Inceptia Great Advice for Grads 2026

Great Advice for Grads 2026 delivers practical, real-world guidance for managing money after graduation — without the overwhelm. Designed to be both approachable and actionable, the guide equips students with tools to make informed financial decisions from day one.

How to Pay Off Student Loans Fast: 7 Strategies for 2026 . . . . . . . . . . 3 HowtoBudgetMoneyin5Steps.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 WhatisaCreditReference?...........................12 How to Build Your Credit Score Fast: 9 Strategies That Work . . . . . . . . 15 Americans Split on Using AI for Personal Finances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 The links herein are being provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or an approval by Inceptia of any of the products, services, or opinions of the corporation, organization or individual. Inceptia bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. Contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content. GREAT ADVICE FOR GRADS 2026

The investing information provided in this document is for educational purposes only. NerdWallet, Inc. and Inceptia do not offer advisory or brokerage services, nor does it recommend or advise investors to buy or sell particular stocks, securities or other investments.

Brought to you by

in partnership with

Hey Graduate!

Graduation is a milestone worth celebrating AND it marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with important decisions. If you’re feeling a mix of excitement and uncertainty, you’re not alone. Many graduates are stepping into questions about student loans, budgeting, credit, and what it really means to manage money day to day. The truth is, you’re not expected to have it all figured out right away.

What matters most is having the right support and knowing where to start.

That’s why we partnered with NerdWallet for this edition of Great Advice for Grads. Together, we’ve brought you practical, easy-to-understand guidance to help you take your next steps with confidence — from paying down student loans and building a budget to understanding credit and making informed financial decisions. As you read through, take what resonates with you. Come back to it when you need it. Your financial journey will evolve over time, and that’s exactly how it should be.

I’m cheering you on as you move forward — one smart step at a time.

Congratulations, and all the best in what comes next!

Director of Marketing Inceptia

How to Pay Off Student Loans Fast: 7 Strategies for 2026 Extra payments will help pay off fast in 2026, but you can also refinance to save on interest on private loans

NERDWALLET

The fastest way to pay off student loans is to pay more than the minimum each month. The more you pay toward your loans, the less interest you’ll owe — and the quicker the balance will disappear. But making extra payments isn’t the only way to get ahead on your college debt. Here are seven strategies to help you pay off student loans fast. 1. MAKE EXTRA PAYMENTS TOWARD THE PRINCIPAL There’s no penalty for paying off student loans early or paying more than the minimum. But there is a caveat with prepayment: Student loan servicers, which collect your bill, may use your extra payment to advance your due date — applying the extra amount to next month’s payment. Advancing a student loan due date won’t help you pay off student loans faster. That’s because your extra payment will first go to any late fees and accrued interest before hitting your principal. Instead, instruct your servicer — either online, by phone or by mail — to apply overpayments to your principal balance and to keep next month’s due date as planned. If you have multiple loans with different interest rates, pay off the higher-interest loans first. You can make an additional payment at any point in the month, or you can make a lump-sum student loan payment on the due date. Either strategy can save you money. For example, let’s say you owe $10,000 with a 4.5% interest rate. By paying an extra $100 every month on a standard 10-year repayment plan, you’d be debt-free about five and a half years ahead of schedule. Use a student loan payoff calculator to see how fast you could get rid of your loans with extra payments and how much money in interest you’d save.

2. ENROLL IN AUTOPAY

Signing up for autopay is a way to lower your student loan interest rate so that more of your money goes toward your principal balance. Federal student loan servicers offer a quarter-point interest rate discount if you let them automatically deduct payments from your bank account. Many private lenders offer an auto-pay deduction as well. The savings from this discount will likely be minimal — dropping a $10,000 loan’s interest rate from 4.50% to 4.25% would save you about $144 overall, based on a 10-year repayment plan. But when combined with some of the other strategies, it can still help you pay off student loans fast.

Contact your servicer to enroll or find out if an autopay discount is available.

3. MAKE BIWEEKLY PAYMENTS

Instead of making one full monthly student loan payment, you can pay half your bill every two weeks. This is called a “biweekly” payment. You’ll end up making an extra payment each year, shaving time off your repayment schedule and dollars off your interest costs. Use a biweekly student loan payment calculator to see how much time and money you can save. 4. PAY OFF INTEREST BEFORE IT CAPITALIZES Unless your loans are subsidized by the federal government, interest will accrue while you’re in school, during your grace period and during periods of student loan deferment and forbearance. That interest capitalizes when repayment begins, which means it is added to your principal loan amount. You’ll wind up paying interest on a larger amount, increasing the amount you pay over time. Consider making monthly interest-only student loan payments while you’re in school, during your grace period or during a forbearance to avoid capitalization. Or, make a lump-sum interest payment before your six-month student loan grace period ends. It won’t directly speed up the payoff process, but it will mean you have a smaller balance to get rid of once repayment formally begins.

5. STICK TO THE STANDARD REPAYMENT PLAN

The government automatically puts federal student loan borrowers on the 10-year standard repayment plan, unless you choose differently. If you can’t make extra payments, the fastest way to pay off federal loans is to stay on that standard repayment plan. It splits up your total debt (plus interest) into 120 monthly installments spread over 10 years. The federal government also offers income-driven repayment (IDR) plans, which can lower your monthly payment based on your income. However, IDR plans can also extend the payoff timeline up to 20 or 25 years (depending on your loan type), at which point your remaining debt may be forgiven. You can also consolidate student loans, which stretches repayment to a maximum of 30 years. If you can avoid these options and stick with the standard plan, it will mean a quicker road to being debt-free — but you might end up with hefty monthly payments. Use the government’s loan simulator to estimate your monthly payments and the amount you’ll pay overall on different repayment plans. 6. REFINANCE IF YOU HAVE GOOD CREDIT, A STEADY JOB AND PRIVATE LOANS Refinancing student loans can help you pay off student loans faster without making extra payments. This process replaces multiple federal or private student loans with a single private loan, ideally at a lower interest rate. To speed up repayment, choose a new loan term that’s less than what’s left on your current loans. Opting for a shorter term may increase your monthly payment. But, it could help you pay the debt faster and save money on interest. For example, refinancing a $50,000 student loan with an 8.5% interest rate and 10-year term to 6% interest on a seven-year term would save you roughly $13,000 — but your monthly payment would increase by about $110. You’re a good candidate for refinancing if you already have private loans, a credit score at least in the high 600s, a steady, high income and a debt-to-income ratio below 50%. Think twice before refinancing federal student loans. You’ll lose access to IDR plans and federal student loan forgiveness programs, like Public Service Loan Forgiveness. You’ll also forfeit payment relief if you lose your job and other borrower protections which private borrowers can’t access. Once you refinance, your student loans permanently become private; there’s no way to turn them back into federal loans.

5 5

7. GET CREATIVE AND USE ‘FOUND’ MONEY

If you get a raise, a student loan refinance bonus or another financial windfall, try to allocate at least a portion of it to your student loans. You can also look to your employer. Find out if your employer offers a student loan repayment program as an employee benefit and ask how to enroll. Start a side hustle to increase your income and pay off student loans faster. Sell items like clothing, unused gift cards or photos; rent out your spare room, parking spot or car; or use your skills to freelance or consult on the side.

The article How to Pay Off Student Loans Fast: 7 Strategies for 2026 originally appeared on NerdWallet.

articles@nerdwallet.com

How to Budget Money in 5 Steps Divide your income among needs, wants, savings and debt repayment.

LAUREN SCHWAHN AND AMANDA BARROSO

A budget is a plan for how you use your money. No matter how much you earn or how often you get paid, a budget helps you stay on top of your bills, savings and other money goals. It can give you more control and less stress.

HOW TO CREATE A BUDGET: STEP-BY-STEP

To budget money, follow the five steps below.

STEP 1. FIGURE OUT YOUR AFTER-TAX INCOME

If you get a regular paycheck, the amount you bring home is your after-tax income. This is also called your net income or take-home pay. If money is taken out of your paycheck for things like a 401(k) or insurance, add that back in when making your budget. That way, you’ll see your full income. If you have other types of money coming in — such as from side gigs — subtract anything that reduces that income, such as taxes and business expenses.

STEP 2. CHOOSE A BUDGETING SYSTEM

A budgeting system is a plan for how to use your money. Everyone has different habits, personality types and approaches to managing money, and there are systems that can fit your lifestyle.

Every budget should cover your needs, some wants and savings for emergencies and the future.

Examples of budgeting systems include the envelope system, the zero-based budget, and the 50/30/20 budget, in which 50% of your take-home pay goes toward necessities, 30% toward wants and 20% toward savings and retirement.

Other breakdowns, like 60/20/20 and 60/30/10, may work well for some situations.

STEP 3. TRACK YOUR PROGRESS

Write down what you spend, or use a budget app or NerdWallet’s budget template to help.

Pay attention to where your money is going. If you notice areas where you’re overspending, try to cut those costs. If you’re able to make cuts and have money left over, put it toward debt repayment, savings or another financial priority.

STEP 4. AUTOMATE YOUR SAVINGS

Set up automatic savings to make things easier. You can set automatic deposits to an emergency fund, investment or retirement account on your paydays. If your income changes from month to month, set reminders to move money when you can. You don’t have to do it alone — a friend or online group can keep you motivated to stick to your budget.

STEP 5. PRACTICE BUDGET MANAGEMENT

Your money situation will change over time. Check your budget every few months and adjust if needed.

If you find that the initial budgeting system you chose isn’t working for you, consider trying a different strategy. The budget you choose doesn’t have to last forever.

DETERMINE YOUR BUDGETING PRIORITIES When budgeting, it can be hard to figure out which items are most urgent. Should you prioritize your credit card debt, student loan repayments or retirement savings? Here is a list of potential priorities from most to least urgent. PRIORITY NO. 1: START AN EMERGENCY FUND Many experts recommend trying to build up several months of bare-bones living expenses. NerdWallet suggests starting an emergency fund of at least $500, which could be enough to cover small emergencies and repairs. If that starting amount isn’t possible, put at least a little bit toward the fund every paycheck. According to a recent NerdWallet survey, 46% of Americans plan on saving money for emergencies in 2026.

PRIORITY NO. 2: GET YOUR 401(K) MATCH

If your job offers a 401(k) match, consider putting in enough to get the full match. That’s free money.

PRIORITY NO. 3: PAY OFF HIGH-INTEREST DEBT

A NerdWallet study found that 30% of Americans plan on paying off one or more of their debts in full in 2026. [1] If this is one of your goals, focus on high-interest credit card debt or loans, such as personal and payday loans, title loans and rent-to-own payments. Look into ways to help with your debt — like a debt management plan or bankruptcy — if either of these things is true for you: • You can’t repay your credit cards, medical bills or personal loans (i.e., unsecured debt) in the next five years, even if you cut your spending a lot.

• Your total debt (not including things like a mortgage or car loan) is as much or more than half of what you make before taxes.

PRIORITY NO. 4: SAVE FOR RETIREMENT (AGAIN) Once you’ve paid off your high-interest debt and have some extra money, focus on saving for retirement. Financial experts suggest saving 10-15% of your income before taxes for retirement. For many people, that’s a goal to work towards over time. Just know that your company match, if offered, counts toward that 15% total. If your job doesn’t offer a 401(k), or if you’ve already put in enough to get the full match, you can look into other options, such as a Roth or traditional IRA.

PRIORITY NO. 5: GROW YOUR EMERGENCY FUND

Keep adding to your emergency savings. Try to build up enough to cover three to six months of basic living expenses — like rent, groceries and utilities. It might take a long time to reach this goal. That’s OK. Use the fund when emergencies happen, and try to put the money back when you can. PRIORITY NO. 6: PAY DOWN THE REST OF YOUR DEBT Once your emergency fund is in good shape and your retirement savings are on track, focus on other debts. These payments go beyond the minimum required to pay off debt, if you have any remaining. If you’ve already paid off your high-interest debt, what’s left is probably lower-rate, such as student loans, or tax-deductible debt like your mortgage. Tackle these when the goals listed above are covered.

Try not to take money away from your emergency fund and retirement savings to do this.

PRIORITY NO. 7: SAVE FOR YOURSELF

Great job! If you’ve taken all the steps above, you’re in a great position. You’ve built smart money habits and now have more freedom with your money. To earn more on your savings, think about using a high-yield savings account. These often pay more than regular savings accounts. You can divide your savings into different buckets — one for emergencies, one for car repairs and one for fun. Some banks will automatically move your monthly interest earnings to your bucket of choice, helping you reach your goals faster. The more you save, the more your money grows. It’s a win-win.

TRY A SIMPLE BUDGETING PLAN: 50/30/20

One popular budget plan is the 50/30/20 budget. If you stick to this plan, you can handle your bills, save for the future, prepare for emergencies and enjoy life, too.

ALLOW UP TO 50% OF YOUR INCOME FOR NEEDS

Your necessities — about 50% of your after-tax income — should include:

• Minimum loan and credit card payments. Anything beyond the minimum goes into the savings and debt repayment category. • Child care or other expenses you need so you can work.

• Groceries

• Housing

• Basic utilities

• Transportation

• Insurance

If your basic needs go over 50%, you can use some of your “wants” money for now. That’s OK. But if those needs are going over 50% month after month, consider switching to another budgeting model. Switching your budget isn’t a sign of failure. Budgets should work for your life. If your necessities fall under the 50% cap, review the expenses that stay the same every month, often called fixed expenses. You may find a better cell phone plan, an opportunity to refinance your mortgage or a less expensive car insurance option. Those money moves create breathing room in your budget.

LEAVE 30% FOR WANTS

Separating wants from needs can be difficult. Needs are essential for you to live and work. Typical wants include dinners out, gifts, travel and entertainment. It’s not always easy to decide: Are organic groceries a want or a need? How about house cleaning services or food delivery? Decisions vary from person to person. If you want to get out of debt as fast as you can, you may decide your wants can wait until you have some savings or your debts are under control. But your budget should include fun money. If it’s too strict, it’s harder to stick with. COMMIT 20% TO SAVINGS AND DEBT PAYDOWN Use 20% of your after-tax income to put money away for the unexpected, save for the future and pay off debt balances (paying more than minimums). Think about your biggest money goals and use this part of your income to reach them. BEST WAY TO BUDGET The best way to budget is one you can follow. Pick a plan that works for your life and goals. If the 50/30/20 budget isn’t realistic for you, maybe a 60/20/20 breakdown makes more sense — 60% toward necessities, 20% toward wants and 20% toward savings and retirement. You might have to try a few different budget plans to find one that works for you. Just make sure any plan covers needs, wants and savings. Try out a few tools to track your money — like a notebook, a worksheet or an app — and pick the one you’ll actually use.

By testing what works best for you, you’re more likely to find a budget that helps you reach your financial goals.

[1] NerdWallet. 2026 Consumer Outlook Report – 51% Say Prices Will Worsen. Accessed Jan 1, 2026.

The article How to Budget Money in 5 Steps originally appeared on NerdWallet.

LAUREN SCHWAHN and AMANDA BARROSO write for NerdWallet. lschwahn@nerdwallet.com and abarroso@nerdwallet.com

What is a Credit Reference? A credit reference is information used by lenders, landlords, utilities or employers to evaluate your payment history and creditworthiness.

AMANDA BARROSO AND LAUREN SCHWAHN

A credit reference is typically a document that can provide information about whether you pay your bills on time. It’s commonly used when you apply for credit, rent an apartment or set up utilities, and it gives companies confidence that they are making an informed decision about your application.

In practice, a credit reference usually means either:

• An account on your credit report, such as a loan, credit card or utility account, that shows how you’ve handled payments. • A landlord or service provider listed on an application who can confirm your payment history.

A credit reference is not a character reference or a credit score.

CREDIT REFERENCES FOR POTENTIAL TENANTS

If a potential landlord asks for credit references, they might be looking for information from companies or landlords that have rented to you before. Or, the potential landlord might want your permission to pull a tenant screening report, which has information on your behavior as a renter, such as on-time rental payments, evictions or collections. Landlords can use that information to make decisions about your application or require a deposit. Consumer reporting companies — including companies that do tenant screening and traditional credit checks — are required by the Fair Credit Reporting Act to give you a free copy of your report every 12 months if you request it. If you see errors in your tenant report, you can dispute them. In this context, a “credit reference” may also simply mean a credit report, which shows your bill payment history.

CREDIT REFERENCES FOR UTILITIES

Utility companies may use credit references, including traditional credit scores, to decide whether you need to pay a security deposit — and if so, the amount. Some industries rely on specialized scoring models, such as Experian TEC Connect, to assess creditworthiness rather than a traditional credit score. A utility company may accept a “letter of credit” to waive a security deposit if the customer has had utilities before. A letter of credit can be requested by a former customer of a utility. It’s typically printed on letterhead stationery and includes account number, payment history, dates and balances.

If your payment record is strong, submitting a letter of credit could help waive or reduce a required deposit.

CREDIT REFERENCES FOR BORROWERS

When you apply for a credit card or loan, the credit references usually come from one of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Lenders might look at your credit report, which shows your account history and payment behavior, or your credit score, which is a number calculated from the data in your credit reports. While your credit score and credit report are related, they are two separate pieces of financial information. Creditors may use one or both to evaluate your application, along with other factors such as your income, debt-to-income ratio and assets.

CREDIT REFERENCES FOR EMPLOYMENT

In some states, employers are allowed to check a modified version of the job applicant’s credit report as part of the hiring process, and those might reasonably be called a credit reference. Employers must have your written permission to access your credit reports, and the version they receive doesn’t not include without account numbers, birth year or marital status.

HOW TO CHECK YOUR CREDIT REFERENCES Before you give permission for a credit check, it’s smart to review what a lender, landlord or potential employer will likely see. Be prepared to explain any negative marks, like missed payments, collections or bankruptcies. You can get free weekly credit reports from each of the three major credit bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com. Many credit card issuers and banks offer free credit scores, and you can access them from many personal finance websites, including this one.

The article What is a Credit Reference? originally appeared on NerdWallet.

LAUREN SCHWAHN and AMANDA BARROSO write for NerdWallet. lschwahn@nerdwallet.com and abarroso@nerdwallet.com

How to Build Your Credit Score Fast: 9 Strategies That Work You could elevate your credit score with tips such as making on-time payments, paying credit card bills more than once a month, becoming an authorized user and fixing credit report errors.

AMANDA BARROSO

Want to build a stronger credit score fast? Start by looking for quick wins, like a missed payment, a high credit card balance or an error on your credit report. Fixing these issues can sometimes lead to results in weeks, not years. If your problem is a thin credit file, building credit takes longer — but there are still smart ways to make progress at a steady pace. The first step is to check your credit reports so you know what’s holding your score back. Once you spot the issue, you can choose the strategies that are most likely to help.

Below are nine options, starting with the ones that tend to work fastest.

WAYS TO RAISE YOUR CREDIT SCORE IN 30 DAYS

1. PAY CREDIT CARD BALANCES STRATEGICALLY

Why this works fast: Credit scores update when lower balances are reported, often within a billing cycle. Credit utilization means how much of your credit limit you’re using. A good rule of thumb is to use less than 30% of your limit on each card, and lower is even better. People with the highest credit scores often use less than 10%.

Credit utilization is one of the biggest factors in your credit score. To lower it, you can pay down your balance before your statement closes or make smaller payments throughout the month to keep your balance low. Some people also use extra money, like a tax refund or seasonal income, to pay down their cards. Most card issuers report your balance to the credit bureaus around the end of your billing cycle. You can check your statement for the reporting date or call customer service to ask when and where your account is reported. Quick tip: Set calendar reminders to make payments or add alerts to your credit card accounts. Consider setting up all payments to come out of one account, or putting all of your bills on a single credit card, to help streamline the payment process and keep track of balances.

2. DISPUTE CREDIT REPORT ERRORS

Why this works fast: If an error is removed, scores can jump quickly.

A mistake on one of your credit reports can lower your score. Disputing errors on your credit report can help you quickly improve your credit because the credit bureaus have 30 to 45 days to investigate and respond to your request. You can get free weekly reports from all three major credit bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com. Review them carefully and look for errors, like payments marked late when you paid on time or accounts that don’t belong to you. Also check for negative items, called derogatory marks, such as a bankruptcy, account in collections or foreclosures that are too old to be listed anymore — most should be removed after about seven years. Quick tip: It takes some time to request and read your free credit reports, dispute errors and track the follow-up. The process is still worthwhile, especially if you’re trying to build your credit ahead of a milestone such as applying for a large loan like a mortgage or auto loan. In those cases, get disputes done with plenty of time to spare.

3. ASK FOR HIGHER CREDIT LIMITS

Why this works fast: A high credit limit can lower utilization without paying down debt, once approved. When your credit limit increases while your balance stays the same, it immediately lowers your overall credit utilization, which is a big factor in your credit score calculation. If you’ve had an increase in income or more years of positive credit history, you’re likely in a good position to request a higher limit. Before asking for a credit limit increase, map out how you’ll keep your spending steady to avoid using the additional credit. If those higher limits are a temptation, this might not be the best strategy for you. Quick tip: Contact your credit card issuer to ask about getting a higher limit. See if it’s possible to avoid a “hard” credit inquiry, which can temporarily drop your score a few points.

WHAT HELPS IN 1–3 MONTHS

4. PAY BILLS ON TIME

Why this works fast: Paying on time helps immediately, but the real benefit happens with consistency over time. Your payment history is the largest scoring factor in both FICO and VantageScore credit scoring systems. Late payments can stay on your credit reports for seven years, but the impact to your score fades over time. If you miss a payment by 30 days or more, pay what you owe as soon as you can. Contact the lender by phone or online chat and ask if they’re willing to stop reporting the missed payment to the credit bureaus. This works best if the late payment was a one-time mistake and you usually pay on time. Even if the lender says no, it’s still important to bring your account up to date as soon as possible. Every month the account stays past due can hurt your credit score. Quick tip: Prevent missed payments by setting up account reminders and considering automatic payments to cover at least the minimum.

5. BECOME AN AUTHORIZED USER

Why this works fast: Once the account reports, the effect can show within a month or two.

If someone you trust — like a parent, relative or friend — has a credit card with a high credit limit and a history of on-time payments, you could ask to be added as an authorized user. You don’t need to use the card or even have the card number for this to help your credit. This strategy works well for people who are new to credit or have a thin credit file. The effect will be smaller for those with established credit who are looking to rebuild their score after a financial misstep. For the best results, make sure the account reports authorized user activity to all three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) most credit cards do. Quick tip: Discuss with the account holder whether you’ll have access to the card and account or if you’ll just be listed as an authorized user.

6. GET CREDIT FOR RENT AND UTILITY PAYMENTS

Why this works fast: Getting credit for rent and utility payments can help, especially if you’re new to credit, but it usually works best alongside other strategies like paying down credit cards. Rent-reporting services can add your on-time rent payments to your credit reports. The boost is usually modest, and not all credit scores include rent or utility payments — for example, VantageScores includes them, but FICO 8 does not. Even so, lenders who review your full credit reports will see your rental history, and a long record of on-time payments can help. Experian Boost is another option. It’s a free service that links to your bank account and looks for payments to things like utilities, phone bills, streaming services and some rent payments. You choose which payments you want added to your Experian credit report. Boost works instantly, but the rent-reporting aspect of it will vary based on a consumer’s history. For example, some services offer an instant “lookback” of the past two years of payments, but without that, it could take some months to build a record of on-time payments. Quick tip: Rent and bill payments don’t count toward every credit score, so use reporting services as a supplement — not a replacement — for building credit with cards or loans.

WHAT TAKES LONGER, BUT MATTERS

7. DEAL WITH COLLECTIONS ACCOUNTS

Why this works slowly: Paying or settling collections helps, but impact varies by scoring model.

Paying or settling a collections account can lower the risk of being sued, and in some cases, the collection agency may agree to stop reporting the debt once it’s paid. An account in collections is a serious negative mark on your credit report, so if the collector agrees to stop reporting the account it could help a lot. You can also dispute collections on your credit reports if they aren’t accurate or if they’re too old to appear on your credit report but are still listed. Collectors can keep reporting the account, even after you’ve paid it, and the effect depends on the credit scoring model. FICO 8, which many lenders still use, can count paid collections against your score. Newer FICO and VantageScore models usually ignore paid collections. Quick tip: Request and read your credit reports, then make a plan to handle collections accounts that are listed. If a collections account is accurate but old, check whether it’s close to aging off your credit report before paying — it may be removed automatically.

8. USE A SECURED CREDIT CARD

Why this works slowly: Builds positive history gradually as on-time payments add up.

A secured credit card requires a cash deposit upfront, which usually becomes your credit limit. You use the card like a regular credit card, and making on-time payments can help build your credit. This is most likely to help someone new to credit or someone looking for a way to add positive credit history to soften the effect of past mistakes. However, be sure to pay your bill each month. A missed payment could result in a late fee or force the issuer to use your deposit to cover the debt. Quick tip: Look for a secured card that reports your credit activity to all three major credit bureaus to get the biggest boost.

9. ADD TO YOUR CREDIT MIX

Why this works slowly: Opening a new account can cause a short-term dip in your score, but steady on-time payments and a stronger credit mix can help over time. An additional credit account may help your credit, particularly if it is a type of credit you don’t already have. If a secured card isn’t an option because of the deposit requirement, a credit-builder loan may be a lower-cost choice. Before you apply, check that the loan reports payments to all three credit bureaus. You can confirm this on the lender’s website or by asking directly. If you already have loans but few or no credit cards, opening a new card may help. A new card can improve your credit mix and lower your overall credit utilization by giving you more available credit. Quick tip: Consider whether the time spent researching providers and applying is worth the potential lift to your score. Weigh what you’d pay in interest and fees if you’re getting a loan or card strictly to improve your credit.

The article How to Build Your Credit Score Fast: 9 Strategies That Work originally appeared on NerdWallet.

AMANDA BARROSO writes for NerdWallet. abarroso@nerdwallet.com

Americans Split on Using AI for Personal Finances About half say AI will have a positive impact on their personal finances.

KURT WOOCK

Most U.S. adults say AI has a role to play in a number of high-stakes tasks, including weather forecasting, developing new medicines and rooting out criminals, according to a recent Pew Research Center survey. But what about using the technology to improve your personal finances? According to a NerdWallet survey conducted online by The Harris Poll in October 2025, the answer depends on who you ask. About half (48%) of Americans say using AI will have a positive impact on their personal finances while the other 52% disagree, according to the NerdWallet survey. Look closer at the data, though, and you’ll find pockets of greater optimism and pockets of greater pessimism.

The following groups are more likely to see an upside in using AI for personal finances:

• Younger adults. 60% of Gen Z (ages 18-28) and 66% of millennials (ages 29-44) say using AI will have a positive impact on their personal finances. Meanwhile, only 48% of Gen X (ages 45-60) and 26% of baby boomers (ages 61-79) share that outlook. • Parents. 64% of parents of children under 18 think AI will have a positive impact on their finances. Only 40% of those who are not parents of children under 18 say the same. • Men. 56% of men say using AI will have a positive impact on their personal finances compared to 41% of women.

So who’s right? It depends.

In general, AI can be a useful starting point to ask general purpose questions, to brainstorm and to troubleshoot ideas. If you’re in a rut thinking about an open-ended question, like where to go on your next vacation, it’s an easy way to get a new perspective or sort through your options. However, using AI can be risky. “Fake it till you make it” seems baked into its digital DNA, as it seems unable to say “I’m not sure” when that would clearly be the best response. That swollen sense of confidence makes for funny memes about AI stumbles, but, for people seeking advice about their finances, it can lead to real damage. In other words, don’t place your trust in AI the same way we’ve let Google Maps replace paper maps. AI can quickly get you to the doorstep of a decision, but don’t cross the threshold without the additional confirmation from expert, trustworthy sources.

Here are a few common scenarios and what helpful — and dubious — prompts might look like.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR WORKPLACE’S RETIREMENT PLANS Imagine you’re choosing what funds to invest in through your employer’s 401(k). AI can be a useful partner if you’re asking general questions, but be wary of using it to make investment decisions. For informed advice that takes into account the totality of your financial situation, work with a financial advisor.

Avoid prompts that ask AI to suggest what’s best for you, like:

• I’m uploading the investments available in my 401(k) — what are the best options?

Consider prompts that help you with general background:

• I started a new job and am filling out 401(k) paperwork. It says the default investment option is a target date fund. What are some reasons a person might consider something else?

DOING YOUR TAXES Taxes can be notoriously complex. In the thick of filing season, you might be tempted to ask for advice about your return. Leave those questions for professionals. “My AI told me it was OK” is not going to work if you’re audited.

Avoid prompts that suggest taking a specific course of action, like:

• I’ve uploaded my tax forms. Do you see any ways to avoid taxes?

Consider prompts that answer low-stakes questions, like:

• It’s almost tax time. Can you make a list of documents I should start gathering?

REVIEWING YOUR SPENDING If you use a budget app to track spending, you likely have a dashboard view that summarizes your spending by category as well as a downloadable list of all your transactions. Upload that information and use AI to help analyze it. But beware of questions that cede your role as the decision maker of your own finances.

Avoid prompts that force a yes-or-no answer, like:

• This is my spending from last year. Can I afford a new car?

Consider prompts that augment your own brainstorming process, like:

• I have a goal to lower my spending by $150 per month next year. Looking at my spending from last year, can you come up with 20 different ways I could save money?

Methodology

This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of NerdWallet from Oct. 7-9, 2025, among 2,084 U.S. adults ages 18 and older. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within +/- 2.5 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. This credible interval will be wider among subsets of the surveyed population of interest. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact press@nerdwallet.com.

Disclaimer

NerdWallet disclaims, expressly and impliedly, all warranties of any kind, including those of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose or whether the article’s information is accurate, reliable or free of errors. Use or reliance on this information is at your own risk, and its completeness and accuracy are not guaranteed. The contents in this article should not be relied upon or associated with the future performance of NerdWallet or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries. Statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties as indicated by words such as “believes,” “expects,” “estimates,” “may,” “will,” “should” or “anticipates” or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements may materially differ from NerdWallet’s presentation of information to analysts and its actual operational and financial results.

The article Americans Split on Using AI for Personal Finances originally appeared on NerdWallet.

KURT WOOCK writes for NerdWallet. kwoock@nerdwallet.com

About NerdWallet NerdWallet (Nasdaq: NRDS) is on a mission to provide clarity for all of life’s financial decisions. As a personal finance website and app, NerdWallet provides consumers with trustworthy and knowledgeable financial information so they can make smart money moves. From finding the best credit card to buying a house, NerdWallet is there to help consumers make financial decisions with confidence. Consumers have free access to our expert content and comparison shopping marketplaces, plus a data-driven app, which helps them stay on top of their finances and save time and money, giving them the freedom to do more. NerdWallet is available for consumers in the U.S. and Canada.

About Inceptia Inceptia enables colleges and universities to strengthen relationships and boost enrollment using dynamic tools and personal outreach programs that empowers students to successfully navigate admissions and financial aid. With tailored solutions and a nonprofit’s commitment to service, we remove barriers for students so schools can focus on what matters most — guiding them toward a rich and rewarding life through higher education.

inceptia.org

888.529.2028

@inceptia

/MoneyKnowl

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23

inceptia.org