Credit counseling before bankruptcy
One of the few things about the Bankruptcy Abuse and Consumer Protection Act, which took effect this week, that actually seemed like a good idea was the notion of mandatory counseling for bankruptcy filers. While that idea has its problems, such as the fact that many filers are people who lost jobs, and not reckless gamblers who can't manage money, there are some good points. It's a fact that most... Read credit counseling article
What Is A Good Credit Score
It is a right that you have to know what different credit agencies know about you. So you might want to know beforehand, what is a good credit score? The number where a credit score can be considered good is 700.
When looking at your credit score you need to look into the factors which determine your credit score. Credit scores can be in the range of 300 to 900 and the higher the number... Read credit counseling article
Free Credit Report
Obtaining an annual free credit report can keep you on top of your credit and allows you to check if there are any errors on your credit report. By receiving a credit report annually you can keep one step ahead in making sure there are no problems with your credit score.
There are three big firms that are nationally operated which you can receive an annual free credit report The "big three" are: Equifax, TRW, and Trans Union Corporation. You can contact any of these credit bureaus to receive an annual free credit report. You can also check your local agencies as well but they generally charge a fee for this service.
The free credit reports will not automatically be sent out to you as the consumers need to request getting a report one of the following ways. You can go to www.annualcreditreport.com and obtain a credit report. This is the only authorized source for credit reports where customers can access their information online. This service is free of charge. You can also call 877-322-8228 to receive a free credit report. The last thing you can do is fill out completely the form on the back of the Annual Credit Report Request brochure and then mail it to: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA, 30348-5281. Make sure that you go through the centralized agency as by obtaining your report from other agencies you will not receive an annual free credit report but you will be charged for their credit services.
It does not take much time or effort to receive an annual free credit report. It is an important document as it could have ramifications to your employment, loan applications, and benefits. Considering the service is free there is no reason not to check up on your credit score to see if it can be improved or there are errors which need to be addressed. Checking on your credit should be an annual ritual as it is more important to know the status of your credit that the score that it holds.
If you plan on ever buying anything, a car, a house, anything, your credit score is going to be incredibly important for you. Your credit score is the only way a financial institution can really judge whether you are capable of making the payments on that loan. Sure, the information you submit to them also helps (after they confirm the information), however, if you have a bad credit score - all the information you submit is a waste.
Because how important your credit score is and how immediately your credit score can effect your lifestyle, new laws have been passed to protect you. The new laws give you full rights to know exactly what is your on your credit report. If you find something on your credit report that is false, you have the legal right to contest it.
If you feel that you have been unjustly refused for credit, it is very important that you immediately check your credit report and go through it in great detail. If you find anything that seems false, immediately look into it and prepare to contest it.
Checking your credit report is actually very easy! There are now multiple sources online that will give you your credit score, many of them for free. Either way, you do have the right to check your credit score at no cost once a year with each of the three reporting agencies.
But, make sure you remember that any check past the 1 check does count against you. This means that you OR any agencies checking your credit will count against you if done in excess. The thinking behind that is that if you keep checking your credit or if too many agencies are checking your credit, this basically means that either you are applying for too much credit in too many places or that you are personally nervous about your credit score!
The 3 major agencies that you want to check your credit score with are Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Any check past the 1 free check a year will cost you a small fee with each organization.
It is also important to note that each of these organizations are seperate entities and that you must check the report on all of them and not just one of them.
If you want to get your free credit report online, then be prepared to provide some personal information like Social Security number, because this is necessary for them to check your credit score.
This also makes it important for you to use an accredited resource and don't just start giving your information any where-
Learn the exact impact that low interest rate debt consolidation can have on your credit score.
Having too many open debts can seriously impact your credit rating. Also, read our latest FREE article titled Save Your Credit By Consolidating Debt...
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