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What steps to take when buying a home
Answer: Well, that depends on a number of factors, including the cost of the house and the type of mortgage you get. In general, you need to come up with enough money to cover three costs: earnest money- the deposit you make on the home when you submit your offer, to prove to the seller that you are serious about wanting to buy the house; the down payment, a percentage of the cost of the home that you must pay when you go to settlement; and closing costs, the costs associated with processing the paperwork to buy a house.
Credit Resolutions from True Credit
Trying to improve your finances? Not sure where to start? Whether your goals involve credit clean-up, refinancing, or saving, you can make this year a personal best for your credit. Read on for TrueCredit’s top credit targets:
What is the Fair Credit Reporting Act
You must be told if information in your file has been used against you.
Understanding Your Credit FICO Formula
Understanding Your Credit FICO Formula. Typically most consumers have a misunderstanding of the credit score. In my opinion, it's the Credit Bureaus for not educating consumers on how to understand the process and the score point systems.
How to Establish, Use, and Protect Your Credit
How to Establish, Use, and Protect Your Credit What you need to know
Handling Foreclosures
Many people feel like they’ve been hit in the face when credit problems strike them. On a much larger scale, getting hit in the face is similar to some degree as getting your house foreclosed on or any credit problem.
Ways to Save Money at the Gas Pump
With the rising cost of gas prices…and no end in sight…everyone wants to save as much money at the gas pump as they possibly can. You may not be able to control the price of gas but you can change certain habits and follow some basic guidelines to help you save as much money as possible.
Credit Coach Playbook #9: Avoid the “Inquiry Injury”
Too many credit inquiries can injure your credit score, this I what Credit Coach calls an “inquiry injury”. Your credit score will suffer if
Credit Coach Playbook #7: The Old Timer vs. the Rookie
There are many instances when a rookie is preferred to an old timer, but not on your credit report! If you have old cr
Dept of Edu – Discharge Student Loans with VA Benefits
Are You Entitled to Additional Benefits? The Department of Education provides a program for Veterans to discharge their student loans. To be eligible, the Veteran must have a service-connected disability(ies) that is 100%
Credit Coach Playbook #6: The Ball is in Your Court
Making your credit card payments on time is extremely important to your credit score. Late payment fees and higher interest rates are undesired results of late credit card payments.
Credit Coach Playbook #3: FICO Nutrition
It’s important to note that raising your FICO credit score is a bit like losing weight: It takes time and there is no quick fix. A good credit rating is invaluable. It will help you get more credit and
Credit Coach Playbook #8 Ace in the Hole
In the sports world, an ace in the hole is a hidden advantage or resource kept in reserve until needed. In our world at Credit Coach, we refer to balance transfer checks as one of our aces in the hole.
Creditor Sues
WHEN THE CREDITOR SUES, WHAT ARE MY RIGHTS? Important Note: The following fact sheet is not intended to substitute for legal advice. It only highlights your most important rights with respect to
Credit Coach Playbook #5: The Sand Trap
Buy now, pay later. Some merchants extend the offer of getting your items now and putting the charges on your c
Tips For a Successful Credit Card Holder
Pay on Time Paying your credit card account on time helps you avoid late fees as well as penalty interest rates applied to your account, and helps you maintain a good credit record. A good credit record leads to a higher credit score, which helps you qualify for lower interest rates. Know the date your payment is due. If your bill is due at an inconvenient time of the month–for example, if it’s due on the 10th and you get paid on the 15th–contact your credit card company to see if they will change your billing cycle to fit your cash flow.
Credit Coach Playbook #11: Pass Interference
Isn’t it annoying to get all that junk mail from companies trying to get you to apply for their credit cards? Not only is it annoying but it also puts you at risk for identity theft! All it takes for identity theft to happen to you is your mail being delivered to the wrong address or someone stealing your discarded mail, things we refer to as pass interference. Once the credit card offer falls into the wrong hands, that person can apply for the card for you, essentially hijacking your identity.
Credit Coach Playbook #1: Understanding the “Game”
When you apply for credit, the lender reviews your credit report before approving your application. The three major credit reporting agencies are Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. These agencies, which are also called “bureaus,” collect and report information about consumers’ financial habits and put the information into a credit report along with a rating, referred to as your FICO Score. Each agency’s report contains the same basic information: name; Social Security number; current and previous addresses; current and previous employers; details about how you have your opened and closed accounts/ loans; public-record information, such as bankruptcies, court judgments, or liens; and a list of companies that have reviewed the credit report.
Credit Coach Playbook #2: Technical “Fouls”
Most of us realize that our credit report is reviewed when we apply for a credit card, mortgage, or car loan. However, it is often forgotten that your credit report may also be reviewed when you apply for auto or homeowner’s insurance, utility services, or a cell phone.
The Secret of a Budget
I WENT EVERY DAY DOING THE SAME THING AND GETTING NO WHERE, then finally I started tracking my results so I could improve my spending.
