Tag: credit scores

10 Steps to a Better Credit Score
December 12, 2025 0

10 Steps to a Better Credit Score

By The Admiral Staff

This article provides a 10-step guide to building good credit. Key takeaways include: consistently paying bills on time (which accounts for 35% of your score), addressing inaccuracies in credit reports, and strategically using credit cards – potentially starting with a secured card – to establish a positive credit history. It also advises prioritizing credit card debt repayment, keeping old accounts active, and applying for new credit selectively, while emphasizing that a good credit score is just one aspect of overall financial health.

Raising Financially Savvy Kids: A Guide to Debt-Free Living
December 1, 2025 Off

Raising Financially Savvy Kids: A Guide to Debt-Free Living

By The Admiral Staff

The article emphasizes the importance of teaching children about debt and financial literacy to prevent future financial struggles. A survey found those without early financial education are significantly more likely to have no savings. Rather than lecturing, experts suggest using relatable, concrete examples—like calculating how many work shifts are needed to afford a desired item—to make lessons engaging. The article outlines four key lessons: budgeting (spending less than you earn), understanding interest (including compound interest), the importance of credit scores (potentially building credit as an

Credit Score SOS: Fix It Yourself (and Make Extra Cash While You’re At It)
November 24, 2025 Off

Credit Score SOS: Fix It Yourself (and Make Extra Cash While You’re At It)

By The Admiral Staff

The article discusses credit repair services and whether they’re worth the cost. While tempting, many credit repair companies make unrealistic promises and can be scams. Individuals can often improve their credit score themselves by disputing errors and addressing issues like late payments or high credit utilization. If considering a credit repair service, it’s crucial to vet the company thoroughly, avoid those charging upfront fees, and understand that they can’t remove accurate negative information. The article also suggests exploring nonprofit credit counseling for free advice and

Decoding Your Credit Score: FICO vs. VantageScore
November 21, 2025 Off

Decoding Your Credit Score: FICO vs. VantageScore

By The Admiral Staff

The article clarifies that free credit scores offered by sites like Credit Karma and Credit Sesame aren’t “fake” or inflated, despite advice to the contrary. While these scores, often based on VantageScore models, differ from the FICO scores lenders typically use, they still provide valuable insight into your credit standing. The main reason for the difference is that various credit reporting agencies and scoring models (FICO, VantageScore, and others) use different formulas to calculate scores, much like grading systems can vary

Beyond Forgiveness: Smart Moves for Your Finances
September 15, 2025 Off

Beyond Forgiveness: Smart Moves for Your Finances

By The Admiral Staff

Following the federal government’s announcement of student loan forgiveness, the article suggests several steps to improve financial well-being. First, borrowers who continued making payments during the pandemic should seek refunds from their loan servicers. Next, forgiveness is expected to positively impact credit scores, and a tool like Credit Sesame can help monitor and improve them. The freed-up funds can then be used for investments through apps like Stash, allowing small investments in companies like Amazon and Google. Finally, individuals with credit card