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Outsmarting debt Secured vs. unsecured loans: What’s the difference?

Both are common types of loans, but there’s one key difference: collateral.

Not sure if a secured or unsecured loan is right for you? Compare key differences, including interest rates, requirements, and borrowing flexibility.
05/16/2025
Article
05/16/2025
8 minutes
Secured vs. Unsecured Loans: It’s All About Collateral

Outsmarting debt Secured vs. unsecured loans: What’s the difference?

Both are common types of loans, but there’s one key difference: collateral.
05/16/2025
Article
05/16/2025
8 minutes
Secured vs. Unsecured Loans: It’s All About Collateral

Outsmarting debt How (and when) to consolidate debt

Debt consolidation may help reduce the burden of debt, and it might even save you money.

There are pros and cons to consolidating your debt into a single payment. Here’s how to tell if it’s the right way to reduce your debt stress.
04/30/2025
Article
how-and-when-to-consolidate-debt
04/30/2025
8 minutes
When to Consider Debt Consolidation

Outsmarting debt How (and when) to consolidate debt

Debt consolidation may help reduce the burden of debt, and it might even save you money.
04/30/2025
Article
how-and-when-to-consolidate-debt
04/30/2025
8 minutes
When to Consider Debt Consolidation

Outsmarting debt Your credit score, explained

Your FICO® credit score is one of the most common ratings used to determine your creditworthiness.

Credit scores are based on your credit habits. Learn the factors that go into calculating your credit score and tips on how to improve it.
04/13/2025
Article
your-credit-score-explained
04/13/2025
5 minutes
Your credit score explained | Truist

Outsmarting debt Your credit score, explained

Your FICO® credit score is one of the most common ratings used to determine your creditworthiness.
04/13/2025
Article
your-credit-score-explained
04/13/2025
5 minutes
Your credit score explained | Truist

Outsmarting debt How to build good credit from scratch

Building good credit can save you money, build your financial confidence, and unlock certain possibilities in life.

Want to achieve your financial dreams? You’ll need to start building credit, but how do you establish credit with no credit history? Learn how to build your credit for the first time.
02/13/2025
Article
02/13/2025
How to build credit and why you need it

Outsmarting debt How to build good credit from scratch

Building good credit can save you money, build your financial confidence, and unlock certain possibilities in life.
02/13/2025
Article
02/13/2025
How to build credit and why you need it

Outsmarting debt What are credit inquiries? Everything you need to know

What are credit inquiries? Everything you need to know

Credit inquiries are not always a bad thing. Used wisely, they help you build credit history. But, how many inquiries is too many and what's with hard vs. soft inquiries?
06/20/2024
Article
06/20/2024
10 minutes
What are credit inquiries? Everything you need to know

Outsmarting debt What are credit inquiries? Everything you need to know

What are credit inquiries? Everything you need to know
06/20/2024
Article
06/20/2024
10 minutes
What are credit inquiries? Everything you need to know

Outsmarting debt 5 common credit mistakes you can easily avoid to boost your score

Chances are, we’ve all made at least one of these credit mistakes—and that’s OK.

Raise your credit score by learning what not to do. Here are five common credit mistakes people make and how to avoid them.
03/10/2024
Article
credit-score-mistakes
03/10/2024
9 minutes
5 common credit mistakes you can easily avoid to boost your score

Outsmarting debt 5 common credit mistakes you can easily avoid to boost your score

Chances are, we’ve all made at least one of these credit mistakes—and that’s OK.
03/10/2024
Article
credit-score-mistakes
03/10/2024
9 minutes
5 common credit mistakes you can easily avoid to boost your score
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    Featured tools

    Debt versus savings calculator

    Use this to see how focusing on paying down your debts before building your savings could benefit you more in the long run.

    Credit card payoff calculator

    Enter your credit card balance and interest rate—then adjust your payoff plan to see how long it’ll take. You’ve got this.

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