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Top 4 apps for credit building to improve credit scores

Top 4 apps for credit building to improve credit scores

A credit score is a number between 300 and 850 that records one’s creditworthiness. Those with higher credit scores are more likely to receive loan approval and reduced interest rates. This score is based on one’s credit history, drawn from factors such as the total number of accounts in their name, types of loans, length of credit history, debt utilization, etc. Several credit-building apps have emerged on the market to help people improve their credit scores.

How credit-building apps work
Credit-building apps tend to offer three distinct services. These are as follows:

1. Credit monitoring
With major credit bureaus, there are restrictions on how often one can access their credit score. However, some apps offer credit monitoring services to allow one to check their score daily, weekly, or monthly. They also offer tips and suggestions for how to improve one’s score. Lastly, they also monitor activity on one’s accounts, sending alerts for any new accounts or suspicious activity that may occur.

2. Credit building lenders
Some apps also offer credit-building loans. As the name suggests, these are meant to help build one’s credit score. Since one makes regular payments in a short period of time, these loans can significantly improve one’s credit score.

3. Credit reporting
Several apps also help boost credit scores by reporting alternative payment data. Since these payments (such as rent or utilities) are not considered in traditional credit reports, they may help improve credit scores.
Top credit-building apps to use
Here are some top apps to use to boost one’s credit score:

1. Experian Boost
Hosted by the credit bureau Experian, this app is ideal for those with a history of rent and utility payments. It works on the premise of credit reporting, including alternative payments that aren’t usually reflected in one’s credit score. To use this, one only needs to sign up, link their payment accounts, and choose their positive payments to be reported. While it may not be able to fix poor credit, it is a great, inexpensive way of boosting one’s score instantly.

2. SeedFi
Those who do not have any credit or borrowing history must try using SeedFi to boost their credit scores. This app offers lender services, with interest-free loans beginning at as little as $10. Users can pay this loan back within the payment cycle. SeedFi then reports this positive payment to credit bureaus, helping improve credit scores. Additionally, this service is free to use, helping first-timers build their credit without breaking the bank.

SeedFi also offers Borrow and Grow loans, which offer users cash immediately upon approval. This loan includes a sum that goes into a savings account. Once the loan is paid off, users access this account, effectively acting as an emergency fund. However, this service typically has high interest rates (12.96-29.99%), which could prove costly over time.

3. KikOff
KikOff is ideal for those looking to make small monthly payments. According to experts, this service can help users improve their credit score by 58 points. Sign-up on KickOff does not require a credit check. With their credit account, users are offered a small line of credit ($750 per month) to make purchases from the KikOff store. Users can pay these back in the form of small monthly payments to help boost their credit score.

The account has a $5 monthly fee that is part of the credit line. This helps one build credit, even if they do not borrow anything else. Additionally, the service does not have associated interest charges or late fees, letting one focus on covering the principal amount easily.

4. CreditSesame
CreditSesame is a great option for those looking for a credit reporting app. This free service also offers personalized advice to help users improve their financial standing and boost their credit scores. It operates by recording and reporting a portion of one’s payments to the major credit bureaus. This evidence of on-time payments helps improve one’s credit scores. The app also offers cash rewards for services one avails themselves of on their platform. Users can also avail themselves of a free checking account and a new debit card linked to it for improved cash rewards on the app.

Credit scores can have a significant effect on one’s life. They are used to determine one’s reliability by prospective employers and to decide interest rates and approvals on loans, credit cards, mortgages, etc. by lenders. Using the credit-building apps mentioned above can help people improve their scores and establish sound financial footing for the future.

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Top debt settlement companies in the USA

Incurring debt is really common in this age and era as everything has become extremely expensive, from college education to owing a house. If you ever feel that your debt is too large and you may not be able to pay it in time, then you can seek the help of a debt settlement company. These companies essentially communicate with your creditor to try and lower your debt and the rest of it is typically forgiven. Given below is a list of the top 9 debt settlement companies in the USA. National Debt ReliefIf you have USD 7,500 or more in debt, then the National Debt Relief can be a great choice for you. It is one of the most prominent debt settlement companies in the country. The initial consultation is offered for free, but you will have to pay 15-25% of the settled debt amount as a fee. Freedom Debt ReliefThis a dedicated company that offers debt relief services to people who have at minimum USD 7,500 to USD 10,000 in debt. 15-25% of the settle debt amount is charged as fee once a settlement is negotiated, and in return, they offer the possibility of settling the debt within 24-48 months. CreditAssociatesCreditAssociates surely is one of the top 10 debt settlement companies because of their satisfying services. They help customers who have USD 7,500 or more in debt and charge a portion of the settled debt. You can also use their services via mobile apps. Accredited Debt ReliefGenerally, people with a minimum debt of USD 10,000 use the services of companies such as this to lower the due amount; however, Accredited Debt Relief has no minimum amount stated on their website. They take two to four years to complete the process and the fee is charged only after that. CountryWide Debt ReliefThey recommend that customers with USD 10,000 or more in debt avail their services to get their debt resolved. They promise to lower the debt by 20% or charge nothing. Their track record shows a great success rate. United Debt CounselorsIf you are looking for the top 10 debt settlement companies, United Debt Counselors should be considered. This company offers its services through professional debt counselors to help you settle credit card or unsecured debts. Century Support ServicesCentury Support Services can help you reduce your debt effectively. The consultation is initially free and the fee is charged only after the first payment is given to the creditor. Subsequent fees are taken in a similar fashion.Elite Financial ServicesThe company offers to settle your unsecured loans in as short a duration as 12 to 36 months. They provide debt analysis for free and charge the debt settlement fee only after the process is completed. New Era Debt SolutionsNew Era Debt Solutions has been providing debt settlement services for over 20 years. On average, they have helped reduce around USD 250,000,000 for their clients can reduce your debt by 47% of the original amount. Now that you know the top 10 debt settlement companies in the USA, you can compare their fees and services to determine the best one for your needs.

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Top 4 mistakes to avoid while opening a CD

A certificate of deposit (CD) is a handy investment option for those who want a low-risk way to earn on their savings. Regular savings accounts can be commonly preferred; however, CDs also offer a stable source of income for years. Although opening a CD is relatively easy, one must steer clear of lapses that prevent them from getting the most out of their investment. So, here are some mistakes to avoid while opening a CD: 1. Not diversifying investments One should never place all their eggs in one basket when it comes to investing money. Here, placing one’s entire life savings into a single CD may not be as risky as, say, using that money to invest in shares. CDs are a relatively stable and safe investment, but they do not allow wealth to grow exponentially over time. So, one needs to diversify their investment portfolio by exploring various avenues, like stocks, bonds, gold, and real estate, among others. A diverse portfolio of investments can help generate greater wealth in the long run. 2. Choosing extremely lengthy terms Investors can opt to keep their money in a CD for six months, 12 months, 2 years, or 5 years. Some banks may offer even more options. However, choosing the longest duration for a CD might not be worthwhile, as the interest rates can change over time. So, one should keep all options open and take advantage of the new investments and their corresponding high interest rates. The interest rates banks will offer on CDs two years from now may be higher than what they offer today. So, if one chooses an exceptionally long term, they may miss out on the opportunity to earn more interest on their savings. 3. Not exploring all options At times, one may go with the first CD option and avoid looking further, especially if they are familiar with the banks or financial institutions providing CDs. However, by doing so, one is probably missing out on better interest rates and offers that other institutions might provide. So, one must explore all the options available to them before choosing the best one. Further, one can even consider online banks while planning to open FDs or CDs, as these banks may offer higher interest on savings. 4. Overlooking early withdrawal penalties Opening a CD is like locking away a chunk of money for several years. Life is unpredictable, so one may want to withdraw the money as the need arises. However, banks can charge a heavy penalty for withdrawing money from a CD before its maturity date. To avoid incurring such charges in the future, one must read the fine print, i.e., carefully review the terms and conditions and the bank’s policy on early withdrawal before signing up for a CD. This way, one can avoid unwanted surprises in the future.  In addition to avoiding the abovementioned mistakes, one must do some research before investing. Looking up the pros and cons of each available option can help one determine which savings tool aligns with their financial goals. 

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Everything you need to know about chronic fatigue syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition that causes extreme tiredness and fatigue that does not go away even after resting. The causes of the condition are yet to be known. However, there are some theories indicate several factors which include: Viral infection Stress Or several factors in unison Once the symptoms are identified and the condition is diagnosed, treatment can be taken to get relief from symptoms. Understanding all aspects of the condition, including its stages, diagnosis, symptoms, and prevention can help in managing it effectively. Different stages and phases of chronic fatigue syndrome The patients of chronic fatigue syndrome undergo four phases of the condition. Their response towards the treatment can also vary greatly depending on the phase that they are going through. These phases are: Phase I: Crisis or trauma Phase II: Stabilization Phase III: Resolution Phase IV: Integration During all the phases, a chronic fatigue syndrome patient undergoes some physical, psychological, and social changes that are easily noticeable. Diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome No one test can diagnose a patient with chronic fatigue syndrome. This is because the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome resemble several other health conditions. Therefore, a lot of patience is required for the diagnosis of the condition.
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What you should know about depression

Depression is a mental health disorder that results in bouts of continuous sadness. A clinical mood disorder can lead to physical and emotional suffering, and can also change one’s behavior. Frustration, anger outbursts, lack of energy, sleep issues, anxiety, disinterest in eating, concentration issues, and suicidal thoughts are also common symptoms of this disease. Depending on its severity, the illness can challenge one to lead a normal life, too. Diagnosis There are many different methods a medical professional can use to determine if one is affected by depression. Psychiatric evaluation is the most common way to determine if one is suffering from the disease. The mental health doctor will interview the affected person to understand their thought process, mood, and other symptoms. Some doctors may compare symptoms with the ones listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This makes it easier for them to understand the condition. A physical exam is also performed to determine if any physical health issue is caused due to this mental condition. Stages of depression Depending on the level of sadness, the stages of depression can be divided into five stages: Stage 1 Even though the signs of mental disease are hard to miss, for most people, it starts with denial.
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Important things you should know about diabetes

The pancreas is an important organ in our body that produces insulin. It is required to help the glucose pass to our cells from the blood. That is how energy is created, which is the fuel we require to function. When the pancreas is unable to produce insulin, the glucose level in one’s blood increases. This can result in diabetes, which can lead to organ damage. Types of diabetes There are mainly three kinds of this disease. Type 1 diabetes It can be most commonly seen in children and adolescents. Having said that, it can occur at any age. The insulin production of one’s body decreases with this condition, and they require daily injections to control their glucose levels. Type 2 diabetes Around 90% of people who have diabetes suffer from this type. It is most commonly seen in adults and results in one’s body failing to properly use the insulin that is produced. It can be kept under control by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but one may also require medicine in the advanced stages. Gestational diabetes This can be seen during pregnancy if the glucose level in one’s blood increases. It can affect both the child and the mother.
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Gout – Diagnosis, stages, and prevention

Gout or gouty arthritis is a form of arthritis that commonly occurs in the joint located at the base of one’s big toe. It can also be seen in other joints and results in swelling, sudden pain, and tenderness. It can happen to anyone and occur at any moment, even suddenly in the middle of the night. The good news is that it can be prevented and treated. Diagnosis of gout Multiple medical tests can be used to determine if one has this form of arthritis. Below is a list of the most common tests. Joint fluid test The doctor uses a needle to collect fluid from one’s joint and test the same under a microscope. If urate crystals are found in the fluid then they have the condition. Blood test For gout detection, the doctor may suggest a blood test. The amount of creatinine and uric acid present in one’s blood indicates if they have it or not. However, the result of the blood test may not always be conclusive. X-ray imaging If one has joint inflammation, the doctor can use X-ray imaging to determine if it is caused by any other reason or gouty arthritis. Ultrasound A musculoskeletal ultrasound test is used to determine if one has gout or any other form of arthritis.

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