How Long Does It Take to Build Good Credit? The Truth about Credit Length!
Building good credit takes time, but how long is long enough? Many people focus on paying bills on time and keeping debt low, but they often overlook the importance of credit length. Lenders like to see a long history of responsible credit use because it gives them more data to assess how reliable you are. While improving your credit score isn’t instant, understanding how credit length works can help you make smarter financial decisions and build a strong credit profile over time.
While this accounts for 15%-20% of your score, just remember that if your score is 700, 15% is 100 points. So, you should start the credit-building process as soon as possible.
~Teri Monroe, Saving Advice.com
In this article, Teri Monroe explains that credit length isn’t just about how long you’ve had credit—it’s also influenced by the age of your oldest account, your newest account, and the average age of all your accounts. While a credit history of seven years is often considered strong, those with perfect credit scores tend to have accounts that are decades old. To improve your credit length, avoid closing old accounts, be strategic about opening new ones, and consider becoming an authorized user on a family member’s card. Ultimately, while credit length matters, on-time payments and low credit utilization have a bigger impact. Want to maximize your credit score? Check out the full article for more insights!
Live-To-Work Is Back And It Could Cost You A Great Fortune
We all know the classic debate: should we work to live or live to work? While many aspire to financial freedom and the flexibility to enjoy life on their terms, the reality is that the “live-to-work” mindset is making a strong comeback. With the rising cost of living, competitive housing markets, and the pressure to maintain a certain lifestyle, many professionals are doubling down on their careers instead of striving for early retirement or a more balanced approach. But is it worth the sacrifice? That’s the question at the heart of this discussion.
One of the best things to come out of the pandemic was widespread remote work. Beyond eliminating commutes and unnecessary face time, it also allowed people to save on housing costs by moving farther from city centers.
~Sam Dogen, Financial Samurai
In his latest article, Sam Dogen, aka Financial Samurai, explores how the post-pandemic shift toward flexible work initially made it easier for people to adopt a work-to-live mentality. However, recent real estate trends suggest the opposite is happening—people are paying huge premiums for homes closer to work, effectively locking themselves into longer careers to afford them. Through eye-opening examples from the San Francisco housing market, he highlights how rising home prices and lifestyle inflation are pushing even high-income earners to keep grinding. The takeaway? If you’re not careful, you might find yourself working years longer than necessary just to keep up. Check out the full article to see how you can break free from this cycle and make smarter financial choices.
12 College Majors That Have The Highest Starting Salaries
Choosing a college major is a big decision, and for many students, earning potential plays a major role in that choice. After all, college is an investment, and it’s only natural to want a solid return. But with so many options available, how do you know which fields offer the best financial prospects? Whether you’re drawn to science, business, or the arts, some degrees simply pay more than others—right from the start. If you’re looking for a major that sets you up for a high-paying career, it’s worth exploring the fields that consistently lead to strong salaries right out of college.
If you’re a bit undecided and aren’t sure what you’d like to do with your degree when you graduate, we’re here to help. Most college students want a nice salary to work with when they graduate to help cut down those hefty student loans.
~Rebecca Holcomb, The Frugal Expat
In this article, Rebecca Holcomb breaks down the top 12 college majors with the highest starting salaries, highlighting fields like engineering, computer science, and data science—industries that are in high demand and offer lucrative entry-level pay. She also explores lesser-known but equally rewarding paths, such as operations research and interactive design, where specialized skills translate into impressive salaries. The article provides key insights into why these fields pay well, what kind of job opportunities they offer, and how students can maximize their earning potential. If you’re considering your options or just curious about which degrees lead to financial success, this guide is a must-read!