Latest news with #AshleyWeeks
Business Wire
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Kikoff Launches AI Credit Disputes to Help 1M Users Fix Credit Report Errors for Free
SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Kikoff, the credit-building platform used by over a million consumers, today announces the launch of AI Credit Disputes, a proprietary feature that helps users identify and correct errors on their credit reports today. Now available in the Kikoff app, AI Credit Disputes is the latest addition to the company's growing suite of tools designed to help people access financial services, from which they were historically excluded. This launch is part of Kikoff's broader mission to replace predatory products with radically affordable, effective solutions. Now available in the Kikoff app, AI Credit Disputes is the latest addition to the company's growing suite of tools designed to help people access financial services, from which they were historically excluded. Share 'Mistakes on a credit report can have a real impact on someone's life, but many people don't know where to start or feel overwhelmed by the process,' said Cynthia Chen, Founder and CEO of Kikoff. 'We built AI Credit Disputes to make it easier for people to take that first step. By using AI to simplify the process and giving users a clear path forward, we're helping them take back control and make real progress.' AI-Powered Credit Disputes Now Available to Help More People Take Control Errors are more common than many realize. According to Consumer Reports, 44 percent of people who reviewed their credit reports found at least one error. For Kikoff users—many of whom are working to build credit and carry an average of 18 derogatory marks—these errors can be a major barrier towards reaching their financial goals. Disputing credit report errors has long been so complex that many turn to credit repair services for help. Some of the credit repair services charge upwards of $300 a month. Kikoff's AI Credit Disputes is free for Kikoff users and offers a smarter alternative, making the process simple and personalized. During the two‑month pilot with a segment of users, AI Credit Disputes has already helped these pilot users dispute over 70,000 credit report errors. The number of disputes will continue to climb as the feature rolls out to all 1M+ active Kikoff users. The tool simplifies a traditionally confusing and costly process by using AI to generate personalized, FCRA-compliant dispute letters tailored to each user's specific situation. Instead of relying on generic templates, users can now use personalized language that reflects their reason for the dispute, to increase chances of approval and making the process more effective and approachable. Ashley Weeks, a Kikoff user from Florida, experienced that firsthand: 'Before Kikoff, I had tried submitting disputes on my own, but the process was confusing. I've used Kikoff's credit disputes multiple times now, and it honestly makes things so much easier. Being able to see the letter that Kikoff prepared gave me more confidence, and I really believe it helped lead to a better outcome.' AI Credit Disputes is the latest step in Kikoff's mission to use AI to dismantle financial barriers. With more innovations on the way, Kikoff remains focused on expanding access to tools that create real, lasting financial progress. To try AI Credit Disputes, go to: To learn more about Kikoff and its credit-building tools, visit: About Kikoff Kikoff was built on the belief that predatory financial services shouldn't exist. As a consumer-focused personal finance platform, Kikoff is making financial progress accessible, especially for those overlooked by traditional systems. We offer simple, radically affordable tools powered by technology and AI to help people build credit, lower debt, and move toward long-term financial stability. To date, Kikoff has helped over 1 million people increase their credit scores by more than 80 million points. Our growing suite of products also helps users reduce debt, access liquidity, and unlock greater financial opportunity. Learn more at or by downloading the Kikoff app.
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
3 Key Reasons Americans Aren't Ready for Retirement, According to TD Bank
Among Americans' various financial priorities, preparing for retirement is one of the top. According to TD Bank's recent Consumer Index, saving for retirement is important for an overwhelming majority of Americans (88%), yet almost half don't feel ready for this chapter of life (47%). Find Out: Read Next: As for why so many Americans are not feeling ready for retirement, there are three main culprits. The TD Bank survey found that 31% of respondents are not setting aside monthly income for retirement. This is a surefire way to be underprepared for your golden years. 'Retirement in the U.S. has evolved into a system that is largely reliant on personal savings,' said Ashley Weeks, wealth strategist at TD Bank. 'Relatively few private sector employees currently have access to a pension and Social Security is facing a solvency problem that could see benefits reduced within the next decade or so.' With little-to-no financial safety net outside of personal savings, it's essential to put aside money each month toward long-term savings. 'More than ever before workers are responsible for their own retirement security and failing to save anything could lead to financial hardship in retirement,' Weeks said. While everyone's situation is different, Weeks advised aiming to save 15% of earned income for retirement as a general rule of thumb. 'This level of savings tends to work if consistent retirement contributions commence before age 30,' he said. 'Workers who begin saving later in life will likely need to sock away a greater percentage of income each month to make up for lost time.' Learn More: Over half of Americans (56%) are not using a retirement account, the survey found. This means that many Americans are missing out on the benefits these accounts provide that could better help them be ready for retirement. 'Tax-advantaged retirement accounts provide additional lift to the task of saving for retirement,' Weeks said. 'Workplace plans typically include a matching feature where the employer will add funds for employees who participate. Failing to contribute enough to receive this match is tantamount to leaving money on the table.' Even if you don't have access to a workplace plan, you should consider opening a retirement account on your own for the tax benefits — 'usually either a deduction at funding with tax-deferred growth for traditional accounts, or tax-free growth and distributions with Roth accounts,' Weeks explained. 'Finally, retirement accounts allow investments to grow and compound at an accelerated rate because earnings are reinvested without any annual tax drag so long as funds remain in the retirement account,' he added. If you're not sure which account is best for you, Weeks recommended starting with a 401(k) if you have access to one. 'In most cases, a workplace plan like a 401(k) is the best starting point for a savings strategy by maximizing the employer match,' he said. 'Individuals who don't have access to a workplace plan and those who wish to save beyond plan contribution limits can look to establishing an IRA as well.' An alarming 15% of respondents said that they do not have retirement savings at all. 'The three-legged retirement stool that was a feature of post-war society has largely disappeared due to vanishing private pensions and diminished Social Security funding,' Weeks said. 'In modern American retirement, the personal savings leg now bears the greatest weight, and individuals who will not or cannot save face a bleak retirement outlook.' If you're in this camp, the best thing that you can do is start saving ASAP. 'The good news is that for most workers, time is still an ally and committing to saving some amount on a periodic basis is the first step,' Weeks said. 'In many cases the 'easy button' for retirement savings is to automate the process with automatic contributions from each paycheck, ideally to a workplace plan with an employer match if available.' More From GOBankingRates 3 Luxury SUVs That Will Have Massive Price Drops in Summer 2025 9 Downsizing Tips for the Middle Class To Save on Monthly Expenses These Cars May Seem Expensive, but They Rarely Need Repairs This article originally appeared on 3 Key Reasons Americans Aren't Ready for Retirement, According to TD Bank
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
3 Key Reasons Americans Aren't Ready for Retirement, According to TD Bank
Among Americans' various financial priorities, preparing for retirement is one of the top. According to TD Bank's recent Consumer Index, saving for retirement is important for an overwhelming majority of Americans (88%), yet almost half don't feel ready for this chapter of life (47%). Find Out: Read Next: As for why so many Americans are not feeling ready for retirement, there are three main culprits. The TD Bank survey found that 31% of respondents are not setting aside monthly income for retirement. This is a surefire way to be underprepared for your golden years. 'Retirement in the U.S. has evolved into a system that is largely reliant on personal savings,' said Ashley Weeks, wealth strategist at TD Bank. 'Relatively few private sector employees currently have access to a pension and Social Security is facing a solvency problem that could see benefits reduced within the next decade or so.' With little-to-no financial safety net outside of personal savings, it's essential to put aside money each month toward long-term savings. 'More than ever before workers are responsible for their own retirement security and failing to save anything could lead to financial hardship in retirement,' Weeks said. While everyone's situation is different, Weeks advised aiming to save 15% of earned income for retirement as a general rule of thumb. 'This level of savings tends to work if consistent retirement contributions commence before age 30,' he said. 'Workers who begin saving later in life will likely need to sock away a greater percentage of income each month to make up for lost time.' Learn More: Over half of Americans (56%) are not using a retirement account, the survey found. This means that many Americans are missing out on the benefits these accounts provide that could better help them be ready for retirement. 'Tax-advantaged retirement accounts provide additional lift to the task of saving for retirement,' Weeks said. 'Workplace plans typically include a matching feature where the employer will add funds for employees who participate. Failing to contribute enough to receive this match is tantamount to leaving money on the table.' Even if you don't have access to a workplace plan, you should consider opening a retirement account on your own for the tax benefits — 'usually either a deduction at funding with tax-deferred growth for traditional accounts, or tax-free growth and distributions with Roth accounts,' Weeks explained. 'Finally, retirement accounts allow investments to grow and compound at an accelerated rate because earnings are reinvested without any annual tax drag so long as funds remain in the retirement account,' he added. If you're not sure which account is best for you, Weeks recommended starting with a 401(k) if you have access to one. 'In most cases, a workplace plan like a 401(k) is the best starting point for a savings strategy by maximizing the employer match,' he said. 'Individuals who don't have access to a workplace plan and those who wish to save beyond plan contribution limits can look to establishing an IRA as well.' An alarming 15% of respondents said that they do not have retirement savings at all. 'The three-legged retirement stool that was a feature of post-war society has largely disappeared due to vanishing private pensions and diminished Social Security funding,' Weeks said. 'In modern American retirement, the personal savings leg now bears the greatest weight, and individuals who will not or cannot save face a bleak retirement outlook.' If you're in this camp, the best thing that you can do is start saving ASAP. 'The good news is that for most workers, time is still an ally and committing to saving some amount on a periodic basis is the first step,' Weeks said. 'In many cases the 'easy button' for retirement savings is to automate the process with automatic contributions from each paycheck, ideally to a workplace plan with an employer match if available.' More From GOBankingRates 3 Luxury SUVs That Will Have Massive Price Drops in Summer 2025 9 Downsizing Tips for the Middle Class To Save on Monthly Expenses These Cars May Seem Expensive, but They Rarely Need Repairs This article originally appeared on 3 Key Reasons Americans Aren't Ready for Retirement, According to TD Bank Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
