Business

Full Payment vs. Partial Payments: Which is Best For Your Credit Score?

Published

1 year ago

April 16, 2022

When it comes to paying off your credit card, there are two leading schools of thought: full payment and partial payment. Both have pros and cons, but which is best for your credit score?

Method 1: Paying your balance off in full every month

Pros:

You won’t accrue debt. If your balances are $0 at the close of every statement, you’ll never accrue interest.
You’ll improve your credit score—the less outstanding debt you have, the higher your credit utilization rate. You may want to consider a popular method like using a personal loan to pay off debt and this includes credit card debt.
You’ll be less likely to default on your debt. Debt creates a slippery slope that quickly gets people in over their heads and unable to pay back what they owe. Since you’ll never carry a balance, your chances of defaulting are slim.

Cons:

It can be challenging to come up with the money to make a full payment, especially if you’ve spent more than you made throughout the month.
You may not be able to afford all of your bills if you put all your money towards paying off your credit card in full. If you run into this problem, you’ll need to cut expenses or alter your budget to ensure you have enough money to cover your debt and other necessities.

Method 2: Paying the minimum or making partial payments

Pros:

You’ll need less money every month to make payments on time. There are multiple ways you can use partial payments as a debt payoff strategy.
Consider popular methods for paying off debt in increments to see which is right for your situation. If you’re on a tight budget, this is a better strategy to take than avoiding making payments.
You can put money towards emergency savings while also paying your bills. Emergency funds ensure cash is available when you need it, which can help you avoid going into debt in the future.

Cons:

You’ll accrue interest on your outstanding balances.
Minimum payments are often eaten up by the interest on any balance you carry over, which can be demotivating if you’re trying to get out of debt.
It will take you a long time to become debt-free. The longer you carry a balance, the more interest you’ll accrue. The more interest you accrue, the more time it’ll take to get your balance back to $0.
Your interest rates could change over time due to market conditions, raising your debt even if you haven’t made additional charges.

Which method is better for your credit score?

It can be tempting to make partial payments on your debt each month, but this strategy could have a negative effect long term. Making only partial payments can increase your debt burden since it will take longer to pay it off.

The two most significant factors that affect your credit score are the number of late payments made and your credit utilization ratio. Credit utilization is determined by dividing the amount of debt you carry over the total amount of available credit. Experts recommend having a utilization ratio of 20% or lower. However, the best credit scores typically have a utilization ratio of 10% or less. Making only partial payments could end up lowering your credit score because of your increased utilization rate. A better approach is to make full payments on your debt every month, which will help you get out of debt faster and improve your credit score.

The bottom line

Paying your balances off in full every month isn’t easy, especially if you’re on a fixed income. But if you want to have the best credit score possible, you should make it a habit to pay in full instead of only paying the minimum or partial payment. However, a partial payment is still better for your credit than not paying anything at all, so do the best you can with what you have and commit to changing the way you spend money so that you’ll become debt-free as quickly as possible.

Business

Choosing a Reliable Roofing Contractor: 10 Questions to Ask

Published

3 days ago

September 25, 2023

Matthew Wiles

The durability and safeguarding of your home are heavily reliant on the state of your roof. Whether you’re confronted with repairs, a full replacement, or the installation of a new roof, the selection of the perfect roofing contractor holds paramount significance. Determining whether you’re selecting the best option among the abundance of choices available can be difficult. In order to help you with this crucial decision-making process, we have painstakingly put together a list of 10 crucial inquiries to ask potential roofing contractors.

1. Are You Licensed and Insured?

Verify the contractor’s eligibility to operate in your locality by scrutinizing their credentials, and be sure to demand evidence of insurance. The significance of this step lies in its role as a protective shield, guarding you against potential liability should any accidents or property damage transpire during the course of the project.

2. How Long Have You Been in Business?

Experience matters in the roofing industry. Contractors with a long history of successful projects are often more reliable and capable of handling various roofing issues.

3. Can You Provide References?

In the process of choosing a contractor, it is imperative to request references from their previous clients. A trustworthy contractor will not only furnish you with a roster of contented customers but will also supply their contact details, affording you the opportunity to reach out directly and delve into their firsthand experiences. This direct feedback will provide invaluable insights into the contractor’s performance, professionalism, and dependability, empowering you to make a well-informed decision.

4. What is Your Specialty?

Roofing contractors may specialize in specific types of roofing materials or projects. Make sure they have experience with the type of work you need, whether it’s asphalt shingles, metal roofing, or commercial roofing.

5. Do You Offer Written Estimates?

To foster clarity and preempt potential misunderstandings, it is strongly advised to refrain from solely relying on verbal estimates. Instead, it is prudent to seek a thorough, written estimate that encompasses all critical facets of the project. This written estimate should include a complete analysis of the necessary materials, an estimate of labor expenses, and a clearly defined schedule outlining the project’s key checkpoints and the anticipated completion date. By employing this tactic, you can provide the groundwork for good communication and guarantee that all stakeholders are aware of the needs and parameters of the project.

6. What Warranty Do You Offer?

Inquire about the warranties they offer for both materials and workmanship when choosing a contractor. An honest and reliable contractor will always stand behind their work and provide thorough warranties that shield you from any potential flaws or problems that might develop later. These guarantees not only give you peace of mind, but they also show how dedicated the contractor is to producing top-notch outcomes and assuring your pleasure throughout the entire process. So, don’t hesitate to ask about the warranties and make an informed decision that gives you added confidence in your choice of contractor.

7. Do You Have Proper Permits and Documentation?

Ensuring that the contractor you hire will manage all the necessary permits and paperwork on your behalf is of utmost importance. This proactive approach not only conserves your valuable time and effort but also serves as a protective barrier against potential legal complications or entanglements that could surface down the road. By entrusting these responsibilities to a dependable contractor, you can enjoy peace of mind and dedicate your focus to other aspects of your project or business with unwavering confidence.

8. What Safety Measures Do You Have in Place?

Ensuring safety should always be a paramount concern when undertaking any roofing project. It is crucial to inquire about the contractor’s safety practices, which encompass not only the equipment they utilize but also the extent of their training. By doing so, you can help guarantee the well-being and security of all individuals involved in the project, fostering an environment that prioritizes safety above all else.

9. How Will You Handle Unexpected Issues?

When embarking on roofing projects, it’s essential to acknowledge that they can occasionally unveil unforeseen issues that were not initially apparent. Engaging in a candid conversation with your contractor regarding their contingency plans for addressing these unexpected challenges is of paramount importance. Furthermore, it is prudent to inquire about the potential extra expenses that might arise due to these unanticipated circumstances. Establishing a transparent understanding of how the contractor intends to manage such situations contributes to a more streamlined and prosperous roofing project.

10. What Is Your Timeline for Completion?

To maintain a seamless workflow, it’s essential to gain a thorough grasp of the project’s schedule. Delays can be a source of significant frustration, which underscores the importance of having a precise understanding of what lies ahead. This knowledge empowers you to plan and allocate resources with precision. Being well-informed about the project’s timeline enables you to anticipate and address any possible challenges or obstacles that may emerge, ultimately contributing to a more successful and efficient execution.

*Bonus Tip: Check Online Reviews and Ratings

Prior to reaching a final decision, it’s advisable to conduct an online review and rating check for the roofing contractor. Platforms such as Yelp, Google, and the Better Business Bureau can furnish valuable insights regarding their reputation and levels of customer satisfaction.

Selecting the appropriate roofing contractor is a momentous decision that holds the potential to influence the long-term structural soundness and overall value of your home. By posing these 10 critical questions and undertaking comprehensive research, you’ll be fully equipped to choose a dependable roofing contractor capable of delivering top-notch workmanship and providing you with peace of mind throughout your roofing project.