The Big 3 Credit Reporting Agencies

A credit reporting agency is a repository of information that holds an individual’s credit or payment history.  An individual’s credit report is created when a request for a report by a lender, credit card company or other authorized party requests it.  Credit bureaus or credit reporting agencies hold the consumer's credit data in their databases.  The data is always there but the credit report does not really exist until it is asked for.  It is then compiled by the credit reporting … [Read more...]

What are FICO Scores

FICO scores are one of several credit scores that are used by lenders, banks, insurers, credit card companies and other companies to measure consumer risk objectively.  A credit score can be created by different companies based on information in a credit report, but FICO® scores are the most used credit bureau scores in the world.  According to the Fair Isaac Corporation, the creator of the FICO score, more than 100 billion scores have been sold by the company and three out of four US … [Read more...]

Beware of the Little Things that can Hurt Your Credit Score

Countless articles regarding credit inform consumers about the big events that can have a negative impact on their credit score.  But, many consumers fail to realize all the little transactions or little known transactions that may have a fairly significant and harmful influence on their credit score.  We all now the importance of good credit and a good credit score in our society with its wide ranging impact from credit and borrowing to employment to insurance and housing and more.  Most … [Read more...]

Rules to Follow with Debt and Debt Collectors

We all want to pay our bills on time but sometimes due to some financial crunch it is not possible to make even the minimum payments and meet due dates.  If a debt goes unpaid for an extended period of time, creditors may turn your account to a collection department or agency.  It is true that debt collectors have the right to demand payment and take legal action if necessary, but often they would rather collect a portion of the debt than have to take more drastic actions. Before you start … [Read more...]

Simple Myths Regarding Credit Scores

Myths and urban legends abound on the Internet, but most of them can't impact your finances.  However, there are many financial myths that can cost you a lot of money.  Myths about credit reporting and your credit score can take a significant amount of your hard-earned money out of your wallet. Making a lot of money will help your credit report and your credit scores. It is a common misconception that a big salary will lead to spotless credit, low interest rates and a high credit score … [Read more...]