Financial Reform Bill Will Give Free Credit Scores to Some
You’re already entitled to one free copy of your credit report each year, via annualcreditreport.com. But thanks to the Financial Reform bill Congress just passed, you may be able to get a free credit score in the future too. Who is entitled to the free credit score? You’ll qualify anytime a company takes “adverse” action against you based, at least in part, on information it got from your credit file.
Bad Credit Can Cost You a Job or a Promotion
If you’re out of work, nobody has to tell you how tough it can be to find a job. Now there is another obstacle to overcome before you land your next gig: cleaning up your credit. Employers are increasingly checking people’s credit reports before deciding whether to hire someone or who to promote. In fact, […]
Never Say That To A Debt Collector
If harassing calls from debt collectors are keeping you from answering the phone — or stressing you out — you’re not alone.
Amid the tough economy, debt collection activity has intensified, with some debt collectors engaging in unfair, abusive or illegal practices. The Federal Trade Commission says it gets more complaints about debt collectors than any other industry. In 2009, the agency received 88,190 consumer complaints about debt collectors, up 12% from the year before.
Should You Borrow From a Subprime Lender
Question: “During 2007, I was working a full‑time and a part‑time job. I lost the full‑time job due to a reduction in force with the federal government. I was paying my creditors until my unemployment was revised. “My question is this. I tried to re‑mortgage my house. I tried to get a home equity loan, but […]
The Impact of Credit Utilization Rate on Your Credit Score
Question: “I have good credit and own four credit cards with a combined credit limit of $24, 000. Three cards are at zero balance, and the other one has a balance of $100. I would like to close the newest card because I’ve only used it once. It has a credit limit of $2, 000. […]
Should You Sell Your Timeshare?
Question: “I have two timeshares. Both are for 10 years. One I purchased in 2007, and the other one in 2009 at an interest rate of 13.99%. Should I consider paying off one, or continue paying off them both at the ten year period? Are they really bad investments? I’m seven years away from retirement”. […]
Perfect Credit: 7 Steps to a Great Credit Rating
Perfect Credit
If you have negative marks in your credit history, you already know what a pain it is living with bad credit: you get turned down for credit cards and loans, you pay sky-high interest rates when you do get approved, or you have to go (hat in hand) asking family or friends to co-sign for you or loan you money. The list of indignities you suffer with poor credit goes on and on.
Zero Debt: The Ultimate Guide to Financial Freedom 2nd Edition
Zero Debt: The Ultimate Guide to Financial Freedom 2nd Edition Lynnette Khalfani-Cox Paperback: 254 pages Publisher: Advantage World Press ISBN: 1-932450-80-7 List Price: $14.95 Buy Now from Amazon Would you like to be free from financial worries, rest at night knowing your bills are paid, and have peace of mind when it comes to money […]
The Dangers of Using Debt Settlement Companies
With the average U.S. household owing more than $10,000 in credit card debt, it’s no surprise that millions of consumers are turning to debt management companies or debt settlement firms to become debt free. However, there are enormous differences between these two types of organizations. A good debt management company, such as the National Foundation […]
Zero Debt – Free Online Edition
Zero Debt:
The Ultimate Guide to Financial Freedom
2nd Edition
Why it’s Time to Quit Your Job or Create Your Own Career
Did you know that only 45 percent of all employees in the United States are happy with their jobs? According to the Conference Board, that’s the lowest level of employee satisfaction in more than two decades. That also means tens of millions of frustrated workers are quietly biding their time until they find greener pastures […]
How to Pick a Credit Card Debt Payoff Strategy
Trying to dig out of credit card debt can often feel like treading water. Although you’re making those payments every month, you still can’t seem to get ahead. Unfortunately, lots of you grappling with credit card bills thwart your efforts to become debt-free by making a huge financial mistake: even though you barely see your […]
5 Facts You Don’t Know About Student Loans But Should
In the current economic environment, one impact of the credit crunch is that it’s getting harder than ever to obtain loans of all kinds, including student loans. Unfortunately, millions of Americans rely on loans to pay for a college education. That’s why roughly $730 billion in federal and private student loans are outstanding, and only 40 percent of it is currently being repaid, according to FinAid.org, which tracks student loans.
Why Critics Are Wrong About Credit Monitoring Services
Most financial experts agree that routinely checking your credit reports is a smart idea. If you ask those same experts about credit monitoring services, however, you’ll likely get a lot of eye-rolling and negative comments.
I am Facing Wage Garnishment. What Should I Do?
A subscriber is facing garnishment of their wages. Click to hear Lynnette’s advice on how to fight wage garnishment.