Users want credit score tools to integrate with budgeting applications to provide a holistic view of their finances and how spending habits affect their credit scores.
Hi all. I need a vehicle as I commute to school (in-person class 5 days/week) and do a combo of nannying and delivery service for extra income. My primary income is content creation and academic internships/research positions - I average $4k/month. For the past year, I've been spending stupid amounts on Ubers/rental cars/metro (easily 100+/week in and out of DC suburbs) to get around, and that money would've been better spent on a car of my own. I grew up poor and most of my family is bad with money, so I don't really have personal guidance on making a well informed loan purchase. This would be my 2nd time buying a car - I bought a 2013 Equinox for $10k in 2020 and sold it in 2021 for $8k as my family was getting evicted and needed the cash. Here are my purchase goals: * all inclusive pricing under $16,500, $350 monthly payment, 12% APR @ 60 months * local buy (drive it home) * AWD SUV under 70,000 miles * 2017 and newer Toyota, Honda, Mazda, and some Kia's * one owner, no accidents, clean title Here's the car I've had my eye on: * 2021 Mazda CX-30 Select AWD * $16,300, 67,000 miles * Capital One pre-qualification: $345 monthly, 11.27%APR, 60 months * Dealership website estimate: $419 monthly, 19.79%APR, 60 months My general finance profile: * $1200/mo rent and utilities * $300/mo food * $400/mo school fees payment plan * $600/mo avg payments across 6 credit cards * no investments, or savings beyond this car down payment * The major dent on my credit is 77% usage. I have to pay down 8k between my Discover and Chase cards which would boost my score back to 730+. When able to DoorDash and Instacart with a car, I plan save this amount and better manage my debt. Are these realistic purchase goals and is this a good buy? Which loan quote is most accurate, is CapOne's just advertisement and vibes? I plan to refinance with my credit union in 3 months anyways, but I don't feel like I have much leverage walking into the dealership to negotiate with. I'm still a bit confused about dealership added fees - I expect to pay for titling, registration, and sales tax, but there seems to be processing fees and other things I'm not familiar with. What would you recommend?