Business

Full Payment vs. Partial Payments: Which is Best For Your Credit Score?

Published

3 years ago

April 16, 2022

When it comes to paying off your credit card, there are two leading schools of thought: full payment and partial payment. Both have pros and cons, but which is best for your credit score?

Method 1: Paying your balance off in full every month

Pros:

You won’t accrue debt. If your balances are $0 at the close of every statement, you’ll never accrue interest.
You’ll improve your credit score—the less outstanding debt you have, the higher your credit utilization rate. You may want to consider a popular method like using a personal loan to pay off debt and this includes credit card debt.
You’ll be less likely to default on your debt. Debt creates a slippery slope that quickly gets people in over their heads and unable to pay back what they owe. Since you’ll never carry a balance, your chances of defaulting are slim.

Cons:

It can be challenging to come up with the money to make a full payment, especially if you’ve spent more than you made throughout the month.
You may not be able to afford all of your bills if you put all your money towards paying off your credit card in full. If you run into this problem, you’ll need to cut expenses or alter your budget to ensure you have enough money to cover your debt and other necessities.

Method 2: Paying the minimum or making partial payments

Pros:

You’ll need less money every month to make payments on time. There are multiple ways you can use partial payments as a debt payoff strategy.
Consider popular methods for paying off debt in increments to see which is right for your situation. If you’re on a tight budget, this is a better strategy to take than avoiding making payments.
You can put money towards emergency savings while also paying your bills. Emergency funds ensure cash is available when you need it, which can help you avoid going into debt in the future.

Cons:

You’ll accrue interest on your outstanding balances.
Minimum payments are often eaten up by the interest on any balance you carry over, which can be demotivating if you’re trying to get out of debt.
It will take you a long time to become debt-free. The longer you carry a balance, the more interest you’ll accrue. The more interest you accrue, the more time it’ll take to get your balance back to $0.
Your interest rates could change over time due to market conditions, raising your debt even if you haven’t made additional charges.

Which method is better for your credit score?

It can be tempting to make partial payments on your debt each month, but this strategy could have a negative effect long term. Making only partial payments can increase your debt burden since it will take longer to pay it off.

The two most significant factors that affect your credit score are the number of late payments made and your credit utilization ratio. Credit utilization is determined by dividing the amount of debt you carry over the total amount of available credit. Experts recommend having a utilization ratio of 20% or lower. However, the best credit scores typically have a utilization ratio of 10% or less. Making only partial payments could end up lowering your credit score because of your increased utilization rate. A better approach is to make full payments on your debt every month, which will help you get out of debt faster and improve your credit score.

The bottom line

Paying your balances off in full every month isn’t easy, especially if you’re on a fixed income. But if you want to have the best credit score possible, you should make it a habit to pay in full instead of only paying the minimum or partial payment. However, a partial payment is still better for your credit than not paying anything at all, so do the best you can with what you have and commit to changing the way you spend money so that you’ll become debt-free as quickly as possible.

Business

Top 5 Virtual Assistant Companies to Watch in 2025

Published

1 week ago

January 23, 2025

Matthew Wiles

Running a successful business in today’s fast-paced world requires a sharp focus on growth, strategy, and efficiency. However, managing the day-to-day operations can often become overwhelming. That’s where virtual assistant (VA) companies come into play. These companies specialize in providing skilled professionals who can handle everything from administrative tasks to customer service, marketing, and beyond, allowing entrepreneurs and small business owners to focus on what they do best.

With so many VA companies on the market, choosing the right one can be a challenge. To help you navigate the options, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 virtual assistant companies to watch in 2025. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a startup founder, or a busy professional, these companies offer top-tier solutions to meet your needs.

1. Assist World – The Gold Standard in Virtual Assistance

At the top of our list is Assist World, a U.S.-based company renowned for its personalized approach to matching clients with virtual assistants. Assist World goes beyond the typical “one-size-fits-all” model by taking the time to understand your unique needs and connecting you with highly skilled VAs who align perfectly with your business goals.

What Makes Assist World Stand Out?

Personalized Matching: Assist World matches clients with virtual assistants based on their specific requirements, ensuring the right fit every time.
Comprehensive Onboarding Process: The company’s seamless onboarding process streamlines communication and ensures VAs hit the ground running.
Client Success Management: Dedicated client success managers oversee the relationship, providing ongoing support and ensuring smooth operations.
Flexibility and Scalability: Assist World caters to businesses of all sizes, offering flexible plans that can scale as your business grows.

Who Is It Best For?

Assist World is ideal for entrepreneurs and small-to-medium businesses seeking a reliable, high-quality VA service that delivers consistent results.

Pricing:

Pricing is customized based on your needs, making it accessible for a wide range of budgets. Schedule a free consultation to learn more.

2. Time Etc – Affordable and Efficient

If affordability is your priority, Time Etc is a strong contender. This VA company specializes in administrative tasks and offers services at competitive rates. With a team of experienced professionals, Time Etc focuses on helping clients boost productivity without breaking the bank.

Key Features:

Dedicated VAs with extensive experience.
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
Focused primarily on administrative and organizational tasks.

Who Is It Best For?

Time Etc is a great choice for solopreneurs and small businesses looking for cost-effective virtual assistance for basic tasks.

Pricing:

Plans start at $29 per hour, with discounts available for bulk hours.

3. Belay – A Leader in Remote Executive Assistance

For those in need of executive-level support, Belay is a premier option. This company specializes in matching clients with highly skilled remote assistants who can handle complex tasks such as calendar management, bookkeeping, and project coordination.

Key Features:

Focus on executive and specialized assistance.
Rigorous vetting process for VAs.
Excellent client support.

Who Is It Best For?

Belay is ideal for CEOs, executives, and high-level professionals who require top-tier assistance.

Pricing:

Premium services come at a higher price point, starting around $2,000 per month for part-time support (45 hours a month). For 85 hours a month, pricing sits around $3,800.

4. MyOutDesk – Virtual Assistants for Real Estate

Real estate professionals, take note: MyOutDesk is the go-to VA service for your industry. Specializing in real estate operations, MyOutDesk provides skilled VAs who can handle lead generation, transaction coordination, and CRM management.

Key Features:

Expertise in real estate processes.
Comprehensive training programs for VAs.
Proven track record with top real estate agents.

Who Is It Best For?

Realtors, brokers, and real estate teams looking to streamline their operations and focus on closing deals.

Pricing:

Pricing starts at $1,750 per month for full-time assistants.

5. Boldly – Premium Virtual Assistant Services

If you’re looking for high-quality, premium VA services, Boldly is worth considering. This company offers subscription-based plans that provide access to experienced VAs skilled in a variety of disciplines, including marketing, customer service, and project management.

Key Features:

Highly experienced professionals.
Flexible subscription plans.
Focus on long-term client relationships.

Who Is It Best For?

Businesses and individuals willing to invest in premium services for comprehensive support.

Pricing:

Plans start at $39 per hour, with monthly subscriptions available.

How to Choose the Right Virtual Assistant Company

When selecting a VA company, consider the following factors:

Your Business Needs: Identify the tasks you want to delegate and choose a company that specializes in those areas.
Budget: Assess how much you’re willing to invest in virtual assistance and find a provider that aligns with your budget.
Flexibility: Look for companies that offer scalable plans to grow with your business.
Support: Choose a company with excellent client support to ensure smooth communication and problem resolution.

Why Assist World Is the #1 Choice

While all the companies on this list offer excellent services, Assist World stands out for its personalized approach, exceptional client success management, and flexible solutions, and most importantly, their fair pricing. At Assist World, prices generally fall between $1,500 – $2,000 a month for a full-time dedicated executive assistant. With a proven track record of helping businesses thrive, Assist World is the ultimate partner for entrepreneurs and small businesses ready to scale efficiently and effectively.

Ready to take your business to the next level? Schedule a free consultation with Assist World today and discover the difference a high-quality virtual assistant can make.