How a Summer Vacation Can Ruin Your Credit

[M]illions of Americans will travel this summer on vacation. Many of them will go abroad while others will visit a different state or even a new city in their own state. No matter how far you travel or where you go, be aware that a vacation can have a negative impact on your credit.
Identity...
How a Summer Vacation Can Ruin Your Credit

5 Credit Tips Everyone Should Know Before Age 50

[A]s you get older and raise a family or develop your career, you should be learning about finances and money. You should also understand some facts and tips about credit to help you as you move into the next phase of your life – whatever that might be.
1. Your Credit Rating
You’ve probably hea...
5 Credit Tips Everyone Should Know Before Age 50

How Much Does Your Name Matter on Your Credit Report?

[I]f you have an unusual name, you are probably used to spelling it for other people. Even seemingly simple names like Ann (Anne) or John (Jon) can have multiple spellings. While this may not seem like a big deal if you’ve had to deal with it all your life, it can cause major headaches, e...
How Much Does Your Name Matter on Your Credit Report?

Protecting Yourself from Identity Theft

No matter how careful you are, or how much you watch your accounts, a thief can steal your identity in a moment. While most banks and credit card companies limit your liability if this happens, you still have the headache to deal with to recover your identity.
How Identity Theft Happens
Identity...
Protecting Yourself from Identity Theft

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

Should Baby Boomers Worry about Credit Scores?

People who are trying to buy their first homes or purchase a new car often worry about their credit scores. They are often the people with the lowest income as well, so they live on a tight budget with more expenses and possibly even credit card debt. If you don’t fall into this category, should ...
Should Baby Boomers Worry about Credit Scores?

6 Ways to Minimize Exposure to Identity Theft

Identity theft is on the rise, and shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. And the perpetrators are becoming more sophisticated than ever. What’s even worse is that once you have been victimized, it can be a time-consuming nightmare to plead your case and sort things out.
Fortunately, there ...
6 Ways to Minimize Exposure to Identity Theft

Are Credit Scores Private?

Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the world, with an estimated 15 million new victims each year. Concerns over the potential misuse or abuse of information has led to questions such as, “are credit scores private?” The answer really depends upon what is your definition of the...
Are Credit Scores Private?

How To Place Locks On Your Credit Reports

Equifax, Experian, TransUnion, and dozens of other agencies probably know more about your financial habits than even your closest friends. These companies keep credit reports that outline whether you pay your bills on time. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, not just anyone can take a look at...
How To Place Locks On Your Credit Reports

What Are Credit Bureau Dispute Letters?

Most Americans understand the basic concept of credit reports. Companies regulated by the federal government keep and release information regarding whether or not you pay your bills on time. Unfortunately, about 80 percent of American consumers have something inaccurately reporting on their...
What Are Credit Bureau Dispute Letters?