Unauthorized credit inquiries are a sign that someone has fraudulently applied for credit in your name. They can hurt your credit score and make your financial life more difficult until theyre removed from your credit report. A credit inquiry is a record that your credit report was accessed because you submitted a credit application somewhere. The Fair Credit Reporting Act defines who can be granted legal...

The savings rate in America is pretty abysmal. Fifty-seven percent of Americans have less than $1,000 in their savings accounts, according to a 2017 GOBanking Rates survey. Without savings, people can be forced to take on debt when they lose their job, get sick or have major car repairs. Fortunately, there are some easy ways to trick yourself into saving money, whether for retirement, college, a new car,...

Here are a few reasons to incorporate smart faucets into your home design… Hands-Free Control From motion-activated to voice control faucets linked to your smart home system, the hands-free control is a lifesaver. Precise Dispensing Forget about measuring cups! Just say the amount of water you need"and the faucet will dispense it. Usage Monitoring Some smart faucets utilize a sensor to monitor usage and...

Deciding where to live, if youre going to have children, and who takes out the garbage are some of the big and small decisions newlyweds have to make together after the wedding gifts are put away and theyre ready to start their lives together. There are also financial decisions to make as a married couple, though they may not be as easy to discuss as whos making dinner on Sunday nights. Here are some...

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Using a credit card to earn rewards is pretty simple. Just use the card to buy things and youll get cash back or reward points from your credit card company. Getting that free money of 5 percent or even more on every purchase is easy, but there are some things you should pay attention to if you want to get the most rewards possible. Register for Bonus Categories To get the most out of a cash-back credit...

If you want the best possible mortgage loan, youll need a good credit score. Try increasing your score with these simple steps: Pay all your bills on time. Late or missed payments can impact your score for years. Pay off debt and keep credit card balances low to improve your credit utilization ratio. Dont close unused credit cards, so long as theyre not costing you annual fees. To avoid too many damaging...

According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, granite countertops are in less demand today, while the use of quartz is on the rise. Why? For one thing, man-made quartz countertops are offered in a far greater range of looks and feels. Reason number two: its a bit easier to maintain over the long haul, and its deemed a better environmental choice because it emits lower levels of radon"a...

No matter how much of a critter lover you may be, pests in your kitchen is never fun. But many consumers are also disinclined to spread poison all over their culinary arena. Below are a handful of natural, poison-free ways to keep those creepy crawlies outside where they belong. Vinegar and oil. No, youre not making a salad dressing. By mixing water, vinegar and essential oil in a small spray bottle, you...

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