For many homeowners, paying off a home mortgage is a major New Year’s resolution representing freedom, security, and a sense of accomplishment years in the making. But while becoming mortgage-free may feel like crossing the finish line, it can also make your home a bigger target for fraud if you’re not protected.   If you plan to pay off your mortgage …

If you’re a young adult just starting out, there’s a good chance you’ve heard the frustrating phrase, “You don’t have enough credit history.”     Not bad credit, not irresponsible spending — just not enough history. Or maybe you find yourself with little to no credit history later on in life.     Welcome to the world of thin credit and no credit, where doing nothing wrong can still hold you back. The good news? This is one of the easiest financial problems …