Why Did My Credit Score Drop: Six Suspects to Check First
Why did my credit score drop? Six likely suspects ranked by probability, with a 5-minute self-check for each and the fastest fix in the first 7 days.
By Aaron Kim
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Reporting, analysis, and plain-language explainers on payday loans, state rules, credit scores, and the lower-cost alternatives most borrowers never hear about.
Latest from Borrow Smarter
Payday Loan APR Explained: Why "$15 per $100" Is a 391% Loan
Payday loan APR explained in plain math: a $15 per $100 fee is a 391% APR. See the formula, why federal law shows it, and what it means if you roll over.
By Derrick Washington
California Payday Loan Rate Cap: What AB 539 Did and Didn\
California\
By Carmen Ortiz
How to Break the Payday Loan Rollover Cycle: A Step-by-Step Exit Plan
How to break the payday loan rollover cycle in 90 days: EPP scripts, ACH revocation, PAL refinance, and when to call a lawyer. A step-by-step exit plan.
By Derrick Washington
PAL Loans From Credit Unions: The Real Alternative to a Payday Loan
PAL loans from credit unions cap APR at 28% and replace payday loans for most borrowers. See PAL I vs PAL II, eligibility, and the membership workaround.
By Derrick Washington
What Happens If You Don\
What happens if you don\
By Derrick Washington