Budget, credit and the first steps
Money basics
A budget that fits your minimums, how credit scores work, and building a small cushion.

Guides
Understand your options first
Start hereHow to Make a Budget: 5 Steps That Work With Debt
To make a budget, list your take-home pay, list every bill and expense, and subtract. Here's how to handle minimums, uneven pay and a month that won't add up.
11 min read

What Is a Good Debt to Income Ratio? The Real Benchmarks
What is a good debt to income ratio? There's no single number. See the CFPB's planning guidelines, VA and USDA-backed loan limits, and how to work out yours.
8 min read
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