Credit Scores

There are many things you can do that might hurt your credit score – such as paying a bill late, charging up too much credit card debt, or having a public record like a foreclosure or judgment mar your credit...

I get a lot of questions on AskTheMoneyCoach.com from people who want to improve their credit scores or fix issues with their credit reports. This doesn’t surprise me, since your credit can determine everything from your ability to rent an...

Some credit score mistakes can be real credit killers. You might not think that seemingly innocent actions can cause your FICO score to plunge, but that can certainly happen. Here are two horrible credit mistakes you want to avoid at...

If you’re planning to buy a home or see a loan in the near future, or you just want to maintain good credit to improve your financial health, you need to start paying attention to your FICO credit scores. Although...

Keeping tabs on your credit score is a great way to help maintain good credit health. So people with Capital One credit cards will be happy to know that starting very soon, the bank will roll out free credit scores...

When your credit is less than perfect, you may think you have no loan options. In reality, many subprime lenders will offer you credit or loans for products like credit cards, student loans, and even mortgages. However, a subprime loan...

  Your credit score serves as an indication of how well you pay your bills and manage debt. Obviously, not everyone has a pristine credit score, even though having great credit should be a goal for all adults. Sometimes, though,...

A reader of AskTheMoneyCoach.com wanted to know how to increase her credit score while she is still in school. She wrote me saying: "Hello, Lynnette. I'm a 60‑year‑old woman who has returned to school. I've taken out federal loans in the...

If you’ve never heard of the VantageScore it’s time you got up to speed about the changing landscape within the credit industry. You already know that the higher your credit score, the more positively banks, creditors and others view you....

If you’ve ordered your credit report and credit score recently, or want to learn more about your credit standing, you may be wondering about the difference between your Equifax Credit Score and your FICO Score. Both of these scores are...

Checking your FICO credit score at least once a year is a good way to stay on top of your credit rating. That’s why you may be happy to learn that myFICO.com – the consumer website of Fair Isaac, creator...

Q: If I am a little late with a credit card payment, do you automatically get late fees, a higher interest rate or will it hurt my credit rating? A: You should try your very best to be timely with...

Why wait until January 1st? It’s not too soon to come up with a New Year’s resolution for next year. If you want to improve your personal finances, here are three money-management resolutions to make – and stick with –...

It is possible – very likely, in fact – that applying for a loan or seeking a new credit card will indeed lower your credit score. Here’s why. Anytime you apply for credit -- such as a mortgage, a student...

Are you tired of being denied credit? Do you want to raise your FICO credit score, qualify for a mortgage, or get the best interest rates on auto loans, student loans, and credit cards? Thankfully, no matter what your current...