Entries by Elyssa Carlos

Good Debt vs. Bad Debt

It’s not news to many that having debt is a near necessity in the United States. Taking on debt can help build wealth in many instances. But how does one distinguish between good debt and bad debt? What are the key differences between the two? How can you use each of them to your advantage? […]

Navigating Student Loan Forgiveness Programs: What You Need to Know

Student loan forgiveness has been the talk of many news outlets lately, especially with President Biden’s plan’s fate resting in the Supreme Court’s hands. If the Supreme Court deems the plan constitutional, then millions of borrowers are set to be forgiven of up to $20,000 in student loan debt. If not, or if a decision […]

How to Make Realistic Financial Goals

For many, finances are a constant worry. You may wonder how to get out of debt, how to afford a home, how to increase your portfolio returns, and so much more. The key to these questions lies in setting realistic financial goals. Here, we will guide you through the process of creating achievable financial goals […]

Should I Use My Home Equity to Pay Off Debt?

In today’s financial environment, homeowners looking to get out of debt typically turn to their most valuable asset: their home. Individuals can use home equity to pay off outstanding debts by tapping into the accumulated value of their property. However, before going on this financial adventure, it is critical to weigh the pros and cons. […]

How Much Debt is Too Much Debt?

The word “debt” is often associated with images of stress, past due notices, piling stacks of bills, and possibly a low credit score. However, if managed properly, debt can be a good thing. In fact, some debt is almost always necessary if you want to acquire certain things like a home, new car, or higher […]

What You Need to Know About Joint Debt

You can obtain joint debt in several ways. The most obvious way is when you get married and begin to share finances, including a mortgage, auto loan, credit cards, and more. However, there are less obvious ways to obtain joint debt. Perhaps you applied for a credit card with your child to help them build […]

How Debt Relief Works

When debt becomes unmanageable, you might investigate options for debt repayment and debt relief. While debt repayment involves paying back borrowed money to creditors, debt relief might be able to shave money off your balance owed. Here’s a breakdown of what debt relief is and how it works.   What Is Debt Relief?  Debt relief, […]

How a Credit Score is Calculated

Your credit score can impact your entire financial future. It can determine where you live and what you drive. It can control your access to things like banking accounts, credit cards, loans, insurance, and sometimes even jobs. Having a decent credit score is a necessity in the U.S. but how is credit score calculated? What […]

What You Need to Know About Bankruptcy

Sometimes debt becomes so unmanageable that bankruptcy appears to be the only solution. While bankruptcy seems like a fresh start, you should know and understand the process and consequences before going through with it.  What is Bankruptcy?  There are two common types of bankruptcy – Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Chapter 7 bankruptcy is the […]

Should I Use a Personal Loan to Pay Off My Debt?

Higher inflation rates have meant inflated interest rates on credit card debt, making it nearly impossible to make a dent in account balances. When credit card debt has become too much to manage, you might wonder what options are available without having to resort to extreme measures. One of the more popular options is using […]