Archive for June, 2009

Can you repair your own bad credit?

djkewilla asked:


I have recently researched information on repairing bad credit after bankruptcy, etc. It appears that items, whether true or false can legally be disputed from yourself as frequent as every 30 days. And, unless the credit bureau agencies can provide valid proof (from the original creditors) within a 30 day period, they must remove the derogatory credit from your file. Although it can take 2 – 3 times of writing dispute letters to actually get a response, this seems very interesting. It also appears that the FCRA is really in the consumers favor, but not really advertised to us because the 3 major bureaus profit from our credit history. Any experience/advice on someone cleaning up their own bad credit (not through credit repair scams)?

Loretta

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3 Comments

Consumer Credit Law – Your Credit Report is Wrong!

Ted Batron asked:


Consumer credit law. Just the name sounds ominous. It brings up images of debtors prisons and courtrooms where credit attorneys argue about your worth as a person just because you are not able to pay your debts as agreed. Don’t worry. There aren’t any more debtors prisons. But a low credit score might make you feel like you’re in one.

Listen, things happen. Circumstances change. Creditors sometimes wear blinders. All they want is their money. Credit law is daunting and complicated. I know I constantly preach about how you can settle your debts yourself, and I believe that you can. You need the right education, the right tools and above all the commitment. In some cases, you are going to need someone specializing in consumer credit law.

Even after you have negotiated and settled your debt, marks and blemishes can remain on your credit file for years. This can (and it’s frankly certain in this economic climate) prevent you from getting home and auto loans. Even if you are able to borrow, you will get the highest rates and end up spending money on increased fees and charges to offset what the lender perceives at an increased risk.

Even if the negatives on your credit report aren’t your fault, as in the case of identity theft. The majority of credit reports contain errors of some kind. And even if the entry is accurate, but negative, you need to try to get it removed.

You have debt rights. You have the law on your side. The FDCPA ( Fair Debt Collection Practices Act) protects you from unscrupulous creditors. But you do have to have a foundation, a basic knowledge of debt law. I don’t usually speak too highly of lawyers, I mean, who does. But the truth is that we all hate ‘em, until we need ‘em.

Debt laws are made to protect you. But a good credit lawyer can’t hurt. These guys have taken on creditors and collection agencies before. They know what the credit bureaus can and can’t do. They know the procedures that can quickly get negatives removed from your credit report.

I’m not singing their praises. I’m just saying that the time comes for a little help, when you may not feel you know enough about credit law. You may need to turn to a professional who is experienced at dealing with credit bureaus and can make sure your credit rights are not violated!

If you have issues like a credit judgment or two on your credit report, there are procedures to get this removed. Getting a judgment vacated is not easy, but it can be done. It’s really the experience factor that I think is important here. Credit lawyers have done this before. They already know what we as consumers would have to learn. And even after we learn it intellectually, we are still completely unfamiliar with the court procedures. If you are unable to get the debt judgment vacated, it can remain on your credit file for 10 or more years.

Practicing credit report law takes time to learn. While there are a lot of simple things you can do to correct your report, not all reports are simple. Many, in fact most, have numerous errors. In the case of identity theft, the errors and negative information can be almost insurmountable. Identity theft is definitely an area where you are going to need to contact an attorney who practices consumer credit law to correct the issues on your credit report.



Fernando

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No Comments

Online Application | Los Angeles Dodgers® Extra Bases® Credit Card

College Credit Builder asked:


The Los Angeles Dodgers® team logo can now be featured on the Major League Baseball™ Extra Bases™ Credit Card issued by Bank of America.    (www.dodgerscreditcard.com).   This rewards credit card is scoring big with avid baseball fans and credit card consumers across the country.  Like many department stores, colleges and airlines have done for decades, Major League Baseball™ teams are now being displayed on consumer credit cards.  These sports oriented rewards credit cards — a great way for fans to express their undying team loyalty –  are proving to be a home run in the credit card industry.

Features offered by the Major League Baseball™ Extra Bases™ Credit Card from Bank of America include:

•           No annual fee.

•           0% introductory Annual Percentage Rate (APR) on balance transfers and cash advance checks for your first 12 billing cycles.

•           Earn 1 point for every net retail dollar spent redeemable for MLB™ autographed memorabilia, once-in-a-lifetime MLB™ experiences, cash rewards and travel with no blackout dates.

•           Get an official MLB™ licensed jersey after your first qualifying transaction(s) using your MLB™ Extra Bases™ credit card.

During a period of economic instability, uncertainty in the stock market, illiquidity in the credit markets and the softening real estate market, one thing remains constant – sports fans are crazy about Major League Baseball.  Historically, baseball has given the public something to believe in and something to hope for, particularly during difficult economic times.   With the MLB™ Extra Bases™ credit card, Dodgers fans can be reminded of their favorite team every time they take out their wallets.  Real fans carry the card with pride.  Visit www.dodgerscreditcard.com to complete the credit card application online in a few short minutes.

http://www.articlesbase.com/baseball-articles/los-angeles-dodgers-credit-card-major-league-baseball-extra-bases-mastercard-626528.html



Keith

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No Comments

Why didn’t Bush ever pursue credit card protection for consumers, Obama just got 95 Senators to vote Yes?

dstr asked:


So why was Bush so corporate driven, why didn’t he give a crap about everyday Americans?
Did Bush ever have 95 Senators agreeing with him?
TyranusXX…No you are wrong about credit companies, Visa, Master Card, AE, and others exist to extend credit, that right wing talking point is absurd.The differnce now is consumers have a bill of rights.

Lynn

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18 Comments

Why Are More People Seeking Help From Consumer Credit Counselors?

Leroy K. Calstard asked:


The emergence on consumer credit counseling over the past few decades is mainly due to the increasing number of Americans who continue to charge their way into unmanageable debt. This is not to say that there aren’t some families and individuals who have ended up in debt due to no fault of their own – whether it is due to high medical bills, illness, death or a change in family status. But most end up in debt because of charging too much on credit cards and store cards and buying things on credit that they wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford. At some point you just can’t keep up with even the minimum monthly payments, which in turn causes a huge amount of the debt to be just the interest owed.

For many individuals and families who find themselves in over their heads, bankruptcy can seem like the only answer. As a result of this consumer credit counseling organizations have emerged to try to deal with this growing problem by helping people manage their debts and make arrangements to get them out of debt. This is often the last step before bankruptcy.

In fact, recent bankruptcy laws have been introduced that require individuals to obtain consumer credit counseling before filing for bankruptcy in an effort to reduce the high cost of lawyers and court fees. Consumer Credit counseling is usually the best option because it allows to you manage and clear your debt without the negative impact of a bankruptcy on your credit report. Bankruptcies can stay on your credit file for up to 10 years and can seriously hinder your ability to obtain any type of credit or loan, and will bring down your credit score which can make it difficult for you to do anything from renting a house to getting a job that requires a security clearance. It can even affect your ability to open a bank account with an overdraft feature.

However, consumer credit counseling is not provided free of charge and not everyone can afford to obtain these services. Some are so deeply in debt that they can’t even afford help to get out of debt. But if you can go this route, you can get relief. Consumer credit counseling agencies can help you by getting your monthly payments reduced, getting interest rages reduced, getting over-limit charges and late charges waived and can help you consolidate all your payments into one payment to them. This will enable you to eliminate your debt entirely and clear your name, as well as rebuild your credit.



Stacy

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No Comments

Your Consumer Credit Report Is All Done Off Of Basis Of A Pie Chart

Andy Zain asked:


Your consumer credit report follows you through all the different walks in your life. A lot of people are interested in their credit reports after the significant downfall of our present day economy. People are adamantly trying by any means to increase their score so they can purchase many different things that they may stand in need of.

Presently there are three different agencies that you can obtain this crucial report from, they are Transunion, Equifax and Experian. But, many consumers will not be able to obtain their report from Experian as easily as they were able to do before. Experian is no longer one of the three, consumer reports it is now known as its own loan ranger in the credit scheme.

You can still obtain the report, the only thing is you will have to take a few different steps in order to obtain the score as opposed to what you would have had to do prior in order to obtain the score. You may be curious to know exactly what the consumer credit score is all about in the first place.

Your consumer credit report is pulled anytime that you are interested in making an important purchase. Many times when you are interested in financing something your report will be pulled. For instance you can expect your report to be pulled if you are interested in purchasing a vehicle or a home in many instances.

It is imperative to know what’s on your consumer credit report, so you do not face any ailments when you are trying to purchase things to make your life substantially easier. Your credit score actually begins being kept in many respects when you reach the age of 18. However, some people have had a score tallying up for them at a younger age.

Your score is actually configured utilizing a specific pie chart that is split into different sections. All of the parts equal out to 100%. Being able to properly interpret this chart will allow you to gain a better understanding of how the consumer report is analyzed.

The largest chunk of the chart is based off of your payment history. Thirty five percent makes up this larger chunk. The next chunk is 30%, and that measures how much you still owe towards your debts. Then the chart has another 15% open designating the length of time that you have had credit. 10% is set aside for new credit while the remaining 10% evaluates the kind of credit that you have such as revolving, and credit cards.

It is crucial to know how your credit score is configured. Knowing all of the underlying facts that come into play will help you be able to increase your overall score.



Mildred

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No Comments

Consumer Credit Counseling Services – Quick Advice From Financial Advisors May Help!

Abhishek Agarwal asked:


Are you in debt? Well, you’re not alone. Debt is a mounting problem. Cheap credit and the rising cost of living has put more and more of us in debt. Sometimes that debt gets out of control and just keeps on rising. It can feel like we will never be out of the red.

The most common response is to ignore the problem and hope it will go away. This is not a good idea. You can’t hide from debt. As the interest build up your debt will just keep on getting bigger.

It is better to face up to it and do something about it. Debt is not something to be ashamed of and hidden. A period of unemployment, illness, or unexpected expenses can easily force any of us into debt.

Your first step should be to contact one of the consumer credit counseling services. You will find one near you. They exist in every town and every country. Visit the website of the counsumer credit counseling service at www.cccsintl.org to find your local office.

You will be able to talk through your problems with an experienced financial advisor who understands consumer credit and the issues surrounding debt. They will help you to make a plan to pay off your debts and keep out of debt in the future. You don’t have to be foolish or incompetent to get into debt.

There is a fee to pay. They have to keep their service going. But it is very reasonable and it is small price to pay to escape from the anxiety that chronic debt produces.

They will ask you to bring in all your financial details and be open with them about your debts, bills and income. This is the only way they can assess your financial situation. The whole thing is entirely confidential so there is nothing to worry about. Your employer, your friends and family need never know.

They will negotiate with your creditors on your behalf and work out a payment plan that you can manage. Most lenders would rather accept some payment rather than none. The consumer credit counseling service has immense experience at negotiating in these cases. They will get you the best deal possible.

Once they’ve established a repayment plan the consumer credit counseling service will work out a budget for you that should keep you debt free. They work with you to plan your finances and put you back on track.

Debt is something you cannot struggle with alone. You need expert help. That is what the consumer credit counseling service provide.

So if you are struggling under a burden of debt look for their website, in the Yellow Pages or ring them on the toll free number 1-800-873-2227.

It could make all the difference to your life.



Regina

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No Comments

Do you think that the Federal Reserve is living up to its mission statement?

libertarian asked:


The Federal Reserve System is the central bank of the United States. It was founded by Congress in 1913 to provide the nation with a safer, more flexible, and more stable monetary and financial system. Over the years, its role in banking and the economy has expanded.
Today, the Federal Reserve’s duties fall into four general areas:

•conducting the nation’s monetary policy by influencing the monetary and credit conditions in the economy in pursuit of maximum employment, stable prices, and moderate long-term interest rates
•supervising and regulating banking institutions to ensure the safety and soundness of the nation’s banking and financial system and to protect the credit rights of consumers
•maintaining the stability of the financial system and containing systemic risk that may arise in financial markets
•providing financial services to depository institutions, the U.S. government, and foreign official institutions, including playing a major role in operating the nation’s payments system

Lee

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4 Comments

what should i take my senior year?

*lil’ leasha lu* asked:


Scheduling is coming up for senior year and i need some help. I have to take atleast one credit in science or Math. I have it narrowed to three choices, either to take pre-calculus (1 credit) or to take easy classes like half a year of consumer math (1/2 credit) and a half a year of botany(1/2 credit) or i could take a full year of academic physics (1 credit). This year I took academic chemistry because people were pushing me to do it, but i regret it now because i’m struggling. So i have heard some people say pre-calc is tough and i don’t need another year of struggling. But i’ve also heard that colleges would like it better if i did take physics or pre-calc. I’m not going into the science field and i doubt i’ll be going into math either. So what should i take? Do colleges really care?

Elaine

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4 Comments

Online Application | Colorado Rockies® Extra Bases® Credit Card

College Credit Builder asked:


The Colorado Rockies® team logo can now be featured on the Major League Baseball™ Extra Bases™ Credit Card issued by Bank of America.    (www.rockiescreditcard.com).   This rewards credit card is scoring big with avid baseball fans and credit card consumers across the country.  Like many department stores, colleges and airlines have done for decades, Major League Baseball™ teams are now being displayed on consumer credit cards.  These sports oriented rewards credit cards — a great way for fans to express their undying team loyalty –  are proving to be a home run in the credit card industry.

Features offered by the Major League Baseball™ Extra Bases™ Credit Card from Bank of America include:

•           No annual fee.

•           0% introductory Annual Percentage Rate (APR) on balance transfers and cash advance checks for your first 12 billing cycles.

•           Earn 1 point for every net retail dollar spent redeemable for MLB™ autographed memorabilia, once-in-a-lifetime MLB™ experiences, cash rewards and travel with no blackout dates.

•           Get an official MLB™ licensed jersey after your first qualifying transaction(s) using your MLB™ Extra Bases™ credit card.

During a period of economic instability, uncertainty in the stock market, illiquidity in the credit markets and the softening real estate market, one thing remains constant – sports fans are crazy about Major League Baseball.  Historically, baseball has given the public something to believe in and something to hope for, particularly during difficult economic times.   With the MLB™ Extra Bases™ credit card, Rockies fans can be reminded of their favorite team every time they take out their wallets.  Real fans carry the card with pride.  Visit www.rockiescreditcard.com to complete the credit card application online in a few short minutes.

http://www.articlesbase.com/baseball-articles/colorado-rockies-credit-card-major-league-baseball-extra-bases-mastercard-626518.html



Glenda

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No Comments