The government has worked hard to ensure that all consumers have free access to their credit report on an annual basis. However, few people actually take advantage of this privilege. Even worse, less people pay attention to their credit report at all unless they are applying for credit. Keeping a close eye on your credit  … Read more

Credit cards are the most commonly held source of debt among Americans today. While carrying some debt is beneficial to your overall financial health, too much debt can be damaging. Before ending up in credit negotiations or a debt settlement situation, take precaution to watch your credit card spending and avoid the following debt traps:  … Read more

Many people are aware of the big ticket items that can damage a credit score, but there are several little items that can drop a credit score quickly if not handled correctly. In efforts to protect credit scores, monitoring your credit report and being vigilant about these few spoilers can prevent you from suffering unnecessary  … Read more

While credit negotiations do not damage your credit, you may have some damage done by your previously delinquent account status or missed payments. Anytime you are working to repay your debts, make up missed payments or maintain a modified payment schedule, it is important to monitor your credit report closely. Getting The Most Out Of  … Read more

Applying for a mortgage can be a tedious process, especially if you have less than perfect credit. Besides being an extremely important qualification standard, your credit score plays a big part in your future mortgage endeavors as well. Refinancing or loan modification applications are also highly influenced by your credit standing. Luckily, there are a  … Read more

Have you had trouble with your credit card company? Have you had to dispute information or wrongdoing with a lender? Were you turned down by a creditor for debt negotiation despite your good faith effort to prove financial hardship? If you answered “yes” to these questions, the good news is that you are not alone.  … Read more

In the past, banks had no problem making money off of consumers and their credit cards. With hidden fees, delinquency charges and unregulated interest rate hikes, the credit industry was quite lucrative. However, after waves of financial crisis has lead many into credit negotiations or bankruptcy, the government stepped in to better protect consumers and  … Read more

If you are experiencing high debt loads, you are probably aware of the effects it has had on your credit. Because credit scores are calculated from many factors, one slip up  in an area can cause your score to drop.  However, there are a few easy ways you can boost your score with fairly little  … Read more

In general, debt is good for your credit, but only to an extent. Having too many lines of credit or too much debt on any one particular credit line is detrimental to your credit. The line between debt and a good credit score is fine, one that requires much focus and attention. Since the debt–credit  … Read more

A good credit score is made up of many components, but the most important is limited debt or getting out of delinquent accounts. Sounds impossible, right? Getting out of debt isn’t as hard as you may think. In fact, many people have successfully reduced their debt without the help of credit negotiations or bankruptcy. There  … Read more