Heidi Rivera

United States

Articles

Struggling with buy now, pay later? You're not alone.

2 weeks ago | fidelity.com | Heidi Rivera

Buy now, pay later (BNPL) products give the illusion of inexpensive payments — something that can make it easy to get carried away, resulting in loan stacking and financial risk. This is an especially acute risk as millennials and Gen Zers feel more strapped for cash than ever and are looking for ways to stretch their cash flow. The uptick in usage has been shown recently in Bankrate’s Buy Now, Pay Later survey.
Does applying for a loan hurt your credit score?

1 month ago | komonews.com | Heidi Rivera

Key takeawaysA loan application, just like a credit card application, can temporarily lower your credit score due to the required hard credit check. Though this drop is temporary, it isn’t the only way a personal loan can hurt your credit score. Missed or late payments can also cause damage. That said, personal loans — or any type of loan — can also positively affect your score over time by contributing to your credit mix and payment history, among other factors.
Does applying for a loan hurt your credit score?

1 month ago | weartv.com | Heidi Rivera

Key takeawaysA loan application, just like a credit card application, can temporarily lower your credit score due to the required hard credit check. Though this drop is temporary, it isn’t the only way a personal loan can hurt your credit score. Missed or late payments can also cause damage. That said, personal loans — or any type of loan — can also positively affect your score over time by contributing to your credit mix and payment history, among other factors.
Does applying for a loan hurt your credit score?

1 month ago | katu.com | Heidi Rivera

Does applying for a loan hurt your credit score? by Heidi RiveraTue, February 25th 2025 at 6:56 AMSrdjanPav/ Getty Images; Illustration by Austin Courregé/Bankrate
Life-changing companions: How to afford a service dog

2 months ago | yahoo.com | Heidi Rivera

Generate Key TakeawaysKey takeawaysTrained service dogs cost between $10,000 and $30,000 on average but can go as high as $50,000. Before getting a service dog, consider the associated costs, such as training, food, trips to the vet and care. If you cannot use a program, consider a personal loan, grant FSA account or fundraiser to get the funds. Service dogs can change the lives of those who need them.
Financial Support For Black-Owned Businesses

Jan 23, 2025 | bankrate.com | Kristina Byas |Heidi Rivera |Rob Watts

Black-owned businesses in the U.S. employ around 1.6 million Americans, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Studies show that Black entrepreneurs face more challenges than their white counterparts to secure the capital they need. This is true, even if they have a stronger credit profile. Black-owned businesses play an essential role in reducing the racial wealth gap. Minority-owned businesses are those that are at least 51 percent owned, operated and controlled by a minority group.
What is the average medical school debt?

Nov 24, 2024 | finance.yahoo.com | Heidi Rivera

Medical school costs upwards of $64,000 a year in tuition, fees and health insurance for a resident going to a public institution. 71 percent of students borrow money to pay for medical school, with an average balance exceeding $210,000. Applying for state assistance, income-driven repayment programs or refinancing are some ways graduates can make their repayment more manageable. Though this figure is staggering, it’s not surprising.
Paying for van life: Costs and statistics

Nov 19, 2024 | wjla.com | Heidi Rivera

Key takeawaysThe average cost of a house in the U.S. is about $359,892, whereas financing a camper van starts at just $130,000 for a new model. The cost of purchasing a van varies significantly depending on the make and model and whether it needs to be converted. Current van lifers spend around $1,000 to $3,000 per month in monthly expenses, making van life a more affordable way of living.
Paying for van life: Costs and statistics

Nov 19, 2024 | news3lv.com | Heidi Rivera

Paying for van life: Costs and statisticsby Heidi RiveraTue, November 19th 2024 at 1:36 PMMystockimages/Getty Images
Paying for van life: Costs and statistics

Nov 19, 2024 | komonews.com | Heidi Rivera

Key takeawaysThe average cost of a house in the U.S. is about $359,892, whereas financing a camper van starts at just $130,000 for a new model. The cost of purchasing a van varies significantly depending on the make and model and whether it needs to be converted. Current van lifers spend around $1,000 to $3,000 per month in monthly expenses, making van life a more affordable way of living.