Credit Repair Companies and Your Credit Report

 Credit Repair, Credit Score, Money and Credit  No Responses »
Jul 172013
 

There is no such thing as a quick fix in consumer credit; it takes time and knowledge of how the consumer credit world works to become creditworthy. You can do your own credit repair with a little effort and planning.

A credit repair agency cannot improve your credit score if it is based on your accurate credit information. Your credit report should include items permitted under the law, if the information reported is correct then there is nothing a credit repair agency can do to improve your credit report. Credit repair agencies cannot remove unfavorable but accurate information from your report.

Credit repair agencies do not have any special powers to do anything you cannot do yourself for FREE.

Watch out for companies that say they’ll “fix” bad credit for a fee — often substantial, usually payable in advance. So-called credit repair clinics say they will arrange to have negative credit information removed from your record — including information about bankruptcies and default judgments.

If you do decide to hire a credit repair agency, they must give you a written agreement that itemizes the services and goods they will supply, when they are going to start and when they are going to complete their services and the total amount you will be charged. A credit repair agency may not demand advance payment, or any payment at all unless its services result in a material improvement to your credit report.

According to the Federal Trade Commission

The Credit Repair Organization Act (CROA) makes it illegal for credit repair companies to lie about what they can do for you, and to charge you before they’ve performed their services. The CROA is enforced by the Federal Trade Commission and requires credit repair companies to explain:

  • your legal rights in a written contract that also details the services they’ll perform
  • your three day right to cancel without any charge
  • how long it will take to get results
  • the total cost you will pay
  • any guarantees

What if a credit repair company you hired doesn’t live up to its promises? You have some options. You can:

  • sue them in federal court for your actual losses or for what you paid them, whichever is more
  • seek punitive damages — money to punish the company for violating the law
  • join other people in a class action lawsuit against the company, and if you win, the company has to pay your attorney’s fees

Also see:

REPAIRING YOUR CREDIT REPORT WITH EASY STEPS

SECRETS TO BUILDING GREAT CREDIT

COMPLETE CREDIT GUIDE – INSIDER INFORMATION

Can’t find a Credit Article about a subject you are interested in? Need Help with your Credit Problems?

Call:  303-997-3375

www.cristinascreditsense.com

E-mail me:  cristina@cristinascreditsense.com

 

Be Credit Wise! It is far smarter to take the time to deal with the problem than hoping for the best or try to deal with the issue when buying a big ticket item.

Overwhelmed by your Debt situation and don’t know where to start?

 Credit Repair, Credit Score, General Credit Related Consumer Information  No Responses »
May 202013
 

Overwhelmed by your Debt situation and don’t know where to start?

This is your opportunity to Learn the Secrets of the Credit Industry and Get Debt Free Years Sooner.

The Journey to Credit Debt Freedom Can Begin with One Step.

Imagine how it would feel never to worry about debt again.

But it is easier said that than done, right?

Taking a cold, hard look at how much you really owe can be sobering – yet empowering. You’re taking your first step from being in the red to getting back in the black.

Here are a few simple steps you can take to start taking charge of your credit debt:

Get a copy of all 3 of your credit reports – annualcreditreport.com

The Fair Credit Reporting Act permits consumers to request a free copy of their credit report once every 12 months.

Equifax
1-800-525-6285

Experian
1-888-397-3742

TransUnion
1-800-680-7289
  • Lay it all out

By using your credit reports as a guide make a list of all the debt reported on your separated credit reports; not all creditors report to all 3 credit reporting agencies. Make sure to check for Unpaid Collections and Unsettled Judgments section of your credit report.

  •  Prioritize your debts

Pay off the highest-interest debts first; usually those tend to be credit cards even if they have low balances, before tackling the five-figure line-of-credit balances. Your highest interest rate debt is your most expensive debt.

Car loans are particularly important to scrutinize, remember you are paying interest on a product that depreciates as time goes by. (watch out for my article on automobile financing sources – the pros and cons)

Recording your balances in a meaningful and organized way will help you to track where you have come from and where you are going.

  •  Assess where you spend – and where you can save

By using your credit reports as a guide find out how much you spend each month and think about where you can save. Write down what you spend on, starting with your Mortgage, Credit Cards, Personal Loans, ALL your Debt Payments.

  • Make a household budget

Sit down with your family and prepare a household budget. But first, do not forget to study your credit report, work your way down list of creditors and outstanding balances. Prepare a detailed budget that allows you the opportunity for savings on the interest rates. Try to start making extra payments through the month on the higher interest rate debts. This would also help you see your spending pattern and identify where to can start making small changes in your spending habits.

Don’t forget to include the following when creating your budget:

Cable TV

Car fueL

Car insurance and license

Car repairs and service

Charitable donations

Child care

Child support/Alimony

Clothes

Dental expenses

Entertainment, recreation, movies

Furnishings

Groceries

Internet

Life insurance

Medical expenses, prescriptions, eyewear

Mortgage/Rent

Newspapers, magazines, books

Parking Fees

Personal items

Property and contents insurance

Property taxes

Public transportation

Savings (bank account, 401K)

Telephone/Cell Phone

Utilities, such as water and electricity etc…

Also see:

COMPLETE CREDIT GUIDE – INSIDER INFORMATION

 SECRETS TO BUILDING GREAT CREDIT

 REPAIRING YOUR CREDIT REPORT WITH EASY STEPS

Can’t find a Credit Article about a subject you are interested in? Need Help with your Credit Problems?

Call:  303-997-3375

www.cristinascreditsense.com

E-mail me:  cristina@cristinascreditsense.com

Be Credit Wise! It is far smarter to take the time to deal with the problem than hoping for the best.

General Introduction to My Services

 Credit Repair, General Credit Related Consumer Information  No Responses »
Apr 292013
 

Welcome to Cristina’s Credit Sense – The future of your Credit Success begins here!

Part 1 of 4

Credit is a privilege not a right!

I am here to demystify Credit for you. As a consumer of credit, you need to know how it all works. You might think there is awful lot information on the internet – True

But, do you know how it all works behind the scenes? Do you have the time to basically learn a new profession? Yet, this is something that has an immediate impact on your everyday life.

  • Lenders may use your credit report information to decide whether you can get a loan and the terms you get for a loan (for example, the interest rate they will charge you).
  • Insurance companies may use the information to decide whether you can get insurance and to set the rates you will pay.
  • Employers may use your credit report, if you give them permission to do so, to decide whether to hire you.
  • Telephone and utility companies may use information in your credit report to decide whether to provide services to you.
  • Landlords may use the information to determine whether to rent an apartment to you.

You are constantly told how important it is to have good credit – what is good credit? How do you get there? What are the rules? Do you have hours and hours to learn the rules and then actually use them? Probably not!

Continue to The Easy Button for Your Credit Questions…

========================================

Part 2

Think of it this way! You knew it was fun and necessary to drive, so you went to driving school and learned the rules of the road. Got tested and passed! If, you didn’t learn to drive and the rules of the road, the outcome would be downright life threading and definitely not much fun. Yet, most consumers of credit never even know the rules and regulations and even more important how do lenders/credit granters do their jobs! And, if you think that the bank officer that you speak to is actually aware of the credit guidelines of their own institution – think again! The average bank representative’s responsibility is to promote and sell the bank’s products – that’s what they get paid for. The person that actually decides is behind the scene probably in a different state and time zone.

Most of us apply for credit and hope for the best! It is time to Be Proactively Credit Wise!

Credit Cards, Personal Loans, Consolidation Loans, Mortgages, Car Loans, Home Equity Loans all of these are approved by different standards by the same bank or finance company.

The Easy Button for Your Credit Questions

========================================

Part 3

I have been involved in this industry for over 20 years, starting at Equifax and moved on to different types of lending and collection positions. Yes, I am a Senior Credit Analyst, in other words – I am that faceless person that makes the decision, if you are going to get approved and how much of a risk is my company willing to take on you. As a lender/credit granter I love to see consumers with R1 credit reports, but how do you know what R1 is and how do you get there? So, you have to know the rules and how to get there. You took lessons for driving safely, now is the time to learn how to navigate your credit report to a R1. Learn the industry secrets from a professional lender to help lenders grant you all the credit you ever ask for!

Use Credit for YOUR OWN PROFIT

========================================

Part 4

I am a real person here to offer all the help you need to WIN AT THE CREDIT GAME, by purchasing my short and simple e-books and e-articles, plus 3 questions and answers. All included in the purchase price.

Finally, a real person on your side to listen to your questions, problems or better still to get you to the same level the lending officers operate at.

Can’t find a Credit Article about a subject you are interested in? Need Help with your Credit Problems?

Call: 303-997-3375

www.cristinascreditsense.com

E-mail me: cristina@cristinascreditsense.com

Your Credit Score and Missed Minimum Payments

 Credit Repair, Credit Score, General Credit Related Consumer Information  No Responses »
Apr 292013
 

Never miss making the minimum payments on time on your credit cards, car loans, personal loans, etc…No matter what the circumstances!

Anytime you miss paying the minimum payment on the due date or pay less than the minimum, you are considered late. This information is reported to the credit reporting agencies.

Missing monthly payments might not seem like a big deal, but it is one of the worst things YOU can do for YOUR credit report. Your Credit Grantors and Lenders take a deem view to late payments behind the scene. They may not contact you and actively demand payment, particularly for the first 30 to 60 days, but this information will be listed on your credit reports for 7 years.

You might be assessed late fees, compounded interest, your interest rate might be raised making it more expensive to carry a balance or just be charged a higher interest rate next time you try to borrow.

A single late payment might not do too much damage, but creditors will determine your risk as a borrower for months if not years in the future based on this information. The higher number of late payments aka delinquencies, the worse for your credit score. Your payment history makes up 35% of your credit score. Credit Scores range from 300-850, these numbers a derived by assessing your credit history.

I cannot stress enough the importance in using credit the right way to build and maintain a STRONG credit score; late payments are exactly the kind of data that affects your credit score.

Also see:

COMPLETE CREDIT GUIDE – INSIDER INFORMATION

CREDIT SCORES – HOW DO THE NUMBERS ADD-UP

SECRETS TO BUILDING GREAT CREDIT

Can’t find a Credit Article about a subject you are interested in? Need Help with your Credit Problems?

Call:  303-997-3375

www.cristinascreditsense.com

E-mail me:  cristina@cristinascreditsense.com

 

Be Credit Wise! It is far smarter to take the time to deal with the problem than hoping for the best.

Your Credit Report and Your Mortgage Lender

 Credit Repair, Credit Score, Money and Credit  No Responses »
Apr 232013
 

Is Your Credit in Order?

Creditors use your credit report and credit score to determine to grant you a mortgage and what interest rate to charge you. It is critical that you get a copy of your credit reports and credit scores a few months before making such a major purchase.

Your credit rating may be the single most important piece of financial information you have to obtain a mortgage at the best interest rate. Credit Scores have names, such as: FICO and BEACON, depending on the credit reporting agency.

Order your Free Credit Reports from: annualcreditreport.com , you have to pay to obtain your credit scores. Arm yourself with the same information that lenders, bank managers, mortgage specialties and mortgage brokers will use to determine if you qualify to be approved and at what interest rate.

Check your report thoroughly to make sure there is no negative or incorrect information that could hurt your chances of getting a favorable mortgage.

Spend the time to get things in order:

  1. Catch up on any overdue payments
  2. Unpaid collections reporting on the credit report
  3. Outstanding balances still showing on the credit report, although you have paid in full
  4. Total debt showing o on the credit report, such as: credit cards, car loans, personal loans
  5. Unsettled judgements

Your Credit Report and Unpaid Collections

 Credit Repair, Credit Score, General Credit Related Consumer Information  No Responses »
Apr 232013
 

One of the most negative items listed on your credit report is a collection paid or unpaid.

This negative information will show on your credit report for seven years or until the statute of limitations runs out, which­ever is longer.

Some credit specialists may suggest you are better off waiting until the statute of limitations is up on the account and having it fall off your report in seven years.  Beware that seven years is a very long time and this negative information will be viewed by all.

Your credit history has a direct impact on your ability to get:

  • Utility Services
  • Cell phones
  • Jobs
  • Rent an Apartment

Credit reporting companies must investigate the items you question. If this investigation does not resolve the dispute to your satisfaction, you can post a “statement of the dispute” in your file.

But, you are better off taking charge and negotiating a settlement directly with collection agency.

  1. Obtain your credit reports. The Fair Credit Reporting Act permits consumers to request a free copy of their credit report once every 12 months. Visit annualcreditreport.com to get your free credit report.
  2. Target the unpaid collections listed on your credit reports.
  3. Contact the reporting collection agencies. Negotiate a settlement in writing, before, you pay them.
  4. Fax the “Settled or Paid” letter to all 3 credit reporting agencies.

A paid collection does not raise your credit score, but is goes a long way in showing your good faith and character.

Credit scores work on the basic concept, that past habits and attitudes of the individual in this case the “Credit Consumer” will reflect their future behavior. This is called Risk Management.

Loan Managers and Personal Bankers do not work with just your credit score. If you are going to apply for a Personal Loan or Mortgage, these attempts to take care of past debt can be seen as favorable.

Also see:

COMPLETE CREDIT GUIDE – INSIDER INFORMATION

CREDIT SCORES – HOW DO THE NUMBERS ADD-UP

SECRETS TO BUILDING GREAT CREDIT

Be Credit Wise! It is far smarter to take the time to deal with the problem than hoping for the best.

 

Joint Credit

 Credit Repair, Credit Score, Money and Credit  No Responses »
Apr 232013
 

Take into account all the pros, cons and responsibilities involved in getting joint credit as a couple. Societies approach to Marriage or Long Term Relationships have changed a lot in the last few years – Credit Rules have not!  Improve your credit literacy.

A joint credit loan includes you and your spouse’s income, financial assets, and most important your combined credit history.

The benefit is that the credit grantor assesses your collectively credit reports and financial profiles; your financial picture may prove much stronger in helping to get approved for better credit terms. You pay less to borrower!

This can be a good thing or not, when it comes to your respective credit reports! If, both partners have R1 credit reports it is a good thing. Banks and finance institutions usually welcome a joint application; it strengthens the deal by adding the paying power of two incomes; limiting the risk factor.  However, if one of the partners is less than R1 in their credit report, this could affect either the approval or the interest rate of the approval.

Understand your obligations – Joint Credit means both of you are responsible for ensuring that debts are paid, no matter where the marriage or long term relationship ends.

You are both responsible for the debt; even if you separate and/or divorce the debt obligations are assigned to each spouse.

The danger here is that a bitter ex-spouse can seriously jeopardize your credit history through these jointly-held accounts.

Joint accounts will appear on both of your credit reports, so if one of the ex-spouses does not pay per contractual agreement, this information will reflect on both credit reports.

Get Credit Wise, also see:

MARRIAGE, DIVORCE OR DEATH – YOUR CREDIT LIVES ON

COMPLETE CREDIT GUIDE – INSIDER INFORMATION

 

Get Credit Smart

 Credit Repair, Credit Score, Money and Credit  No Responses »
Apr 232013
 

The purchase you transact today on credit will grow in debt tomorrow and the next day! Credit is Debt; however, R1 credit will also empower you to access the better things in life.

Learn to use credit wisely! Interest is relentless, it will change and grow. Credit also gives access to many things that add fun and enjoyment to our lives. The trick is learning how credit works, the rules credit grantors operate by.

Credit comes in many forms –credit cards and personal loans, overdraft protection, installment plans and many more!

How do you position yourself to get approved for the best terms of service and interest rates?

When you are ready to go for credit, be a smart shopper. Lenders or Creditors are here to lend or extend credit, as long as YOU are a Safe Risk.   Are YOU a good bet? Are YOU going to pay them with Interest and on Time?

Your Credit Report is the most important document in the overall process of getting approved for credit at the best interest rates. Your Credit Rating which is reported on your Credit Report is usually the first document the credit granter will check. Once, you have R1 Credit Rating, banks, loan outlets and credit card companies will welcome you with open arms. Now, you can be a smart shopper, because, you have the credit report they want to see!

You have mastered the ability to qualify for credit at the terms YOU Want. WIN AT THE CREDIT GAME.

Learn the secrets to help lenders grant you all the credit you ever ask for on your terms!

See the following articles:

COMPLETE CREDIT GUIDE – INSIDER INFORMATION

SECRETS TO BUILDING GREAT CREDIT

 

E-Articles and E-Books

 Credit Repair, Credit Score, General Credit Related Consumer Information, Identity Theft, Money and Credit  No Responses »
Mar 232013
 

Informative, Entertaining and Timely Articles about: Credit as well as How Money Vs. Interest Works
Prices starting at $4.99 and Up.

Complete Credit Guide – Insider Information
Price = $24.99

Credit Scores – How Do the Numbers Add Up
Price = $6.99

Identity Theft – Protect Yourself
Price = $9.99

Marriage, Divorce or Death – Your Credit Lives On
Price = $6.99

Repairing Your Credit Report
Price = $6.99

Secret to Building Great Credit
Price = $4.99

Re-establishing YOUR Credit

 Credit Repair, General Credit Related Consumer Information  No Responses »
Jan 012011
 

Are you wondering what steps you can take right now to improve your credit dramatically?

Learn the secrets other people only wish they knew. Tough, but far from impossible! You will be saving time, money and preventing a repeat of the same mistakes.

It is imperative that you first re-establish a good credit score and improve your credit profile before you even think of applying for credit.If you have no credit, poor credit, very bad credit or recent bankruptcy, all of these problems can be improved upon in due course. It would take about 12 to 24 months and the proper steps to get on the road of “good credit”.

Here are a few things you can do that will help you restore your credit profile:

  • Limit the number of inquiries on your credit report, each inquiry you will lower your credit score.
  • Use a mortgage broker when applying for a loan or mortgage to eliminate the number of inquiries on your credit file.
  • Maintain your employment and residence status for at least TWO years.
  • DO NOT carry your credit card balances near, at or over the credit limit – such activity will lower your credit score
  • Pay your minimum payments on time and in full as required by your monthly statement. Credit reports will show how many times you have been 30, 60, or 90 days late.
  • Apply for a secured credit card that reports to the credit reporting agencies.
  • Avoid pre-paid credit cards, they do not report to the credit reporting agencies.
  • Department Store and Gas Credit Cards are relatively easy to qualify for.
  • A car loan or lease is one of the best ways to start to re-establish your credit.
  • Your debt service ratio is another key factor that lenders will consider.
  • Do not apply to too many cards at once. Once, approved for one card or loan, DO NOT rush out and apply for several more.
  • Let your accounts age.
  • Only borrow what you can afford.

Want to learn more – see:

  1. Repairing Your Credit Report with Easy Steps
  2. Secrets to Building Great Credit

Your Credit Report

 Credit Repair  No Responses »
Jan 012011
 

Your credit report is one of the most important documents that make an impact on the quality of your life! A good credit report is an invaluable source of information. You may not have to seek credit and yet you still need a good credit report. Institutions accessing your credit report can vary from credit card companies to your doctor’s office to landlords, cell phone companies and law enforcement.

You are empowered to control this situation by learning the rules by which you are measured. Learning the rules of how credit works will put you in control of the situation. YOU will be in the driver’s sit, negotiating with your creditor. And, the good thing is that most of us can achieve this, once you learn rules by which the credit granting industry works by. Remember they want to give your money, but YOU have to convince them that you are going to pay them and by the terms of the contractual agreement.

Your credit report is a record of your past borrowing and repaying history. It offers vital information about your credit history. Credit reporting agencies simply record the information your creditors submit. A credit report summarizes past creditors’ experiences with a consumer. Information from the file is obtained by prospective lenders to help them determine whether someone is a good credit risk. The creditor actually rates your account.

Financial institutions considering your creditworthiness use this information measure YOUR credit worthiness. It helps creditors to determine whether a potential customer is a good credit risk. And, this translates to the interest rate you will charge.

The Higher The Risk = The Higher The Interest Rate!

 Judgements or bankruptcies are part of the public records which are listed on your credit report, also accounts placed for 3rd party collections.

You can enter a personal statement, which will become a permanent part of your credit report. This is where you can explain your side of the story! But, remember professional lenders respect the decisions and opinions of their fellow lenders more than someone explaining why they didn’t pay. The lender gave their money in good faith expecting it back.

You should obtain a copy of your personal credit report and verify the information your creditors are receiving about you is accurate, at least twice a year. If you find errors in your credit report, notify the credit bureau in writing.

There is no way to remove accurate negative information on your credit report, except through time. Adverse information will remain on your report for 7 years from the date of last activity. Note! The credit grantor designates the account as in house collection and eventually the account will be send to a 3rd party collection agency, which in turn will post the information separately on your credit report. (Dates can vary per State)

 Want to learn more – see: Complete Credit Guide – Insider Information