Looking for a new place to live can be exciting—but it can also be surprisingly stressful, especially when you’re navigating paperwork, income verification, and credit checks. While most people focus on how much rent they can afford or which neighborhood they want to live in, one key factor can quietly derail the entire process: your…

Yes — student loans do affect your credit score. But the story doesn’t end there. Whether they help or hurt your score really comes down to how you manage them. When you borrow for school, that loan becomes part of your credit history. Credit bureaus track the amount you owe, your payment schedule, and how…

In today’s competitive business world, building strong credit is key to unlocking better financing options, vendor terms, and long-term growth. But traditional credit-building methods can be slow and often inaccessible—especially for new or underserved entrepreneurs. Fortunately, artificial intelligence is transforming the way we build and manage credit, offering faster, smarter, and more personalized paths to…

Smith brings decades of leadership in financial technology and open banking. As CEO of Finicity, a Mastercard company, he has been instrumental in expanding access to consumer-permissioned financial data across the credit ecosystem. His experience in scaling data-driven platforms and shaping fintech regulation will bring strategic depth to TomoCredit as it accelerates its growth and…

Starting a business is a bold and exciting move—but what if your credit score isn’t exactly where you want it to be? The short answer: yes, you can absolutely start a business with bad credit. However, it requires a proactive strategy, especially when it comes to repairing and improving your credit over time. While a…

Trying to rent an apartment with bad credit can feel like you’re constantly being judged for your past while just trying to move forward. A three-digit number—your credit score—often becomes a gatekeeper, standing between you and a safe, stable home. But here’s the truth: your credit score doesn’t define your worth, and it doesn’t determine…

With inflation still simmering, interest rates holding high, and market volatility causing anxiety in retirement portfolios, many Americans are asking themselves a critical question: “Can I really retire in the next 3 years?” For those in their late 50s or early 60s, this isn’t just a theoretical debate — it’s a financial and lifestyle decision…

When it comes to building credit, many people think they need to hit the magic number: 850—the highest possible credit score. But here’s the truth: you don’t need a perfect score to unlock excellent financial opportunities. In fact, once your credit score is in the high 700s, you’re already sitting in prime position to qualify…

The last few years have been a masterclass in economic whiplash. From pandemic-induced job losses to inflation spikes, housing market volatility, and rising interest rates, young adults—especially Gen Z—have entered adulthood under financial pressure. And with a job market that’s increasingly competitive and tech layoffs making headlines, the message is loud and clear: it’s time…

Tariffs are becoming an increasingly influential force in our economic lives, quietly reshaping the cost of everyday items. These import taxes, once a topic for trade economists and policymakers, now touch every consumer’s wallet. As governments impose tariffs on foreign goods—whether due to trade disputes or economic strategy—the prices of electronics, clothing, household products, and…