Financial Wellness Blogs - Page 1

Medical bills do not usually show up on your credit report just because you owe a provider. In most cases, they only show up if the unpaid bill is sent to collections and then reported to the credit bureaus. In the past, unpaid medical collections could stay on your credit report for up to seven years.

Financial stress can affect more than your budget. It can also spill into your sleep, focus, mood, decision-making, and overall health. According to research from the Financial Health Network, 4 in 10 Americans report high or moderate stress from their finances.

Getting laid off can feel like the floor just dropped out from under you overnight. One moment can suddenly change your income, your routine, and your plans for the next few months.

If you are getting a tax refund this year, you might be wondering what to do with it. Should you save it, use it to pay down debt, or split it between both? You are not alone in weighing these options. Around 43% of people say they plan to save or invest their tax refund, according to a recent Experian survey, while others plan to use it to pay down debt.

The right choice depends on your current financial situation, especially your savings.

An 800 credit score is possible, but it usually doesn’t happen overnight. It is less about a single trick and more about doing several simple things well over time.

If you owe the IRS more than you can pay this year, don’t panic. Read on for possible solutions if you can’t pay your taxes.

Closing a credit card can affect your credit score, but it doesn’t automatically cause damage. The impact depends on your overall credit profile—things like how much debt you’re carrying, how long you’ve had the account, and how much available credit you have across your cards.

In most cases, you do not inherit debt from your parents or other family members. When someone passes away, their debts are typically paid from their estate, not from the personal finances of their children or heirs.

If you’ve been shopping online recently, you’ve probably seen an option to split your purchase into smaller payments using services like Klarna or Affirm. This “Buy Now, Pay Later” option can make purchases feel more manageable in the moment. But you might be wondering whether it’s actually a good financial move.

Debt-free living can feel out of reach, but many people achieve it with the right plan and consistent habits. Becoming debt free isn't about perfection; it's about understanding your finances, making intentional decisions, and sticking with a strategy that works for you. The practical steps below can help you build a lasting debt-free lifestyle and take control of your financial future.