How to Check Your Credit Report for Signs of Identity Theft
Check all three reports, act quickly on anything unfamiliar, and use credit freezes or fraud alerts when the risk is real.
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Financial Wellness Pillar
Borrow Money
Understand Credit. Use Debt as a Tool, Not a Trap.
How to Borrow Money
Credit and loans are tools that can unlock opportunity, build your financial life, and help you reach your goals faster.
I didn’t grow up learning about credit. I made mistakes. But I also learned how to fix them—and now I help others do the same.
What You’ll Learn in the Borrow Pillar
The Borrow Pillar helps you navigate the world of credit, loans, and debt with clarity and confidence, so you can make borrowing work for your financial life—not against it.
Credit
Learn what makes up your credit report, tips to maintain, build or improve your credit score.
Credit Card
From secured cards to travel rewards, learn all you need to minimize interest and optimize benefits.
Loans
Auto loans, student loans, personal loans, and mortgages—understand them and borrow smarter.
Debt
Learn pay off strategies, avoid high-interest traps, and access resources to regain your financial peace.
Is Your Money Smiling?
Take the 30-Second Money Mood Meter. Get a quick read on how happy your money is and discover your first step toward financial wellbeing.
Featured Learning Resource
What Is a Good Credit Score (and How to Improve Yours)
Understand credit score ranges, what impacts them, and how to raise your score.
Recent Borrow Money Articles
How to Freeze Your Credit With Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion
Freezing your credit is one of the simplest ways to reduce the risk of new-account identity theft. It is free, reversible, and worth considering even before something goes wrong.
How to Budget When You’re Paying Off Debt
Debt payoff budgeting helps you keep making progress month after month will usually do more for you than a harsh plan that falls apart the first time real life gets expensive.
How to Report Investments on FAFSA (Stocks, Crypto, and 529 Plans Explained)
Investments can be one of the most confusing parts of the FAFSA. Do you report stocks?What about crypto?Do 529 plans…
How FAFSA Calculates Financial Need (SAI Explained Simply)
It represents how much the government believes your family can contribute toward college.
How to Report Rental Property and Second Homes on FAFSA (What Counts as an Asset)
If you or your parents own property beyond your primary home, filling out the FAFSA can get confusing fast. Do…
Tools to Help You Borrow Your Money
Explore platforms and products to support your credit health, loan access, and debt management.
Borrow Money Product Categories
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Credit
- Credit Repair Essentials: How to Fix Your Credit Fast and Rebuild with Confidence
- Credit Unions for Bad Credit: What You Need to Know
- How Credit Scores Affect Loan Approval
- How Interest Rates Work (and Why APR Matters More Than You Think)
- How to Add Rent and Utility Payments to Your Credit
- How to Check Your Credit Report for Signs of Identity Theft
- How to Correct Errors on Your Credit Report (Step-by-Step Guide)
- How to Dispute Credit Report Errors (Step-by-Step)
- How to Dispute Debt on Your Credit Report (Step-by-Step)
- How to Freeze Your Credit the Smart Way (and Why You Should)
- How to Freeze Your Credit With Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion
- How to Get a Credit Builder Loan (And When It Makes Sense)
- How to Get a Secured Loan (A Safe Way to Build or Rebuild Your Credit)
- How to Get an Auto Loan With Bad or Fair Credit (Without Predatory Rates)
- How to Get Your Free Credit Report (Step-by-Step Guide)
- How to Help Your Child Build Credit (Even Before 18)
- How to Increase Your Credit Limit (Without Hurting Your Credit)
- How to Increase Your Credit Score Quickly (Realistic Ways That Actually Work)
- How to Lower Credit Utilization Quickly
- How to Monitor Your Credit the Smart Way
- How to Prepare Financially After Bankruptcy
- How to Protect Your Credit from Fraud and Identity Theft
- How to Read and Check Your Credit Report (Without Getting Overwhelmed)
- How to Rebuild Credit After Default or Collections
- How to Remove a Late Payment from Your Credit Report
- How to Remove Collections From Your Credit Report (What’s Possible & What Isn’t)
- How to Remove Hard Inquiries From Your Credit Report (What Works and What Doesn’t)
- How to Set Up Credit Alerts and Monitor Your Credit Like a Pro
- How to Start Building Credit (Even If You’ve Never Had Any)
- Rebuilding Credit After Debt Relief (What Actually Works and What to Ignore)
- Secured Credit Cards vs. Credit Builder Loans: Which One’s Right for You?
- Ultimate Guide to Credit: How It Works, Why It Matters, and How to Master It
- Understanding Hard Pulls vs. Soft Pulls (And How They Affect Your Credit)
- Understanding Your Credit Score and What Affects It
- What is a Credit Report? Complete Guide to What It Shows and How to Use It
- What Is a Good Credit Score (and How to Improve Yours)
Credit Cards
- How Credit Cards Work (And Tips on Using Them Wisely)
- How Credit Union Credit Cards Work: Pros & Cons
- How Interest Rates Work (and Why APR Matters More Than You Think)
- How to Add an Authorized User to Your Credit Card (And When It Helps Your Credit)
- How to Apply for a Credit Card (And Improve Your Chances of Approval)
- How to Build Credit Without a Credit Card
- How to Choose Between a Personal Loan and a Balance Transfer Card
- How to Close a Credit Card (Cancel Without Hurting Your Credit)
- How to Consolidate Credit Card Debt (The Complete Guide)
- How to Do a Credit Card Balance Transfer (Step-by-Step Guide)
- How to Get a Retail Store Credit Card (And Whether You Should)
- How to Get a Secured Credit Card (Step-by-Step Guide)
- How to Get Cash From a Credit Card (And Safer Alternatives You Should Know)
- How to Get Your First Credit Card: A Step-by-Step Guide for First-Timers
- How to Give Your Child a Credit Card Safely (And Build Their Credit Early)
- How to Help Your Teen Avoid Credit Card Debt (A Parent’s Guide to Smart Credit Habits)
- How to Increase Your Credit Limit (Without Hurting Your Credit)
- How to Manage Multiple Credit Cards (Without Losing Track)
- How to Stop Using Credit Cards While Paying Off Debt
- How to Talk to Creditors (What to Say, What to Ask For, and When It Works)
- How to Use Credit Cards Abroad (Without Extra Fees)
- How to Use Credit Cards Responsibly
- How to Use Your Credit Card for Travel Rewards Without Getting Into Debt
- Secured Credit Cards vs. Credit Builder Loans: Which One’s Right for You?
Debt
- Bankruptcy Basics: Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 (and What Happens Next)
- Debt Consolidation vs. Settlement vs. Bankruptcy (How to Choose Without Panic)
- Debt Relief Scams Explained: How to Spot Bad Advice Before It Costs You
- Debt Settlement Explained: How It Works—and How to Avoid Getting Scammed
- Debt Snowball vs. Debt Avalanche: Which Is Right for You?
- Good Debt vs. Bad Debt (What Actually Matters)
- How Interest Works on Debt (And Why It Can Feel Like You’re Not Making Progress)
- How to Break the Debt Cycle for Good
- How to Budget When You’re Paying Off Debt
- How to Consolidate Credit Card Debt (The Complete Guide)
- How to Create a Debt Payoff Plan That Actually Works
- How to Deal With Debt Collectors (Your Rights + Next Steps)
- How to Dispute Debt on Your Credit Report (Step-by-Step)
- How to Do a Credit Card Balance Transfer (Step-by-Step Guide)
- How to Get a Debt Consolidation Loan (Without Making Things Worse)
- How to Handle Credit Card Debt After a Job Loss
- How to Help Your Teen Avoid Credit Card Debt (A Parent’s Guide to Smart Credit Habits)
- How to Lower Your Interest Rates Without Refinancing
- How to Manage Debt After Divorce or Separation
- How to Negotiate Credit Card Debt With Creditors (What to Say, What to Ask For)
- How to Pay Off a Loan Faster Without Stressing Your Budget
- How to Pay Off an Auto Loan Faster (Without Wrecking Cash Flow)
- How to Pay Off Credit Card Debt (Step-by-Step Guide That Actually Works)
- How to Pay Off Debt (Without Losing Your Mind)
- How to Pay Off Debt as a Couple (Without Fighting About Money)
- How to Pay Off Debt in Collections Without Getting Burned
- How to Pay Off Debt on an Irregular Income
- How to Pay Off Debt While Supporting Family
- How to Prepare Financially After Bankruptcy
- How to Prioritize Which Debts to Pay Off First
- How to Stop Using Credit Cards While Paying Off Debt
- How to Talk to Creditors (What to Say, What to Ask For, and When It Works)
- How to Use a Personal Loan to Pay Off Credit Card Debt (The Smart Way)
- Investing or Paying Off Debt: What Should Come First?
- Paying Off Debt vs. Building an Emergency Fund: What Comes First?
- Preparing for Bankruptcy (What to Do Before You Decide)
- Rebuilding Credit After Debt Relief (What Actually Works and What to Ignore)
- Revolving Debt vs. Installment Debt: Why Payoff Feels So Different (and Why It Matters)
- Should You Use Savings to Pay Off Debt? (Pros, Cons, and the Real Trade-Offs)
- Ultimate Guide to Getting Out of Debt (Without Ruining Your Life)
- Understanding Debt: How to Take Control and Pay It Off With Purpose
Loans
- 15-Year vs. 30-Year Mortgages: How to Choose the Right Term
- Auto Loan Interest Rates Explained: What Actually Affects Your Rate (and Why It Matters)
- Auto Loans Explained: New vs. Used vs. Refinance
- Best Uses for a Personal Loan (and When to Avoid One)
- Common Auto Loan Fees & Add-Ons Explained: What to Skip (and What’s Worth It)
- Comprehensive List of Federal Student Loan Servicers (With Contact Info)
- Credit Union ITIN Lending: How It Works and Who Qualifies
- Dealer Financing vs. Bank vs. Credit Union Auto Loans: How to Choose the Right Lender
- Debt Consolidation Explained: Loans vs. Balance Transfers vs. HELOCs
- Debt Consolidation Loans: How They Work and When They Help
- Emergency Loans: What to Do When You Need Cash Fast
- FAFSA for Self-Employed Parents: How to Report Income and Assets the Right Way
- Federal Student Loan Forgiveness Explained (PSLF, IDR, and What’s Realistic)
- First-Time Homebuyer Loans Explained (Including Credit Union Options)
- Fixed vs. Adjustable-Rate Mortgages: What’s the Difference?
- Graduate School Loans Explained (Federal vs. Private for Grad Students)
- Home Equity Loans vs. HELOCs: How to Choose the Right One
- How Credit Scores Affect Loan Approval
- How Credit Union Auto Loans Work (and Why They’re Often Cheaper)
- How Credit Union Mortgages Work (and What Makes Them Different)
- How Credit Union Student Loans Work (and When They Make Sense)
- How FAFSA Calculates Financial Need (SAI Explained Simply)
- How Interest Rates Work (and Why APR Matters More Than You Think)
- How Loans Work: Ultimate Guide to Borrowing Smarter for the Life You Want
- How Much House Can You Really Afford?
- How Much Should You Borrow? A Simple Rule for Staying Financially Healthy
- How Personal Loans at Credit Unions Work (and What to Expect)
- How Student Loan Repayment Really Works (Plans, Interest, and Forgiveness)
- How to Apply for a Personal Loan (Step-by-Step Guide)
- How to Apply for a VA Loan (What to Know Before You Start)
- How to Apply for an FHA Loan (Step-by-Step for First-Time Buyers)
- How to Apply for Federal Student Loans (Step-by-Step)
- How to Apply for Income-Driven Repayment (IDR)
- How to Avoid Common Personal Loan Mistakes
- How to Buy a Car Without Overpaying on Financing (Rates, Fees, and Add-Ons)
- How to Buy a Rental Property (Without Turning Your Life Into a Second Job)
- How to Buy a Second Home (Without Letting It Undermine Your First One)
- How to Buy a Vacation Home (Without Turning Rest Into a Financial Burden)
- How to Calculate Monthly Mortgage Payments
- How to Calculate the Real Cost of College (What You’ll Actually Pay Each Year)
- How to Calculate the Total Cost of Car Ownership
- How to Calculate Total Cost of Homeownership
- How to Check Your Student Loan Balance (Federal + Private)
- How to Choose a Student Loan Repayment Plan (Step-by-Step)
- How to Choose Between a Personal Loan and a Balance Transfer Card
- How to Compare Loans Without Getting Overwhelmed
- How to Compare Mortgage Offers Before You Apply (So You Don’t Overpay)
- How to Compare Personal Loan Offers Before You Apply
- How to Compare Private Student Loan Interest Rates (Without Getting Burned)
- How to Consolidate Federal Student Loans
- How to Contact Student Loan Servicers (and Actually Get Help)
- How to Decide Whether to Refinance Student Loans
- How to Do a Cash-Out Refinance on Your Home (Step by Step)
- How to Fill Out the FAFSA (Step-by-Step Guide for 2026–2027)
- How to Find a Student Loan Cosigner (Without Burning Bridges)
- How to Find Your Student Loan Servicer
- How to Fix FAFSA Mistakes for Business Income and Assets
- How to Fix Student Loan Errors or Servicer Mistakes
- How to Get a Car Loan From a Credit Union (Step-by-Step)
- How to Get a Conventional Mortgage (Requirements and What to Expect)
- How to Get a Credit Builder Loan (And When It Makes Sense)
- How to Get a Debt Consolidation Loan (Without Making Things Worse)
- How to Get a Jumbo Mortgage (What’s Different—and Why It Matters)
- How to Get a Mortgage: Step-by-Step (From Preapproval to Closing)
- How to Get a Personal Loan with Fair Terms (Even If Your Credit Isn’t Perfect)
- How to Get a Secured Loan (A Safe Way to Build or Rebuild Your Credit)
- How to Get a USDA Loan for a House (Eligibility, Process, and Limits)
- How to Get an Auto Loan With Bad or Fair Credit (Without Predatory Rates)
- How to Get Out of Student Loan Default
- How to Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage (and What It Really Means)
- How to Get Preapproved for a Car Loan Before You Shop
- How to Handle Student Loans If You’re Unemployed or Underemployed
- How to Lower Your Car Payment (Without Making a Bad Deal)
- How to Lower Your Interest Rate on a Personal Loan
- How to Lower Your Student Loan Payment
- How to Make Extra Payments on Student Loans (Without Wasting Money)
- How to Negotiate Auto Loan Terms (Not Just the Car Price)
- How to Negotiate Your Financial Aid Package (Step-by-Step Guide)
- How to Pause Student Loan Payments (Deferment vs. Forbearance)
- How to Pay for College (Without Wrecking Your Financial Future)
- How to Pay Off a Loan Faster Without Stressing Your Budget
- How to Pay Off an Auto Loan Faster (Without Wrecking Cash Flow)
- How to Pay Off Multiple Loans Strategically
- How to Pay Off Student Loans Faster (Without Destroying Cash Flow)
- How to Pay Off Your Mortgage Faster (Without Sacrificing Your Life)
- How to Prequalify for a Personal Loan Without Hurting Your Credit
- How to Qualify for a Loan (Even With Average or Bad Credit)
- How to Qualify for a Mortgage Without Overstretching Your Finances
- How to Read Your Financial Aid Award Letter (and Know What College Really Costs)
- How to Refinance a Personal Loan
- How to Refinance an Auto Loan (and When It’s Worth It)
- How to Refinance Student Loans (Step-by-Step Guide)
- How to Refinance Your Mortgage (When It Helps—and When It Doesn’t)
- How to Report Business Assets on FAFSA (Without Making Costly Mistakes)
- How to Report Investments on FAFSA (Stocks, Crypto, and 529 Plans Explained)
- How to Report Rental Property and Second Homes on FAFSA (What Counts as an Asset)
- How to Save for a House Down Payment (Without Burning Out)
- How to Set Up Student Loan Autopay (and Save 0.25%)
- How to Spot Predatory Personal Loan Offers
- How to Switch to the New Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP)
- How to Talk to Creditors (What to Say, What to Ask For, and When It Works)
- How to Trade In a Car With a Loan (Without Getting Trapped)
- How to Use a Personal Loan to Pay Off Credit Card Debt (The Smart Way)
- Leasing vs. Buying a Car: Which Fits Your Lifestyle?
- Loan Terms Explained: APR, Principal, Fees, and More
- Medical Loans: How to Pay for Health Costs Without Wrecking Your Finances
- Mortgage Basics: How Home Loans Really Work
- Negative Equity Explained: Rolling a Car Loan Into a New One
- New Car Loan vs. Used Car Loan: Which Makes More Sense?
- Parent PLUS Loans Explained (What Parents Are Really Signing Up For)
- Personal Loans 101: What They’re For and How to Use Them Wisely
- Private Student Loans Explained (When They Make Sense—and When They Don’t)
- Refinancing Explained: Auto, Mortgage, and Personal Loans
- Secured Credit Cards vs. Credit Builder Loans: Which One’s Right for You?
- Secured vs. Unsecured Loans: What’s the Difference?
- Student Loan Interest Explained (Why Balances Grow and How to Stop It)
- Student Loans 101: Federal vs. Private Loans Explained Simply
- Student Loans vs. Paying Cash for College: What’s the Real Trade-Off?
You’ve started learning — now it’s time to transform.
The Smile Money Academy™ is your next step: a membership that turns education into action with courses, tools, and community support.
Inside the Academy, you’ll get:
- Smile Money Paths –begin with the area that matters most to you today
- The Smile Money Blueprint™ — a 12-week program for holistic financial wellness
- Access to bonus resources, live Q&As, and mentorship
- A supportive community of people walking the same path