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Jorge Labrador

Jorge Labrador writes about credit-related topics that often come with a lot of questions, like pre-approvals, credit scores, credit building, and trending advice on social media. He's previously covered healthcare, travel, entertainment and more for nearly two decades. He likes to unwind by painting plastic fantasy miniatures, making a fancy cup of coffee or color-coding his budgeting app (again).

Posts By This Author

A smiling couple sits at their living room coffee table, placing coins from a scattered pile into a piggy bank. This represents learning how to invest and putting it into action.

How To Learn About Investing

Investing might be a complex topic, but it’s not totally inaccessible. Find the education options that best work for you so you can invest confidently.

A young woman raises her fist in celebration while holding up her credit card, as if she’s pleased with her starting credit score.

What Credit Score Do You Start With?

Wondering what your starting credit score is? Learn how to build a strong foundation from the beginning of your credit journey.

A woman rests on her sofa, holding up a credit card while happily looking at her phone. Perhaps she doesn’t use this card often and checked to see if the account is still open.

What Happens If You Don’t Use Your Credit Card?

Discover what happens if you stop using your credit card for a few months, and how that can impact your credit score.

A woman reviews a check while going through her mail, perhaps looking for details like the routing and account numbers.

How to Find the Routing and Account Number on a Check

Personal checks have several important numbers on them. Learn how to identify the routing and account numbers and what they’re for.

A woman smiles as she reads a piece of mail in one hand, while holding envelopes in her other hand. She may be reading the details of a pre-approved credit card offer.

Do Pre-Approved Credit Card Offers Affect Your Credit?

Pre-approved credit card offers might be common, but what do they really mean for you and your credit score?

A 3D illustration of steps, culminating in an upward arrow at the top, represents the idea of taking steps to make progress.

12 Quick Steps That Could Improve Your Finances

A few quick steps can go a long way toward improving your finances. Check out these easy, effective tips.

Four increasingly tall stacks of coins are set beside a jar, which is also filled with coins and has a small plant sprouting from it. This represents the act of investing and growing wealth.

How Can You Invest Money?

Investing sounds good, but all the options can be overwhelming. Take the first steps toward growing wealth over time with these basic concepts.

Impact of Poor Debt Management on Credit Score

Neglecting to manage your debt can have a negative effect on your credit score. Learn how to avoid this situation with these tips.

A man celebrates in front of his laptop with a credit card in hand. Perhaps he made a purchase and is experiencing firsthand how credit card cash back works.

How Does Credit Card Cash Back Work?

Having a cash back rewards card is just the start. A little bit of planning can go a long way toward maximizing your rewards.

This material is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified tax advisor, attorney or financial advisor. Readers should consult with their own tax advisor, attorney or financial advisor with regard to their personal situations.

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