credit utilization

Friday’s need-to-know money news

December 6, 2019 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: One credit score factor to check twice during the holidays. Also in the news: How to give back without busting your budget, how not to get hustled in the holiday bustle, and the best apps for tracking your credit card rewards.

One Credit Score Factor to Check Twice During the Holidays
Utilizing your credit wisely.

How to Give Back Without Busting Your Budget
Create a giving plan.

Identity Theft: Don’t Get Hustled in the Holiday Bustle
‘Tis the season for identity theft.

The Best Apps for Tracking Your Credit Card Rewards
All your rewards in one place.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

November 20, 2019 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: 5 great hotels to book for New Year’s with points and miles. Also in the news: Why you shouldn’t open your Roth IRA at a bank, one credit score factor to check twice during the holidays, and how much you should contribute to your FSA.

5 Great Hotels to Book for New Year’s With Points and Miles
Ring in the new year for less.

Why You Shouldn’t Open Your Roth IRA at a Bank
A broker gives you more options.

One Credit Score Factor to Check Twice During the Holidays
Your credit utilization ratio matters.

How Much Should You Contribute to Your FSA?
Covering your out-of-pocket costs.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

November 14, 2019 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: How to beat basic economy airfare at its own game. Also in the news: Employers who chip in on your student loans, the pros and cons of refinancing your student loans, and this rule of thumb about credit card use could be costing you.

How to Beat Basic Economy at Its Own Game
A Points Nerd explains how.

These employers chip in on your student loans
How different companies assist their employees.

Is it worth it to refinance your student loans?
The pros and cons.

This rule of thumb about credit card use could be costing you
Credit utilization is a major credit score factor.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

December 1, 2015 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: The hidden bonuses of paying off credit card debt. Also in the news: Financial tips for the sandwich generation, how to start preparing your taxes, and the changes coming to your credit card perks.

The Hidden Bonus of Paying Off Credit Card Debt
Your credit score will thank you for it.

The Sandwich Generation: 5 C’s To Deal With Your Financial Challenges
The financial challenges of taking care of your young and old.

11 Tax Moves Every Taxpayer Should Make Before the End of the Year
Time to get organized.

Big Changes Coming for Your Credit Card Perks
What’s in and what’s out.

6 questions to ask before getting a store credit card
Know what you’re signing up for.

Does paying down installment loans help your credit?

February 25, 2013 By Liz Weston

Dear Liz: I know a high balance on a credit card hurts your credit score and that it’s best to keep balances low and pay them off each month. But does the same theory hold true for installment borrowing such as auto or student loans, which obviously have a higher balance in the beginning of the loan repayment period?

Answer: Paying down installment loans will help your credit score, but typically not as dramatically as paying down balances on revolving debt such as credit cards.

The leading FICO credit scoring formula is much more sensitive to balances on revolving accounts. The wider the gap between your available credit and the amount you’re using, the better.