Credit Scores and Your Hospital Stay

Hospitals have long struggled with handling delinquent medical bills of their patients.  In recent years the business of identifying potentially risky customers in advance of rendering medical services has picked up steam.  Credit scores have been used by lenders, landlords and insurers to evaluate consumer’s financial risk.  Now the business of handling and managing medical bills has moved into the arena of credit scores and credit profiles. The medical credit score is intended to be … [Read more...]

Drawbacks of Credit Cards and Credit Use

One of the primary reasons consumers run into credit issues and subsequently suffer with a low credit score is too much credit card debt.  Excessive and unmanageable credit card debt not only causes credit and credit score problems but also is a primary cause of personal bankruptcy filings. The use of credit usually involves spending money that is not readily available.  Obtaining a home mortgage is one form of credit in which borrowers use the money extended with the credit to buy a … [Read more...]

Credit Scores and Credit Limit Changes

Credit scores are influenced and change up and down to a number of attributes found in an individual’s credit report.  The FICO credit score is the most common credit score used by lenders.  In calculating credit scores, the FICO score is derived by analyzing the data in an individual’s credit report and will change as the credit report data changes.  A number of factors are weighed in a credit report to come up with the credit score.  Factors include length of credit, payment … [Read more...]

Get Out of Debt, a Starting Point

Debt is in every household.  Too much debt can be paralyzing and you may be in over your head and not even fully realize it.  If you suspect that you’re carrying too much debt in the form of credit cards, mortgages, car loans and other debt instruments, you need to determine your exact position and then, most likely, begin working to free yourself from the weight of the financial burden. Too Much Debt It’s expected, and actually a good thing, to have some debt.  Your mortgage, for … [Read more...]