First things first, what exactly is FICO short for? FICO is an abbreviation for the Fair Isaac Corporation, the first company to offer a credit-risk model with a score, and named after Bill Fair and Earl Isaac, the founders. What is a credit score? A credit score is a numerical expression of your creditworthiness. Scores typically range between 300 and 850 and are based on credit history data...

Hail Damage to Homes: Know Your Insurance Policy Hail storms can wreak havoc on roofs, leaving homeowners facing repair or replacement costs. Start by checking your homeowner's insurance policy to understand what's covered and what your deductible is. In Colorado, especially on the Eastern Plains, many policies have separate roof deductibles due to the frequency of hail storms. If you're unsure...

You've been on your own now for several years. You pay your bills on time and do your best to keep your credit in good shape. But, you've yet to build up the six-month emergency savings fund recommended by financial experts. While you have cash in the bank after paying all of your bills, you still might be like 39% of Americans who would have a hard time covering an emergency expense as little as...

High inflation and a sluggish economy are negatively affecting bank accounts across the country. To make ends meet, consumers are reigning in spending by eating more meals at home, driving less, and seeking lower-cost entertainment options. But when lifestyle changes don’t free up enough cash to pay all the bills, many households stop making deposits into their retirement plans, emergency funds...

The first bell of the new school year is about to ring, and many parents are searching for money-saving tips on essential back-to-school supplies. Saving money this year is being made more challenging than usual by high inflation ( 8.5% as of July 2022 ). The National Retail Federation predicts that families will spend record amounts on school supplies to ensure their children have what they need...

Record inflation can put the freeze on holiday travel plans. As temperatures drop, so do your hopes of vacationing in a winter paradise or driving cross-country to visit relatives. High airline ticket, gasoline, and lodging prices might have you nixing your plans for a merry holiday season. Don’t despair! It’s time to thaw your financial concerns and make traveling more affordable this winter...

There is one constant in life: change. And that includes tax laws. U.S. taxpayers can expect annual federal tax code adjustments just about every year. For tax year 2023, there are at least 60 tax provisions to be aware of as you prepare your finances for the new year. Here are a few changes that will likely affect most taxpayers filing their federal income tax return in 2024. Higher standard...

As outdoor temperatures drop, utility bills are expected to heat up the finances of households across the country. The U.S. Energy Information Administration forecasts a sharp uptick in the amount it will cost to heat your home this winter. But higher bills, whether due to increased fuel costs, colder temperatures, or both, don’t have to freeze your budget. Here are four practical ways to save...

Predatory lending can cause significant hardship for vulnerable consumers – although many don’t realize it until it’s too late. If you’re in a dire financial situation, being able to pocket cash the same day could be exactly what you need to bring much needed relief. But it’s crucial to understand what predatory lending is and how to avoid it since signing on the dotted line could make matters...

Scammers continue to use the same slick tactics to steal money and valuable information from unsuspecting victims. But there’s good news. Because these crooks stick with tried-and-true methods, you can more easily identify these fraud schemes. While they might tweak their strategies to fit the situation, you can still keep your financial data and personal information secure when you know how to...