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Money Management

Why You Should Never Accept the Currency Conversion When Paying With a Credit Card Abroad

By Money Management No Comments

It’s always best to pay in local currency with your credit card for the best rates. Keep reading to learn the details. [[{“value”:”

Image source: Getty Images

Traveling abroad can be an exhilarating experience, putting you in contact with unique cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable adventures. However, amidst the excitement, there’s a mundane but crucial aspect you must manage wisely: your personal finances.

Specifically, how you choose to handle currency conversions with your credit card can make a significant difference in how much you spend. Here’s why you should always decline the currency conversion option when paying with your credit card abroad.

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The lure of dynamic currency conversion

Imagine this: You’re in a charming boutique in Paris, picking out that perfect souvenir. As you go to pay, the friendly cashier offers you the convenience of paying in your home currency, say U.S. dollars, instead of euros. This service is known as Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC). It sounds tempting and straightforward, right? You’ll know exactly what you’re spending without doing the mental math. However, this convenience comes at a cost.

Hidden costs and poor exchange rates

The primary issue with DCC lies in the exchange rates and additional fees. When you opt for DCC, the local merchant’s bank sets the currency exchange rate, rather than your own credit card company. Unfortunately, these rates are often significantly higher than the standard rates offered by your card network (like Visa or Mastercard).

To put it into perspective, while the standard rates might increase your transaction cost by about 1% due to currency conversion, opting for DCC could push that to anywhere between 3% and 7%. This can add up quickly, especially on larger purchases or during a long trip. In essence, you pay a premium for the convenience of understanding your charges in your home currency.

For instance, avid traveler Brian Kelly shared an experience where he faced a 384 Euro charge. He was offered the option to pay $437 through Dynamic Currency Conversion. Instead, he chose to pay with his U.S. credit card, which only amounted to $416. By rejecting the DCC, he saved $20. Kelly also recommends using XE.com to check currency exchange rates quickly and accurately, ensuring you get the best possible deal.

Bypassing your card’s built-in benefits

Most travel-savvy credit card holders choose their cards based on available perks, including low or no foreign transaction fees and favorable exchange rates. But by accepting DCC, you inadvertently bypass these benefits. Your credit card network typically offers a more competitive exchange rate than the DCC service at the point of sale. Therefore, every time you opt for DCC, you’re leaving money on the table — money that could be better spent on enhancing your travel experiences.

Let’s not forget that some credit cards offer additional rewards for purchases made in foreign currencies or have no foreign transaction fees at all. By choosing DCC, you might also be missing out on earning these potential rewards.

Navigating ATM withdrawals

The DCC pitfall isn’t limited to just point-of-sale transactions. ATMs are also a common place where travelers encounter the option of DCC. Similar to in-store DCC, ATMs offering to withdraw money in your home currency typically apply a hefty surcharge for the convenience. Always choose to withdraw cash in the local currency to ensure you receive your bank’s or card network’s more favorable rate.

How to avoid unnecessary charges

Know your card’s policies: Before you travel, read up on your credit card’s fees related to foreign transactions and currency conversion. If it doesn’t favor you, consider applying for a travel credit card that offers better terms.Always choose local currency: Whether shopping or withdrawing money from an ATM, always opt to pay in the local currency. This practice ensures that you benefit from your credit card network’s exchange rates.Stay alert: Sometimes, merchants automatically process payments using DCC and only ask for a signature or PIN. Always watch the payment terminal to ensure the transaction is done in the local currency. If you see it’s been set to your home currency, ask the merchant to change it.Understand the terms: If, for some reason, you consider opting for DCC, ask the merchant to detail the exchange rate and any additional fees. Compare this with your expected charges based on your credit card’s rates to make an informed decision.

Traveling should involve making smart choices and managing your finances wisely while you’re away from home. By opting to pay in local currency and avoiding the tempting yet costly DCC option, you keep more money in your pocket — money that can fund more adventures, experiences, and memories. So next time you’re about to swipe your card in a foreign land, remember: Local currency is the way to go.

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We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Mastercard and Visa. The Motley Fool recommends the following options: long January 2025 $370 calls on Mastercard and short January 2025 $380 calls on Mastercard. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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HBO Max Ad-Free Prices Rise Just Days Before ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 2 Premiere

By Money Management No Comments

Max subscription costs have increased again. Ad-free plan subscribers will pay an additional $10 to $20 yearly. Find out more. [[{“value”:”

Image source: Getty Images

I dislike being the bearer of bad news — but another streaming service just announced a price hike. Max, formerly known as HBO Max, announced price changes for its ad-free plans. New subscribers will pay the increased rates, while existing subscribers will have some time to adjust to the changes.

If you’ve been considering joining in time for the ‘House of the Dragon’ season 2 premiere, you’ll want to review the latest rates and assess your budget. Here’s what you need to know.

Ad-free plan subscribers will pay an extra $10 to $20 yearly

First, recent subscription price hikes only apply to ad-free plans. If you subscribe to an ad-supported plan, you’ll continue to pay $9.99 monthly or $99.99 yearly to stream Max content. However, those who prefer to stream content without ads can expect to pay more.

The ad-free plan will increase from $15.99 to $16.99 monthly, and the yearly subscription will increase from $149.99 to $169.99. That’s an additional $12 to $20 per year.

The ultimate ad-free plan, which allows up to four devices to stream content simultaneously, 4K video quality, and more downloads, will increase from $19.99 to $20.99 monthly, and the yearly subscription will increase from $199.99 to $209.99. That’s an extra $10 to $12 per year.

This is timely news, considering season two of the popular ‘Game of Thrones’ prequel, ‘House of the Dragon’, will be released on June 16. However, this announcement comes only days before the premiere date, and fans of the show will likely be disappointed by the price hikes.

Here’s how soon Max subscribers will be impacted

How soon will your checking account or credit card statement feel the sting? New subscribers who signed up on or after June 4, 2024, will pay the increased rates.

Current subscribers won’t see an immediate impact. How you subscribe to your plan will determine when the new price hikes will be applied to your account as an existing subscriber.

Customers who subscribe directly through Max or an app store like Google Play or Apple will see a price increase on their first billing date on or after July 4, 2024.

Those who subscribe through an internet, mobile, or TV provider like Xfinity or Cox may be contacted by their provider to discuss any impact, if applicable. If you’re an existing customer, keep alert to such correspondences to remain aware of the situation.

How to deal with rising streaming subscription costs

No one likes price increases, but price hikes are becoming the norm for streaming services. One option is to adjust your budget to afford the increased expense.

You can use one of the best budgeting apps to track your recent purchases and set spending goals. Making minor adjustments to your spending can free up more income for entertainment costs. Another option is to downgrade your plan to an ad-supported plan to save money.

Finally, another option is to cancel your plan altogether. Since Max offers monthly plans, you can always sign back up for a short time if you want to watch a specific show or movie. You can then cancel again when you’re no longer using the service. This strategy allows you to stream the content you love without paying hundreds of dollars per year.

When paying for streaming services like Max, consider using a credit card that earns rewards. You can earn points, miles, or cash back when you make everyday purchases like this. Check out our list of the best cash back credit cards to learn more.

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We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Natasha Gabrielle has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet and Apple. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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How Gen Zers Want Their Financial Lives to Be Different From Their Parents’

By Money Management No Comments

Gen Zers want to pay off debt faster, take more vacations, and enjoy their careers. See what a new Citizens Bank survey found about Gen Z financial dreams. [[{“value”:”

Image source: Getty Images

Unlike the prematurely middle-aged “young” adults in the Dr. Rick commercials for Progressive insurance, in real life, Gen Z is determined to not turn into their parents. A new survey from Citizens Bank found that Gen Zers have some big plans and dreams for what they want in life from their careers and personal finances, and it’s often different from their parents’ experience.

Every generation has its own unique challenges as they make their way in the world, start careers, and save and invest for the future. A recent Citizens Bank survey found that Gen Zers want to do a few things differently from their parents’ generation.

Let’s look at five big things that Gen Z wants to do differently from their parents in the realm of careers and money — and how you can make these goals happen in your life.

1. Have a more fulfilling career (59%)

The Citizens Bank survey (conducted by Wakefield Research, data provided to The Ascent) found that 59% of Gen Zers said they want to have a career that is more personally fulfilling than their parents’ generation. If you grew up watching your parents work long hours at jobs they didn’t really love, it might feel important to do something that you enjoy — even if it doesn’t pay as much money.

How to make this dream a reality: One way to find a more fulfilling career is to increase your professional value. This could include earning a degree or certification, getting more training, or going to professional networking events.

There are many ways to invest time, effort, and sometimes money in your professional development. Learn more about career fields that you would like to try. Meet new people who are already working in the industries that you’d like to get into. Gen Zers have an important advantage in this area, because of their age. Don’t feel bad if you haven’t found your dream job by age 28. You have many years ahead to try new things and let your career journey unfold.

2. More vacations (51%)

More than half of Gen Zers told Citizens Bank that they want to “vacation more” as a way of doing things differently from their parents’ generation. Many Gen Zers are less interested in “hustle culture” (working all the time and achieving big things in their careers) than they are in “soft life culture” (consisting of good work-life balance and enjoying the everyday routine). Taking more frequent vacations, even if that means earning less money, could be a trade-off that Gen Z is happy to make.

How to make this dream a reality: The best travel credit cards can help you earn points from your everyday spending. Then you can redeem these points to buy travel — cheaper flights, free hotels, and exclusive travel perks. Just by changing the way you use credit cards, you can make your next vacation more affordable.

3. Pay off debts sooner (42%)

In the survey, 42% of Gen Zers said that they want to pay off debt sooner than their parents’ generation. Some debt types are more damaging than others (like credit card debt), but it’s true that too much debt can be stressful and can hold you back from pursuing other important financial goals.

How to make this dream a reality: Sometimes the best way to get out of debt is to visualize your monthly budget, see where your money is going, and find extra money to put toward paying off debt. The best debt payoff apps and budgeting apps can automatically connect to your bank account, track your spending, show you where your money is going — and help you pay off debt faster.

4. Buy a house earlier (37%)

Homeownership is a big dream for many Gen Zers, who are facing some extra challenges in becoming first-time home buyers because of high interest rates and high housing costs. But even though it might be difficult to achieve, 37% of Gen Zers told Citizens Bank that they want to buy a house earlier than their parents’ generation.

How to make this dream a reality: Do your research upfront to understand how much mortgage you can afford, what goes into a mortgage payment (including homeowners insurance and property taxes). Check your credit score and understand what kind of interest rate you might expect to get for your mortgage. Save for a down payment by using a high-yield savings account or one of the best CDs.

5. Retire earlier (32%)

Gen Zers are often known for being gloomy about their personal finances — but saving for retirement is one area where Gen Z really should be more optimistic. That’s because being young is a retirement savings superpower! If you’re 27 years old in 2024, you have 40 years to invest for retirement and let your money grow until you reach Social Security age (67 for Gen Z).

How to make this dream a reality: Start saving for retirement with your first real job. Get the maximum employer match for your 401(k) if you can; or if you don’t have a retirement plan at work, use a traditional IRA or Roth IRA. If you have enough money, you can use both a 401(k) and an IRA — traditional or Roth.

Bottom line

Gen Zers have some special challenges in getting established in careers, paying off debt, and saving for retirement. This generation has been hit hard by the pandemic and high inflation. But there are many reasons for optimism for Gen Z’s financial future. Paying off debt faster, saving for retirement, and enjoying a fulfilling career (and life) are all well within reach for Gen Z.

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We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool recommends Progressive. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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3 Fantastic Ways to Build Credit Without a Credit Card

By Money Management No Comments

Credit cards are a fast route to improve your credit, but they’re not the only option. Learn how you can build positive credit without a credit card. [[{“value”:”

Image source: Getty Images

In many instances, credit cards provide the fastest route to an improved credit score. Most credit card issuers report your activities to the three main credit bureaus — Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion — who weigh and package them into a credit score.

However, if you can’t qualify for one right now, or you’d prefer not to risk going into debt, don’t worry: You can build a credit score without them. Here are three of the most effective ways.

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1. Use rent-reporting services

If you have a history of paying your rent on time, you ought to get rewarded for it. Though landlords don’t always report rent payments to credit bureaus on their own, many rent-reporting services will do it for you — for a price.

For example, Rental Kharma charges $8.95 monthly (after a $75 initial setup fee), but will send your full rent history at your current address to TransUnion and Equifax. Likewise, Rent Reporters charges a $94.95 fee for up to two years of rent history on one lease, plus $9.95 monthly for ongoing reporting, but reports to all three bureaus.

Some landlords may provide rent-reporting services for you for free. For instance, if your landlord or its rental properties are a part of the Bilt Alliance, you can opt in to have your rent reported to all three credit bureaus at no charge. You might, in fact, already be enrolled in a rent-reporting service, as some landlords include it with your lease, so double-check before you subscribe to a third-party service.

Now, here’s the real question: Do these services actually work? The answer, unfortunately, is an ambiguous maybe. Rent-reporting services impact the payment history portion of your credit score, which makes up a hefty chunk (for FICO® Scores, it represents the largest portion at 35%). If you have a long history of paying rent on time, then, you could see an improvement, though results will vary for those whose rental histories are short.

2. Get help from your monthly bills

Got a Netflix account? How about a cellphone? If you’re paying monthly bills for streaming services, internet, phone, cable, and utilities (gas, electricity, and water), they could help your credit score through Experian Boost.

Experian Boost is a free service that gives you credit for certain monthly bills. The service monitors payments from a surprisingly long list of subscriptions and utilities, including HBO, Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Verizon, AT&T, Spectrum, among others. To get credited, you have to link whichever bank account or credit card you use to pay for these services. The process takes a few minutes, and you’ll see your score boosted in real time. For instance, when I linked Experian Boost to my checking account, my score was boosted by 2 points right away.

For a bill to qualify, you need three payments within the last six months. If you don’t have at least three payments, Experian will list the account as “pending” and notify you when you can add it to your credit report.

3. Get a credit-builder loan

Credit-builder loans are like a traditional loan in reverse. You borrow a certain amount of money upfront, which a lender sets aside for you. But instead of receiving that money all at once, you make monthly payments first. These monthly payments are reported to credit bureaus as positive payments. Once you’ve paid the full balance, plus interest, the money is yours, and you can do whatever with it you wish.

These loans can be great for building credit, but they’re not always cheap. They charge interest, like personal loans, which is added to your monthly payment. Sometimes a portion of this interest is returned to you as a dividend, but you’ll often end up paying your lender a hefty amount of money to build credit. You might also have to pay an origination fee for the loan.

Don’t rule out credit cards just yet

If poor credit is what’s stopping you from getting a credit card, you still have options.

For one, you can become an authorized user on someone else’s card. The credit card bill won’t be your responsibility, but the credit card company will report all activities and on-time payments from that card to the credit bureaus. As long as the primary cardholder makes payments in full and on time, you can build your credit score.

You could also get a credit card for bad credit. Many of these cards are secured, meaning you deposit money upfront to open your account. The deposit becomes your credit limit, which gives your card provider some security, as it can apply it toward your balance if you default. These cards can help you build credit, especially if you use them alongside some of the methods above, like reporting rent payments or enrolling with Experian Boost.

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We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Netflix. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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5 Ways to Afford Rent Without an Income

By Money Management No Comments

Did you know you can secure housing even without steady income? Here’s how you can start renting smarter today. [[{“value”:”

Image source: The Motley Fool/Upsplash

Navigating the housing market without a steady paycheck can seem like an uphill battle, but it’s not an insurmountable one. Whether you’re in between jobs, dealing with unforeseen life changes, or simply on a non-traditional career path and having trouble budgeting, finding a place to live remains a crucial need.

The following effective strategies can help you secure a rental even when your income isn’t from a conventional job. By employing a mix of financial savvy and resourcefulness, you can overcome the challenges of renting without a regular income stream.

1. Secure a guarantor

A common and effective method to rent an apartment without a job is to secure a guarantor. A guarantor is someone who agrees to cosign your lease and cover any rent payments you cannot make. This person should have a stable income — typically at least 80 times the monthly rent — and a strong credit history.

For example, if the monthly rent is $1,500, your guarantor should ideally be earning at least $120,000 annually. If you have a family member or a close friend who meets these criteria and is willing to support you, this can significantly strengthen your rental application.

2. Pay rent upfront or secure a credit letter

If you’ve managed to save money, offering to pay several months’ rent upfront can be a compelling argument to a landlord. This upfront payment minimizes the risk for landlords, as they have the rent secured for a significant period.

Alternatively, a credit letter from your bank can also work in your favor. This document assures the landlord that the bank will cover your rent payments if you fail to do so in any given month. While it requires a substantial deposit into a blocked account at the bank, it’s a powerful guarantee that many landlords appreciate.

3. Leverage unemployment benefits and other subsidies

Even if you’re not working, you might still have some income through unemployment benefits. In many areas, these benefits can be substantial enough to cover a significant part of your rent. For example, in states like New York, unemployment benefits can reach up to $504 per week, translating to over $2,000 per month.

When applying for apartments, make sure to provide proof of your unemployment benefits as part of your income documentation. Additionally, look into any local or state assistance programs. Many state and local governments have established funds or subsidies specifically designed to help residents maintain housing stability during tough economic times.

4. Find a roommate

Sharing an apartment with a roommate can dramatically reduce your living expenses. This approach not only helps you cover rent, but also other household costs like utilities and internet service.

To find a roommate, you can use online platforms like Roomi, SpareRoom, or even Craigslist. Ensure you’re clear about your personal finance situation from the start, and look for someone who understands your circumstances and is potentially in a similar position.

5. Consider alternative housing options

Sometimes, traditional apartments might not be the best fit, especially if you’re struggling with income verification. In such cases, consider alternative housing options such as subletting a room, living in a co-op, or moving into a house with several roommates. These arrangements often have more flexible requirements and might be more open to negotiating terms.

For instance, co-op buildings sometimes allow residents more leeway in choosing their tenants, which can work to your advantage if you can demonstrate responsibility and a plan for earning future income.

Navigating rental markets without a traditional income requires creativity, perseverance, and sometimes a bit of help from your network or community resources. By exploring the above strategies, you can find viable ways to secure and maintain housing. Always keep open and honest communication with potential landlords and explain your situation clearly and confidently to increase your chances of securing a rental agreement.

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We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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Fastest Ways to Repair Your Credit Before Buying a Home

By Money Management No Comments

Repairing your credit before buying a home can help you qualify for more and better lending programs, but how do you get started? Find out here. [[{“value”:”

Image source: Upsplash/The Motley Fool

If you’re thinking about buying a house this year (or any year), you know that you’ve got to have passable credit, at minimum, to qualify for a home loan. You can have a solid down payment and a long history in your current job, but none of that matters if you can’t actually qualify for a mortgage.

Most of the paths to great credit scores are long and arduous, but here are a few tips to help you repair your credit quickly. Remember, these will not help everyone in every situation, but if they apply to you, you could quickly see your score climb.

1. Pay off your current debt

For some reason, a lot of people believe that to have good credit, you have to keep carrying debt on your credit cards indefinitely. This is one of those personal finance urban legends.

What is true is that you need to use them periodically, but that can be something as simple as using your card to pay for a monthly subscription fee or a week of groceries, and then paying it off immediately. It’s called paying in full, and when I moonlighted at a credit card company during a particularly slow real estate winter, those were the customers who were the most highly sought after.

If you’re carrying a balance, pay that off now. Pay it off today, as long as it leaves you with enough money for your down payment and closing costs. Not only will that help improve your debt-to-income ratio, but it will reduce the amount of money in the category FICO calls “Amounts Owed.” (It’s also referred to as “credit utilization” in other places.)

If you can get close to zero, that’s absolutely gold. But, if you can even pay your debt down to below 30% of your total credit limit, you’re definitely in the silver category.

But wait, not necessarily your collection accounts

It’s important to pay down your consumer debt as quickly as you can if you want to fix your credit fast, but that doesn’t mean you need to pay off your collection accounts, if you have any. This is a question for your lender (and depends on which credit scoring model it uses), so do not attempt to decide which collection debts to pay off on your own. Some could help you, but some may not, and that would just be throwing good money after bad.

2. Close newer credit lines

If you’ve paid down most of your debt, the next thing to do is to close your newest credit accounts. This is because the length of your credit history is based on an average of the age of each account. So if you have a loan that’s 15 years old, and a credit card that’s eight years old, and another that you opened a year ago, your average credit age is eight years.

If you close that one-year-old account, your average credit age goes up to 11.5 years. The one caveat would be if that newer credit line has a high limit, which can then raise your credit utilization ratio (which could negatively impact your score).

Although length of credit history only accounts for 15% of your credit score, it’s one more powerful move you can make that takes almost no time to improve your credit score dramatically.

3. Ask your lender if nontraditional credit lines can be included

If your credit is lagging because you just don’t have a lot of credit experience, ask your lender if it can include credit sources like utility bills, insurance payments, and other regular payments that aren’t really optional. Sometimes, you can do this yourself using a credit-boosting product from the major credit bureaus, but asking your lender directly will be the most efficient way to change your credit reporting for the better.

The lender may ask for references from credit sources that you identify as options, which can sometimes be used to supplement a very limited credit file or build one from scratch if you’ve never used credit before. Your credit score will then be adjusted accordingly, based on how your credit references respond to the query. They report on the same factors you’ll see on your credit report, including how well you make your payments.

Your best bet for great credit before buying a home?

I’m not here to nag you or tell you how to do things, but really, if you’re thinking about buying a house, you should spend a lot of time in the thinking stage. Spend this time working on saving as much money as you can, get used to putting aside money for repairs that your home will ultimately need, and also get your credit profile in order during this window.

If you already have a lender in mind, connect with it today and ask for a credit review, so you can qualify for a loan on your timeline. Or ask the lender what a realistic timeline is. Loan officers worth their salt aren’t just in it for a loan closing today, they want them tomorrow, and in five years, and so will help you as much as time allows them to do.

I was a real estate agent for a decade, and I promise you, my lenders went out of their way to help first-time home buyers get into their first homes. If the lender you pick won’t at least talk to you about how to improve your credit file, find one that will. Much of what you’ll hear, though, is that time heals all wounds — even credit wounds — provided you don’t make the same mistakes again.

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We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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