It’s our first installment of Ask Ashley! Thank you so much for you submissions and questions. Keep them coming!
What are some effective ways to improve your credit score?
If you want to improve your credit score you have to know your credit score. You can get your report from three different credit bureaus- Experian, Equifax and Transition. They show exactly how much you owe and who you owe. I would also recommend downloading the Credit Karma app. The app shows credit scores from all three credit bureaus so you can work on repairing credit. I would focus on paying off collections, IRS/Government related taxes first and then work on credit card debt. Pay small balances first and then those with high interest rates.
What are some good interest rates? Should I negotiate or shop around?
For interest rates (at least in regards to housing), in my experience, I’d say stop around. The better your credit score, the more competitive homeownership rate you’ll get. Good credit scores always win!
What are some good reads for financial literacy?
I love finance blogs! I know I mentioned Investopedia, but I also want to mention J Money's Budgets are Sexy blog.
What does saving look like for different budgets?
At the end of the day, it isn’t about how much your earn, it’s about your mentality is like. It doesn’t matter if you make 6 figures or $20,000 annually, how do you approach you finances? Are you a natural saver or spender? Mentality doesn’t have a salary!
How can I be serious about retirement when it’s so far away?
I wouldn’t say you have to be super serious about it now, but i would say just put something away. Contribute to your 401(k) as soon as you can. A little bit goes a long way!
I cut out all my extra spending and paid my bills on time. What should I do now? Should I save on get rid of debt?
Focus on both! Saving is number one, but start small with savings. If you’re a natural spender, start with $10 to get automatically deducted per paycheck into a completely separate bank account that you have NO access to. From there, work on getting rid of some debt. Use an app like Credit Karma to see exactly what you owe.
How many bank accounts should I have?
It depends! If you’re a natural spender, have a checking account where you have your general spending and discretionary income, and a completely separate account where you have any savings that you can’t access.
Any leads on the best credit lenders?
Firs
Our TOPPODCAST Picks 
Stay Connected
