OK, the credit score. This is perhaps the most controversial topic and most confusing element in the credit history universe. Humans in all stages of their history, have been easily fascinated by numbers, and today still retain a subconscious desire to summarize almost everything in hard numbers. What’s the temperature today? What grade did you get from the econ class? How many days are left till summer? Don’t we all love numbers! Continue reading Personal Finance 201: Introduction to credit scores
The story from the credit report
On a gorgeous summer day in Seattle in 2012, I had just found a new place to live – a neat house by Green Lake, Seattle – a beautiful neighborhood in Seattle laden with trees, dogs, open space, and young people. In a nutshell, it was my perfect place to live at the time. Being born and raised in a tropical country, I always feel pumped up by the sun. The weekend I moved was also when Bumbershoot- the largest urban music festival in the country I believe – took place. I came back from the festival, totally exhausted, woke up the next day, fully invigorated again, and decided to move on with my next project in life. Applying for the first non-secured credit card. Continue reading The story from the credit report
What’s on a credit report?
This is the second post of the series on credit reports. I will cover the content of a credit report.
First of all, I need to clarify that when I mention “credit” and “credit report”, I imply consumer credit, or personal credit, as opposed to business credit, which has to do with how a business manages debts. Since this blog is about personal finance, I will only cover consumer credit. Continue reading What’s on a credit report?
I got Amex!!!
I am delighted to announce that I am now a proud member of Amex – the exclusive society … J/k, but only half j/k…
Remember that gold/silver/green card featuring a Roman gladiator in the front that your boss draws out to pay for coffee? Ever heard of the rumored “black card”, a sign of status, that only the elite can afford? What do they all have in common? Continue reading I got Amex!!!
Overview of credit history and credit report
You may notice my continual use of the terms ‘credit history’ and ‘credit report’. I cannot emphasize these enough; a good credit history is one of the most important pieces of your personal finance, and a credit report provides a snapshot of your credit history. So what exactly makes up a credit history, and what does a credit report display? Continue reading Overview of credit history and credit report
How to use your credit card to build an excellent credit history
By now, I assume that you already have a credit card. If so, this post is intended for you. Continue reading How to use your credit card to build an excellent credit history
How to apply for a credit card
Happy Election Day!!! Before reading anything I post, please make sure that you have voted for whom you think should lead America in the next 4 years.
OK, down to business now.
My first 2 posts explained why you need a credit card and briefly described the proper way of using a credit card. Assuming that you’re convinced that you should apply for your first credit card, there are many ways you can apply. Here’s what I did. Continue reading How to apply for a credit card
Credit card. What is it?
If you have read my first blog post, you may find it tempting to apply for a credit card if you do not already have one. And you should. But I’d like to give you an overview of what exactly you’re stepping into.
So what is a credit card?
A credit card is a plastic card that … Wrong! This is not the right approach. Continue reading Credit card. What is it?
Personal Finance 101: Introduction to Credit Cards
What is the first thing you should know about credit cards? YOU MUST HAVE ONE! Continue reading Personal Finance 101: Introduction to Credit Cards
Hiep's Finance 