Home / Weekly Tips / Weekly Credit Scores & Credit Reports Tips

Weekly Credit Scores & Credit Reports Tips

Weekly Credit Scores & Credit Reports Tips

  • How Many Points Will My Credit Score Drop From Hard Inquiries?
    Aug 09, 2009
    Hard inquiries are recorded on your credit reports when you apply for new credit products, cell phones, insurance, or maybe even a new job. They are essentially a record of every time a business has...
  • How Many Credit Scores Do I Have?
    Jun 22, 2009
    Unless you don't exist in the credit system for some reason, you actually have three credit scores. And you have three credit scores because you also have three credit reports — one from...
  • Why Credit Still Counts
    Jun 04, 2009
    It's easy to despise the credit issuers. Who else should we blame for the ugly state in which our credit card industry exists today? Should we blame consumers for making poor financial decisions...
  • Build Credit with Secured Credit Cards
    May 18, 2009
    For consumers with damaged credit or no credit history at all, secured credit cards are one of the most popular ways to obtain credit and start improving your credit score today. Your chances of...
  • Credit Reports Don't Merge After Marriage
    Mar 29, 2009
    There are several common misconceptions about what happens to an individual's credit reports after marriage. One of the most common myths is that when you are married your credit reports will merge...
  • Bid Farewell to Your Experian Credit Score
    Feb 15, 2009
    Effective February 14th, FICO credit scores from Experian, one of the three major credit bureaus, are no longer available to consumers. Equifax and TransUnion FICO scores can still be accessed via...
  • Credit Tips for Newlyweds
    Feb 01, 2009
    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...
  • Why is my Ex's Mortgage Still on My Credit Report?
    Jan 12, 2009
    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...
  • How to Build Credit with No Debt
    Jan 06, 2009
    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...
  • 750 is the new 650
    Nov 03, 2008
    Prior to a few months ago, there was basically no difference between a credit score of 650 and 800 for most loans. Whether you were looking to get into a car, a home, or simply a new credit card, a...
  • How Will A Short Sale Affect My Credit Score?
    Oct 26, 2008
    As property values continue to head south, many people are finding themselves upside-down on home loans and possibly facing foreclosure. A "short sale" can provide an alternative to foreclosure if...
  • How Will Foreclosure Affect My Credit?
    Sep 27, 2008
    The credit markets are in the tank, and mortgage foreclosures are happening everywhere in today's economy. Whether voluntary or involuntary, it's important to understand that a foreclosure on your...
  • What Should I Look For On My Credit Report?
    Sep 20, 2008
    If you already have excellent credit and sparingly apply for new credit, checking your credit reports once a year might be sufficient. However, if you are in the process of rebuilding your credit or...
  • "Same As Cash" Offers Hurt Credit Scores
    Aug 09, 2008
    Even though you really want that new high-def plasma TV with the booming home theater system, $5,000 smackers might sound a bit too rich for your pocketbook at the moment. So why not use a "same as...
  • What's a "Good" Credit Score?
    Jul 10, 2008
    Everyone seems to care what your credit score is these days. Even insurance companies and employers are taking a look at your credit history to determine if you are a "risk" worth taking. You may...
  • Reduced Credit Card Limits Hurt Consumer Credit Scores
    Jul 05, 2008
    We spend a great deal of time in the credit industry educating consumers about credit utilization and explaining why it's important to understand the term. As banks and other card lenders are...
  • Experian Implements New Credit Scoring Model: Authorized User Accounts Dropped
    Jun 26, 2008
    The Fair Isaac Corporation announced a major change in 2007 to their credit scoring formula, which ignited quite a bit of controversy and anticipation throughout the industry over the past year....
  • I never use my first credit card anymore - Should I just close the account?
    May 25, 2008
    Closing out your oldest credit card immediately shortens credit history and negatively affects your credit score. Length of credit history accounts for approximately 15% of your credit score, and...