A rent-to-own contract gives renters the right, but not the obligation, to buy the home they're renting at an agreed future date and price. Here's what you should know about lease-to-own vs. rent-to-own properties.

Landlords perform credit checks to make sure that a rental applicant appears trustworthy and has a solid history of making payments on time. You can take several steps to pass your next rental credit check with flying colors.

Everyone should regularly check their credit report. The difference between a soft inquiry and a hard inquiry can significantly impact your score. Here's what you should know about the difference between both.

Credit cards, debit cards and prepaid debit cards can all be used to make purchases.  The best best choice for you depends on your spending goals and what you want to get out of the card.

One of the simplest ways to secure financing is through a line of credit.  The application process for lines of credit tends to be quicker and less involved than for other types of financing such as business loans, personal loans or mortgages.

Authorized users, like cosigners, should be carefully considered before adding them to a credit card account. If not, it can be a costly mistake and will likely ruin your credit score.

Financial decisions like purchasing a cell phone or applying to rent an apartment or house will require you to have your credit score in good standing. A low credit score can also allow lenders to charge you a higher upfront cost or pay more money because you aren’t considered creditworthy.

Your credit score is used by lenders to determine your credit risk when it comes to borrowing money. The higher your credit score, generally speaking, the more you'll be able to borrow, and the lower your interest rate. That can save you thousands of dollars over the life of your loan. So, if you're looking to purchase a home, read on to learn how to optimize your credit score.

A secured credit card requires the cardholder to make a security deposit, whereas an unsecured credit card doesn't. Both can be a great tool for building a positive credit history and improving your credit score; each has its advantages and disadvantages.

With some careful planning and prudent spending habits, there is a home for almost every budget and financial circumstance.

Choosing the right mortgage depends on a host of important factors. Some of those factors include your FICO score, your available down payment, and how long you plan on living in your new home.