Credit & Debt
How Credit Scores Actually Work
The five factors behind your score, what moves it fastest, and the myths that keep people from improving it.
Maya Okafor7 min read
Search
17 results for “credit”
%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E)
Wealth
How to Read Your Credit Report and Fix Errors, Step by Step
A plain-English guide to getting your free credit reports, understanding each section, spotting mistakes and disputing errors with the credit bureaus.
The Evergreen Edit5 min read
Wealth
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Will Price Mortgages the Same Whether Lenders Use FICO or VantageScore
The FHFA said Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will move to one pricing grid for mortgages scored with either Classic FICO or VantageScore 4.0, a change that adds competition to mortgage credit scoring.
The Evergreen Edit3 min read
Wealth
Debt Snowball vs. Debt Avalanche: How to Choose a Debt Payoff Plan You'll Stick With
A plain-English guide to the two most popular debt payoff methods, how each one works, and how to pick the one that fits your money and your motivation.
The Evergreen Edit5 min read
Money
The 50/30/20 Budget Rule: A Simple Guide to Splitting Your Paycheck
How the 50/30/20 budget works, with a worked example, setup steps and how to adjust it when your costs don't fit.
The Evergreen Edit7 min read
Money
In Default on Student Loans? A New Online Support Center Lets You Apply to Fix It Without Paper Forms
The Education and Treasury departments launched an online Defaulted Loans Support Center on StudentAid.gov, where borrowers in default can apply for rehabilitation or consolidation.
The Evergreen Edit3 min read
Career
Florida's Minimum Wage Is Now $15 an Hour: What Workers and Tipped Employees Should Check on Their Next Paycheck
Florida's minimum wage rose to $15 an hour on September 30, 2026, the final step of a voter-approved plan, with tipped workers now owed at least $11.98 an hour in direct pay.
The Evergreen Edit2 min read
Money
Sinking Funds: How to Save for Big Expenses Before They Become Emergencies
A sinking fund is money you set aside a little at a time for an expense you know is coming. Here is how to build them, with simple math and real-life examples.
The Evergreen Edit5 min read
Money
Consumer Confidence Falls to Its Lowest Level Since 2014: What It Says About Prices, Jobs and Your Budget
The Conference Board's consumer confidence index dropped to 81.9 in September, its lowest reading since 2014, as Americans grew more worried about prices, jobs and interest rates.
The Evergreen Edit3 min read
Money
Fed's John Williams Says There Is 'No Need for Urgency' on the Next Rate Hike: What It Means for Savers and Borrowers
New York Fed President John Williams said one more rate increase may be appropriate late this year but that there is no need to rush, a message that matters for savings rates and loan costs.
The Evergreen Edit3 min read
Lifestyle
Target Cuts Prices on Nearly 2,000 Items Ahead of the Holidays: How to Shop the Fall Sales Smart
Target said it is lowering prices on nearly 2,000 clothing, shoe and home items, as big retailers compete for holiday shoppers ahead of early-October sales events.
The Evergreen Edit2 min read
Investing
The Fed's Favorite Inflation Gauge Shows Prices Up 3.4% Over the Past Year as Spending Jumps in August
New government data show the PCE price index rose 3.4% from a year earlier in August, while consumer spending climbed 0.9% and the saving rate was 4.1%.
The Evergreen Edit3 min read
Money
10-Year Treasury Yield Hits Its Highest Level Since 2007: What It Means for Mortgages and Savings
The 10-year Treasury yield climbed to about 5.25% on Sept. 28, its highest since 2007, which could keep mortgage rates high while giving savers better returns.
The Evergreen Edit3 min read
Career
Fed's Lisa Cook: AI May Be Squeezing Some Entry-Level Jobs and Adding to Inflation
In a Sept. 28 speech, Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook said recent college graduates are having a harder time landing first jobs and that AI spending may be adding to some costs.
The Evergreen Edit3 min read
Wealth
How to Build an Emergency Fund, Step by Step
A plain-English guide to figuring out how much emergency savings you need, where to keep it and how to build it, even on a tight budget.
The Evergreen Edit5 min read
Lifestyle
How to Teach Kids About Money at Every Age
Simple, age-by-age ideas to help kids learn saving, spending, giving and patience, from toddlers to teens heading out on their own.
The Evergreen Edit5 min read
Wealth
What Is Net Worth and Why Does It Matter?
The single number that tells you where you actually stand financially — and how to calculate yours in ten minutes.
James Whitfield5 min read