Smart Everyday Living

How to Check and Improve Your Credit Score Fast Your credit score plays a major role in your financial life — from getting approved for loans to scoring lower interest rates and even qualifying for apartment rentals. Fortunately, improving your credit is easier than you think with the right strategy. What Is a Credit Score? A credit score is a three-digit number that represents your creditworthiness. The most commonly used scores are FICO and VantageScore, both ranging from 300 to 850. Learn more at myFICO.com . How to Check Your Credit Score for Free AnnualCreditReport.com – Access your credit reports from Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax for free. Credit Karma – Get free VantageScores and credit monitoring. Credit Sesame – Offers free credit score tracking and identity theft protection. Top Tips to Improve Your Credit Score Pay on Time: Payment history makes up 35% of your FICO score. Set reminders or auto-pay to never miss a due date. Reduce Credit Ut...

What Is a Checking Account and How Does It Work? A checking account is the foundation of everyday banking. It gives you a safe place to deposit money, pay bills, withdraw cash, and manage daily expenses. Whether you're new to banking or just looking for a better account, understanding how checking accounts work is key to managing your finances wisely. What You Can Do With a Checking Account Deposit Money: You can add funds through direct deposit, mobile check deposit, or cash at an ATM or branch. Pay Bills: Use online bill pay, write checks, or set up automatic payments. Withdraw Cash: Get cash at ATMs or by using a debit card for purchases with cashback options. Track Spending: Most banks offer mobile apps to help monitor transactions in real time. Types of Checking Accounts Standard Checking: Basic account for everyday transactions. May include monthly fees. Free Checking: No monthly fees or minimum balance requirements—ideal for budget-conscious u...