Posted on July - 23 - 2010
Having a lower credit score can lead to a plethora of financial difficulties involving every aspect of life, from personal enjoyment and life’s luxuries to the provision of bare necessities.
Many people that once had a good credit score are now victims of a struggling global economy, unable to keep up with the ever-increasing mound of debt combined with unemployment and the increasing cost of living. However, fortunately there is a way to rebuild the credit score using simple routine practices that can financially reform anyone’s credit score.
Assessing the Situation
The first step in rebuilding the credit score is obtaining a credit report from one of the major credit reporting agencies. It
Read full article…
Posted on July - 20 - 2010
There are many reasons why credit reports are requested, ranging from new business partnerships, prospective tenants or lease agreements, and loan/credit card application approval amongst others. While credit reports are often fairly accurate, there are some instances when the information contained on the report may be outdated or inaccurate.
Fortunately, there are ways to change the information contained on the credit report. When information is found to be inaccurate by the credit reporting agency it is usually removed from the report or revised within thirty days of the complaint.
What Information Can Be Revised?
Although it is not possible to dispute the actual credit score, there are many details contained on a credit report that can be disputed. T
Read full article…
Posted on July - 20 - 2010
The last thing a consumer needs when struggling financially is to fall into the hands of an unscrupulous credit counseling agency. If you’re considering using a credit counselor, shop around, and ask each agency the following questions. More importantly, be certain that you are comfortable with their answers before you book that first appointment. A legitimate agency is always more interested in your bottom line than theirs.
- Is the agency affiliated with a national body such as the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) that requires strict quality, financial and ethical standards for membership? Examples of such requirements are annual audits by an independent CPA, written action plans provided to each consumer, and consumers provided with statements at least quarterly.
- Is the agency accredited by an independent third party? Self-accreditation is not the answer you want. An example of a reputable third party accreditating body is the Council on Accreditation (COA). Such accreditation signifies that appropriate checks and balances are in place to protect you, the consumer.
- Is the agency a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community organization?
Read full article…
Posted on July - 19 - 2010
A few weeks ago, I blogged that I was dying to get an iPhone 4, but was doing everything in my power to resist.
Despite the new features I so desired, I concluded that I just didn’t need one. Shortly after that, once the phones were in stock, I called AT&T to see if I qualified for an upgrade. I learned that even as a current AT&T customer, it would still cost a whopping $199. Ouch. I wavered back and forth, and ultimately decided to wait — at least until I heard more from people as to whether it was actually worth it.
Boy am I glad I waited; it turns out that the iPhone 4 has major antenna reception issues.
Read full article…
Posted on July - 18 - 2010
NatWest and RBS have increased the interest-free balance transfer period on their platinum credit cards to 16 months.
The Natwest Platinum credit card and the RBS Platinum credit card now offer 16 months of zero per cent interest on balance transfers from the account being opened, up from the previous offer of 15 months.
They also have an interest-free introductory offer on purchases for three months from the credit card account being opened.
Commenting on the improved offer, Hugh Chater, director of Everyday Banking at NatWest and RBS said: “Our platinum card is by far the most popular credit card we provide, and we wanted to make it even more competitive by extending the balance transfer window.
Read full article…