padding-top: 4px; color: #ccc; font-family: Courier; .message-left text-align: left; margin-bottom: 5px; .message-left .message-text max-width: 80%; display: inline-block; background: #0095D8; padding: 10px 13px; font-size: 14px; color: #fff; border-radius: 30px; font-weight: 100; line-height: 1.5em; .message-right text-align: right; margin-bottom: 5px; .message-right .message-text line-height: 1.5em; display: inline-block; background: #1D4BB6; padding: 10px 13px; font-size: 14px; color: #fff; border-radius: 30px; line-height: 1.5em; font-weight: 100; text-align: left; .chat background: #fff; margin: 0; border-radius: 0; .chat-container height: 450px; padding: 5px 15px; overflow: hidden; .spinme-right display: inline-block; padding: 15px 20px; font-size: 14px; border-radius: 30px; line-height: 1.25em; font-weight: 100; opacity: .2; .spinme-left display: inline-block; padding: 15px 20px; font-size: 14px; color: #ccc; border-radius: 30px; line-height: 1.25em; font-weight: 100; opacity: .2; .spinner margin: 0; width: 30px; text-align: center; .spinner>div width: 10px; height: 10px; border-radius: 100%; display: inline-block; -webkit-animation: sk-bouncedelay 1.4s infinite ease-in-out both; animation: sk-bouncedelay 1.4s infinite ease-in-out both; background: #000; .spinner .bounce1 -webkit-animation-delay: -.32s; animation-delay: -.32s; .spinner .bounce2 -webkit-animation-delay: -.16s; animation-delay: -.16s; @-webkit-keyframes sk-bouncedelay 0%, 100%, 80% -webkit-transform: scale(0); 40% -webkit-transform: scale(1); @keyframes sk-bouncedelay 0%, 100%, 80% -webkit-transform: scale(0); transform: scale(0); 40% -webkit-transform: scale(1); transform: scale(1); .ad-container padding: 15px 30px; background-color: #fff; max-width: 690px; box-shadow: 1px 1px 4px #888; margin: 20px auto; .ad padding: 10px 6px; max-width: 630px; .ad-title font-size: 20px; color: #07b; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 6px; letter-spacing: -.32px; .ad-link line-height: 18px; padding-left: 26px; position: relative; .ad-link::before content: ‘Ad’; color: #006621; font-size: 10px; width: 21px; line-height: 12px; padding: 2px 0; text-align: center; border: 1px solid #006621; border-radius: 4px; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; position: absolute; left: 0; .ad-link a color: #006621; text-decoration: none; font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px; .ad-copy color: #000; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; letter-spacing: -.34px; margin-top: 6px; display: inline-block; .ad .breaker font-size: 0; .box .box-desc font-family: ProximaNova-Bold, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17px; font-weight: 600; width: 225px; margin: 0 auto; .btn display: inline-block; margin-bottom: 0; font-weight: 400; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; touch-action: manipulation; cursor: pointer; background-image: none; border: 1px solid transparent; white-space: nowrap; padding: 6px 12px; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.428571429; border-radius: 4px; -webkit-user-select: none; -moz-user-select: none; -ms-user-select: none; user-select: none; font-family: ProximaNova-Semibold, Arial, sans-serif; text-decoration: none; .btn-group-lg>.btn, .btn-lg padding: 10px 16px; font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.3333333; border-radius: 6px; #ad-4 font-family: Arial, sans-serif; background-color: #fff; #ad-4 .ad-title color: #2130ab; #animation-wrapper .cta-ec background: #79af3e; color: #fff; width: 155px; height: 41px; font-family: ProximaNova-Semibold, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 10px auto 4px auto; #animation-wrapper .ec-logo display: block; margin: 0 auto; width: 140px; @media (max-width:500px) .ad padding: 20px 18px; max-width: 630px;

Get everything you need to master your credit today.

Get started

You can check your credit report for free annually with each major credit bureau. As you review your report, look for any negative or inaccurate information that could be screwing up your credit. You can also check your credit score, updated every 14 days, for free at Credit.com.

If you’re really serious about understanding your credit reports and scores, sign up for ExtraCredit. With Track It, you can see 28 of your FICO scores and credit reports from all three credit bureaus.

3. Sign Up for ExtraCredit

ExtraCredit does more than just show you your credit scores. Have you recently started paying rent or utilities? BuildIt will add them as new tradelines with all three credit bureaus. That means you’ll get credit for bills you’re already paying—building your credit profile each month.

4. Become an Authorized User

If you have a friend or family member willing to add you as an authorized user on their credit card, you can piggyback off their credit card activity to help establish your credit. Even if you don’t use the card, the account can still land on your credit report and potentially positively impact your score.

This method poses some risks to the primary cardholder and you, the authorized user. If you or the primary cardholder rack up too much debt or miss payments, that activity could end up damaging the credit of both parties.

You should also verify that the credit card company in question reports card activity to the credit file of authorized users. If they don’t, your credit won’t see any benefit.

5. Get a Starter Credit Card

Credit cards are one of the best tools around for building credit, but you might have trouble qualifying for one when you have no credit history. Luckily, there are a few credit card options for young people with little or no credit.

Unsecured Credit Cards: If you don’t have the money to make a security deposit, consider an unsecured credit card such as the Avant Credit Card. This card offers a process that presents you with a credit line based on your creditworthiness before you apply. It also has no penalty or hidden fees—a perfect fit for any young adult’s starter card. You do need at least some fair credit history to be approved, though.

Avant Credit Card

Card Details

Intro Apr:

Ongoing Apr:

25.99% (variable)

Balance Transfer:

Annual Fee:

Credit Needed:

Snapshot of Card Features

No deposit required
No penalty APR
No hidden fees
Fast and easy application process
Help strengthen your credit history with responsible use
Disclosure: If you are charged interest, the charge will be no less than $1.00. Cash Advance Fee: The greater of $10 or 3% of the amount of the cash advance
Avant branded credit products are issued by WebBank, member FDIC

Card Details +

Secured Credit Cards: A secured credit card requires an upfront security deposit to open. Your deposit will typically equal your initial credit limit. For example, a $500 security deposit would get you a $500 credit limit. These cards are easier to qualify for, and you can use them to make purchases, just like traditional credit cards, while also establishing some credit history.

OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card

Card Details

Intro Apr:

Ongoing Apr:

17.39% (variable)

Balance Transfer:

Annual Fee:

Credit Needed:

Fair-Poor-Bad-No Credit

Snapshot of Card Features

No credit check necessary to apply. OpenSky believes in giving an opportunity to everyone.
The refundable* deposit you provide becomes your credit line limit on your Visa card. Choose it yourself, from as low as $200.
Build credit quickly. OpenSky reports to all 3 major credit bureaus.
99% of our customers who started without a credit score earned a credit score record with the credit bureaus in as little as 6 months.
We have a Facebook community of people just like you; there is a forum for shared experiences, and insights from others on our Facebook Fan page. (Search “OpenSky Card” in Facebook.)
OpenSky provides credit tips and a dedicated credit education page on our website to support you along the way.
*View our Cardholder Agreement located at the bottom of the application page for details of the card

Card Details +

6. Make Payments on Time

Making timely payments is the most important thing you can do to build credit, as payment history makes up 35% of your credit score. This applies to credit cards, loans, utilities such as cell phone services and any other account that requires a monthly payment. No matter the account type, a late or missed payment that lands on your credit report can do significant damage to your credit score.

7. Maintain a Low Credit Card Balance

Your credit utilization ratio, or the amount of available credit you have tied up in debt, is another major contributor to your credit score. Most experts recommend keeping your credit card balances below 30% of the available credit limit. Ideally, you should pay your balance off in full each month to avoid interest and keep your utilization low.

8. Get a Loan

Getting a loan just to build credit is generally not a good idea, as you shouldn’t take on debt only for the sake of your credit score. But if you have a valid reason, such as needing a car or money for college, a small loan in your name can help you build credit.

As with credit cards, loans only build a good credit history if you pay them on time every month. You also want to ensure your creditor reports payments to the credit bureau. If you also have a credit card, getting a loan can help improve your account mix, which makes up around 10% of your credit score.

9. Keep It Simple for Now

The more credit cards and loans you open, the higher your chances are of falling into debt. When you’re just starting out, you should probably play it safe and manage one basic credit card and/or small loan until you get the hang of things. Trying to manage too many debts at once could get you in over your head.

Over time, you can start to add other credit cards or loans to the mix, diversifying your credit profile and adding more opportunities to build credit. And because the age of your accounts affects your credit score, just keeping accounts open will help you build credit history in the long run. When you’re starting to figure out how to build your credit, do it slowly, carefully and with a constant eye on your statements and credit reports.

Get everything you need to master your credit today.

Get started

Source: credit.com

January 25, 2021

How to Use Your Cable Bill to Build Credit

June 2, 2016 &• min read by Jeanine Skowronski

0 Comments

div#contentdisclaimer background: #fff;padding: 1.5em;line-height: 1.25em;max-width: 500px;
Advertiser Disclosure

Disclaimer

Cable companies aren’t in the habit of reporting your payments to the credit bureaus, at least when it comes to your traditional credit reports. But if that’s something you want, there is a way to get those monthly bills to help your credit score.

Simply put, consider paying for cable with your credit card.

#animation-wrapper max-width: 450px; margin: 0 auto; width: auto; height: 600px; font-family: ProximaNova-Regular, Arial, sans-serif; #animation-wrapper .box background: linear-gradient(#0095D8, #1D4BB6); color: #fff; text-align: center; font-family: ProximaNova-Regular, Arial, sans-serif; height: 130px; padding-top: 10px; .content .box p margin: 0 0; .box .btn-primary color: #fff; background-color: #ff7f00; margin: 10px 0; .chat ul margin: 0; padding: 0; list-style: none; .message-left .message-time display: block; font-size: 12px; text-align: left; padding-left: 30px; padding-top: 4px; color: #ccc; font-family: Courier; .message-right .message-time display: block; font-size: 12px; text-align: right; padding-right: 20px; padding-top: 4px; color: #ccc; font-family: Courier; .message-left text-align: left; margin-bottom: 6px; .message-left .message-text max-width: 80%; display: inline-block; background: #0095D8; padding: 8px 15px; font-size: 14px; color: #fff; border-radius: 30px; font-weight: 100; line-height: 1.5em; .message-right text-align: right; margin-bottom: 6px; .message-right .message-text line-height: 1.5em; display: inline-block; background: #1D4BB6; padding: 8px 15px; font-size: 14px; color: #fff; border-radius: 30px; line-height: 1.5em; font-weight: 100; text-align: left; .chat background: #fff; margin: 0; border-radius: 0; .chat-container height: 450px; padding: 5px 15px; overflow: hidden; .spinme-right display: inline-block; padding: 15px 20px; font-size: 14px; border-radius: 30px; line-height: 1.25em; font-weight: 100; opacity: .2; .spinme-left display: inline-block; padding: 15px 20px; font-size: 14px; color: #ccc; border-radius: 30px; line-height: 1.25em; font-weight: 100; opacity: .2; .spinner margin: 0; width: 30px; text-align: center; .spinner>div width: 10px; height: 10px; border-radius: 100%; display: inline-block; -webkit-animation: sk-bouncedelay 1.4s infinite ease-in-out both; animation: sk-bouncedelay 1.4s infinite ease-in-out both; background: #000; .spinner .bounce1 -webkit-animation-delay: -.32s; animation-delay: -.32s; .spinner .bounce2 -webkit-animation-delay: -.16s; animation-delay: -.16s; @-webkit-keyframes sk-bouncedelay 0%, 100%, 80% -webkit-transform: scale(0); 40% -webkit-transform: scale(1); @keyframes sk-bouncedelay 0%, 100%, 80% -webkit-transform: scale(0); transform: scale(0); 40% -webkit-transform: scale(1); transform: scale(1); .ad-container padding: 15px 30px; background-color: #fff; max-width: 690px; box-shadow: 1px 1px 4px #888; margin: 20px auto; .ad padding: 10px 6px; max-width: 630px; .ad-title font-size: 20px; color: #07b; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 6px; letter-spacing: -.32px; .ad-link line-height: 18px; padding-left: 26px; position: relative; .ad-link::before content: ‘Ad’; color: #006621; font-size: 10px; width: 21px; line-height: 12px; padding: 2px 0; text-align: center; border: 1px solid #006621; border-radius: 4px; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; position: absolute; left: 0; .ad-link a color: #006621; text-decoration: none; font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px; .ad-copy color: #000; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; letter-spacing: -.34px; margin-top: 6px; display: inline-block; .ad .breaker font-size: 0; .box .box-desc font-family: ProximaNova-Bold, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17px; font-weight: 600; width: 225px; margin: 0 auto; .btn display: inline-block; margin-bottom: 0; font-weight: 400; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; touch-action: manipulation; cursor: pointer; background-image: none; border: 1px solid transparent; white-space: nowrap; padding: 6px 12px; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.428571429; border-radius: 4px; -webkit-user-select: none; -moz-user-select: none; -ms-user-select: none; user-select: none; font-family: ProximaNova-Semibold, Arial, sans-serif; text-decoration: none; .btn-group-lg>.btn, .btn-lg padding: 10px 16px; font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.3333333; border-radius: 6px; #ad-4 font-family: Arial, sans-serif; background-color: #fff; #ad-4 .ad-title color: #2130ab; #animation-wrapper .cta-ec background: #79af3e; color: #fff; width: 155px; height: 41px; font-family: ProximaNova-Semibold, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 10px auto 4px auto; #animation-wrapper .ec-logo display: block; margin: 0 auto; width: 140px; @media (max-width:500px) .ad padding: 20px 18px; max-width: 630px;

I just watched a documentary on the dark web, and I will never feel safe using my credit card again!
Luckily I don’t have to worry about that. I have ExtraCredit, so I get $1,000,000 ID protection and dark web scans.
I need that peace of mind in my life. What else do you get with ExtraCredit?
It’s basically everything my credit needs. I get 28 FICO® scores, rent and utility reporting, cash rewards and even a discount to one of the leaders in credit repair.
It’s settled; I’m getting ExtraCredit tonight. Totally unrelated, but any suggestions for my new fear of sharks? I watched that documentary too.
…we live in Oklahoma.

Get everything you need to master your credit today.

Get started

Unlike cable providers, credit card issuers do generally report to the major credit reporting agencies, so using your plastic to pay for a bill that you’re already in the habit of covering from month to month can help you build a payment history, the single biggest factor in establishing credit scores.

Find Your Card Now
Privacy Policy

Of course, for this strategy to work, you have to pay that credit card off on time and, ideally, in full. Otherwise, it will have the opposite effect on your score and you’ll wind up paying interest just to watch your favorite television shows.

To make sure you don’t miss a payment, sign up for alerts or, even, set your credit card bill to auto-pay. You could also pay the charge off via a linked debit card account as soon as it’s processed if you’re worried about winding up with a big balance (which could affect your credit utilization, another major factor of credit scores) at the end of the month.

A Few More Tips & Tricks

There’s a chance that your provider will charge a fee for paying by credit card, so be sure to check that there’s no extra charge before using this method. And, if you do set that credit card to auto-pay, monitor your monthly cable statements. You don’t want to miss a new fee or billing error and wind up paying more than you owe or intended.

Rewards credit cards can earn you some points, miles or cash back, so if you have one in your wallet, you might want to use that particular piece of plastic to pay your cable bill. If your credit is on the brink and you don’t have any credit cards, you can consider applying for (and then using) a secured credit card, which is designed specifically to help people build credit. (You can learn more about the best secured credit cards in America here.)

[embedded content]

A Quick Reminder

Unpaid cable bills can damage your credit, even when they’re not being covered by a credit card. Accounts that go unpaid long enough can wind up in collections, which will hurt your scores. (You can see how any collections accounts may be affecting your credit by viewing your free credit score, updated every 14 days, on Credit.com.)

If your credit is in rough shape, due to an collection account or other payment history troubles, you may be able to improve your scores by paying delinquent accounts, addressing high credit card balances and disputing any errors that may be weighing them down. And remember, you can build good credit in the long term by making all loan payments on time, keeping debt levels low and adding to the mix of accounts you have, as your score and wallet can handle it.

More on Credit Reports & Credit Scores:

Image: Ivanko_Brnjakovic

Get everything you need to master your credit today.

Get started

Source: credit.com

January 25, 2021

A Guide to Universal Life Insurance

Life Insurance

Universal life insurance is a type of permanent life insurance, offering both a cash value and a death benefit. It offers numerous tax benefits and is often considered to be a combination of a life insurance policy and an investment; it can pay dividends, be cashed out, and offers a guaranteed death benefit at the same time.

Find the Right Life Insurance for You!

Attention: Still Open During the Financial Crisis…

Tip: Act now to see if you qualify for lower rates!

Compare free personalized quotes from the nation’s top providers.

How Does Universal Life Insurance Work?

Universal life insurance is split into two different components: the cost of insurance, known as the COI, and the cash value; and unlike whole life insurance and term life insurance, it can be adjusted over time. The cost of insurance is simply the price needed to keep the policy alive and it includes elements such as administration charges and mortality costs.

As for the cash value, this includes all accumulated premiums that exceed the necessary cost of insurance. This sum will increase as it earns interest in line with the market rate. The policyholder can choose to increase or decrease premium payments, as well as the rate at which they are paid, which is why this type of insurance is also known as adjustable life insurance.

The cash value can cover the cost of the universal life policy, but if there is not enough money to cover the premiums then the policy can lapse.

A universal life insurance policy offers two types of death benefit. One is a fixed sum that doesn’t change and guarantees your loved ones will get a specific amount when you pass away; the other is an increasing lump sum, in line with the policy’s cash value. This sum is tax-free but will not be paid if the cash value is withdrawn before the policyholder dies or if the premium payments stop. In such cases, the policy will lapse.

Whole life Policy vs Universal Life Policy vs Term Insurance Policy

There are pros and cons to all life insurance products. Some offer cash values, others don’t; some are easy to understand, others are a little more complicated. If you’re not sure which policy is right for you, speak with an insurance agent and they’ll discuss your options and help you decide.

A term life insurance policy is the better option for many applicants and covers them for a specific period of time, often from 10 to 30 years. There is no cash value or additional benefits, and the entire purpose is to provide a death benefit in exchange for monthly life insurance premiums.

A term life insurance policy is generally a cheaper and more widely available option as it provides some more assurances to the insurance company, as all policies are based on the probability of the individual dying during the term.

By carefully weighing up these odds, using information such as their age, health, and family medical history, the insurer can almost guarantee a profit while still giving the policyholders what they need.

The younger you are, the less you will pay and the greater the death benefit will be. Whole life insurance and universal life insurance, however, have a cash value attached and this can be surrendered (surrender charges may apply) for the cash value.

If the surrender value is not taken, and the policy premiums are paid, a guaranteed death benefit will be paid to the beneficiaries regardless of the age of the policyholder.

In this way, a fixed whole life insurance policy and a variable universal life insurance policy remain for the entire life of the policyholder, while giving their loved ones some assurances. These policies are often said to combine the benefits of a death benefit with a savings account, one that can boost your retirement income and provide an additional option when everything turns sour and you’re in dire need of a cash injection.

As a result of these extra benefits, whole life insurance policies typically charge higher premiums. For instance, a healthy 30-year old man can expect to pay between $200 and $300 a year for a term life insurance policy that lasts for 30 years and offers a $250,000 payout. This covers them until the age of 60, and statistically, there is a high chance they will outlive this policy, thus affording the life insurance company more leeway and allowing them to offer lower rates.

However, if a 30-year old man were to apply for a whole life insurance policy offering the same death benefit, they would likely be charged in excess of $2,000 a year.

Is Universal Life Insurance Right For You?

Whether a universal life insurance plan is right for you or not will depend on your age, health, budget, and goals. If you’re looking for a death benefit to protect your family and you don’t have a lot of money to spare, it’s probably not the best option and you should look for a term life insurance policy instead.

However, if you have a large estate to protect or a dependent who will rely on you for the life of the policy (such as a disabled child) a permanent life insurance policy is probably the better option. It’s also worth noting that insurance coverage can be switched and tweaked.

A universal life insurance policy can be adapted to suit your growing needs, with a flexible premium and death benefit. A term life insurance policy, on the other hand, can be switched to a permanent life insurance policy if you find that you have more money and more options further down the line.

This isn’t always the case, however, so if there is a chance you will want to switch make sure you use a life insurance company that will let you do this.

Bottom Line: A Safe Investment

A universal life insurance offers several benefits and combines an investment with a death benefit. If you need both of these and have the money to pay the premiums, it’s a good option.

However, if you’re mainly looking for a death benefit or an investment, look into a term life insurance policy or a stock market investment, because neither of these options are strong enough on their own. It’s only when they are combined that universal life insurance begins to look worthwhile.

Source: pocketyourdollars.com

January 25, 2021

The Best Things to Charge on Your Credit Card When Youâre Rebuilding Credit

June 12, 2017 &• 2 min read by Brian Acton

0 Comments

div#contentdisclaimer background: #fff;padding: 1.5em;line-height: 1.25em;max-width: 500px;
Advertiser Disclosure

Disclaimer

If your credit needs rehabilitation due to late payments, accounts in collections or other negative items, it might be time to rebuild. Rebuilding your credit requires an understanding of your current situation, identifying past mistakes and implementing the right strategies going forward.

Wise use of a credit card is one way to start. Surprising, right? But if you use that plastic correctly, it really can help you. Good credit card strategies include keeping a low balance, making payments on time and paying your balance in full each month. To do that, it’s best to start small and only charge things that won’t kill your credit building project before it takes off. (You can check on your progress with a free credit report snapshot on Credit.com.)

#animation-wrapper max-width: 450px; margin: 0 auto; width: auto; height: 600px; font-family: ProximaNova-Regular, Arial, sans-serif; #animation-wrapper .box background: linear-gradient(#0095D8, #1D4BB6); color: #fff; text-align: center; font-family: ProximaNova-Regular, Arial, sans-serif; height: 130px; padding-top: 10px; .content .box p margin: 0 0; .box .btn-primary color: #fff; background-color: #ff7f00; margin: 10px 0; .chat ul margin: 0; padding: 0; list-style: none; .message-left .message-time display: block; font-size: 12px; text-align: left; padding-left: 30px; padding-top: 4px; color: #ccc; font-family: Courier; .message-right .message-time display: block; font-size: 12px; text-align: right; padding-right: 20px; padding-top: 4px; color: #ccc; font-family: Courier; .message-left text-align: left; margin-bottom: 6px; .message-left .message-text max-width: 80%; display: inline-block; background: #0095D8; padding: 8px 15px; font-size: 14px; color: #fff; border-radius: 30px; font-weight: 100; line-height: 1.5em; .message-right text-align: right; margin-bottom: 6px; .message-right .message-text line-height: 1.5em; display: inline-block; background: #1D4BB6; padding: 8px 15px; font-size: 14px; color: #fff; border-radius: 30px; line-height: 1.5em; font-weight: 100; text-align: left; .chat background: #fff; margin: 0; border-radius: 0; .chat-container height: 450px; padding: 5px 15px; overflow: hidden; .spinme-right display: inline-block; padding: 15px 20px; font-size: 14px; border-radius: 30px; line-height: 1.25em; font-weight: 100; opacity: .2; .spinme-left display: inline-block; padding: 15px 20px; font-size: 14px; color: #ccc; border-radius: 30px; line-height: 1.25em; font-weight: 100; opacity: .2; .spinner margin: 0; width: 30px; text-align: center; .spinner>div width: 10px; height: 10px; border-radius: 100%; display: inline-block; -webkit-animation: sk-bouncedelay 1.4s infinite ease-in-out both; animation: sk-bouncedelay 1.4s infinite ease-in-out both; background: #000; .spinner .bounce1 -webkit-animation-delay: -.32s; animation-delay: -.32s; .spinner .bounce2 -webkit-animation-delay: -.16s; animation-delay: -.16s; @-webkit-keyframes sk-bouncedelay 0%, 100%, 80% -webkit-transform: scale(0); 40% -webkit-transform: scale(1); @keyframes sk-bouncedelay 0%, 100%, 80% -webkit-transform: scale(0); transform: scale(0); 40% -webkit-transform: scale(1); transform: scale(1); .ad-container padding: 15px 30px; background-color: #fff; max-width: 690px; box-shadow: 1px 1px 4px #888; margin: 20px auto; .ad padding: 10px 6px; max-width: 630px; .ad-title font-size: 20px; color: #07b; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 6px; letter-spacing: -.32px; .ad-link line-height: 18px; padding-left: 26px; position: relative; .ad-link::before content: ‘Ad’; color: #006621; font-size: 10px; width: 21px; line-height: 12px; padding: 2px 0; text-align: center; border: 1px solid #006621; border-radius: 4px; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; position: absolute; left: 0; .ad-link a color: #006621; text-decoration: none; font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px; .ad-copy color: #000; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; letter-spacing: -.34px; margin-top: 6px; display: inline-block; .ad .breaker font-size: 0; .box .box-desc font-family: ProximaNova-Bold, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17px; font-weight: 600; width: 225px; margin: 0 auto; .btn display: inline-block; margin-bottom: 0; font-weight: 400; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; touch-action: manipulation; cursor: pointer; background-image: none; border: 1px solid transparent; white-space: nowrap; padding: 6px 12px; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.428571429; border-radius: 4px; -webkit-user-select: none; -moz-user-select: none; -ms-user-select: none; user-select: none; font-family: ProximaNova-Semibold, Arial, sans-serif; text-decoration: none; .btn-group-lg>.btn, .btn-lg padding: 10px 16px; font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.3333333; border-radius: 6px; #ad-4 font-family: Arial, sans-serif; background-color: #fff; #ad-4 .ad-title color: #2130ab; #animation-wrapper .cta-ec background: #79af3e; color: #fff; width: 155px; height: 41px; font-family: ProximaNova-Semibold, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 10px auto 4px auto; #animation-wrapper .ec-logo display: block; margin: 0 auto; width: 140px; @media (max-width:500px) .ad padding: 20px 18px; max-width: 630px;

I just watched a documentary on the dark web, and I will never feel safe using my credit card again!
Luckily I don’t have to worry about that. I have ExtraCredit, so I get $1,000,000 ID protection and dark web scans.
I need that peace of mind in my life. What else do you get with ExtraCredit?
It’s basically everything my credit needs. I get 28 FICO® scores, rent and utility reporting, cash rewards and even a discount to one of the leaders in credit repair.
It’s settled; I’m getting ExtraCredit tonight. Totally unrelated, but any suggestions for my new fear of sharks? I watched that documentary too.
…we live in Oklahoma.

Get everything you need to master your credit today.

Get started

Here are a few things you can charge on your credit card to help you boost that score.

Gas

The cost of gas can add up, but if you already have room for gas in your monthly budget, you can charge your gas expenses and pay them off in full using the funds in your bank account. Some credit cards offer special cash back rates on gas purchases so you can earn a little money back in your wallet (although getting a new unsecured credit card might not be the best move for you at this stage as the inquiry will cause your score to take even more of a hit).

Groceries

Groceries are another staple you likely already have built into your budget. Instead of handing over cash or a check when you pick up the necessities for the week, charge your groceries to your credit card and pay those purchases off in full each month. There are several credit cards on the market that offer special cash-back rates on groceries, as well.

Streaming Services

Monthly streaming services usually cost less than $20 a month. You could conceivably set up your credit card to pay for a streaming service, pay it off in full each month and never use it for anything else.

Balance Transfers

If you have a large balance on a high-interest credit card, it could be damaging your credit score and affecting your ability to make your payment. If you have a lower interest credit card, you can transfer the balance and reduce the interest. If you can qualify, a card with a long 0% intro APR period can help you pay your balance off interest-free.

(Cheap) Dining & Recreation

It’s probably not a good idea to use your credit cards at the club or restaurants, as it’s easy for costs to spiral out of control. But if you’re on a date at the movies or taking the kids out for mini golf and milkshakes, low-cost dining and recreation purchases might be a safe bet.

Small Everyday Expenses

Sometimes you have to run into a local store for a roll of duct tape or some socks. Small everyday purchases can be fairly easy to pay off in full.

Using Your Credit Card Wisely to Build Credit

For the most part, small purchases you can afford to pay off each time the statement arrives are the best things to put on your credit card, as payment history is the biggest influencer of your credit scores. Plus, carrying a balance means you’ll be hit with interest and it will take you longer to pay down your balance.

But even relatively small purchases can threaten your credit if they pile up too quickly. (Credit experts recommend keeping your credit utilization ratio — that is, your amount of debt in relation to your credit limit — at 30%, ideally 10%.) So, a good practice is to treat your credit card like cash and only purchase things you can cover with available funds.

Have any questions about improving your credit? Ask us in the comments below and one of our credit experts will do their best to help.

Image: bowdenimages

Get everything you need to master your credit today.

Get started

Source: credit.com