Military Lending Act 36% Cap: Why Civilians Don't Get It
The Military Lending Act 36 percent cap protects active-duty borrowers from 391% payday APRs. Here's what it covers, who's left out, and the civilian gap.
By Carmen Ortiz
HomeBorrow Smarter
Borrow Smarter - 10
Reporting, analysis, and plain-language explainers on payday loans, state rules, credit scores, and the lower-cost alternatives most borrowers never hear about.
More Payday and Credit Reporting
Online Payday Loans vs Storefront: What Really Changes
Online payday loans vs storefront: CFPB research shows online costs more and defaults more often. The ACH risk, the tribal trap, and who should pick which.
By Lena Whitfield
How to Budget on Irregular or Hourly Income (Without Giving Up)
Budgeting irregular income with a two-account system: pay yourself a fixed weekly salary out of variable gig pay, build a 4-week buffer, skip payday loans.
By Aaron Kim
Florida Payday Loan Laws: Fees, Limits, and the 60-Day Grace Period
Florida payday loan laws cap fees at 10% but a $500 loan still costs 304% APR. See the 60-day grace period rules and the installment loophole most articles miss.
By Carmen Ortiz
How to File a CFPB Complaint Against a Payday Lender
How to file a CFPB complaint that actually gets a response: the narrative structure, the parallel filings, and the 15-day clock that pressures payday lenders.
By Carmen Ortiz
Rebuild Credit After a Payday Loan Default: A 12-Month Roadmap
Rebuild credit after a payday loan default with a 12-month roadmap: triage your report, build positive tradelines, and graduate to unsecured credit.
By Derrick Washington