Smart Spending Tips uses the 12 Days of Christmas to inspire better credit health in 2025. The holidays are a time of joy, generosity, and, unfortunately, often a spike in credit card bills. But with a little planning and smart credit habits, you can enjoy the season without the dreaded January credit hangover. Here are some tips to help make the 12 Days of Christmas the start to a financially sound 2025. On the first day of Christmas, my credit gift to me isA credit check online for free Start by checking your credit report for free. Use services like…

Smart Spending Tips’s Christmas countdown of 24 tips to help you stay in control of your credit. It’s easy to lose track of spending between gift shopping, travel, and festive activities, but the holiday season can be the perfect time to give your finances extra attention. As the New Year approaches, promise yourself that you will stay in control of your credit during this busy time of year. Our 24 tips can help you prepare for a New Year’s resolution to improve your credit and improve your personal finances in 2024. Check your credit report before the holidays. Before diving…

Smart Spending Tips discusses consumer credit trends for 2025 and steps consumers can take to stay on top of their finances in the coming year. In 2025, several trends in consumer credit are expected to impact how Americans borrow and manage debt. From rising interest rates to the growth of alternative financing, understanding these trends can help consumers navigate the evolving financial landscape. High-interest rates persist The Federal Reserve’s policies to combat inflation suggest that interest rates will likely remain elevated into 2025, even as rate cuts are expected. High interest rates affect variable-rate loans, such as credit cards and…

Smart Spending Tips explores how rising debt levels and stricter lending standards intensify the consequences of late payments for consumers. It’s never a good thing to be late on a debt payment. These days, though, the consequences of late payments are becoming increasingly severe for individual borrowers and all consumers. Late payments on consumer credit are rising. At a time when interest rates are elevated and consumer debt is at an all-time high, those late payments add to the direct cost of that debt. Increasingly, indirect costs are also coming into play. The best defense in this situation is for consumers…

Smart Spending Tips discusses credit in 2024–trends, tools, products, and outlook. Credit remained a cornerstone of financial activity in the United States throughout 2024, but significant shifts occurred due to economic trends, technological advancements, and evolving consumer behaviors. 1. The economy and trends in credit in 2024 The U.S. economy in 2024 experienced a mix of recovery and recalibration. Inflation looks to have stabilized after a turbulent period, but interest rates stayed higher than pre-pandemic levels. These conditions affected and continue to influence how Americans use credit. Higher interest rates. Borrowing costs for credit cards, mortgages, and personal loans remain…

In the wake of the recent general election, Smart Spending Tips discusses whether elections influence credit and financial health. Many Americans wonder how political changes might affect their financial well-being, particularly credit health. Elections do not directly change your credit score, but the policies that follow can significantly impact the broader economy. From changes in interest rates to adjustments in financial regulations, here’s how elections and subsequent policy implementation can indirectly shape the economic environment that affects your credit and finances. Economic policy shifts that influence credit Elections often lead to policy changes that can reshape the economy, influencing everything…

Smart Spending Tips with tips on how to recover from messed-up credit. Sometimes, finances can feel overwhelming. You might experience a sinking feeling, particularly if your credit isn’t where you’d like it to be. Maybe you’ve gotten behind on a payment or taken out multiple loans. You’re unsure whether your credit can ever improve. The good news is that there are ways to recover from messed-up credit. You can start with the basics, apply some fundamental best practices and give your credit time to improve. What are some common ways credit gets messed up? There are several reasons credit and…

Smart Spending Tips on credit improvement over the holiday season. Consumer credit often takes a beating during the holiday season. You can flip that script with a credit improvement step on each of the 12 days of Christmas. It’s the perfect time to do it. Instead of dreading larger credit card balances and minimum payments following the holidays, how about using downtime from work to make your holiday debt more manageable? Follow our 12 credit improvement steps one day at a time over the holidays. 1. Check your credit reports Figuring out where you are starting from is key to…

Smart Spending Tips’s list of credit building resolutions for 2023. Make this the year of credit improvement. Changing your financial outlook takes vision, effort and persistence. It’s also easier than you might think. Whether you are saving up for a big purchase, planning a move or investing in your future self, the start of 2023 is a great time to build your credit. If you’re worried that credit building takes years of juggling multiple activities to earn that coveted high score, take a deep breath. Although it’s true a strong credit report blossoms over years, there are small things you…

Smart Spending Tipss discusses what you can do if you have a credit screw-up. Sometimes, life throws a financial curveball. One poor decision or mistake with money management can have long-lasting implications. It might seem as though it’s hard or even impossible to get back on track. Thankfully, there are several steps anyone can take to recover from a credit screw-up. Ways a credit screw-up can happen There are a variety of factors that can negatively impact your credit. Everyone’s circumstances differ. Some of these issues might ding your credit quickly, but many take effect over an extended period of…