Personal Finance
FICO Score 9: What You Need to Know
The FICO 9 credit scoring model includes rent payments, downplays medical debt and excludes paid collections.
Personal Finance
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Personal Finance
Weather Life’s Storms With an Affordable Disaster Kit
Here's how to find survival necessities for cheap.
Personal Finance
What Is the Highest Credit Score? Can You Get a ‘Perfect’ Score?
The highest credit score is generally an 850 for FICO or VantageScore.
Personal Finance
What Is a Good Credit Score and How Do I Get One?
On a scale of 300-850, a "good" credit score falls somewhere in the mid-600s to mid-700s. Knowing what affects your score — and how to build or fix it — can help you qualify for better credit cards, loans, and interest rates.
Personal Finance
6 Ways to Get Cheap Movie Tickets
Tips include buying tickets at Costco and going to the theater on a discount day.
Personal Finance
What is Bad Debt?
A mortgage you can afford is generally thought to be a good form of debt. High-interest loans that end up costing you more are examples of bad debt.
Personal Finance
7 Ways to Get Financial Help From the Government
There are government assistance programs for a wide range of expenses, including food, child care, utilities and education costs.
Personal Finance
How Much Does the Average Wedding Cost?
The average wedding costs about $34,000, but strategic choices — like trimming your guest list and picking an off-peak date — can help you celebrate without overspending.
Personal Finance
Don’t Let Technology Bully You Into Tipping
Mobile payment services like Square change the tipping dynamic. It's OK to resist.
Personal Finance
Bankruptcy: Types and What to Know
Facing overwhelming debt? Learn how bankruptcy works and whether it could be right for you.
Personal Finance
What is a Hard Inquiry and How Long Does It Affect Your Credit?
A hard inquiry stays on your credit report for two years but typically won’t affect your score for more than a year.
Personal Finance
The Best Budget Apps for 2026
NerdWallet’s editorial team evaluated a wide range of budgeting apps based on features, user reviews, and usability to identify top options. Our recommendations include tools tailored for individuals, couples, and wealth tracking
Personal Finance
How Much Does It Cost to File for Bankruptcy? (And How to Pay for It)
Bankruptcy costs anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand. You have a few payment options.
Personal Finance
How to Dispute Credit Report Errors
Dispute credit report errors to get mistakes or outdated information off your credit history, which can help your score.
Personal Finance
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy: A Guide to Liquidation and Debt Relief
Chapter 7 can erase much of your debt, with notable exceptions such as student loans.
Personal Finance
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Rules, Reasons to File
This option offers a way to restructure debt, keep your home, and repay over three to five years.
Personal Finance
The 3 Credit Bureaus and Why They Matter to You
Experian, Equifax and TransUnion are the three credit reporting agencies that gather data about your finances and compile them into credit reports, which determine your credit score.
Personal Finance
Equifax Credit Freeze: 3 Ways to Protect Your Data
A freeze protects your credit, and it’s free and easy to do. You can manage your Equifax credit file online, by phone or by mail.
Personal Finance
What Is a VantageScore?
This guide explains how VantageScore works, what affects it most, and how it compares with FICO.
Personal Finance
How to Unfreeze Your Credit With Equifax, Experian and TransUnion
Contact each credit bureau individually to unfreeze credit online, by phone or by mail. It's free.