Weekly Tips

Weekly Tips

Credit Tips for Newlyweds

While it's not the most romantic topic of discussion, newlyweds should make it a top priority to openly discuss their individual credit histories. Of course, it's best to determine a credit strategy as a couple well before you say "I do". However, all too often the dreaded credit talk is avoided until it becomes an issue that can't be ignored any longer. Don't let this happen to you!

on Sun, 2009-02-01 16:00

Why is my Ex's Mortgage Still on My Credit Report?

A common credit myth is that a divorce decree will absolve you from any credit obligations the judge decides your ex-spouse will be responsible for paying. However, the truth of the matter is often discovered the hard way when one spouse stops making the payments on time and the credit scores of both parties suffer.

The fact is the original contract with your creditor trumps everything, so you'll need to work directly with the lender and credit bureaus if you want your name removed from anything you and your spouse jointly signed.

on Mon, 2009-01-12 16:00

How to Build Credit with No Debt

Roughly 50 million people in this country have no credit at all. No credit cards, student loans, auto loans, or mortgages. It's hard to believe, but it's true. Does this mean they are not credit-worthy consumers? Well, since they don't have a credit report or a FICO score, the answer you would get from any lender is yes. However, the truth is many of these individuals may be more credit worthy than those who actually exist in the "credit system".

on Tue, 2009-01-06 16:00

2009 - The Year to Get Rid of Debt

Consumers have truly witnessed an ironic turn of events in the credit card world. For decades credit issuers have ferociously competed to be the first card in your wallet, and now they are just competing to be the first paid back.

on Sun, 2009-01-04 16:00

Understand Your Credit Card's Grace Period

The average credit card provides a 20 to 30 day grace period. What that means is your credit issuer will not charge interest on your new purchases during this time period. It's probably as close to an interest-free loan as you will ever get. However, grace periods don't work the same on all credit cards, so it's important to read and understand your credit card's billing statement.

on Tue, 2008-12-30 16:00

The Right Time to Buy a Car?

The violent winds of the current economy seem to be stirring up the perfect storm for great deals on a new car. Auto manufacturers and dealers are obviously hurting and under pressure to find a way to increase sales, so it seems likely that consumers will begin to enjoy some of the best deals on new cars between now and the spring . So, if your old beater is on its last leg and you've just been waiting for the right time to take the plunge, now is the time to ask yourself three important questions.

on Sun, 2008-12-21 16:00

Credit Card Fraud: How It Happens and What to Do About It

It may start off practically unnoticeable, with a few charges here and there. Over time, though, your credit card statements begin to reflect purchases in places you're quite sure you've never visited. Items show up that you know you didn't buy. You start to notice charges from distant gas stations, restaurants and even online purchases. Is it just an oversight on behalf of your credit card company, or are you a victim of credit card fraud?

on Sun, 2008-12-14 16:00

Purchase Protection Can Come in Handy

Several credit card benefits are often overlooked by the so-called personal finance gurus that claim consumers should leave their credit cards at home when hitting the malls this holiday season. Paying for everything with cash can certainly be beneficial for those who just don't know how to budget, but advantages such as having Purchase Protection, especially on more expensive items, shouldn't be forgotten by the smart consumer.

on Sun, 2008-12-07 16:00

Leave Your Social Security Card at Home

Is it really necessary to carry your social security card around with you like a driver's license? Not at all, yet many people sill tote around one of the most confidential pieces of personal information as if they might need it at any moment. If you do, you're taking a great risk because identity thieves armed with your social security number can do a lot more than simply open up a fraudulent credit card account. They can essentially start a whole new life using your SSN as the foundation.

on Mon, 2008-12-01 16:00

Opting-Out of Credit Card Interest Rate Hikes

Citigroup Inc. and American Express are two of the largest credit-card issuers who recently announced they will hit millions of consumers with interest rate hikes just before the start of the holiday season. A two to three percentage point increase seems to be the target, but the severity of the rate hikes will likely fluctuate depending upon whether you carry a monthly balance.

on Sun, 2008-11-23 16:00

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