Rental Kharma - On Air!

Rental Kharma ON AIR! - More than just rent reporting

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 13:00:00 -0500

Rental Kharma is more than a service for reporting rent payments -- we're on a mission to change lives!

Since 2012, Rental Kharma has helped 110,000+ families build credit history and improve their credit scores by reporting their on time rental payments.

As part of this mission, we have introduced the Rental Kharma Learning Center to explain how credit actually works, provide credit and financial education, and help you learn how to avoid common financial mistakes and pitfalls, while helping you improve your credit score.

If you are currently renting, let us add your rent to your credit report! If you want better credit, listen to our podcast and learn how you can drive yourself to a brighter financial future!

Rental Kharma -- Because Good Renters Deserve Good Credit!

Want to watch this podcast? Here's the link for our YouTube channel!

Check out our sponsor -- Rental Kharma
https://www.rentalkharma.com

Season One Intro Music: https://uppbeat.io/t/cruen/camping
License code: AACFPDP424VK449S

Driver's Ed for Credit (part 4)

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0500

In your fourth Driver's Ed For Credit class, Cullen Canazares talks about how authorized users can help people when building credit, the differences in the different rent reporting services and how to pick based off your needs, and what the impact can be when accounts close, explaining how paying off loans can negatively impact credit scores.

Want to watch this podcast? Here's the link for our YouTube channel!

Check out our sponsor -- Rental Kharma
https://www.rentalkharma.com

Season One Intro Music: https://uppbeat.io/t/cruen/camping
License code: AACFPDP424VK449S

Driver's Ed for Credit (part 3)

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 11:00:00 -0500

The third lesson in Driver's Ed for Credit, Cullen and Wendy talk about the dangers of alluring store credit cards, how to refinance high-interest credit card debt, and how to navigate emergency purchase credit cards like Care Credit.

As a bonus, Cullen is going to show you how to analyze your own credit report! See how your account activity affects your credit score and how you can quickly improve your own credit score while building long term credit health!

Want to watch this podcast? Here's the link for our YouTube channel!

Check out our sponsor -- Rental Kharma
https://www.rentalkharma.com

Season One Intro Music: https://uppbeat.io/t/cruen/camping
License code: AACFPDP424VK449S

Driver's Ed for Credit (part 2)

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 14:00:00 -0500

This week's episode is PACKED with information to help you ace your Driver's Ed for Credit course! Cullen Canazares and Wendy Massengill break down some facts about student loans, credit building products, and the financial holes people can fall into with using different kinds of lending products, like payday advance stores.

We'll also chat about the risks of “buy here, pay here” cars, title loans, why consolidating student loans can be a smart move, and how credit builder apps can hurt your credit score more than they help it. And finally, we discuss what happens if you overdraft your account, how much those big banks make off of their customer's mistakes, and how to avoid predatory lending products altogether.

We hope you brought your notebook, because there's lots to learn in this next half hour!

Want to watch this podcast? Here's the link for our YouTube channel!

Check out our sponsor -- Rental Kharma
https://www.rentalkharma.com

Season One Intro Music: https://uppbeat.io/t/cruen/camping
License code: AACFPDP424VK449S

Driver's Ed for Credit (part 1)

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 15:00:00 -0500

To kick off season 2 of Rental Kharma ON AIR, Cullen Canazares and Wendy Massengill are giving you part one of your Driver's Ed for Credit course!

In this episode, we talk about the real impacts of common credit mistakes, like late payments, "maxed out cards", credit builder loans, and how to think about your credit score on an A-F scale, like you remember from school.

Our goal is to help educate our listeners on how to maintain a healthy credit score, avoid those common mistakes, and avoid the credit potholes that can lead to financial setbacks!

Visit the Rental Kharma Learning Center for more articles about how credit really works! https://www.rentalkharma.com/learn

Want to watch this podcast? Here's the link for our YouTube channel!

Check out our sponsor -- Rental Kharma
https://www.rentalkharma.com

Season One Intro Music: https://uppbeat.io/t/cruen/camping
License code: AACFPDP424VK449S

The 3-Bureau Myth (and WHY You Don't Need All 3 To Buy A Home)

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 08:00:00 -0500

Summary:
This week, Cullen and Wendy talk about a big ole myths we hear about almost every day -- that you need your rent reported on all three credit bureaus (BEEP! WRONG!). We'll also provide you with the definitive answer to the age-old question -- "why is my credit different on all three credit bureaus?" And also explain the upcoming changes to the mortgage industry and how this helps you!

Takeaways:

Learn how the mortgage lenders looks at your credit information
Big changes are coming to the mortgage industry and how your score is calculated
There used to be just ONE credit score model brand -- and the surprising alliance that changed credit scores forever

Want to watch this podcast? Here's the link for our YouTube channel!

Check out our sponsor -- Rental Kharma
https://www.rentalkharma.com

Season One Intro Music: https://uppbeat.io/t/cruen/camping
License code: AACFPDP424VK449S

The Banking Showdown: Fintechs vs. Banks

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 10:00:00 -0500

Summary:
Yee-haw folks! We've got a financial showdown going on, between traditional banks, and the new fintech banking products. Join us as we break down the different kinds of products, the pros and cons, and the surprising winner in this matchup!

Takeaways:

Fintech is a term for any kind of financial technology, including banking, investment, and digital currency products.
Fintech banking bridges the gap for people who don't qualify for traditional checking accounts
Some of these products are helping put predatory lenders out of business

Want to watch this podcast? Here's the link for our YouTube channel!

Check out our sponsor -- Rental Kharma
https://www.rentalkharma.com

Season One Intro Music: https://uppbeat.io/t/cruen/camping
License code: AACFPDP424VK449S

BYOB pt. 2: Kicking the Tires on Your New Business

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:00:00 -0500

Summary:
In this week's episode, Cullen and Wendy dive deeper into the steps you need to take to start your new business and Be Your Own Boss!

Gain some valuable information, motivational insights and practical advice on several business-building topics, including how to set up your business bank account, and why you should pay yourself a regular paycheck! Learn about marketing strategies, and what you need to get the business off the ground, without breaking the bank.

As an added bonus, Cullen shares the history of the founding of Rental Kharma, and how he started from scratch, to where we are today!

Takeaways:

Don't operate out of your personal accounts for more than a couple months when building your business
Paying yourself out of the business account with a paystub improves credit approval odds!
You only need marketing expenses if your company is at a certain size -- and word of mouth is more powerful!

Want to watch this podcast? Here's the link for our YouTube channel!

Check out our sponsor -- Rental Kharma
https://www.rentalkharma.com

Season One Intro Music: https://uppbeat.io/t/cruen/camping
License code: AACFPDP424VK449S

BYOB Pt. 1: Small Startups (that don't cost a lot -- or care about a criminal record)

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 08:00:00 -0500

Summary:
In the first episode of our Be Your Own Boss series, Cullen and Wendy dive into starting your own business with minimal money, focusing on opportunities for individuals recently released from incarceration. They talk about some of the obstacles faced by former inmates and the barriers that can be broken by starting your own business. They'll provide tips on how to get your business off the ground, and throw out some cost-saving ideas to get you started.

Tune in to get inspired and learn how to take the first steps towards entrepreneurship!

Takeaways:

Break down barriers in workforce discrimination by being your own employer.
Starting a business doesn't take a lot of money
Stable employment helps prevent recidivism and builds stable lives

Want to watch this podcast? Here's the link for our YouTube channel!

Check out our sponsor -- Rental Kharma
https://www.rentalkharma.com

Season One Intro Music: https://uppbeat.io/t/cruen/camping
License code: AACFPDP424VK449S

The (Not-So) Free Cell Phone Zone

Thu, 16 May 2024 08:00:00 -0500

Summary:
What a doozy! This week, Cullen and Wendy break down the popular "free cell phone" plans. Listen as we unpack the true costs of these cell phone plans, and how you can be wasting THOUSANDS of dollars! Learn some hacks, facts, and dirty little secrets about the not-so-free pitfall at your big wireless carriers!

Takeaways:

Free phones aren't actually free - learn how you end up paying for it anyway.
Contracts, fees, device protection, required minimum service, all add up fast!
Learn about cost-effective alternatives to the big carriers, and the pros and cons of why you might want to switch!

Want to watch this podcast? Here's the link for our YouTube channel!

Check out our sponsor -- Rental Kharma
https://www.rentalkharma.com

Season One Intro Music: https://uppbeat.io/t/cruen/camping
License code: AACFPDP424VK449S

Surviving the Scam: Preventing Against Identity Theft

Wed, 08 May 2024 11:00:00 -0500

Summary:
This week, Cullen and Wendy talk about identity theft. We talk about how your identity can get stolen, and some insight and tips on how to protect yourself.

We're going to cover various methods used by criminals to collect your data, such as RFID scanning and phishing scams. Learn about the importance of freezing yours and your children's social security numbers and monitoring your credit report regularly, and what to do if your identity has been stolen. As a bonus, we'll also discuss the benefits of using credit cards instead of debit cards for added protection.

Takeaways:

Freeze your social security number to protect against identity theft
Monitor your credit report regularly to detect any unauthorized accounts
Use credit cards instead of debit cards for added protection
Be cautious of phishing scams and avoid clicking on suspicious links
Consider using RFID-blocking wallets or fabric to protect your cards

Want to watch this podcast? Here's the link for our YouTube channel!

Check out our sponsor -- Rental Kharma
https://www.rentalkharma.com

Season One Intro Music: https://uppbeat.io/t/cruen/camping
License code: AACFPDP424VK449S

Dollars and Decoupling: The Cost of Divorce

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 14:00:00 -0500

Summary:
This week, we are talking about divorce. We'll be sharing the stats on why people get married and divorced, why divorce has a devastating impact on your credit report, and what you can do to help protect yourself and your credit during your split.

We'll also discuss the financial costs of divorce, including expensive divorce attorneys and how you can try and save money by mediating yourselves, if possible.

Tune in and get some tips for preserving your credit during and after your divorce and steps you can take to be as financially prepared as possible.

Takeaways

Divorce can be expensive, especially when hiring divorce attorneys.
Preserving your credit score during a divorce is important
Individuals should establish individual bank accounts and monitor their credit reports to make sure debts are being paid on time.
Communication is key to saving money during the divorce process.

Want to watch this podcast? Here's the link for our YouTube channel!

Check out our sponsor -- Rental Kharma
https://www.rentalkharma.com

Season One Intro Music: https://uppbeat.io/t/cruen/camping
License code: AACFPDP424VK449S

Beyond Broke

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 14:00:00 -0500

What happens when you are beyond broke? Well, you may have to file for bankruptcy. Join Cullen and Wendy as they discuss what leads to bankruptcy, what all that entails, and how you can come out the other side with a clean slate! You can still buy cars, homes and other things after bankruptcy!

Takeaways:

Chapter 7 is the recommended bankruptcy filing for renters and people without assets.
Learn the things that can and cannot be included in bankruptcy, and you don't have to claim everything you're financing!
Once your bankruptcy has been filed, debtors that are included cannot contact you anymore.
If you don't have anything to liquidate, there may be no debt to repay.
Trust the process, and you will come away debt free and with a fresh start.
Bankruptcies will stay on your credit report for 10 years.

Want to watch this podcast? Here's the link for our YouTube channel!

Check out our sponsor -- Rental Kharma
https://www.rentalkharma.com

Season One Intro Music: https://uppbeat.io/t/cruen/camping
License code: AACFPDP424VK449S

In the Interest of Interest!

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 11:00:00 -0500

In this week's episode, it's in your best interest that we talk about... interest! 📈 We'll discuss the most frequently used types of interest rates, how they're calculated, and also some of our personal "whoopsies" we've made on our own credit journeys! We hope you find it... interesting! 😆🤣

Takeaways:

Learn about APR, simple interest, compound interest, and how they're calculated.
Adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) can lead to increased payments if interest rates go up.
Reading the fine print and understanding the terms is crucial to avoid financial pitfalls.
Understanding compound interest is crucial to avoid drowning in debt, especially with credit cards.
Having a credit card is important for building credit, but it's essential to use it *responsibly* and pay off the balance in full each month.
Learn about high-yield savings and were you can typically find the best rates!

Want to watch this podcast? Here's the link for our YouTube channel!

Check out our sponsor -- Rental Kharma
https://www.rentalkharma.com

Season One Intro Music: https://uppbeat.io/t/cruen/camping
License code: AACFPDP424VK449S

The Wolves of Main Street (pt. 2)

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 14:00:00 -0500

In the second part of our "Wolves on Main Street", we sniff out the truth about personal loans, secured credit cards, buy-now-pay-later shopping, title loans, and mail offers, and talk about ways to run these predatory lending products out of your lives and out of your towns.

With high APR rates on personal loans and title loans, the interest charges on secured credit cards, the temptations of buying now to pay later, and the mail offers landing in your mailbox, there's lots of traps laying around us. Listen to this very important episode and understand why these products are all quick ways to send your financial journey back a few steps.

Takeaways:

Personal loans have an average APR of 300%. Some states have no limit on how much loan service providers can charge. Gross!
Secured credit cards charge interest on top of the money that you put down to secure the card.
There's an average of 11% of cars used for a title loan get repossessed, and the percentage of people who have to use title loans to pay their bills will surprise you!
Mail offers seem trustworthy, but the temptation is great when those offers land in your mailbox.

RESOURCE:
To get off the mailing lists for credit card companies, go to OptOutPrescreen.com or call 1-888-5-OPTOUT (1-888-567-8688). It removes you from TransUnion, Equifax, Experian, and Innovis' lists, as well!

Want to watch this podcast? Here's the link for our YouTube channel!

Check out our sponsor -- Rental Kharma
https://www.rentalkharma.com

Season One Intro Music: https://uppbeat.io/t/cruen/camping
License code: AACFPDP424VK449S

The Wolves of Main Street (pt. 1)

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 10:00:00 -0500

EP #6 Financial predators are everywhere -- in every town, in every state, and on almost every main street through town. In part one of "The Wolves of Main Street", we're talking about the rent-to-own industry, payday loans, and check cashing or check advance stores. Learn the deeper truth about these industries, and how they can cause financial ruin with APR percentages in the hundreds.

Takeaways

Renting-to-own anything hits you on two fronts -- price inflation and lack of credit reporting.
Payday advances can get you in a bind quickly, especially with the aggressive repayment schedules.
The checking blacklist leads to the need to use check cashing stores, which have very high APR's and fees.
There's ways to avoid these pitfalls and solutions to never have to use them again!

Want to watch this podcast? Here's the link for our YouTube channel!

Check out our sponsor -- Rental Kharma
https://www.rentalkharma.com

Season One Intro Music: https://uppbeat.io/t/cruen/camping
License code: AACFPDP424VK449S

Feelin' Move-In Special

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 14:00:00 -0500

EP #5 This week we discuss "Move-In Special's" where you can save $5,000 or more!

We're going to talk about the difference your credit score can make on how much you pay in rent, as well as how much it can cost to move in to your new apartment.

We talk about ways you can find rent specials, how to try an negotiate with your landlord to save money, and also the truth about subleasing.

As a bonus, we talk about the things to look for when doing the walk through on your new apartment. Smoke detectors, water pressure, and insects, oh my!

Learn these tips and tricks, since we've learned it the hard way for you!

Takeaways:

Being credit ready can help you get the best deal when moving to a new rental.
Your credit score can make a big difference in how much you pay.
Get some tips on negotiating with landlords to better deals and specials.
Get our checklist as to what to look for when inspecting your next rental!
Timing and seasonality can affect the rental market and prices.

Want to watch this podcast? Here's the link for our YouTube channel!

Check out our sponsor -- Rental Kharma
https://www.rentalkharma.com

Season One Intro Music: https://uppbeat.io/t/cruen/camping
License code: AACFPDP424VK449S

Getting (Credit) Ready to Roll!

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 11:00:00 -0600

EP #4 This week, Cullen and Wendy are here to help you get 720 Credit Ready, and Stay Credit Ready your entire life.

You never know what life is going to throw you, and having healthy credit makes life much easier.

Cullen talks about credit in a different way to help you understand how the credit actually works, discussing everything like why having a credit card is important, student loans, improving credit scores for mortgage approval, and even rebuilding credit after bankruptcy.

They also talk about big credit killers that will really hold you back from staying "credit ready".

And, as usual, Cullen and Wendy let you in on some dirty little secrets, like the truth about "0% interest", the scam of rent-to-own, title loans, and a few other things that turn from convenience to financial headache.

Takeaways:

The true impact of how late payments, maxed out credit cards, and opening new accounts can kill your credit score.
Avoiding financing that doesn't build your credit, especially with high interest rates and hidden fees.
Staying Credit Ready is crucial to avoid financial pitfalls and make responsible financial decisions.

Want to watch this podcast? Here's the link for our YouTube channel!

Check out our sponsor -- Rental Kharma
https://www.rentalkharma.com

Season One Intro Music: https://uppbeat.io/t/cruen/camping
License code: AACFPDP424VK449S

Going Home with No Down Payment

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 09:00:00 -0600

EP #3 Lean how to buy a home with NO DOWN PAYMENT! It is much easier than you think.

Join us as we explore the different down payment assistance grants for different states, and let you in on the dirty little secrets of the process.

Did you know the phrase "first time homebuyer" includes a lot more people than you'd think!

There's even a bonus dirty little secret in this episode, so listen to the end to get all the information you need to be ready to buy a home!

PDF List of Down Payment Assistance Grants by State: https://bit.ly/DownPmtAssistState

Disclosure:
We get a little spicy and excited in this episode, so you may hear the "h" word dropped a couple times.

Takeaways:

There's a homeownership program 49 of the 50 states!
There's national programs as well that offer different grants and assistance.
Homeownership is important for building wealth, stability.
Learn about refinancing pitfalls, amortization schedules and what they mean
What the Heck is Mortgage Insurance? Another dirty little secret.
Choosing the right lender is crucial, and it's important to work with a lender who has your best interests in mind.

Want to watch this podcast? Here's the link for our YouTube channel!

Check out our sponsor -- Rental Kharma
https://www.rentalkharma.com

Season One Intro Music: https://uppbeat.io/t/cruen/camping
License code: AACFPDP424VK449S

The "Buy Here, Pay Here" Blues

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 12:00:00 -0600

EP #2 Learn the Dirty Little Secrets about the of "Buy Here, Pay Here car dealers" and the reasons behind their success. Insanely high repossession rates because consumers are sold a horrible deal. Also, we discuss how the "no credit no problem" is part is a huge problem.

Do you have a "buy here, pay here" car lot experience?
Send us a voice note with your story to cullen@rentalkharma.com!

Takeaways

Buy here, pay here car dealers target customers with no credit score and offer financing directly from the owner of the car lot.
These dealers source their cars from auctions, trade-ins, and a constant cycle of repo cars they get back from the last guy they ripped off.
Buy here, pay here dealers rarely conduct thorough mechanical inspections on their vehicles.
Payments made to buy here, pay here dealerships not reported to credit bureaus. So this purchase does NOT help you build a credit score.

Want to watch this podcast? Here's the link for our YouTube channel!

Check out our sponsor -- Rental Kharma
https://www.rentalkharma.com

Season One Intro Music: https://uppbeat.io/t/cruen/camping
License code: AACFPDP424VK449S

Driving into Debt

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 15:00:00 -0600

EP #1 We talk about How to Buy a Car With NO Down Payment! Also, how to get 3 months with no payments! We about loan financing at dealerships and explain the differences between financing with the dealerships, banks, credit unions, and buy-here-pay-here lots. Listen as we reveal some dirty little secrets about car dealerships.

Takeaways

How to buy a car with no down payment
How to put that savings in the bank!
Avoid pitfalls in the auto finance industry by knowing the different ways to buy cars
Understand the loan finance process at dealerships.
Research the value of the car you're interested in and negotiate the price to ensure you're getting a fair deal.
Never buy a car with a low credit score and a high interest rate. Get Credit Ready First.
Don't give out your social security number at a car dealership
Be wary of add-ons and extended warranties that are not be worth the cost.

Want to watch this podcast? Here's the link for our YouTube channel!

Check out our sponsor -- Rental Kharma
https://www.rentalkharma.com

Season One Intro Music: https://uppbeat.io/t/cruen/camping
License code: AACFPDP424VK449S