08th October 2009
Keeping your credit report available to retailers, landlords, and potential employers means that it is also available to identity thieves.
Why do they want it? For one thing, so they can see if you have unused credit card accounts. If so, it's a simple...
07th October 2009
I recently searched for my free credit report on line and found that there are more than a few programs out there offering it. What i did not know were the differences between them. We've all seen the attention grabbing commercials with the guy in the pir...
06th October 2009
Disagreements over credit card use has caused more than one marital disagreement - and money issues in general have caused many more than one divorce. The best course of action is to come to agreement before the fight starts.
The first thing couples sh...
06th October 2009
Credit card companies have come under fire for unfair practices that almost force unwary consumers into default or bankruptcy.
The Feds have taken notice, and new rules are in the offing. The bad news is that the new rules are slated to take effect in ...
06th October 2009
Unwise use of cash-back credit cards can destroy your credit scores, so be careful.
The temptation is there - when you get a new card that offers to give you twice the reward if you hurry up and use that card in the first couple of months, you might wa...
05th October 2009
Before you ever receive that solicitation letter from a credit card company urging you to request their card, they've been checking you out.
Naturally, they check your standard credit scores. They do want new customers who are most likely to pay their ...
05th October 2009
How often do you check your credit report? For far too many consumers the answer will be "Only when I want a loan." That means that identity thieves can use your credit and your good reputation for months or even years before you discover their activities...
01st October 2009
Vacationers worried about carrying too much cash often take along a debit card, so they can access cash from their checking accounts as they need it. This can be a good move, or a poor one should the card be lost or stolen. In order to fall under the $50 ...
28th September 2009
With all the talk about the "Making Home Affordable" program, and with all the layoffs and pay cuts that Americans are facing today, it's tempting to ask for a loan modification even if you are able, somehow, to meet your mortgage payment.
Before you d...
16th September 2009
The burden of excessive credit card debt is a "new neighborhood" for thousands of senior citizens across the U.S. Low to middle income citizens are affected most, but even the upper middle class is taking on new debt.
Those who expected to spend their ...
15th September 2009
No one wants to be the target of identity theft, and yet, despite consumer awareness and prevention practices, in 2008 ten million people were victimized. It seems like everyone should be overjoyed at programs to curb this threat from the creditor's side....
10th September 2009
Being jobless for many months can destroy your credit scores. Even if you manage to juggle accounts and keep paying the bills on time, using the credit cards to make up the shortfall between unemployment benefits and monthly expenses is damaging.
Worse...
07th September 2009
Getting confused about how to use your credit cards for the best effect on your credit scores?
You know you need credit card accounts - you've been cautioned not to close any accounts, especially your oldest accounts.
You've heard that you shouldn't...
07th September 2009
There are no quick fixes for improving your credit scores. However, you can increase your scores over time by demonstrating that you consistently manage your finances responsibly. Take a peek at these ten tips to live by if you want a good credit rating:
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03rd September 2009
If you aren't checking your credit report regularly, "you" could be wracking up bills and late payments that will plunge your credit scores to the bottom of the barrel.
Identity thieves have two primary methods of using your identity that will quickly ...