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Unemployed? Learn the Smart Way To Utilize Your Credit and Your Cash
Now that the unwanted event has arrived, if you've established savings, regardless of the amount, and you have some available credit lines, you have two tools that will be a big help to you to get through this time without damaging your credit.
Building Credit In Your Own Name After A Divorce
If you are married, separated, or divorced, and most of the credit you obtained is in your spouse's or ex-spouse's name only, you should start to get credit in your name, too.
The Best Time To Negotiate With Creditors
In most cases, it's best to deal with creditors before you actually miss a payment. Creditors are much more willing to work with you if you've paid your bills on time.
Closing Credit Accounts to Help Your Score is a Myth
That statement does sound logical, especially when a mortgage broker tells you that lenders are suspicious of people who have lots of unused credit available to them. What's to keep you, after all, from rushing out and charging up a storm?
Repair Bad Credit - The Tremendous Benefits Of A Debt-Management Plan
For about 25 percent of those who turn to credit counselors, more than advice is prescribed. In these cases, in addition to an action plan, a debt-management plan is recommended
Financial Records the Importance of Creating An Effective Filing System
In order to effectively reduce your debts and fix your credit history, you are going to have understand proper organization and effective ways to keep track of your financial records.
Identity Theft Can Destroy an Innocent Person's Credit
Identity theft encompasses a variety of crimes, from stealing someone's credit card number to opening accounts in the victim's name. About 15 percent of victims report that their identities were stolen for purposes other than obtaining credit, such as to get government documents, commit tax fraud, or mislead police.
Methods for Canceling your Students Loans
Under certain circumstances, you may be able to cancel your obligation to repay your federally guaranteed student loans, defer your payments, or enter into a payment schedule that fits with your income.
Determine If Your Future Spouse Is Financially Compatible: A Questionnaire
Before considering marriage, you and your partner should take the time to complete and thoroughly discuss the following questionnaire.
Are there Benefits Of Working With A Credit Counseling Agency? (Part 1)
What exactly do credit counseling agencies do? To put it simply, a credit counseling agency analyzes your sources of income and your expenses.
Are there Benefits Of Working With A Credit Counseling Agency? (Part 2)
Unfortunately, there is no magic wand to make all your financial problems disappear, but a good certified credit counselor will always offer solutions. Expect more than one solution, and expect some solutions you don't like.
You Can Still Save Money Even When You Are Already Broke
One of the best ways that anyone can utilize in order to keep credit from getting worse or the debts from piling up further is to have a savings cushion on which to draw upon when life's unexpected events come to call.
Research Your Partner's Debts Before Making Big Choices
Budgeting and saving should be easier for you if you are single than if you are married (or a couple) because you are the only one that should be making your financial decisions and controlling your financial destiny.
Procedures for Dealing with Bank Error In Credit Reporting
Because their business is lending money to their customers, all banks aggressively report credit items when they are found. The credit reporting industry was created in large part to aid banks in making lending decisions.
Your Rights When Dealing With Debt Collectors (Part 1)
How Creditors Track You Down: This area of the law is formally called "Acquisition of Location Information." It basically limits what debt collectors can do to legally find you.
Rights When Dealing With Debt Collectors (Part 2)
False or Misleading Representations: Collection agencies are prohibited from making false or misleading representations to consumers in the course of trying to secure debt repayment. Some violations of the-law in this area include.
Rights When Dealing With Debt Collectors ( (Part 3)
Unfair Practices: No debt collector can use dishonest or unfair means of making you pay your debts to them. The following actions are deemed to be violations of the law by these debt collectors.
The Essential Benefits Of Keeping An Open Checking Account
Creditors look for bank accounts as a sign of stability. Quite frankly, they also look for bank accounts as a source of how you will pay your bills. If you fill out a credit application and cannot provide a checking account number, you probably won't be given credit.
The Challenges So Many Adults Have in Managing Their Money?
There may be several reasons why adults have money-management problems. The lack of knowledge on how to deal with these problems can be one of the biggest causes of why so many families, generation after generation, continue to suffer financially.
5 Essential Questions For A Credit Counseling Service Before Engaging Their Services
The fact that there are so many bad credit counseling companies out there shouldn't make you avoid them entirely if you could benefit from legitimate help. If you're already behind on your bills, unable to make minimum payments, borrowing from one card to pay another, or otherwise demonstrating signs of extreme financial distress, credit counseling might be preferable to bankruptcy.
The 5 Steps Of The Negotiation Cycle When Talking With A Creditor
Your bargaining power in this technique is your willingness to repay your creditor the money that you owe him. If the account has already been charged off or discharged in bankruptcy, your leverage will be even greater. At this point, the creditor has already accepted a loss on your account, and he does not expect to ever see or hear from you again.
The Most Effective Ways To Get Out Of Debt and Save Money (Part 1)
Most people can't tell you where their pay checks go each month. All they know is that they don't have enough money to make ends meet. That's like having a checking account, writing checks, and never balancing it. Don't leave the management of your money to chance like that.
The Most Effective Ways To Get Out Of Debt and Save (Part 2)
If you can't start saving 20% of your monthly net income or 75% of your monthly disposable income right now, then start off with less, and gradually increase the amount.
The Most Effective Ways To Get Out Of Debt and Save (Part 3)
Select a certain amount to be deducted from your payroll check and deposited right into your savings account. So, before you ever see it, it's already in there. (If you go and withdraw this money each time you say you need it, then you've defeated the purpose.)
Understanding The Equal Credit Opportunity Act - Essential Elements Women Must Understand
The Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) was enacted by Congress to eliminate discrimination against women seeking to obtain credit. It was expanded to include the prohibition of denying credit based on a person's race, color, place of national origin, religion, sex, age, or marital status.
5 Comparison Shopping Tips When Applying For A Credit Card
When it comes to obtaining a new credit card, you may not have as many choices as people who already have good credit. But you should still do some comparison shopping to make sure you are getting the best deal available to you. Credit card terms and interest rates vary - and some of those variations can make a huge difference to your wallet.
Being “Frugal” Can Help You Gain Financial Independence
To maintain control over your financial situation, you need to limit yourself. When doing so, be strict - but not too strict that you will be more apt to give up. With self-discipline, you are bound to succeed in improving your financial situation.
The Shocking Truth Behind Credit Report Inaccuracies
Under a federal law called the Fair Credit Reporting Act, you have the right to have erroneous information deleted from your credit report. So if anything is wrong in your credit file, just write the credit bureaus and state your dispute.
Rapid Rescoring Services and How Can They Can Help Your Credit?
Rapid rescoring services came about because too many people were losing loans or paying too much interest because of credit bureau inaccuracies. Before you get excited, though, you should learn what these services can and can't do.
The Key to Winning Disputes With Credit Bureaus - Know Your Rights!
The federal government enacted the Fair Credit Reporting Act on April 25, 1971, to protect consumers against the reporting of inaccurate, misleading, or obsolete information. Lawmakers designed the law to ensure that consumer-reporting agencies operate in a responsible and equitable manner.
Filing For Bankruptcy - The Implications of Choosing the Right Plan For You?
The majority of people who file for bankruptcy opt for Chapter 7, which wipes out most unsecured debts. (Unsecured debts are those that aren't linked to specific property, such as a car or a house. So your mortgage is a secured debt; your credit card bills are unsecured.)
Innovis: The Credit Report You've Probably Never Heard Of
Did you know that there's a fourth credit bureau of considerable influence in this country? The company is called Innovis, and you might want to contact Innovis and find out what information this company is reporting about you.
Saving Money & Becoming Debt-Free Requires Discipline
Changing your financial position for the better is no different. Once you get to the point where you believe that budgeting and saving are better than having on a new outfit or driving around in a new car, then you are on your way to improving your condition.
Keeping Good Records is Important to Your Financial Well-Being
In order to save money, budget for the unknown, and keep from going into debit, you'll have a very difficult time knowing what to estimate for these expenses if you don't keep good records.
8 Essential Tips To Keep In Mind When Applying For Credit Cards
Many people who have had serious financial problems misused or overused their credit cards. The following tips will help you when you apply for credit cards or an increased credit limit.
Understanding Your FICO Score - Are You A High Risk Or Low Risk Credit Applicant?
Your credit history reported is shown as a three-digit number, and you should know what that number is, especially if you plan to purchase anything on credit soon.
FIx Bad Credit, Without Paying a Cent
When it comes to collections, you have a very important right as outlined in the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act: The right to have a collection account "validated."
The Importance of Learning To Read Your Credit Report
Credit reports are much easier to read now than in the past, because years of pressure from consumer advocates and regulators led to significant changes in the credit-reporting industry.
Tax-Time - Importance of Staying Out Of Debt With The IRS
As you do your planning, you can choose one of three approaches to what is called general tax-planning: Overpay, underpay, or strive to pay just the right amount.
Winning Your Disputes With Credit Bureaus - Knowing Your Rights!
The FCRA provides a list of rights and procedures that will assist you in clearing away negative remarks and reestablishing your creditworthiness - regardless of your previous credit history. By understanding your rights and using the law to your advantage, it's possible to remove...
The Credit Report You've Never Heard Of - The Fourth Crediit Bureau
Did you know that there's a fourth credit bureau of considerable influence in this country? The company is called Innovis, and you might want to contact Innovis and find out what information this company is reporting about you....
Budgeting, Saving & Becoming Debt-Free Requires Deep Changes
If you are trying to lose weight, what do you do? You change your eating habits by reducing your intake of fat grams and calories, and you increase your amount of physical activity. Successfully losing weight and keeping it off requires a change in your lifestyle and frame of mind....
Your Credit Report and the Importance Of Keeping Good Financial Records
In order to save money, budget for the unknown, and keep from going into debt, you'll have a very difficult time knowing what to estimate for these expenses if you don't keep good records. Record-keeping may be one of duller ways to spend a rainy Saturday, but it really pays big...
8 Solid Tips When Applying For Credit Cards
Many people who have had serious financial problems misused or overused their credit cards. The following tips will help you when you apply for credit cards or an increased credit limit:...
Are You A High Risk Or Low Risk Credit Applicant? The Importance of Knowing Your FICA Score
Your credit history reported is shown as a three-digit number, and you should know what that number is, especially if you plan to purchase anything on credit soon. This three-digit number is most commonly known as a FICO score. (FICO is an acronym for Fair Isaac and Co., the company...
Getting the Credit You're Due - Understanding The Equal Credit Opportunity Act
The Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) was enacted by Congress to eliminate discrimination against women seeking to obtain credit. It was expanded to include the prohibition of denying credit based on a person's race, color, place of national origin, religion, sex, age, or marital...
Before Engaging a Credit Counseling Service Ask These Questions
The fact that there are so many bad credit counseling companies out there shouldn't make you avoid them entirely if you could benefit from legitimate help. If you're already behind on your bills, unable to make minimum payments, borrowing from one card to pay another, or otherwise...
The Negotiation Cycle For Talking With A Creditor
1. Contact the creditor by phone and reach a tentative agreement.2. Send the creditor a settlement agreement, requesting return of a signed copy.3. Upon receipt of a signed copy, send a money order marked "Full Payment."4. Order a credit report from the credit bureau to ensure the item...
Credit Report Inaccuracies - The Impact on Your Credit Rating
Under a federal law called the Fair Credit Reporting Act, you have the right to have erroneous information deleted from your credit report. So if anything is wrong in your credit file, just write the credit bureaus and state your dispute. Errors include closed accounts that are still...
What Are “Rapid Rescoring” Services & How Can They Help My Credit?
Rapid rescoring services came about because too many people were losing loans or paying too much interest because of credit bureau inaccuracies. Before you get excited, though, you should learn what these services can and can't do:...
Your Credit Rating - Why it Pays to Keep an Open Checking Account
Creditors look for bank accounts as a sign of stability. Quite frankly, they also look for bank accounts as a source of how you will pay your bills. If you fill out a credit application and cannot provide a checking account number, you probably won't be given credit....
Money Management and Credit Repair - Why it's so Hard
There may be several reasons why adults have money-management problems. The lack of knowledge on how to deal with these problems can be one of the biggest causes of why so many families, generation after generation, continue to suffer financially. But, with regard to your lack of...
Unemployed? Learn the Smart Way To Utilize Your Credit and Your Cash
Now that the unwanted event has arrived, if you've established savings, regardless of the amount, and you have some available credit lines, you have two tools that will be a big help to you to get through this time without damaging your credit.
Building Credit In Your Own Name After A Divorce
If you are married, separated, or divorced, and most of the credit you obtained is in your spouse's or ex-spouse's name only, you should start to get credit in your name, too.
The Best Time To Negotiate With Creditors
In most cases, it's best to deal with creditors before you actually miss a payment. Creditors are much more willing to work with you if you've paid your bills on time.
Closing Credit Accounts to Help Your Score is a Myth
That statement does sound logical, especially when a mortgage broker tells you that lenders are suspicious of people who have lots of unused credit available to them. What's to keep you, after all, from rushing out and charging up a storm?
Repair Bad Credit - The Tremendous Benefits Of A Debt-Management Plan
For about 25 percent of those who turn to credit counselors, more than advice is prescribed. In these cases, in addition to an action plan, a debt-management plan is recommended
Financial Records the Importance of Creating An Effective Filing System
In order to effectively reduce your debts and fix your credit history, you are going to have understand proper organization and effective ways to keep track of your financial records.
Identity Theft Can Destroy an Innocent Person's Credit
Identity theft encompasses a variety of crimes, from stealing someone's credit card number to opening accounts in the victim's name. About 15 percent of victims report that their identities were stolen for purposes other than obtaining credit, such as to get government documents, commit tax fraud, or mislead police.
Methods for Canceling your Students Loans
Under certain circumstances, you may be able to cancel your obligation to repay your federally guaranteed student loans, defer your payments, or enter into a payment schedule that fits with your income.
Determine If Your Future Spouse Is Financially Compatible: A Questionnaire
Before considering marriage, you and your partner should take the time to complete and thoroughly discuss the following questionnaire.
Are there Benefits Of Working With A Credit Counseling Agency? (Part 1)
What exactly do credit counseling agencies do? To put it simply, a credit counseling agency analyzes your sources of income and your expenses.
Are there Benefits Of Working With A Credit Counseling Agency? (Part 2)
Unfortunately, there is no magic wand to make all your financial problems disappear, but a good certified credit counselor will always offer solutions. Expect more than one solution, and expect some solutions you don't like.
You Can Still Save Money Even When You Are Already Broke
One of the best ways that anyone can utilize in order to keep credit from getting worse or the debts from piling up further is to have a savings cushion on which to draw upon when life's unexpected events come to call.
Research Your Partner's Debts Before Making Big Choices
Budgeting and saving should be easier for you if you are single than if you are married (or a couple) because you are the only one that should be making your financial decisions and controlling your financial destiny.
Procedures for Dealing with Bank Error In Credit Reporting
Because their business is lending money to their customers, all banks aggressively report credit items when they are found. The credit reporting industry was created in large part to aid banks in making lending decisions.
Your Rights When Dealing With Debt Collectors (Part 1)
How Creditors Track You Down: This area of the law is formally called "Acquisition of Location Information." It basically limits what debt collectors can do to legally find you.
Rights When Dealing With Debt Collectors (Part 2)
False or Misleading Representations: Collection agencies are prohibited from making false or misleading representations to consumers in the course of trying to secure debt repayment. Some violations of the-law in this area include.
Rights When Dealing With Debt Collectors ( (Part 3)
Unfair Practices: No debt collector can use dishonest or unfair means of making you pay your debts to them. The following actions are deemed to be violations of the law by these debt collectors.
The Essential Benefits Of Keeping An Open Checking Account
Creditors look for bank accounts as a sign of stability. Quite frankly, they also look for bank accounts as a source of how you will pay your bills. If you fill out a credit application and cannot provide a checking account number, you probably won't be given credit.
The Challenges So Many Adults Have in Managing Their Money?
There may be several reasons why adults have money-management problems. The lack of knowledge on how to deal with these problems can be one of the biggest causes of why so many families, generation after generation, continue to suffer financially.
5 Essential Questions For A Credit Counseling Service Before Engaging Their Services
The fact that there are so many bad credit counseling companies out there shouldn't make you avoid them entirely if you could benefit from legitimate help. If you're already behind on your bills, unable to make minimum payments, borrowing from one card to pay another, or otherwise demonstrating signs of extreme financial distress, credit counseling might be preferable to bankruptcy.
The 5 Steps Of The Negotiation Cycle When Talking With A Creditor
Your bargaining power in this technique is your willingness to repay your creditor the money that you owe him. If the account has already been charged off or discharged in bankruptcy, your leverage will be even greater. At this point, the creditor has already accepted a loss on your account, and he does not expect to ever see or hear from you again.
The Most Effective Ways To Get Out Of Debt and Save Money (Part 1)
Most people can't tell you where their pay checks go each month. All they know is that they don't have enough money to make ends meet. That's like having a checking account, writing checks, and never balancing it. Don't leave the management of your money to chance like that.
The Most Effective Ways To Get Out Of Debt and Save (Part 2)
If you can't start saving 20% of your monthly net income or 75% of your monthly disposable income right now, then start off with less, and gradually increase the amount.
The Most Effective Ways To Get Out Of Debt and Save (Part 3)
Select a certain amount to be deducted from your payroll check and deposited right into your savings account. So, before you ever see it, it's already in there. (If you go and withdraw this money each time you say you need it, then you've defeated the purpose.)
Understanding The Equal Credit Opportunity Act - Essential Elements Women Must Understand
The Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) was enacted by Congress to eliminate discrimination against women seeking to obtain credit. It was expanded to include the prohibition of denying credit based on a person's race, color, place of national origin, religion, sex, age, or marital status.
5 Comparison Shopping Tips When Applying For A Credit Card
When it comes to obtaining a new credit card, you may not have as many choices as people who already have good credit. But you should still do some comparison shopping to make sure you are getting the best deal available to you. Credit card terms and interest rates vary - and some of those variations can make a huge difference to your wallet.
Being “Frugal” Can Help You Gain Financial Independence
To maintain control over your financial situation, you need to limit yourself. When doing so, be strict - but not too strict that you will be more apt to give up. With self-discipline, you are bound to succeed in improving your financial situation.
The Shocking Truth Behind Credit Report Inaccuracies
Under a federal law called the Fair Credit Reporting Act, you have the right to have erroneous information deleted from your credit report. So if anything is wrong in your credit file, just write the credit bureaus and state your dispute.
Rapid Rescoring Services and How Can They Can Help Your Credit?
Rapid rescoring services came about because too many people were losing loans or paying too much interest because of credit bureau inaccuracies. Before you get excited, though, you should learn what these services can and can't do.
The Key to Winning Disputes With Credit Bureaus - Know Your Rights!
The federal government enacted the Fair Credit Reporting Act on April 25, 1971, to protect consumers against the reporting of inaccurate, misleading, or obsolete information. Lawmakers designed the law to ensure that consumer-reporting agencies operate in a responsible and equitable manner.
Filing For Bankruptcy - The Implications of Choosing the Right Plan For You?
The majority of people who file for bankruptcy opt for Chapter 7, which wipes out most unsecured debts. (Unsecured debts are those that aren't linked to specific property, such as a car or a house. So your mortgage is a secured debt; your credit card bills are unsecured.)
Innovis: The Credit Report You've Probably Never Heard Of
Did you know that there's a fourth credit bureau of considerable influence in this country? The company is called Innovis, and you might want to contact Innovis and find out what information this company is reporting about you.
Saving Money & Becoming Debt-Free Requires Discipline
Changing your financial position for the better is no different. Once you get to the point where you believe that budgeting and saving are better than having on a new outfit or driving around in a new car, then you are on your way to improving your condition.
Keeping Good Records is Important to Your Financial Well-Being
In order to save money, budget for the unknown, and keep from going into debit, you'll have a very difficult time knowing what to estimate for these expenses if you don't keep good records.
8 Essential Tips To Keep In Mind When Applying For Credit Cards
Many people who have had serious financial problems misused or overused their credit cards. The following tips will help you when you apply for credit cards or an increased credit limit.
Understanding Your FICO Score - Are You A High Risk Or Low Risk Credit Applicant?
Your credit history reported is shown as a three-digit number, and you should know what that number is, especially if you plan to purchase anything on credit soon.
FIx Bad Credit, Without Paying a Cent
When it comes to collections, you have a very important right as outlined in the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act: The right to have a collection account "validated."
The Importance of Learning To Read Your Credit Report
Credit reports are much easier to read now than in the past, because years of pressure from consumer advocates and regulators led to significant changes in the credit-reporting industry.
Tax-Time - Importance of Staying Out Of Debt With The IRS
As you do your planning, you can choose one of three approaches to what is called general tax-planning: Overpay, underpay, or strive to pay just the right amount.
Winning Your Disputes With Credit Bureaus - Knowing Your Rights!
The FCRA provides a list of rights and procedures that will assist you in clearing away negative remarks and reestablishing your creditworthiness - regardless of your previous credit history. By understanding your rights and using the law to your advantage, it's possible to remove...
The Credit Report You've Never Heard Of - The Fourth Crediit Bureau
Did you know that there's a fourth credit bureau of considerable influence in this country? The company is called Innovis, and you might want to contact Innovis and find out what information this company is reporting about you....
Budgeting, Saving & Becoming Debt-Free Requires Deep Changes
If you are trying to lose weight, what do you do? You change your eating habits by reducing your intake of fat grams and calories, and you increase your amount of physical activity. Successfully losing weight and keeping it off requires a change in your lifestyle and frame of mind....
Your Credit Report and the Importance Of Keeping Good Financial Records
In order to save money, budget for the unknown, and keep from going into debt, you'll have a very difficult time knowing what to estimate for these expenses if you don't keep good records. Record-keeping may be one of duller ways to spend a rainy Saturday, but it really pays big...
8 Solid Tips When Applying For Credit Cards
Many people who have had serious financial problems misused or overused their credit cards. The following tips will help you when you apply for credit cards or an increased credit limit:...
Are You A High Risk Or Low Risk Credit Applicant? The Importance of Knowing Your FICA Score
Your credit history reported is shown as a three-digit number, and you should know what that number is, especially if you plan to purchase anything on credit soon. This three-digit number is most commonly known as a FICO score. (FICO is an acronym for Fair Isaac and Co., the company...
Getting the Credit You're Due - Understanding The Equal Credit Opportunity Act
The Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) was enacted by Congress to eliminate discrimination against women seeking to obtain credit. It was expanded to include the prohibition of denying credit based on a person's race, color, place of national origin, religion, sex, age, or marital...
Before Engaging a Credit Counseling Service Ask These Questions
The fact that there are so many bad credit counseling companies out there shouldn't make you avoid them entirely if you could benefit from legitimate help. If you're already behind on your bills, unable to make minimum payments, borrowing from one card to pay another, or otherwise...
The Negotiation Cycle For Talking With A Creditor
1. Contact the creditor by phone and reach a tentative agreement.2. Send the creditor a settlement agreement, requesting return of a signed copy.3. Upon receipt of a signed copy, send a money order marked "Full Payment."4. Order a credit report from the credit bureau to ensure the item...
Credit Report Inaccuracies - The Impact on Your Credit Rating
Under a federal law called the Fair Credit Reporting Act, you have the right to have erroneous information deleted from your credit report. So if anything is wrong in your credit file, just write the credit bureaus and state your dispute. Errors include closed accounts that are still...
What Are “Rapid Rescoring” Services & How Can They Help My Credit?
Rapid rescoring services came about because too many people were losing loans or paying too much interest because of credit bureau inaccuracies. Before you get excited, though, you should learn what these services can and can't do:...
Your Credit Rating - Why it Pays to Keep an Open Checking Account
Creditors look for bank accounts as a sign of stability. Quite frankly, they also look for bank accounts as a source of how you will pay your bills. If you fill out a credit application and cannot provide a checking account number, you probably won't be given credit....
Money Management and Credit Repair - Why it's so Hard
There may be several reasons why adults have money-management problems. The lack of knowledge on how to deal with these problems can be one of the biggest causes of why so many families, generation after generation, continue to suffer financially. But, with regard to your lack of...
Social Entrepreneurship
Spotlight
Muhammad Yunus: Social Business and the Pursuit of Happiness
Nobel Peace Prize winner, founder of Grameen Bank and chairman, Muhammad Yunus, writes about happiness: That happiness comes from many sources, not as the current economic framework assumes, just from making money.
