Understanding the Link Between Credit and Housing
When it comes to buying a home, your credit score is a crucial factor. It can determine not only whether you qualify for a mortgage but also the interest rate you’ll pay, which affects the overall cost of homeownership. Understanding how credit impacts the home buying process is essential for anyone looking to become […]
Building Credit in the U.S.
For many immigrants arriving in the United States, building a good credit history is a major challenge. Credit is essential for many aspects of life in the U.S., like renting a home, buying a car, and even getting a job. If you don’t have any credit history in the U.S., it can feel overwhelming. However, […]
Homeownership Counseling and Home Inspections
Are you thinking about buying a home? The journey to homeownership can be complex, but with the right guidance, it can also be incredibly rewarding. At Starting Now, we provide expert homeownership counseling tailored to meet your unique financial circumstances and housing goals. Our services include intake, financial and housing affordability analysis, an action plan, […]
Marriage and Credit: Merging Your Lives Not Your Individual Scores
Embarking on a journey of marriage and building a life together with your chosen partner is a beautiful chapter filled with love, companionship, and shared dreams. Yet, this new beginning also brings to light important financial conversations that couples must navigate together. Among these, understanding how credit impacts your joint life is as crucial as […]
The Power of Secured Credit Cards
In today’s world, having a good credit score is essential for financial stability and future opportunities. However, for individuals with limited or poor credit history, obtaining a traditional credit card can be challenging. This is where secured credit cards come into play. One card that has great benefits to all consumers is Open Sky. Let’s […]
Take Control of Your Medical Debt and Protect Your Credit!
Did you know that nearly 1-in-5 households in the United States are burdened with overdue medical debt? It’s a staggering statistic affecting millions of families, but there’s hope. At Starting Now, we believe it’s time to take action and empower ourselves against this financial challenge. The Impact of Medical Debt Medical debt is the most […]
Rebuilding Credit After a Charged-Off Account
If you still have a balance with a creditor, whether it’s an outstanding debt or a charged-off account, this guide is for you. Addressing charged-off accounts requires careful steps to ensure accuracy, negotiate settlements, and rebuild your credit effectively. Verify the Debt Ensure Accuracy of Charged-Off Accounts Before taking any action on a charged-off account, […]
Taking Action on a New Collection Notice: Protecting Your Credit and Financial Health
Receiving a collection notice in the mail can be an unsettling experience. However, it is crucial to take immediate action when faced with such a situation. Failure to address these notifications can have severe consequences on your creditworthiness and financial well-being. In this article, we will discuss the importance of taking action upon receiving a […]
Divorce and Credit: Safeguarding Your Financial Future with These Expert Tips
Navigating a divorce is challenging, and safeguarding your financial future is crucial. Each person’s credit situation is unique, so while specific credit score improvements or changes can’t be guaranteed, we can explain how these steps can help minimize negative impacts on your credit during a divorce. Closing Joint Accounts Prevent Future Joint Financial Obligations Close […]