Credit Report/Score
How to Talk About Money Before Marriage
Friday, February 4th, 2011
When you’re getting to know the person you’re thinking about marrying, there’s so much to learn. Some of it comes about through questions as you ask each other about past experiences and future goals. Some of it also comes about through observation. Does he respect his parents? Is she usually on time? But it isn’t ... [Read more]
3 Comments » Do You Need Credit Monitoring?
Tuesday, June 8th, 2010
Everywhere you look, it seems, some company is offering to monitor your credit report – for a fee. Do you need the protection? A recent CNNMoney.com story said most people do not. The article noted that using a credit-monitoring service won’t prevent anyone from opening credit in your name. The only way to do that ... [Read more]
Should You Cancel An Unused Credit Card?
Tuesday, March 9th, 2010
A common question I get in workshops is, “Will it hurt my credit score if I close one of my credit card accounts?” The answer is “maybe.” But the reasons why or why not may surprise you. It is commonly thought that, especially when it comes to a card you’ve had for a long time, ... [Read more]
What To Do With Unused Credit Cards
Tuesday, January 26th, 2010
In my “Money, Purpose, Joy” workshop, I always get lots of questions in the section on credit scores. And one of the most common questions is whether to close old, unused accounts. The general answer is no, as explained in detail in this helpful Bankrate.com article. The main reason to keep the account open has ... [Read more]
A Credit Score Short Course
Thursday, January 7th, 2010
Your credit score impacts everything from the interest rate on your mortgage, to your insurance premiums, to whether you’ll get the job you applied for. According to MSN’s Liz Pulliam Weston, today’s ideal is to have a score of 740 or higher (scores range from 300-850). We are all entitled to a free credit report ... [Read more]
Your Life is an Open Book
Thursday, October 8th, 2009
It sounds like a horrific scene out of some sci-fi movie set decades down the road – lots of computer databases filled with lots of information about…you! But it’s not some fictionalized account of the future; it’s today’s reality. As described in Consumer Reports, information about your use of credit, insurance claims, medical history, and ... [Read more]
Inquiring Minds
Thursday, July 23rd, 2009
These days, everyone from prospective employers to cell phone service providers are looking at your credit report. But not all credit report inquiries are created equal. As reported on Mainstreet.com, a “soft inquiry” is made when you request your free credit report or a company where you’ve applied for a job pulls your report. Such ... [Read more]
Inquiring Minds
Thursday, July 9th, 2009
These days, everyone from prospective employers to cell phone service providers are looking at your credit report. But not all credit report inquiries are created equal. As reported on Mainstreet.com, a “soft inquiry” is made when you request your free credit report or a company where you’ve applied for a job pulls your report. Such ... [Read more]
Under the Financial Microscope
Monday, January 12th, 2009
By now you’re aware of the importance of keeping your credit score strong by paying your credit card bills, mortgage, and other loans on time and keeping your credit utilization (how much of your available credit you use) low (10 percent or less is best). But did you know that paying your phone bill late ... [Read more]
A Credit Score Game Changer
Wednesday, November 12th, 2008
Even if you make no changes in how you use credit, your credit score could change for the worse in the near future, according to a story on MarketWatch.com. The issue is that credit card companies are lowering some people’s credit limits because more people are falling behind on their payments. With a lower credit ... [Read more]
