Quick — what's your credit score? If you know it off the top of your head, you're probably well aware of the importance of this number. This numerical summary of how much you owe and how promptly you pay your bills affects not only your ability to get a loan — and at what interest rate — but also can play a role in how much you'll pay for insurance and might even influence your chances of getting a job.
If you're no more likely to know your credit score than the GDP of Guatemala, don't worry — finding your number is easy, and we can help. Understanding it and improving it are other matters all together, but we make this simple, too, with easy-to-follow information and advice.
Start by estimating your credit score. Then check out our package below of stories that explain the ins and outs of credit scores.
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Understanding Your Credit Score
What to Make of Your Credit Score?
After a certain point, higher credit scores don't win lower interest rates.
A New Type of Credit Score
Three major credit bureaus introduced the VantageScore in March 2006 to compete directly with the FICO score.
Improving Your Credit Score
By paying bills on time and returning your library books, you can improve a key credit number.
Ask Kim Your Credit-Score Questions
Kim Lankford reveals ways to maximize your magic number.
More Credit Score Answers
Kim Lankford responds to more readers' questions about interpreting and improving their credit scores.
It's a classic Catch-22: You've got to have credit to get credit. So where do you start? With step one in our seven-step guide to building a strong credit record. Plus: Three rules for boosting your credit score.
Find a Quality Credit Counselor
Use our checklist to find a reputable agency that can really improve your financial situation.
Keeping Your Credit Report Clean
Time for a Credit Report Checkup
Do you know what your credit history is saying about you? If you haven't checked this crucial financial record within the past 12 months, it's time to make sure things are in tip-top shape. We show you what to look for and how to fix costly errors.
How to Fix a Credit Report Error
Mistakes on these reports are common. Find out how to set the record straight so your credit isn't blemished.
When One of You Has Bad Credit
I have a lot of debt, but my fiancé has none. How can I prevent my bad credit from affecting him? Would separate accounts help?
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Financial Topics You Can Safely Discuss at Thanksgiving DinnerForget politics! Holidays offer families a valuable opportunity to talk about their shared financial interests.
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Six Missteps to Avoid as You Transition to RetirementDon't lose sight of your finances when you finally reach retirement. These six classic missteps can chip away at the nest egg you’ve worked so hard to build.
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Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2024 and 2025Roth IRAs Roth IRA contribution limits have gone up. Here's what you need to know.
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Four Tips for Renting Out Your Home on Airbnbreal estate Here's what you should know before listing your home on Airbnb.
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Five Ways to a Cheap Last-Minute VacationTravel It is possible to pull off a cheap last-minute vacation. Here are some tips to make it happen.
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How to Figure Out How Much Life Insurance You Needinsurance Instead of relying on rules of thumb, you’re better off taking a systematic approach to figuring your life insurance needs.
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Amazon Big Deal Days Is Coming! We’ve Got All the DetailsAmazon Prime To kick off the holiday season with a bang, Amazon Big Deal Days runs Tuesday, October 8 and Wednesday, October 9.
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How to Shop for Life Insurance in 3 Easy Stepsinsurance Shopping for life insurance? You may be able to estimate how much you need online, but that's just the start of your search.
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Five Ways to Shop for a Low Mortgage RateBecoming a Homeowner Mortgage rates are high this year, but you can still find an affordable loan with these tips.
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Retirees, It's Not Too Late to Buy Life Insurancelife insurance Improvements in underwriting have made it easier to qualify for life insurance, which can be a useful estate-planning tool.
