Blogs & Articles
Insights, tips, and stories to help you make smarter financial choices, stay updated with Stashfin's latest news and ideas.
Credit Score Impact of Settling a Debt for Less
Settling a debt for less than the full amount owed can feel like a practical resolution to a difficult financial situation — but it carries credit consequences that borrowers often do not anticipate. This page explains exactly how a partial settlement is reported, why it can hurt your score even after the debt is resolved, and how it compares to paying in full.
How Identity Theft Can Ruin Your Credit Score
Identity theft is one of the most damaging things that can happen to a credit profile — not because of anything the victim did, but because of what someone else did in their name. This page explains how fraudulent credit activity damages your score, the warning signs to watch for, how to freeze your credit, and the steps to take when recovering from identity theft.
The Difference Between Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion Scores
Many borrowers are surprised to discover that their credit score is not a single number — it varies across different bureaus, sometimes significantly. This page explains why Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion scores differ, why lenders report to different bureaus, and what this means for borrowers trying to understand and manage their credit profile.
What is a FICO Auto Score vs. Base FICO Score?
Many borrowers are puzzled when they check their credit score before visiting a car dealership, only to find that the lender or dealer is working from a different number. This is not an error — it is the result of industry-specific credit scoring models designed to predict risk in particular lending contexts. This page explains the difference between a base FICO score and a FICO Auto Score, and why the number a dealer sees can differ from the one you checked.
How to Use a Secured Card to Build Your Credit Score
A secured credit card is one of the most reliable and accessible tools for building a credit score from scratch — or rebuilding one after financial difficulty. This page explains how a secured card works, the right way to use it, and the habits that turn it from a starting point into a foundation for a strong long-term credit profile.
Does Your Salary Affect Your Credit Score?
One of the most persistent misconceptions about credit scoring is that a higher salary leads directly to a higher credit score. The truth is more nuanced — and understanding the distinction between what affects your score and what affects your loan eligibility is essential for anyone trying to manage their credit profile effectively.
