About Ronda
Ronda Wespalis graduated with an Associate of Arts at Central Piedmont Community College, before transferring to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte to study business administration and law. She became an APRfinder contributor in 2012, but also writes for eBay and ReVUEzzle. Aside from delving into personal finance matters, Ronda’s personal hobbies and interests include interior decor, fashion, and volunteerism.
Recent Posts by Ronda
A fraud alert is a notation on your credit file that tells potential lenders and other creditors that you suspect you’re a victim of fraud. If you attempt to buy a car, open a credit card account, or just increase the amount on an existing credit line, the fraud alert is there to ensure the […]
Credit reporting agencies and the businesses that report to them are responsible for maintaining accurate records. Unfortunately, the burden of proof still primarily falls on you, the consumer. The United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recommends checking your credit report on a regular basis to spot and report errors.
Rebuilding your credit after a bankruptcy is similar to building credit in the first place. As someone who has less-than-ideal credit, you’re going to pay more to borrow money than before the bankruptcy. Be prepared for high interest rates, low credit limits, and even annual credit card fees. But it’s not the end of the […]
At the end of 2021, the median rent in the United States was $1,309 per month or $15,708 per year. Which is just crazy to think about, especially considering how many people didn’t have jobs. Even the cheapest cities to rent in cost more than $600 per unit on average for a studio apartment.
A credit report is compiled of information on your place of residence, financial track record in regards to paying bills, loans you’ve received recently, and judgments or bankruptcies. Its primary purpose is to aid creditors in determining whether you’re a responsible person to lend to and, if so, how much money they can reasonably trust […]
The good news about having no credit is that you don’t have bad credit. Even better, you have the potential to build great credit, which is easier to do with no credit than damaged credit. That being said, it still takes time and careful planning. If you’re just getting started on your credit journey, here […]
Identity theft was the number one fraud complaint for several recent years, and it continues to plague consumers as criminals become savvier. The crime takes no skill or equipment to pull off, making it a tempting source of income for criminals.
Identity theft can be devastating to your credit report and score, but only temporarily, if you take the right steps. Much of the potential damage can be limited if identity theft victims act promptly. Fortunately for victims, the United States Federal Trade Commission has recommended some steps to take if identity theft is underway or […]
Several factors affect your credit report and score. Some negative-seeming items are inevitable; for example, applying for any line of credit gives reason for finance companies to look closer at the report. But why? Everyone has to start somewhere, and most people pay an occasional bill late, so what’s the point of deeming these items […]
