Your Credit Today

What are you doing with your tax return this year? Before you do anything, in this episode of "Your Credit Today," Angela challenges the common advice of using your tax refund to pay off credit card debt and offers smart, strategic alternatives. Discover how to break the cycle of debt and make smarter money moves for long-term financial success.Understand why relying on a tax refund to pay off debt isn't solving the core financial problem.Learn about the importance of investing in yourself and starting an emergency fund with your tax refund.Discover how to create a monthly plan to tackle expenses and reduce debt consistently.Explore the potential for using your tax refund to invest in your future and strategic opportunities.Gain insights into reworking your budget for financial control rather than just debt relief.Thank you for listening to Your Credit Today! If you haven’t subscribed yet, make sure to hit that button, and share this episode with friends and family who want a financially peaceful holiday seas

Reset your financial situation and make 2025 your best financial year yet with Angela Setters Bessard, the real credit queen. Dive into essential strategies to refresh your credit, manage your debt, and revamp your budget.Learn how to effectively check and update all three of your credit reports.Discover methods to consolidate and manage credit card debt, including using balance transfer cards and personal loans.Understand the importance of increasing your credit limits and maintaining positive credit history.Uncover the snowball and avalanche methods for tackling debt repayment.Refresh your budget focusing on cutting unnecessary spending and automating your savings and investments.00:00 Reset your credit score to improve finances.05:49 Ensure personal information on your credit report is accurate and up-to-date, including addresses and social security number. Consider using a P.O. Box for stability if you're renting.08:29 File disputes with all three credit agencies to improve your middle credit score.13:03

Angela, The Real Credit Queen, invites her husband, Ralph Bessard, to discuss the critical aspects of managing finances within a relationship. They share their journey through the peaks and valleys of financial management together, and the importance of teamwork, financial self-love, and repairing relationships with money.Angela and Ralph draw from their rich personal and professional experiences and share actionable insights into building a successful financial partnership.Financial challenges and misunderstandings are common in relationships, yet open communication and strategic planning can transform these obstacles into opportunities for growth. Angela and Ralph discuss their early experiences of navigating life together, offering practical advice for young couples looking to establish a strong financial foundation. By focusing on financial self-awareness and aligning individual and joint financial goals, couples can thrive both personally and financially. This episode is filled with essential advice for

As we approach a new year, it’s easy to get caught up in traditional goal-setting—but what if there’s a better way? In this episode of Your Credit Today, Angela Setters Bessard challenges you to rethink your approach by focusing on financial intentions rather than rigid goals. Intentions tap into your deeper “why,” keeping you motivated and inspired—even when life throws curveballs.What You’ll Learn:Intentions vs. Goals: Discover why setting financial intentions is more effective than traditional goal-setting. Learn how to connect your financial vision to what matters most to you.Vision-Building Exercises: Write a letter from your “future self” in 2025, describing your financial success, and reverse-engineer the steps needed to get there.Intentional Debt & Savings Plans: Find out how shifting your mindset can make paying down debt or saving money feel purposeful and rewarding.Monthly ‘Intention Check’: Stay on track with monthly check-ins that help you adjust your financial actions while keeping your long

As 2024 comes to a close, Angela Setters Bessard takes a deep dive into the emotional side of money, uncovering how past experiences, fears, and financial trauma influence our financial behaviors today. In this episode, Angela shares actionable tips and powerful insights to help you shift your mindset around money and credit, empowering you to start the new year with confidence and financial clarity. Don't miss this opportunity to take control of your financial future!The Emotional Side of Money: Angela delves into how past financial struggles and emotional trauma can shape current financial behaviors. She explores how many people associate money with fear and anxiety, stemming from experiences of financial hardship or even generational patterns.Recognizing and Changing Financial Patterns: Angela highlights common financial habits, like avoidance of budgeting, fear of tracking expenses, and overspending, showing how to recognize and break these patterns. She emphasizes practical tools, like tracking expenses

In this episode, Angela Setters Bessard reveals how mastering credit wellness can be a game-changer for achieving financial freedom. She shares key insights and practical steps to empower listeners to take control of their credit health.Breakdown of credit score components: debt-to-credit ratio, payment history, and credit mix.Common credit pitfalls to avoid, like maxing out cards and missing payments.Proactive tips for managing and improving your credit score.Long-term benefits of strong credit health for personal and financial goals.Encouragement to view credit as a powerful asset for financial security.Gain the knowledge to confidently use credit as a tool to reach your financial goals!If you're looking for a speaker to bring Creducation to your organization, don't hesitate to get in touch! I'm here to help you take charge of your credit journey and make empowered choices for a secure financial future.Thank you for listening to Your Credit Today! If you haven’t subscribed yet, make sure to hit that button,

In this episode, Angela Setters Bessard offers invaluable advice on managing finances during the holiday season without sacrificing joy or peace. She shares practical tips to help listeners stay financially grounded while creating meaningful holiday experiences.Setting holiday spending goals: The importance of planning ahead to avoid last-minute financial stress.Embracing mindful gift-giving: How creative, heartfelt gifts can reduce spending while bringing deeper meaning.Avoiding impulse buys: Tips for resisting holiday sales and setting spending boundaries.Post-holiday recovery strategies: How to plan for financial recovery in the new year, including budgeting tips and debt management.Angela’s encouragement to make the holiday season financially fulfilling without overspending.Tune in to learn how to approach the holidays with financial confidence and ease!Thank you for listening to Your Credit Today! If you haven’t subscribed yet, make sure to hit that button, and share this episode with friends and family

Angela Setters-Bessard, The Real Credit Queen, dives deep into equipping teens with financial literacy. Learn strategies to teach your kids about bank accounts, managing credit, and avoiding debt pitfalls. Discover the benefits of authorized user status, secured and student credit cards, and the pros and cons of co-signing. Angela also shares practical tips on paying bills on time and using credit responsibly. This episode is filled with actionable advice to set your kids up for a successful financial future. Don't miss her expert insights!Timestamp Summary1:00 Teaching Teens Financial Literacy and Credit Management4:00 Bank Accounts and Credit Cards7:00 Teaching Financial Literacy to Prepare Kids for the Real World9:00 Building Credit Through Authorized User Status and Responsible Practices12:00 Empowering Teens with Credit Responsibility15:00 Financial Literacy with Credit Cards18:00 Debt and Credit Card Misconceptions19:00 Benefits of Co-Signing for Loans22:00 Responsibility24:00 Teaching Financial Literac

The Real Credit Queen, Angela Setters-Bessard leaves out no details this week on why it's so crucial to understand credit and budgeting when you’re up for a big purchase like a car.This episode isn’t just about credit scores. Angela covers the whole picture of financial prep, the traps to avoid, and some smart budgeting hacks. She chats about key things like how your credit score affects car loan interest rates, why you might need gap insurance, and the sneaky fees that can come with car servicing and insurance.Angela uses real-life client stories and examples to drive home the need for solid financial planning. From explaining why the 70/30 debt ratio matters to warning about potential pitfalls like insurance lapses and lease return fees, she’s got practical tips and actionable advice. Angela’s mission? Simple: to guide you in making choices that will keep your credit and financial future safe.1:00 Essential Tips for Leasing or Purchasing a Car3:00 Budgeting and Credit Score Tips for Car Purchases8:00 The Im

The team sheds light on how they provide personalized credit management, focusing on building relationships and creating impactful experiences that lead to long-term results. Learn about their commitment to customer service, education, and the meticulous process they follow to ensure every client feels empowered and informed.This episode highlights how they create tailored strategies for individual clients based on their specific needs and credit histories. They also discuss the distinction between their company and typical credit repair services, focusing on credit education and management to empower clients for long-term success. Holistically the team is committed to achieve the best possible outcomes for their clients.If you're seeking credit advice and management tips, don't miss out on this insightful discussion.00:00 Client experiences drive referrals; no advertising needed.05:04 Focus on relationships, not just customer service.06:44 Always available to help with credit questions.12:24 Empowering clien

There are so many moving parts to credit and finances - do you understand AND manage your credit effectively?The Real Credit Queen, Angela Setters-Bessard is joined by team members Samantha Headlee, Operations and Client Experience Manager at CCMI, and her partner in business and life - Chief Financial Officer, Founder, and husband, Ralph Bessard. They share their passionate commitment to empowering people through credit management.Conquer Credit Management provides you with with done-for-you credit service, strategy & expert coaching for sustainable long-lasting financial success. The team's enthusiasm to educate, support, and empower individuals in their credit management journey is a testament to their commitment.When reaching out to Conquer Credit Management, individuals can expect a dedicated and empathetic approach, supported by a wealth of knowledge and a culture of service.As their dedication and expertise shine through, it becomes clear that anyone seeking assistance with credit management will f

Ready to level up your business and protect your brand?Attorney Nicole Swartz knows first hand why trademarks are essential for small businesses – she was running a thriving skincare brand. In two years her business went from a side hustle to a full time international company. One day, she woke up to a cease & desist letter, someone trademarked her brand. They owned the exclusive right to her business name and she couldn’t use it anymore.  She had to rebrand everything in 30 days… it was a nightmare!Nicole became obsessed with trademarks: she didn’t want anyone else to lose their brand. She learned everything about them and realized she loved working with women to st art and grow their businesses. She sold the skincare brand and started her own law firm.  What you'll learn in this episode:The nitty-gritty of getting a trademark – it's a whole world of rules and regulations, trust us!The scary implications of not trademarking your business – think legal and financial trou

EEK! Did you get a collections call? Something unexpected on your credit report? We talk to people every day about collections!Collection accounts stem from all sorts of unpaid bills, from medical and utility expenses to credit card debt. They can be managed internally or by third-party agencies, and knowing the difference is key when trying to sort things out.When dealing with collection agencies, it's important to know your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). If you ever need to dispute a debt or negotiate a settlement, make sure to get everything in writing.By staying informed, being proactive, and seeking professional advice when you need it, you've got this. With careful navigation and a plan, you'll be well on your way clearing your credit of collections.Thank you for listening to "Your Credit Today." If you have not yet subscribed, please do so and share this valuable information with your friends and family. For personalized assistance, feel free to email Angela at Angelas@con

Ever wondered what makes or breaks your financial credit score? Your credit to debt ratio is the key, and how you tap into your credit limit. Balancing what you owe and how much you're using is key to keeping your score in check.What about auto model credit scores? These scores zoom in on your car-related credit history. With credit unions in your corner, you might just secure that loan with some extra horsepower for negotiating a killer deal on your dream wheels.By tuning into the different types of scores, understanding what brings up your score, you'll be on track for smoother rides towards better loan terms and financial empowerment.Thank you for listening to "Your Credit Today." If you have not yet subscribed, please do so and share this valuable information with your friends and family. For personalized assistance, feel free to email Angela at Angelas@conquercredit.com or online at angelabessard.com.If you require a speaker to provide expert Creducation to your organization, do not hesitate to reach out

What measures can individuals take to protect themselves in the event of a financial crisis or the passing of a spouse or partner?The Real Credit Queen, Angela Setters Bassard explains the basics of property liens, and their impact on your property and your finances. This episode was inspired when a client needed advice - a young widow who was unaware of her husband's financial dealings which leading to complications with a lien on their property.This episode explains the differences between various home loans, such as equity loans and HELOCs, and highlights the necessity of understanding the terms and obligations tied to these financial instruments.This tough situation really highlights the need for an emergency plan to navigate financial uncertainties smoothly, and the value of having knowledgeable guides and consultants in financial matters.It is so important to be prepared and to protect your assets like your home!01:21 Upcoming Guest01:54 Understanding Liens on Your Home02:23 Client Case Study: Financial

Is that balance transfer offer a good idea?In this episode of 'Your Credit Today,' your host The Real Credit Queen Angela Setters Bassard breaks down the topic of balance transfers. Angela addresses common concerns about whether balance transfers impact credit scores, including the potential negative and positive effects.Angela stresses the importance of planning and budget management when using credit cards to avoid debt. This episode covers key strategies for minimizing negative impacts on credit scores and outlines the steps to effectively use 0% balance transfer offers to manage debt and improve financial health.00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome00:49 Understanding Balance Transfers01:15 Planning and Budgeting with Credit Cards03:55 The Importance of Credit Card Agreements04:49 Introducing Creducation05:28 Impact of Balance Transfers on Credit13:26 Positive Impacts of Balance Transfers16:08 Tips for Minimizing Negative Impacts19:06 Monitoring and Managing Credit**Practical Tips for Effective Balance Tran

This week's guest, Justin Krane, a certified financial planner professional, is the founder of Krane Financial Solutions. Known for his savvy, holistic approach to financial planning, he advises his clients on how to unite their money with their lives and businesses.Justin shares insights about his personal and professional life, discussing his career path, family, and approach to financial planning.This episode covers:Teaching kids about moneyThe importance of automation in savingsStrategies for real estate investmentBalancing spending and savingOvercoming financial challengesMaintaining a grounded, humble approach to life and finances.The episode winds down with a conversation about the significance of clarity, planning, and having the right support system to achieve financial goals.04:16 Teaching Kids About Money07:36 Leadership and Financial Education09:55 Real Estate Investment Strategies15:07 Automating Savings and Investments18:51 Addressing Spending Problems22:52 The True Cost of Daily Habits23:47 Fin

When you have questions about anything credit related, The Real Credit Queen, Angela Setters Bessard has the answers. This week she's taking the overwhelm out of locking and freezing your credit. This episode is going to answer every question you ever had about the process, why you would do it, and how it helps you.Locking your credit and freezing your credit are similar concepts aimed at preventing unauthorized access to your credit report and thus protecting against identity theft, but they have some differences:Credit Freeze Federally Regulated and backed by the US Justice DepartmentDefinition: A credit freeze restricts access to your credit report by potential creditors. When your credit is frozen, creditors cannot pull your credit report to open new accounts in your name.Initiation: You can initiate a credit freeze with each of the four major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion & Innovis) individually. You may (very rare) need to pay a fee depending on your state laws, although mo

Angela, The Real Credit Queen is with Jhoanna Alba, founder and chief fashion designer of ALBA, brings over 20 years of fashion expertise to creating signature looks for an elite clientele. Her designs interweave bold, colorful custom fabrics that showcase each client's unique personality and style.She shares her journey of decades in the fashion industry, detailing how she broke into the business with the guidance of her mentor, Magic Johnson. Topics discussed includeFinancial literacyStarting a business as a young personOvercoming challengesThe value of mentorship.Jhoanna details the importance of maintaining good credit the need for financial education among youth, and practices she adopted to support her business and team. They discuss practical financial tips, the impact of social media on financial decisions, and the cultural importance of teaching the next generation about money management.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:52 Breaking into the Fashion World01:49 Mentorship and Magic Johnson's Infl

How do you support your children to grow their financial literacy? The Real Credit Queen Angela is joined by her son Justin, an accomplished basketball athlete with a masters in business. They discuss financial literacy for young people and the importance of being business and financially savvy beyond the basics learned in school.As successful as young athletes are in their sport, it's important to look beyond athletics for fulfillment and to diversify interests and efforts.This episode coversThe importance of financial preparedness, including having savings for living expenses.The negative perception of credit and the lack of financial literacy education in schools. It's important to use credit as a tool for building wealth, but it requires discipline and budgeting.The influence of "flex" culture driven by social media and the lack of financial discipline and how to not overdo it financially.The need to have a plan for the future including saving and and understanding credit and financial decisions.With educ