Credit & Debt
Credit cards, credit scores, interest rates, and debt payoff strategies explained clearly. Understand how credit actually works.
7 guides in this topic
Building Credit from Scratch
How to establish a credit history when you have none—the legitimate paths that actually work.
APR vs APY: What's the Difference?
Two similar-sounding numbers that can mean thousands of dollars of difference—and when each one matters.
How to Read Your Credit Report
The document that determines your financial reputation—and how to spot errors that could cost you thousands.
How Credit Card Interest Actually Works
Credit cards are straightforward lending products wrapped in confusing terms. Here's the mechanics of how balances, interest, and payments interact.
The 'Good Debt' Framework: What It Actually Means
The distinction between good and bad debt is a framework for evaluating borrowing decisions, not a moral judgment. Here's how to think about different types of debt.
How Debt Payoff Strategies Actually Work
The math behind debt repayment is straightforward. The behavioral component is where strategies diverge. Here's how the main approaches function.
How Credit Scores Actually Work
Credit scores are calculated from specific data using known formulas. Here's what goes into them, how they're used, and what actually moves the number.