Finance Globe

U.S. financial and economic topics from several finance writers.

5 Rules Credit Bureaus Must Follow

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Major corporations known as credit bureaus or credit reporting agencies compile your credit information then sell it to businesses that need your credit information. From getting approved for credit cards and loans to getting a job, the information in your credit report plays a major role in your life. Here are some rules defined by the Fair Credit Reporting Act that every credit reporting agency has to follow. They must make your credit report available to...
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Frank
The last comment is important to know as you have to specifically request it. It usually only takes ~10 minutes or so, and I alway... Read More
Tuesday, 26 September 2017 19:18
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What Your Credit Report Reveals About You

What Your Credit Report Reveals About You
Many of the companies you have accounts with regularly send your account activity to the credit bureaus. Then, businesses that you want to have an account with you check your credit report to determine whether to approve your application. Here are a few things your credit report says about you. Whether you pay your bills on time. Each month, your creditors report our creditors report whether your payment was on time for that month. Any payments...
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Frank
I check my credit report once a quarter. It gives me a piece of mind and I want to make sure I am always on top of my finances.... Read More
Friday, 30 June 2017 15:34
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The Difference Between Debt Collectors and the Original Creditor

The Difference Between Debt Collectors and the Original Creditor
When you start missing payments on your bills, you'll begin receiving calls and letters asking you to pay for the debt. Depending on how late your payments are, this contact could come from one of two companies: the original creditor or a debt collector. As you may guess, the original creditor is the company who you originally had the account with. This is the credit card issuer, the lender, or another business you had a service with,...
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Can You Trust Free Credit Scores?

Can You Trust Free Credit Scores?
The number of places offering free credit scores has increased substantially over the years. It’s easier than ever to get a truly free credit score – that is, one that doesn’t ask you for a credit card number and covertly sign you up for a trial subscription that has to be cancelled. If you use one of these free credit score services or you’re thinking about using one, you might wonder how much can you trust...
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Frank
I use free credit scores to monitor my credit. I have seen it is a little off, but for the most part, very close to my real credit... Read More
Wednesday, 22 February 2017 15:46
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What to Do If You're Behind on Your Car Payments

What to Do If You're Behind on Your Car Payments
Your auto loan payments are one of the most important of your monthly payments. Missing loan payments can have serious consequences for your credit and put you at risk of losing your only source of transportation. After three missed payments, many auto lenders will declare your loan in default and at that point they may begin the repossession process. In repossession, the lender takes possession of your car – they don’t have to ask or warn...
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Frank
These are good tips Latoya. Luckily I have never had this happen to me, but now if it does, I know what to do.
Tuesday, 24 January 2017 17:03
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3 Simple Ways to Protect Your Credit

3 Simple Ways to Protect Your Credit
How much time do you devote to protecting your credit? Believe it or not, many people never think twice about this. Instead, they go about their life, hoping that nothing bad ever happens. Rather than take the risk, here are three simple ways to protect your credit: 1. Keep Your Personal Information Safe This can mean many things. For example, store financial documents in a safe place. Along with this, don’t share your personal information with...
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Frank
I recommend purchasing a credit monitoring software from a number of different providers. It is very inexpensive and can save you ... Read More
Monday, 21 November 2016 18:33
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Take These Steps After a Data Breach

Take These Steps After a Data Breach
Major corporations are losing massive amounts of consumer information due to data breaches. Most recently, Yahoo reported a breach of more than 500 million accounts. It is the biggest data breach in history (as of September 2016). The impact of having your information exposed in a data breach depends on the type of information stolen. Basic information alone – email addresses, usernames, and passwords – typically enough to commit fraud or identity theft. But if hackers...
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Frank
on somewhat of a related note, I had my computer stolen so I am going through the process of changing all of my password informati... Read More
Thursday, 29 September 2016 11:24
latoyairby
Yikes! I'm sorry that happened. I try to remember not to store passwords on my computer. Which makes it hard because there are SO ... Read More
Thursday, 29 September 2016 17:13
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4 Things You Do That Accidentally Put Your Identity At Risk

4 Things You Do That Accidentally Put Your Identity At Risk
No one would knowingly volunteer to be a victim of fraud or identity theft. While you may do your best to keep your financial details safe, you could be unknowingly putting your identity at risk if you do any of these things. Use the same password for all your online accounts. We have dozens of online accounts for everything from email to social media to bank accounts. Unfortunately, many people get lazy and simply use the same password for...
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Frank
I always catch myself sending over information on public WiFi. I know someday that is going to bite me, but I somehow always forge... Read More
Thursday, 29 September 2016 11:10
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7 Tips For Dealing With Your Student Loans

7 Tips For Dealing With Your Student Loans
Student loan debt has grown steadily over the last several years, with the total amount of outstanding debt topping $1.3 trillion according to a report from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Many borrowers owe more than $50,000 and some even owe more than $100,000. Dealing with student loan debt can feel overwhelming, but it's possible. Explore your repayment options. Many student loan providers give you several different options for repaying your student loans. Some...
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Frank
My wife and I are currently going through all of these steps as we pay off our student loans. It is honestly a ton of work, but wo... Read More
Friday, 26 August 2016 12:58
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Why You Should Always Pay Your Bills on Time

Why You Should Always Pay Your Bills on Time
Bills. They come each month like clockwork. And like clockwork, we’re supposed to send payment by a specific due date. Companies won’t come to your home and demand payment, but that doesn’t mean that paying late is without consequences. Here are seven reasons you should always pay on time. To avoid late fees. Most companies, and not just credit card companies, will charge a late fee when your payment isn't received by the due date. Late...
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Frank
If at all possible never ever pay your bills late. It never helps the situation and there really is no upside. You are ultimately ... Read More
Friday, 22 July 2016 11:26
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