Jessica's Latest Posts

If you’re seeking the perfect credit score, you’ll have to aim high. While about a quarter of Americans have excellent credit, few achieve the ultimate highest score for credit. Let’s look at the highest credit rating score possible, how you…

Recently, I stayed at the Homewood Suites by Hilton Austin/Round Rock, TX with my family for 4 nights. We were on a group trip and this hotel ended up being excellent for our needs. With a large lobby and basketball…

Credit cards have some similarities to bank accounts. You can even withdraw cash from credit cards with a cash advance — so it’s not a stretch to think that credit cards might have routing numbers. But credit cards, unlike bank…

We get a lot of value from our credit cards here at Upgraded Points, so you might wonder how credit card companies can turn a profit even while piling on rewards and benefits. The truth is, credit card companies make…

Credit card debt doesn’t go away easily — not even when you die. While credit card debt forgiveness can be an option if you have major debt you can’t pay, it’s rare and requires getting a debt settlement agreement. Let’s…

There are a number of factors that go into calculating your credit score, and the credit card utilization ratio is one of the most important metrics in credit scoring models. But if you’re looking at credit card utilization to improve…

The Quick Answer A late payment can have long-reaching effects on your credit score, remaining on your credit report for up to 7 years. You can expect a late payment on your credit report to negatively affect your credit score…

Missing a couple of credit card payments will get you stuck with more than just a few late fees. In addition to late fees, your account may be hit with a penalty annual percentage rate (APR), which will increase the…

When it comes to credit card interest rates, you may think you’re at the mercy of the credit card companies — but you have more negotiating power than you think. Major credit card issuers such as American Express, Bank of…

Most people don’t associate banks and fancy coffee shops together, but there are dozens of locations around the country where you can grab a cold brew coffee and open a checking account just a few steps away. Enter Capital One’s…

If you’re paying hundreds — even thousands — in credit card interest fees each year, getting to write off that expense at tax time could take some of the sting out. But unless you’re using a credit card for business…

Your credit card’s annual percentage rate (APR) is the yearly interest rate that you pay when you carry a balance on your credit card. A credit card’s APR can either be fixed or variable, though most credit cards offer variable…

I stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Corpus Christi Beachfront for 3 nights on a quick family vacation in August. I wanted to kick off our school year with a field trip to the Texas State Aquarium and the U.S.S….

I stayed at The Driskill – The Unbound Collection by Hyatt in Austin for a night in June. I live just a couple of hours away from Austin, so when a longtime friend from California was in town for a…

Dry Tortugas National Park is a remote island park just off Key West. It’s a picturesque tropical location with coral reefs, snorkeling, wildlife, a historic fort, and more. But you can’t drive there; only permitted boats and seaplanes can access…

I visited Casa Marina Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton in May 2022 on a long-awaited 3-night getaway to Key West with my husband. We were thrilled to explore this historic tropical island that’s home to Hemingway’s 6-toed cats, some…

Credit scores can be intimidating. They’re like grades on a report card that reflect how well you manage credit. And credit scores aren’t always easy to comprehend, especially if you’re struggling to build or rebuild your credit.  But understanding your…