Is your credit report everywhere you want to be?
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These days, as more and more people have found themselves dealing with creditors on unfavorable terms and fighting to pay household bills with mounting credit card balances, consumers are inundated with calls to keep an eye on their credit report.

Receiving a credit report from each of the three reporting agencies once a year is free, and it’s also a key step in detecting fraud and preventing identity theft.

Today, UWSA discusses the credit report: how to obtain it, how to read it, and how it relates to the credit score. (more…)

Ready to leave home after graduation? Not so fast!
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Inthe last few posts on UWSA, we’ve been talking about student debt. More than any other financial challenge, even high credit card balances, student loans and debt impact the lives of millions of young people on the long term. With tuition rising each year, and the job market unsteady, some experts are recommending systematic change to help students who are dealing with creditors and trying to establish themselves financially. Should college students consider staying at home a year after graduation? (more…)

Is he thinking ahead to years of debt?
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Last time on UWSA we described the basic categories of college financial aid and how each one relates to a student’s financial future.

Now, we’ll zoom ahead a few years to discuss what happens after graduation, when both federal and private student loans fall due.

In today’s job market, a salary that can pay substantial student debts along with living costs within a short time of graduation simply isn’t guaranteed.

Knowing the ins and outs of repayment in advance can make debt management much easier. (more…)

Are you getting “hung out to dry” on student loans?
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One of the central facts of financial life for millions of young Americans is student debt.

Indebtedness related to tuition at university is one of the major sources of long-term debt burden in the United States, ranking alongside costly medical bills as a potential source of monetary heartache for years to come; even high credit card balances don’t pose the same systemic risk.

For many students whose families lack financial resources to pay full cost of attendance, loans covering some expenses are nearly inevitable. But, with forethought and diligence, long-term debts can be minimized.

This is the beginning of an ongoing series intended to shine a light on college finance. We’ll give you the facts you need to make sure you won’t be dealing with abusive creditors the day after graduation. (more…)

Reward cards: leverage for your planned purchases?
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Savvy consumers like UWSA readers know that there are certain things you have to know before accepting any credit card offer.

Basic aspects of your credit agreement such as APR, maintenance fees, and overage charges can make a huge impact on future dangers of credit card debt.

A little while ago, we discussed how to use your debit card to help accumulate savings for small purchases and medium-term goals.

This time, we’ll talk about maximizing benefits from your credit lines. (more…)