Debt Management & Credit

Hi, I'm Michael Ryan, and after 3 decades as a financial planner. I've seen it all: the crippling weight of student loans, the anxiety of living paycheck to paycheck, the shame of credit card debt spiraling out of control. I've sat across from tearful clients, feeling utterly lost. But I've...

That gut punch denial for a car loan? Or the apartment hunt ghosted because your FICO's stuck at 620? I've been there with clients. And yeah, it's rage inducing in this 7% rate hellscape. As a near 30 year vet financial planner, I've coached 500+ souls from debt dungeons...

Ever feel like your credit score is a mystery? You pay your bills on time, but the number just won’t budge. As a retired financial planner with almost 3 decades of experience, I’ve seen this frustration countless times. The culprit is almost always a misunderstood metric: credit utilization rate. You’ve...

I’ve spent nearly 3 decades in financial planning, guiding clients through the dot-com bubble, the 2008 crash, and the unpredictable markets that followed. In that time, I've seen countless solid real estate deals get rejected by conventional banks for one simple reason: the investor's personal tax returns didn't fit...

Taking out a payday loan often feels like grabbing a lifeline. When you're facing an unexpected bill and your bank account is empty, that promise of "fast cash" can seem like the only solution. But as a financial planner for nearly three decades, I've seen that lifeline quickly tighten...

Ever felt like your credit score is a black box, rigged against you? You’re not alone. The national average FICO score dropped to 715 in 2025, the steepest decline since the Great Recession. With millions feeling the squeeze from resumed student loan payments and high credit card balances. But forget...

Have you ever wished your credit card felt more personalized? Discover now offers over 130 unique card designs to match your passions and interests. From serene beach scenes to sleek solid colors, Discover card artwork allows you to showcase what makes you special. I will walk you through Some of the...

Reverse mortgages allow older homeowners to tap into their home equity without having to make monthly mortgage payments. But what happens when you want to get out of a reverse mortgage loan? This comprehensive guide will walk you through the ins and outs of repaying a reverse mortgage, alternatives...

Are you dreaming of starting your own business but don't have any money to get it off the ground? Don't worry, because it is possible to get a loan for startup business even with limited funds. But if course, you are wondering about how to get a startup...

Every business reaches crucial junctures where a bit of financial fuel can make all the difference. Maybe you spot an ideal new location but need working capital to cover the lease deposit and renovations. Or perhaps you have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to purchase game-changing equipment at a discount. When pressing needs...