Wednesday 30 December 2015

Consider Before You Co-sign

[A] loan is often a step towards a new opportunity. School loans can help students to achieve their career dreams. A car loan is often an important step towards independence. Taking out a loan is part of the path towards becoming a homeowner. A wide range of dreams can be accomplished through...
Consider Before You Co-sign

Monday 28 December 2015

How To Boost Your Credit With A Rapid Rescore

[I]f you are preparing for a major purchase it is time to take a close look at your credit. Securing a loan requires you to have a firm handle on your credit score. Even a 30 point difference in your score can make a huge difference in the kind of interest rate you can secure. In turn, this will...
How To Boost Your Credit With A Rapid Rescore

Friday 25 December 2015

The Value of Credit Monitoring

[W]atching over your credit is an important way to maintain your financial security. Identity theft can wreak havoc on your life. Keeping track of any changes will ensure you have the best protection possible. Credit monitoring is the fastest and easiest way to get the job done. Learn more about...
The Value of Credit Monitoring

Wednesday 23 December 2015

What To Do If You Are Denied Credit

[A]pplying for any type of credit carries with it the potential risk of rejection. If your credit application was denied for any reason, you might feel like you want to bury your head in the sand and forget about it. However, there are steps you can take to prevent this from happening again....
What To Do If You Are Denied Credit

Monday 21 December 2015

When to Use Your Credit Card Instead of Your Debit Card

[D]ebit cards and credit cards may seem as though they are completely interchangeable. Consumers often switch back and forth between the two cards without considering the possible implications. Credit cards are a better choice in certain situations. Learn more about when to use your credit card...
When to Use Your Credit Card Instead of Your Debit Card

Friday 18 December 2015

How Much Will You Spend For The Holidays?

[D]o you know how much you will spend for the holidays? If you are like many Americans today, the amount is a pretty penny. A recent survey sheds light on average seasonal spending. Learn more about what people plan to spend on the holidays in 2015.
Survey Questions
The survey was conducted by...
How Much Will You Spend For The Holidays?

Wednesday 16 December 2015

The Challenge Of A Bad Credit Score

[M]ost people are well aware of the many perks that come along with a good credit score. The perils that befall those with a bad score are less well known. The pitfalls go far beyond an inability to secure a good rate on a credit card. Bad credit can bring difficulties that can have a major...
The Challenge Of A Bad Credit Score

Monday 14 December 2015

Keep Your Credit Card Numbers Private Online

[O]nline shopping is one of the easiest ways to access goods and services today. It has become such a frequent pastime, that most people don’t even think twice before providing an online retailer with their credit card information. However, a spate of recent highly publicized data thefts from m...
Keep Your Credit Card Numbers Private Online

Friday 11 December 2015

How Peer-To-Peer Lending Can Work For You

[B]orrowers today have many options when looking for funding. Traditional bank lending has long been available to those with good credit. Crowdfunding is another way to raise funds quickly, but it isn’t guaranteed success. Peer-to-peer lending is another option that blends the world of t...
How Peer-To-Peer Lending Can Work For You

Wednesday 9 December 2015

Avoiding Debt During The Holidays

[G]etting ready for the holidays is an exciting time. It can also be a time of stress for those who wait to the last minute to do all of their shopping. Last minute shopping can create pressure to spend more than what you can afford. It also makes it hard to stick to a budget. Follow these tips...
Avoiding Debt During The Holidays

Monday 7 December 2015

FICO Tests Alternative Credit Score Systems

[T]he fortunes of people with little to no credit might be changing soon. A major players in the credit reporting industry is shaking things up with new way to assess credit. Lenders may soon be able to offer make credit available to consumers based on a new alternative credit score. Learn more...
FICO Tests Alternative Credit Score Systems

Friday 4 December 2015

Layaway versus Credit Cards

[F]or many people, holiday shopping means scrimping and saving to get all of the important items on their lists. Many shoppers start well in advance of the season in order to get exactly what they are looking for. As a result, a number of stores have brought back layaway as an option for holiday...
Layaway versus Credit Cards

Wednesday 2 December 2015

Protecting Your Credit After A Divorce

[D]ivorce is a difficult time for a number of reasons. Maintaining a good credit score isn’t always the first thing on your mind. However, many financial experts would suggest that it should be. Learn more about how to protect your credit after a divorce.
Potential Problems
In many cases, you w...
Protecting Your Credit After A Divorce

Monday 30 November 2015

The Quickest Ways To Raise Your Credit Score

[I]f your credit score isn’t where you need it to be, change often feels like a frustratingly slow process. This is particularly true in those instances when you need to gain points fast in order to meet an important goal. Fortunately, a few key methods exist that will help. The following are t...
The Quickest Ways To Raise Your Credit Score

Wednesday 25 November 2015

Recovering from a Closed Credit Account

[C]losing a credit card account may seem like a great way to deal with debt. However, the tactical measure of cutting up your card may backfire by hurting your credit. While you may stop the spending that created the initial debt, you have also lowered your amount of contractually available...
Recovering from a Closed Credit Account

Monday 23 November 2015

Preparing for Retirement

[P]reparing for retirement requires a significant amount of planning. Aside from securing your nest egg, you will want to shore up your credit. Taking steps to strengthen your credit will ensure that you are ready for whatever life brings you. Follow these tips to prepare your credit for your...
Preparing for Retirement

Friday 20 November 2015

What Happens to Your Credit After a Car Repossession

[M]ost people are aware that a car repossession can significantly damage your credit. However, the severity of the harm done to your personal credit score cannot be understated. It is important to do everything possible to halt a repossession before it takes place.
Downward Spiral
A car...
What Happens to Your Credit After a Car Repossession

Wednesday 18 November 2015

Safety Tips For Online Shopping Accounts

[T]he holiday shopping season offers plenty of discounts for shopping online. Online shopping accounts make it easy to make your purchases. Storing your information within the program saves you from having to enter it each time you complete a transaction. However, there are risks to storing your...
Safety Tips For Online Shopping Accounts

Monday 16 November 2015

Review: Barclaycard Arrival World MasterCard

[O]ne of the most attractive features in a credit card is one that allows you to earn points toward traveling. After all, most people enjoy the idea of a free vacation. The Barclaycard Arrival World MasterCard offers you rewards with bonus miles based on how you use it.
Here is a list of...
Review: Barclaycard Arrival World MasterCard

Friday 13 November 2015

All You Need to Know about Chip Cards

[F]inding out that your information was made vulnerable in a data breach happens more frequently than ever. In this era of cyber crime, the stakes for businesses and consumers alike have never been higher. Regulators are working overtime to fight against fraudsters. Credit card chips are one...
All You Need to Know about Chip Cards

Wednesday 11 November 2015

Building Business Credit

[O]wning a business requires a significant amount of cash flow. Business credit can help you make it when you are pressed for funds. Others rely on credit to scale up their operations. Achieving your dreams is made much easier when you have strong credit. The following tips can help you to reach...
Building Business Credit

Thursday 5 November 2015

Does Your Credit Card Offer Roadside Assistance?

[G]etting stranded on the side of the road can cause some momentary panic. If your car breaks down it helps to know who to call. If you don’t have a AAA membership, you might be unsure of what to do. Help can often come from a surprising source. Many credit cards offer roadside assistance b...
Does Your Credit Card Offer Roadside Assistance?

Tuesday 3 November 2015

The Best Retail Cards for Shopping

[O]nce again the holiday shopping season is upon us. It is time to start making a list and checking it twice. Financing your retail spending is easier than ever. Many store credit cards provide shoppers with excellent discounts and rewards. Find out more about the best retail cards for holiday...
The Best Retail Cards for Shopping

Friday 30 October 2015

Credit Facts for College Students

[T]he road to adulthood is paved with many different choices. Decisions about how to manage finances will impact young people long after the choices are made. Student credit cards are often the first cards issued in the student’s name. These cards provide college students with an opportunity to b...
Credit Facts for College Students

Wednesday 28 October 2015

When Should You Freeze Your Credit Report

[P]utting your credit on ice can be a proactive approach to dealing with identity theft. There are many reasons why you many want to consider this drastic measure. Putting a credit freeze on your report lets you restrict access to your credit report. This will put a hold on any new credit...
When Should You Freeze Your Credit Report

Monday 26 October 2015

Surprising Things That Affect Your Credit Score

[A] great credit score is the ticket to a number of positive life experiences. Your score can open the doors to a new home or a new vehicle. It can also keep your interest rates and insurance premiums low. However, maintaining good credit isn’t always as straightforward as it seems. A number of s...
Surprising Things That Affect Your Credit Score

Thursday 22 October 2015

How to Deal with Debt Before Marriage

[Y]our credit status can have a major impact on your life. This includes your ability to secure a job, housing and other major purchases. It isn’t too surprising that debt can also affect your romantic relationships. More people today are taking credit history into account when considering a p...
How to Deal with Debt Before Marriage

Monday 7 September 2015

How Bad Credit Hurts Homeowners

[Y]ou probably already know that bad credit can keep you from being approved for a mortgage. In fact, many people begin working on their credit with the goal of buying a home. Unfortunately, once they have the keys to their new home, they may not think as much about their credit or take it...
How Bad Credit Hurts Homeowners

Friday 4 September 2015

What is a Co-Signer and How Does It Impact Your Credit?

[M]any people have heard the term co-signer, but they often don’t understand what it really means. It is important to know what being a co-signer means whether you are begin asked to be one or you are the person who needs one.
Why People Need a Co-signer
A person needs a co-signer if he or she c...
What is a Co-Signer and How Does It Impact Your Credit?

Wednesday 2 September 2015

Setting Up a Payment Plan with a Debt Collector

[O]ften, people try to pay old bills when they want to improve their credit scores. This is a good step to becoming financially healthy again. However, you should understand what you are getting into if you have to set up a payment plan with a debt collector because you can’t afford to pay the d...
Setting Up a Payment Plan with a Debt Collector

Monday 31 August 2015

How to Protect Your Ability to Get a Mortgage

[I]f you have been shopping for a home or just learning about what it takes to get a home loan, you probably already know the importance of a good credit history. Along with this important piece of the puzzle are other factors that you want to consider.
Inconsistent Income
While you may average...
How to Protect Your Ability to Get a Mortgage

Friday 28 August 2015

How to Build Good Credit When You Have None

[H]aving no credit is almost as bad as having bad credit. Many creditors are unwilling to lend to you if you have no credit history, but you can’t establish a credit history if no one will take a chance on you. This catch-22 can leave you feeling frustrated, but don’t worry. There are ways of bui...
How to Build Good Credit When You Have None

Wednesday 26 August 2015

Celebrate the Small Wins in Your Move Towards Financial Freedom

[I]f you are working to improve your credit score, you know how difficult it is to see major changes. Your score may go up three or four points and then back down. You may pay off a small credit card and expect to see a new number, but it only improves by 10 points. If you have a long way to go...
Celebrate the Small Wins in Your Move Towards Financial Freedom

Monday 24 August 2015

Why You Need to Understand Debit Cards vs. Credit Cards For Your Credit

[E]ven though you can use credit and debit cards in most of the same places, but that doesn’t mean they are the exact same. There are several differences between the two that you need to be aware of.
Fees and Balances
A debit card is linked directly with money in your bank account. You can only s...
Why You Need to Understand Debit Cards vs. Credit Cards For Your Credit

Wednesday 19 August 2015

Understanding How Credit Impacts Your Home Purchase

[I]f you have been working to improve your credit so that you can buy a home, you have probably been watching the news reports about credit changes closely. Just a couple of years ago, you couldn’t purchase a home at all with most lenders if your credit score was below 640. With the economy i...
Understanding How Credit Impacts Your Home Purchase

Monday 17 August 2015

Should You Check Your Credit Score?

[M]ost people never check their credit score or only check it occasionally. While you see many advocates for regular credit checks or signing up with a credit monitoring program, there are plenty of times when you won’t have to worry about your credit. However, that doesn’t mean you should ign...
Should You Check Your Credit Score?

Friday 14 August 2015

Can You Get a Business Loan with Poor Credit?

[S]tarting a new business is an exciting but often scary idea. If you have bad credit, you may find it is even more difficult. If you need to fund your new business with inventory or capital, you may discover that getting a loan is almost impossible. However, alternatives are available to help...
Can You Get a Business Loan with Poor Credit?

Wednesday 12 August 2015

Can Anyone See Your Credit Score If They Want To?

[W]hen you apply for credit or a loan, you may be asked to give permission for the creditor to obtain a copy of your credit report. You may assume that they will also see your credit score. This is not always the case, and it is important to know who can and can’t see your personal i...
Can Anyone See Your Credit Score If They Want To?

Monday 10 August 2015

What You Don’t Want to See on a Credit Report

[T]here are a lot of ways you can lower your credit score. Maxing out credit cards, being late on payments and applying for too much credit. However, some things do major damage to your credit score that is not so easy to recover from.
Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy is often a last resort when you...
What You Don’t Want to See on a Credit Report

Friday 7 August 2015

What to Do About Medical Debt

[M]edical debt can go into collections if you are unable or unwilling to pay. It can result in a lower credit score and damage that takes years to overcome. While recent changes have altered how medical debt is calculated in your credit score, you still want to take it seriously.
How to Prevent...
What to Do About Medical Debt

Wednesday 5 August 2015

First Steps for a College Student to Establish a Credit Score

[I]f you have never been out on your own or you are the parent of a college student moving out on his or her own for the first time, you want to make sure that you start out the right way to build your credit. It will be difficult to rent an apartment and do other things without an established...
First Steps for a College Student to Establish a Credit Score

Monday 3 August 2015

Can You See a Credit Report When You Sign Permission for One?

It has become more common for businesses to ask for a credit report before approving an application. Not only for credit cards and loans, but businesses that rent apartments and cars as well as insurance companies require credit reports with applications. You may wonder if you have a right to...
Can You See a Credit Report When You Sign Permission for One?

Friday 31 July 2015

Ways to Improve Your Finances and Your Credit Score

Sometimes it can be difficult to manage your financial responsibilities. You feel overwhelmed and end up trying to forget about the bills you have to pay and the accounts you should reconcile. To simplify your finances and protect your credit score, you should consider doing one or all of the...
Ways to Improve Your Finances and Your Credit Score

Thursday 30 July 2015

Why You Should Love Credit Cards

Plenty of people have credit cards. They often use them to make purchases or even to pay bills in between paychecks. However, many people do not really appreciate their credit cards and what they can do.
Earn Rewards
One of the best reasons to have and use a credit card is because of the...
Why You Should Love Credit Cards

Monday 27 July 2015

Why You Shouldn’t Overlook Your Debt

If you have been in a debt a long time or have a long-term loan, it can be easy to pretend it doesn’t exist. Even if you make the minimum monthly payments, you may assume you will always be in debt and not even try to become debt-free. Here are a few reasons why you should pay attention to your d...
Why You Shouldn’t Overlook Your Debt

Friday 24 July 2015

The Benefits of Signing Up for Credit Monitoring Services

Browse around on the internet and you will find several credit monitoring services. Some of them are free, like Credit Karma and Credit Sesame. Others, such as myFico.com require you to pay a monthly fee for their services. With so many options available, you may wonder if any of them are any...
The Benefits of Signing Up for Credit Monitoring Services

Wednesday 22 July 2015

Why Credit Scores are Good

You often hear only of complaints about credit scores, especially of those with low credit scores. It is often seen as a negative part of getting a loan or credit. Many people don’t understand credit scores and hear conflicting information about them. For many people, they have a bad view of s...
Why Credit Scores are Good

Monday 20 July 2015

How Credit Checks Affect Your Credit Score

Also called inquiries, when someone does a credit check, it can impact your credit score. While it isn’t usually a cause for concern since the change is slight, it can make a difference if you are just a few points away from qualifying for a loan. It may help to understand how inquiries work and ...
How Credit Checks Affect Your Credit Score

Friday 17 July 2015

Learn about the Three Major Credit Bureaus

While numerous companies have credit scoring systems, three bureaus provide information for the vast majority of creditors in the United States. They are:
•Equifax
•Experian
•TransUnion
Each one compiles its data and creates credit scores based on unique algorithms. While most people know about t...
Learn about the Three Major Credit Bureaus

Wednesday 15 July 2015

Options for Managing Debt

Having more debt than you can handle is the basic reason for bad credit scores. While this fact can encompass many issues, dealing with debt is the first step to getting your credit score back on track. Some factors of debt that is out of control that impacts your credit include the...
Options for Managing Debt

Monday 13 July 2015

4 Things Everyone Should Know About Credit Scores

While there is a lot of information floating around on the internet about credit scores, not all of it is accurate. Some of it is misleading while some is completely false. While you can’t expect to know everything about credit and the credit scoring system, there are four things that it is a...
4 Things Everyone Should Know About Credit Scores

Friday 10 July 2015

What to Do When You Plan to Marry Someone With a Lot of Debt

When you start planning to get married, you have a lot to think about. There are all of the wedding plans, the decision about the honeymoon location and even where you will live and what “stuff” you will keep. Don’t forget to plan for the financial aspects of marriage as well, which could inclu...
What to Do When You Plan to Marry Someone With a Lot of Debt

Wednesday 8 July 2015

What It Means to Have a Good Credit Score

If you are trying to get a home or auto loan, you know how important a good credit score is. It can mean the difference of getting a good interest rate or even getting approved at all. But what else does it mean to have a good credit score?
Better Job Opportunities
While employers cannot check...
What It Means to Have a Good Credit Score

Monday 6 July 2015

Improve Your Credit Score Before Autumn

The lazy days of summer can make you relax and slack off on some of your tasks. However, your credit score is one thing that you should never forget about. If you are trying to improve your credit score, there are some things you can do now so that you have a good score by the end of summer.
Set...
Improve Your Credit Score Before Autumn

Friday 3 July 2015

Prepare Your Credit Score for College

When you start thinking about college, you may focus on what you will need to take to your dorm or what part-time job you will get. It is also important to begin thinking about your credit. In many ways, starting college is the first step in adulthood, and considering your credit now will make...
Prepare Your Credit Score for College

Wednesday 1 July 2015

Good Habits That Will Help Your Credit Score

When you are trying to improve a bad credit score, it seems that most suggestions will take months or longer to work. There is no such thing as a quick fix when you have a low credit score. However, when you establish good habits, you will enjoy good credit for the long term.
Pay All Bills on...
Good Habits That Will Help Your Credit Score

Monday 29 June 2015

Three Things You Need to Do to Get Ready for a Mortgage

If you are one of the people with a dream to become a homeowner, it is never too early to start planning. The time to start making plans for being a homeowner is at least a year before you are ready to buy. There are three things you need to be doing if you want to buy a house soon.
Start Saving...
Three Things You Need to Do to Get Ready for a Mortgage

Friday 26 June 2015

Changes with the FHA Loan

FHA guidelines and rules are always being updated to reflect general changes with homebuyers and the economy. These changes are meant to benefit the responsible home-buyer though it doesn’t always feel that way. The best way to prepare for buying a home through the FHA program is to know what t...
Changes with the FHA Loan

Wednesday 24 June 2015

Buying a Home can Build Credit

You hear a lot about how you need good credit to qualify for a home loan. What you may not realize is that a mortgage – once you are approved, could have a big positive impact on your credit as well.
While people with good or excellent credit scores may not be as concerned about the benefits of ...
Buying a Home can Build Credit

Monday 22 June 2015

Why Too Many Credit Cards Can Hurt Your Credit

If you see someone sorting through several credit cards to find the one he wants to use for the rewards, you may think that person must have awesome credit. How else could he qualify for all of those cards?
Too Much Credit Can Be Bad
Before you get tempted to start applying for numerous cards,...
Why Too Many Credit Cards Can Hurt Your Credit

Friday 19 June 2015

Why Credit Reports Differ

If you have taken advantage of the annual free credit report, you may notice that all of your reports are not identical. One of the reasons you should get your credit report from all three agencies is to review the information on each one.
Not All Creditors Report to All Agencies
Your creditors...
Why Credit Reports Differ

Wednesday 17 June 2015

Quick Ways to Improve Your Credit Score

Improving a bad credit score often takes time. It can take years to completely rebuild a credit score that dropped from excellent to poor. However, a few actions can help you see improvement right away.
Ask for More Credit
If you have balances on your credit cards that you are working to pay...
Quick Ways to Improve Your Credit Score

Monday 15 June 2015

When Your Credit Score Takes a Hit

Credit scores often seem like a great mystery that no one can uncover. Everyone knows that several factors impact your credit score, but the exact science behind the numbers is seldom explained. Since there are three credit bureaus and multiple scores, it can get even complicated. You would...
When Your Credit Score Takes a Hit

Friday 12 June 2015

How to Create a Budget That Improves Your Credit and Helps You Enjoy Life

Many people create budgets, but not as many follow them. They intend to, but somewhere along the way, they underestimate the cost or how much they need to live on. They borrow from credit cards or miss payments and end up ruining their credit. The key to having good credit for the long term is...
How to Create a Budget That Improves Your Credit and Helps You Enjoy Life

Wednesday 10 June 2015

Common Mistakes Made When You Get Your Credit Report

The experts tell you to check your credit report before applying for a car or home loan. You get a free annual credit report from all three bureaus so it is a good idea to access them every year. You also want to monitor your credit in case of identity theft or even just for inaccurate...
Common Mistakes Made When You Get Your Credit Report

Monday 8 June 2015

What is a Credit Freeze?

A credit freeze may also be known as a security freeze and it is placed on accounts with the credit reporting agencies when you don’t want others to have access to your information. This is often done when concerns over identity theft arise, but you may also choose to have a freeze in...
What is a Credit Freeze?

Friday 5 June 2015

How to Protect Your Credit While Traveling

When people think about vacation, they imagine a relaxing time with no worries. They can let their guard down and forget about routines, appointments, work and responsibility. The one thing they should never take a vacation from is protecting their credit. Vacation is prime time for criminals...
How to Protect Your Credit While Traveling

Thursday 4 June 2015

Recognizing Email Scams to Protect Your Credit

Most people today are pretty computer and internet savvy. They have heard about the attacks on major retailers and know the importance of protecting private information. However, many people are not as safe as they thought.
A test conducted by McAfee, a leading internet security firm, showed...
Recognizing Email Scams to Protect Your Credit

Wednesday 3 June 2015

Credit Card Mistakes that You Can Fix to Protect Your Credit Score

Credit cards can be one of the best and worst things to happen to your credit score. Getting a card and using it responsibly can help your score improve over time. On the other hand, some mistakes that you make can hurt you for years to come. However, a few errors can be fixable if you know what...
Credit Card Mistakes that You Can Fix to Protect Your Credit Score

Tuesday 2 June 2015

How Important is Your Credit Score for a Mortgage?

If you are looking at buying a home, you may know that your credit score will play a key role in whether you are approved or not. However, you may not be sure how sure how important it is and if other factors can override a low or high credit score.
What is a Good Credit Score for a Home...
How Important is Your Credit Score for a Mortgage?

Monday 1 June 2015

How Late Can Your Payment Be Before It Hurts Your Credit?

If you have been reading about credit scores and reports, you may know that payment history makes up 35% of your credit score. One late payment can hurt your credit and drop the score by 30,40 or even 100 points. What many people wonder is how late the payment must be to be considered late.
30...
How Late Can Your Payment Be Before It Hurts Your Credit?

Friday 29 May 2015

Changes Coming to Credit Reports Could Help You

A settlement has been reached with the three main credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian and Trans Union. While the $6 million figure may seem impressive, it is what changes are being made to the way accounts are reported that could have significant impact on people.
Handling Disputes
The...
Changes Coming to Credit Reports Could Help You

Thursday 28 May 2015

Is Lifestyle Inflation a Risk to Your Credit?

You probably still remember how excited you were about your first job. You started planning for how much money you would make and what you would do with it. It might not have been much, but it seemed like a lot more because you didn’t have any bills.
Along comes a raise, promotion or a new...
Is Lifestyle Inflation a Risk to Your Credit?

Wednesday 27 May 2015

Why a Good Credit Score is Not Always Enough

You’ve worked hard to improve your credit score and now you have a number you can be proud of. Before you apply for that car loan, mortgage or credit card you have been waiting on, you need to think about what else you need.
It Takes More Than a Credit Score
Even a good credit score...
Why a Good Credit Score is Not Always Enough

Tuesday 26 May 2015

Should You Get a Higher Credit Card Limit?

After a length of time paying your credit card payments on time, you may assume that you will qualify for a higher credit limit. In fact, you may even wonder if you should ask. The question you may have is if you should get a higher limit and when you should ask.
Bigger is Not Always Better
A...
Should You Get a Higher Credit Card Limit?

Monday 25 May 2015

Is It Possible to Have a New Credit History?

The idea of starting over is often appealing. You can forget past mistakes and have a new beginning. If you have a bad credit score, you may want to do that with your credit history. Unfortunately, there is no “do over” button.
Starting Over with Bankruptcy
Many people think that...
Is It Possible to Have a New Credit History?

Friday 22 May 2015

Getting Your Credit Ready for a Mortgage

One of the most common reasons that people begin focusing on their credit is to get ready to buy a new home. They may have already applied for a mortgage and been turned down, or they may know that their credit needs some work to qualify. Either way, it is important to know what you need to do...
Getting Your Credit Ready for a Mortgage

Thursday 21 May 2015

Are You One of the 10%-33% of Americans Without a Credit Score or Have You Checked?

According to statistics by the experts, between 10% and 33% of Americans either do not have a credit score or haven’t checked theirs. If you are in this group, you may be hurting yourself for the future.
Do You Have a Credit Score?
You may assume that everyone has a credit score. However,...
Are You One of the 10%-33% of Americans Without a Credit Score or Have You Checked?

Wednesday 20 May 2015

What is the Most Important Thing to Know About Your Credit?

You will read a lot of information about credit history, credit scores and credit reports if you are working on improving your credit. Some of this information will be accurate while some will be incorrect. It can all get overwhelming and confusing. It may be easier to narrow it down to the most...
What is the Most Important Thing to Know About Your Credit?

Tuesday 19 May 2015

Where People with the Best Credit Live

Having good credit opens a lot of doors of opportunity for you. Living in a state where more people have good credit can also give you more options. Over half of the people with credit scores nationwide have subprime scores, which means they are not in the excellent category. It doesn’t...
Where People with the Best Credit Live

Monday 18 May 2015

The First Step to Rebuilding Your Credit Score

If you have been reading on ways to improve your credit score, you may be feeling overwhelmed with all of the information. Experts will give you all kinds of scenarios on what will improve your score. It could have you trying to figure out just how much each thing will impact your score so you...
The First Step to Rebuilding Your Credit Score

Friday 15 May 2015

How Your Credit Limit is Determined and How It Impacts Your Credit

You pay on a credit card faithfully and then you receive a notice in the mail that your credit limit increased. Another card that has a low balance doesn’t ever see an increase. It seems to make no sense and you’re not even sure if raising your limit is good or bad for your credit....
How Your Credit Limit is Determined and How It Impacts Your Credit

Thursday 14 May 2015

Fun Ways to Celebrate Your Improved Credit Score

If you have been living frugally and working extra hard to pay down debt to improve your credit score, you may be living to see the proof of your hard work. Once you reach the goal that you set for yourself or a milestone along the way, you may want to celebrate. Avoid doing something that costs...
Fun Ways to Celebrate Your Improved Credit Score

Wednesday 13 May 2015

Dealing with Debt Collectors When You Want to Improve Your Credit Score

Having a debt in collections is one of the worst things that can happen to your credit score. You will most likely never see an excellent score as long as it is being reported. However, the amount of damage it does will be less as more time passes.
Which Debts to Worry About First
The newest...
Dealing with Debt Collectors When You Want to Improve Your Credit Score

Tuesday 12 May 2015

Rethink Your Money Habits to Improve Your Credit Score

You probably know that paying your bills on time can help improve your credit score. It’s also a good idea not to max out those credit cards if you want a high credit rating. However, other money habits can have an indirect impact on your credit score even if you don’t realize it....
Rethink Your Money Habits to Improve Your Credit Score

Monday 11 May 2015

What Everyone Should Know About Credit

There is a lot of information about credit reports and credit scores. While you may never be an expert, everyone should know the basic information. This begins even before you get credit, starting at the high school level. If you know these things in advance, you will be more likely to start out...
What Everyone Should Know About Credit

Friday 8 May 2015

Paying Old Debts to Improve Your Credit Score

There is a lot of contradictory information available about whether you should pay an old debt, especially old credit cards or charge accounts. The final decision is up to you, but you should be aware of a few facts before you decide.
Paying Won’t Change Anything
On your credit score, that...
Paying Old Debts to Improve Your Credit Score

Thursday 7 May 2015

Why You Shouldn"t Apply for Too Many Credit Cards at One Time

It can be tempting to apply for multiple credit cards for many reasons. You never know which ones will approve you and many carry rewards that you would really enjoy. Perhaps you would like a travel rewards card, one with cash back and another that offers low interest rates. However, you should...
Why You Shouldn"t Apply for Too Many Credit Cards at One Time

Wednesday 6 May 2015

Why People Get Into Debt and Have Bad Credit

Emergencies and unfortunate events happen to everyone. However, those are not the main reasons that most people end up in debt and with bad credit. Instead, it is certain behaviors or habits that lead them down the wrong road. If you understand what causes you to get into debt and have poor...
Why People Get Into Debt and Have Bad Credit

Tuesday 5 May 2015

Should You Get Help Dealing with Your Debt?

Debt can become overwhelming when you don’t know how to pay it down or even manage the monthly payments. You don’t want to ignore it because it will hurt your credit for a long time even if you manage to get it paid off. One option is to work with someone else to help you manage your...
Should You Get Help Dealing with Your Debt?

Monday 4 May 2015

How Often Should You Check on Your Credit?

You’ve probably heard about the importance of monitoring your credit to be sure no false information is listed and that no one has stolen your identity. You also know that you have to check on your credit if you are getting ready to buy a house or car. If you have been trying to improve...
How Often Should You Check on Your Credit?

Friday 1 May 2015

Why Are There So Many FICO Scores and Does It Matter?

You may hear a lot about a FICO score and how important it is to have a good one. The FICO score is a model that was developed by the Fair Isaac Corporation to determine how much of a credit risk each person is.
What you may not understand is that there are numerous FICO scores. In fact, it is...
Why Are There So Many FICO Scores and Does It Matter?

Thursday 30 April 2015

Creating a Budget to Improve Your Credit Score

You may not see how your budget, which focuses on cash, can help you improve your credit score which is all about credit. Everything in your financial life is built on money, either money you do have or money you promise to repay. All financial decisions and consequences have a single base,...
Creating a Budget to Improve Your Credit Score

Wednesday 29 April 2015

Teaching Your Kids About Money Before They Leave for College

For many teenagers, college is a time when they enjoy the freedom of being on their own, making their own decisions. For parents, it is a time filled with worry over their child’s present and future. It is the first time they have not been able to keep an eye on their kids. While you...
Teaching Your Kids About Money Before They Leave for College

Tuesday 28 April 2015

How to Pay Off Credit Card Debt and Improve Your Credit Score

Next to making on-time payments, the amount of debt you have is the biggest factor in your credit score. Not all debt is created equal either. Revolving credit, or credit card debt, has the biggest impact. Paying down these balances will have a significant influence on your credit score.
Why It...
How to Pay Off Credit Card Debt and Improve Your Credit Score

Monday 27 April 2015

How to Know If an Employer Will Check Your Credit

You may have heard that employers check your credit when you apply for a job. Along with that news is a lot of misinformation that may give you cause for concern. You want to know if an employer is going to check your credit and how it will impact you.
Credit Report vs. Credit Scores
While...
How to Know If an Employer Will Check Your Credit

Friday 24 April 2015

Choosing the Right Credit Monitoring Service

You can find numerous credit monitoring sites online. Many of them are free, while others may have a monthly fee attached to membership. Even the free sites often feature paid memberships that give more features and benefits.
How do you know which site is best for you? Should you select more...
Choosing the Right Credit Monitoring Service

Thursday 23 April 2015

What Keeps You Lost in Bad Credit

Having bad credit seems like a never-ending cycle. You can’t get credit to improve your credit, or you do get new credit that actually hurts your credit. It can feel as if you will never have a good credit score again. Why does this happen and how can you change things?
The Dangers of...
What Keeps You Lost in Bad Credit

Wednesday 22 April 2015

How to Get a Car Loan with No Credit

Getting approved for a loan of any kind with no credit history is rather difficult. Lenders seldom want to be the one to take the chance and offer credit to an unknown. However, it is possible to be approved for a car loan even if you have limited credit. Since this kind of loan uses the car as...
How to Get a Car Loan with No Credit

Tuesday 21 April 2015

How Your Smartphone Can Help You Improve Your Credit Score

Smartphones do much more than allow you to talk and text friends and family. They make it easier to check your email, surf the web, play games and even read or watch movies. What you may not think of using a smartphone for is to improve your credit.
If you wonder how it is even possible, just...
How Your Smartphone Can Help You Improve Your Credit Score

Monday 20 April 2015

New FICO Scores Will Change Credit Opportunities for Many

Fair Isaac is the creator of the FICO score, used by many lenders to approve loan applications. It is changing the way credit scores are determined to give more people access to scores and to help improve others’ credit.
The new score will include non-traditional forms of credit, such as...
New FICO Scores Will Change Credit Opportunities for Many

Friday 17 April 2015

Strategies to Avoid to Get Out of Debt Even If it Improves Your Credit Score

If you are trying to improve your credit score to qualify for a loan or new credit, you may be willing to try any strategy to get out of debt. While setting a goal to be debt-free is a good thing, not all strategies are sound choices. Here are a few things to avoid when trying to get out of...
Strategies to Avoid to Get Out of Debt Even If it Improves Your Credit Score

Thursday 16 April 2015

Should You Choose Cash Over Credit If You Have a Bad Credit Score?

For many people, the idea of paying cash for something seems archaic. They whip out their credit cards and never worry about having cash on hand. But for the person who has had issues with credit in the past, using credit may not be the best option even if he or she now has a credit card.
Too...
Should You Choose Cash Over Credit If You Have a Bad Credit Score?

Wednesday 15 April 2015

Choosing Between Debt Consolidation or Bankruptcy

If you have fallen on hard times, you may be having difficulty paying your debts. As you fall further and further behind, you may wonder if you should file bankruptcy or if debt consolidation will help you at all. Which option is best for you now and in the future?
Debt Consolidation
If you have...
Choosing Between Debt Consolidation or Bankruptcy

Tuesday 14 April 2015

Disputing Your Credit Report

Experts often tell you to check your credit report and dispute anything that isn’t true. But what happens when you file a dispute? Does it impact your credit score or ability to get credit? In many cases, the answer is “yes.”
Options for Disputing
You have two options to...
Disputing Your Credit Report

Monday 13 April 2015

Dealing with a Collector or the Original Creditor

You get a collections notice in the mail from an agency for an account you had forgot about. The letter sounds formal and even downright intimidating. You wonder if it is possible to pay the original creditor and skip over the collections agency since you’ve heard they can be difficult to...
Dealing with a Collector or the Original Creditor

Friday 10 April 2015

How You Can Damage Someone Else"s Credit

Your credit score is tied to so many things like getting approved for a car loan or mortgage, getting good rates on insurance and getting new credit. Many other people review your credit report such as potential landlords and employers. You want to keep it in the best shape possible. Damaging...
How You Can Damage Someone Else"s Credit

Thursday 9 April 2015

When Should You Get a Credit Report?

If you have heard that you get an annual credit report for free from each of the three major credit bureaus, you may wonder when you should you request them. Some people do it at the beginning of the year just like annual New Year’s resolutions. Others do it around their birthdays.
Some...
When Should You Get a Credit Report?

Wednesday 8 April 2015

5 Ways You Can Save Money and Improve Your Credit

According to statistics, the American consumer has been spending less money on certain things. If you are trying to save money to pay down credit card debt and improve your credit score, you might want to pay attention to what those expenditures are.
As you pay down your credit card balance,...
5 Ways You Can Save Money and Improve Your Credit

Tuesday 7 April 2015

Embarrassing and Frustrating Situations for People with Bad Credit Scores

There are a few common themes for many people with bad credit scores who want to make changes. They often find themselves in embarrassing or frustrating situations with no idea of what to do or where to turn.
When You Have More Debt than You Can Pay
This often happens when people take on too...
Embarrassing and Frustrating Situations for People with Bad Credit Scores

Monday 6 April 2015

Understanding Dates on Your Credit Report

When you look at your credit report, you are going to see a lot of different dates. They may be confusing and difficult to understand. You don’t need to worry about all of them, but certain dates have a direct impact on your credit score.
Date an Account was Opened
Having a long credit...
Understanding Dates on Your Credit Report

Friday 3 April 2015

The Wrong Way to Use Credit

If you want to use your credit card to build or rebuild your credit, you must know the right way to utilize it. When you do the wrong things, you set yourself up for more credit problems. Here are things to avoid when you get a credit card.
Buying Things You Don’t Have Cash For
You see...
The Wrong Way to Use Credit

Thursday 2 April 2015

How Much will a Credit Inquiry Hurt Your Credit Score?

When you are shopping around for a new car or buying a home, you may consult with multiple lenders. They will run your credit to see if you qualify. Those inquiries will impact your credit score. The question on many people’s minds is by how much.
A Single Inquiry
When you permit a lender...
How Much will a Credit Inquiry Hurt Your Credit Score?

Friday 20 March 2015

Why You Need More than Excellent Credit Scores

You may have been working to improve your credit score for some time. You have paid down your debts, made sure all payments were on time and generally exhibited good credit behavior. Your goal is to reach a certain score, the “magic number,” that you have set as a goal. Maybe it is...
Why You Need More than Excellent Credit Scores

Thursday 19 March 2015

What Should You Pay Attention To on Your Credit Report?

If you have ever looked at a copy of your credit report, you may find it rather confusing. There are pages of information, symbols, dates and technical terms that you don’t understand. It can be enough to make you toss it aside and forget about it. Since it is important to review your...
What Should You Pay Attention To on Your Credit Report?

Wednesday 18 March 2015

How You Can Damage Your Credit Unintentionally

You probably know of several things that can hurt your credit: late payments, collections, charge-offs and bankruptcies. What you may not realize is how small, unintentional behaviors can impact your credit.
1. Carrying high balances.
It is common for people to focus on paying their credit card...
How You Can Damage Your Credit Unintentionally

Tuesday 17 March 2015

How CreditVision from Trans Union May Improve Your Credit Score

Trans Union is one of the three major credit bureaus that creditors report to. The company has been making some changes that could impact a customer’s ability to get approved for a loan. The change is in CreditVision.
What is CreditVision?
CreditVision is part of your Trans Union credit...
How CreditVision from Trans Union May Improve Your Credit Score

Experian is Trying to Change the Future of Credit Scores

Experian developed a study that showed some interesting information for consumers about credit. According to this study, people would see their credit scores improve if non-traditional credit resources were included.
These non-traditional resources would include rent payments and utilities,...
Experian is Trying to Change the Future of Credit Scores

Changes in Credit Reports Benefit Customers

Expect to see some changes to your credit report in the upcoming months. The three major credit bureaus met with the New York Attorney General to change the reporting process. An agreement was reached that will mean changes to how information is disputed.
What It Means to Customers
The biggest...
Changes in Credit Reports Benefit Customers

Friday 13 March 2015

Learn How to Save Money and Improve Your Credit Score

Sometimes unforeseen things happen. You lose your job or a major expense creates debt you didn’t plan on. But for many people with bad credit, the reason is that they overspent and didn’t learn how to save money.
Bad Credit and No Savings
These two things often go hand in hand....
Learn How to Save Money and Improve Your Credit Score

How to Improve Your Credit with a Secured Credit Card

If you have had major credit problems in the recent past, you may have trouble qualifying for a traditional credit card. Even though having a credit card and using it responsibly is one of the best ways to improve your credit score, it can be tough to qualify with a bad record. Instead, you may...
How to Improve Your Credit with a Secured Credit Card

Tuesday 10 March 2015

How Much Will a Missed Car Payment Hurt Your Credit Score?

As you may know, your payment history is a big factor in your credit score. On-time payments help boost your score while late payments can hurt it. What happens if you forgot or couldn’t afford to make a payment on a car loan on time?
How Late Payments Hurt Your Score
It doesn’t...
How Much Will a Missed Car Payment Hurt Your Credit Score?

Monday 9 March 2015

Can a Spouse"s Bankruptcy Hurt You?

Many couples don’t talk about finances during the dating and engagement phases of the relationship. It is only after they are married, that they develop concern over where they may be. Bankruptcy is one issue that can weigh heavy on a marriage even if it occurred prior to the wedding...
Can a Spouse"s Bankruptcy Hurt You?

Sunday 8 March 2015

Avoiding Collections for Debt

Can you avoid having an account sent to collections if you fall behind on payment? The short answer is “yes, but…” It is important to understand collections, creditors and how they work.
Creditors Like to Avoid Collections
You don’t want debts sent to collections agencies b...
Avoiding Collections for Debt

Thursday 5 March 2015

Protecting Your Credit Score When You are Married to a Spendthrift

People fall in love and get married. They talk about how many kids they want to have, where they will live and their dreams for the future. What they don’t always talk about is credit scores.
Sure, you may see that someone spends more money than you do, a little “too much”...
Protecting Your Credit Score When You are Married to a Spendthrift

Wednesday 4 March 2015

Negotiating with a Debt Collector to Improve Your Credit Score

Debt collectors are scary. They can be intimidating because they hold your credit and possibly your future in the palms of their hands. Often, they get a reputation for being hard-nosed and impossible to work with. And yet, they may be what stands between you and a new car or new home because of...
Negotiating with a Debt Collector to Improve Your Credit Score

Tuesday 3 March 2015

Little Things that Have a Big Impact on Your Credit Score

It’s often the little things that cause the most headaches. This fact is true in many areas, and it is true for credit scores. You may not be the type of person to go on shopping sprees and run up thousands of dollars on credit cards that you can’t pay. But little mistakes can end up...
Little Things that Have a Big Impact on Your Credit Score

Monday 2 March 2015

Are You Responsible For Bills You Don"t Receive?

A bill notice gets lost in the mail or the issuer forgets to send one out. Now, its 30 days past due and your credit took a hit. A bit hit. Is there anything you can do?
You Have Rights
You can let the creditor know that you never received a bill and have the late payment removed from your...
Are You Responsible For Bills You Don"t Receive?

Friday 27 February 2015

Can You Tell a Person"s Credit Score by Dating Him (or Her)?

You’ve met someone you really like. You start to imagine life with the person long-term. You plan the wedding, the 2.5 kids and even figure the kind of dog – or fish – you will get after you settle down together. How those dreams go will depend a lot on the type of credit rating your date h...
Can You Tell a Person"s Credit Score by Dating Him (or Her)?

Thursday 26 February 2015

3 Common Questions about Credit Scores

No matter how much information is available, people still have questions about credit and credit scores. Part of the problem is that some of the information is inaccurate and other times it is just confusing. Here is a look at three of the most common questions asked.
1. Can I Get a Free Copy of...
3 Common Questions about Credit Scores

Wednesday 25 February 2015

How Everyday Habits Impact Your Credit

Unless you are trying to buy a new house or car or get a credit card, you may not think much about your credit. Then, you are focused on trying to make improvement quickly. What you may not realize is that your everyday habits have the biggest impact on your credit score. You can make a...
How Everyday Habits Impact Your Credit

Tuesday 24 February 2015

Getting More of Your Credit Scores

If you have been turned down for credit or a loan because of a bad credit score, you know how important that number is. What you may not realize is that you don’t have just one credit score. You have dozens of scores, multiple ones from each credit reporting agency. And those numbers are...
Getting More of Your Credit Scores

Friday 20 February 2015

Can You Be Rejected for a Secured Credit Card?

If you have bad credit, you may have been told that the only way to get credit is through a secured card. Have one of those, someone said, and it will help your credit score improve. But is a secured credit card a sure thing for someone with bad credit?
What is a Secured Credit Card?
A secured...
Can You Be Rejected for a Secured Credit Card?

Thursday 19 February 2015

Can Getting In-Store Credit Hurt Your Credit Score?

You’ve seen the offers from all of the major retailers. You apply for the in-store credit card and receive a percentage off your purchase. The credit card is only good for use in the store or chain of stores and you receive special offers that other customers don’t get. Sounds like...
Can Getting In-Store Credit Hurt Your Credit Score?

Wednesday 18 February 2015

3 Ways Getting Married Could Ruin Your Credit Score

The moment was so romantic. Dinner, candle lights, a beautiful ring. Now you are engaged. While you are busy planning the wedding and picking out invitations and writing up the guest list, don’t forget about your credit. This unromantic aspect of getting married is a reality check,...
3 Ways Getting Married Could Ruin Your Credit Score

Tuesday 17 February 2015

When Too Many Credit Scores are Confusing

You signed up for a credit monitoring site like Credit Karma that gives you a free credit score. You got a credit card with a company that provides a free score every month. A second credit card company gives you yet another credit score. When none of them are the same, it can be...
When Too Many Credit Scores are Confusing

Is Bad Credit a Deal Breaker for Your Valentine?

Credit scores are everywhere. They impact your ability to get a house, a new car and even a job. They may also impact your ability to find a date or get married. While a credit score isn’t the most romantic or exciting trait in a date or spouse, it is an important one.
Would You Date...
Is Bad Credit a Deal Breaker for Your Valentine?

Monday 16 February 2015

3 Rules to Live By for Excellent Credit

If you are working hard to improve your credit, you are going to want to work even harder to maintain it. You know by now that improving credit scores is not nearly as easy as ruining them. Here are three rules to live by if you want to maintain your good credit.
1. Make your payments on...
3 Rules to Live By for Excellent Credit

Friday 13 February 2015

Drastic Steps to Take to Improve Your Credit

You read about little things you can do to help you save money, pay down debt and improve your credit rating. But what if skipping your morning latte, clipping coupons or buying on sale isn’t enough to help your financial situation? If little steps aren’t enough, you may have to make...
Drastic Steps to Take to Improve Your Credit

Thursday 12 February 2015

Does the Job You Have Change Your Credit Score?

You hear about so many different factors that impact your credit score. All of that information can get confusing. One area that many people are concerned about is with their jobs. Can the job you have hurt – or help, your credit score?
Income and Credit
The answer is no, at least not directly. T...
Does the Job You Have Change Your Credit Score?

Wednesday 11 February 2015

Does Age Matter to Your Credit Score?

So much of your personal information is included in your credit report that you may wonder if it links to your credit score. Age is just one of those factors and one you can do nothing about. So, does it affect your credit rating?
When Age Doesn’t Matter
Your date of birth doesn’t...
Does Age Matter to Your Credit Score?

How Saving Money Can Help Improve Your Credit

If you want to improve your credit score and have a good to excellent credit rating for long-term, you must learn how to save money. While you can try all kinds of tricks to raise your credit score, you will be likely to fall back into the same trap unless you have savings to help you along the...
How Saving Money Can Help Improve Your Credit

Can Your Bad Credit Hurt Your Child"s College Education?

Credit rating plays an important role in many aspects of people’s lives, and a new way has just been added. Changes are being made to the PLUS loan with regards to bad credit. The result is that fewer parents may be able to help their kids get the college education they want.
PLUS Loans...
Can Your Bad Credit Hurt Your Child"s College Education?

Monday 9 February 2015

Why Your Credit Score Isn"t Improving

It is a frustrating feeling to be working diligently to improve your bad credit only to see that your score stays the same, only moves up one or two points in as many months, or even worse – actually drops by those same one or two points. When you are trying to do everything right and it seems n...
Why Your Credit Score Isn"t Improving

Thursday 5 February 2015

Why Credit Scores are On the Rise

According to public data, the average credit score has gone up a few points from the low point of the recession. FICO scores for 2008 were at 686 and in 2013, they went up to 690. That is only a four-point increase, but it is significant.
Positive Indications
Any increase shows that the average...
Why Credit Scores are On the Rise

Wednesday 4 February 2015

Got Bad Credit? You Can Still Have a Smartphone

Most cell phone companies require a credit check if you wish to buy a smartphone and have a contract. For those with bad credit, they are often turned down or required to pay a deposit. They may only qualify for a prepaid contract, which is often significantly higher than traditional plans.
To...
Got Bad Credit? You Can Still Have a Smartphone

Tuesday 3 February 2015

Don"t Let Your Friends Ruin Your Credit Score

College is a fun time of life for many people. After graduation, the fun often continues with a full-time income and more freedom in the schedule now that studying is finished. One of the dangers during these years or any other time is that your spending habits will go out of control and you...
Don"t Let Your Friends Ruin Your Credit Score

Monday 2 February 2015

4 Credit Lessons You Should Teach Your Kids

Your child got his blue eyes and red hair from you and his smile from his dad. Your daughter has the same easy-going attitude as you but the wit of her mother. Good or bad, kids get a lot of their personalities and looks from their parents. It shouldn’t be surprising that they also get...
4 Credit Lessons You Should Teach Your Kids

Friday 30 January 2015

Get the Truth and Avoid These 5 Credit Score Myths

Credit scores are a lot like an unsolved mystery. Everyone has an opinion about how they work, but it seems that nobody knows for sure. Talk to multiple people and you will get conflicting stories. Trust in the wrong information and you can do more harm than good to your credit score. Here are...
Get the Truth and Avoid These 5 Credit Score Myths

Wednesday 28 January 2015

Why Getting Married Affects Your Credit

If you have plans to get married in 2015, congratulations. It is a big step in your life and one that should be filled with excitement and happiness. If you have heard that getting married impacts your credit score, you may wonder what will happen when you say “I do.”
Everything and Nothing Cha...
Why Getting Married Affects Your Credit

Tuesday 27 January 2015

How to Stop Overspending and Improve Your Bad Credit

Even if you make your payments on time every month, you cannot have a perfect credit score if you max out your credit cards. In fact, your credit may be only average even if you do everything else right. It is because how much you use your available credit has a big impact on your credit score....
How to Stop Overspending and Improve Your Bad Credit

Monday 26 January 2015

Break These 4 Bad Habits to See Your Credit Score Improve in 2015

Many people make resolutions at the beginning of the year only to find that they are broken by the middle of January. It can get discouraging, especially if your resolution was to improve your credit score. Instead of just focusing on what you should do, you also need to think about what you...
Break These 4 Bad Habits to See Your Credit Score Improve in 2015

Sunday 25 January 2015

3 Tips for Getting Approved for a Credit Card

It is often frustrating to get turned down for a credit card, especially if you had done research and chosen one that you thought would be an easy approval. Sometimes it is a low credit score that is the reason, but other factors may also cause rejection even with a good score. Here are three...
3 Tips for Getting Approved for a Credit Card

Friday 23 January 2015

5 Top Apps to Improve Your Credit in 2015

It’s a new year and you have new goals to get your credit in order. Maybe you want to buy a house or a new car or you just want to stop the collectors from calling you. No matter what your reason is for improving your credit, these apps can help make it easier.
1. Credit Sesame
Always know w...
5 Top Apps to Improve Your Credit in 2015

Thursday 22 January 2015

Why Maxing Out Your Credit Cards is Bad for Your Credit Score

Now that the holidays are behind you, the focus may move to paying off your credit cards. They probably took a hit during the busy shopping season and may even be maxed out. If this is the case, you want to make paying them down quickly a top priority. Otherwise, you may find out that it is...
Why Maxing Out Your Credit Cards is Bad for Your Credit Score

Wednesday 21 January 2015

Understanding Credit Scoring Systems

You check your credit score and are impressed to see that it has raised to 640 after a lot of hard work. You go apply for a loan or credit card and are turned down. In the rejection letter, it states that your credit score was only 583. Why the discrepancy? Can you trust any credit score to be...
Understanding Credit Scoring Systems

Tuesday 20 January 2015

Special Credit Scores that Impact Your Life

You know that credit scores are used to predict your likelihood of repaying a loan or paying off any credit obligations such as a credit card. Did you know that there are other types of scores that use nontraditional information to make certain determinations?
These are secret scores that may...
Special Credit Scores that Impact Your Life

Monday 19 January 2015

Not All Credit is Good for Your Credit Score

You’ve been approved for a new credit card. Now your credit score will surely get a boost. While this is most likely the case if you use your credit card responsibly, not all credit is good for your credit rating. Here is a look at some credit that can actually hurt you or at least not give you a...
Not All Credit is Good for Your Credit Score

Friday 16 January 2015

Bad Habits to Break to Get Out of Debt and Improve Your Credit

At the start of a new year, the focus is often on establishing good habits, goals and resolutions. Just as important is breaking bad habits that have put you in your current position. Sometimes, it is just as necessary to resolve not to do something as it is to create resolutions that say “I w...
Bad Habits to Break to Get Out of Debt and Improve Your Credit

Thursday 15 January 2015

A New You in the New Year: Why Your Credit Score Should Matter in 2015

As you make all kinds of resolutions to improve your life, you don’t want to forget about your credit score. Now is the time to resolve that you will get your credit rating on track and improve your score. There are several reasons why.
Buying a Home
If you have been dreaming of buying a home, 2...
A New You in the New Year: Why Your Credit Score Should Matter in 2015

Wednesday 14 January 2015

Should You Consider Alternative Lenders When You Have Bad Credit?

One of the worst effects of having a bad credit score is that you have a hard time getting a loan. Whether you need to buy a car or consolidate your debt for lower payments, most lenders will turn you down. Even people with scores around 600 find it difficult to get approved. If your score falls...
Should You Consider Alternative Lenders When You Have Bad Credit?

Tuesday 13 January 2015

Why You Should Make Improving Your Credit Score a New Year’s Resolution

The beginning of a new year is often the time when people make resolutions to change something. It may be to lose weight, quit smoking, start exercising or a host of other things that will improve their lives. One thing you should put on your list of resolutions is to improve your credit score....
Why You Should Make Improving Your Credit Score a New Year’s Resolution

Monday 12 January 2015

The Basics of How to Have Good Credit

If you are looking to improve a bad credit score, you have probably read countless articles on the subject. You may have taken notes, reviewed steps on improving your score and even considered using one of those companies that promises to improve your score. While all of that information can get...
The Basics of How to Have Good Credit

Friday 9 January 2015

4 Things to Do to Improve Your Credit Score

Now that the holidays are behind you, it is time to take stock of the damage done to your credit score. No matter what it was before the holiday shopping, it probably took a hit. According to a survey conducted by the credit agency TransUnion prior to the holiday season, 82% of Americans would...
4 Things to Do to Improve Your Credit Score