Not too long ago, I switched to a different Internet provider. When I called to set up my account, the customer service rep asked for my Social Security number. I wondered why it was needed, and he told me that they would be checking my credit. “Is this going to be a hard pull?” I … Read more The Difference Between Hard Pull and Soft Pull Credit Inquiries
You might have noticed that banks aren’t lending as readily as they used to. The recent credit crisis and economic recession made it difficult to get an unsecured personal loan from your bank — even for a secured loan like a HELOC. The difficulty associated with obtain loans through traditional banks has contributed to an … Read more Borrowing Money from Lending Club and Prosper
Your credit score is one of the most important figures associated with your finances. And you have likely heard the television and radio commercials touting that you have three credit scores. However, you actually have more than just three credit scores. There are a many ways to calculate your credit score based on what type … Read more Different Types of Credit Scores: FICO, FAKO, and Enhanced
I have discussed using balance transfer credit cards to help you reduce your debt more quickly. As such, I think it’s prudent to go over the advantages and disadvantages of using a balance transfer credit card and also how to make a balance transfer. Hopefully, this will help you better understand what is involved and … Read more The Pros and Cons of Making a Credit Card Balance Transfer
The recent recession hit many people hard. But it’s not only recession related issues, such as job loss, that can cause financial problems. A big medical emergency or accident can deplete your finances — even when you have health insurance. Divorce can also result in financial devastation. And, of course, sometimes we make huge money … Read more Starting Over by Declaring Personal Bankruptcy
Owing a debt that you are behind on can be a humiliating and frustrating experience. When your unpaid bill is well beyond being past due, it is written off and sold to a debt collection agency. The collection agency buys your debt for pennies on the dollar and any money they get you to pay … Read more How to Deal with Debt Collectors and Stop Harassing Calls
As you have probably heard, the fastest growing crime in the U.S. is identity theft. One of the ways that this is carried out is when someone uses your personal information, including your Social Security number, to open a credit account in your name. This can affect your ability to open your own credit account, … Read more Get a Credit Freeze to Avoid Identity Theft
The recession has prompted many to decide that debt is not the way to live life. Some are deciding that it might be wise to adopt a lifestyle where borrowing isn’t necessary. Those who are already in debt might choose to pay off their debt as quickly as possible and not borrow again. Those without … Read more How to Live Without Borrowing Money
Nobody wants to go into debt but sometimes you may need to find some short term financing to help you get through temporary hiccups in your financial life. When situations like this arise it is important to know the places that you can turn to for financial help. Payday lenders and pawn shops are the … Read more The Best Places to Borrow Money
Things can be complicated in a marriage, and this includes finances in some cases. When debt enters the picture, there are often many questions that come with it. In today’s world, it is likely that at least one spouse will come to a marriage with some form of debt, from credit cards to cars to … Read more Are You Responsible for Your Spouse’s Debt?