6 Smart Moves to Boost Your Credit Score
Even if you're not planning on applying for a mortgage or credit card anytime soon, you need a good credit score. Here are some lesser-known strategies to help boost yours.
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When You've Passed On, Who Inherits Your Credit Card Debt?
When we die, we leave all kinds of things behind, including our debts. And it's not always clear what exactly happens to those obligations. Consider your credit card debt, for example.
There Could Be Something Wrong With 42 Million Credit Reports
The Federal Trade Commission just released a report on the credit reporting industry that could spell trouble for tens of millions of consumers: 25 percent of people had at least one error that could negatively impact their FICO credit score.
3 Surprising Findings From the Latest Study on Credit Reporting Agencies
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau analyzed data from the three largest CRAs %u2013%u2013 Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion %u2013%u2013 over the last year. We pored over the 38-page report. Here are a few of the most staggering findings we came across.
The Most Important Item in Your Credit Report
Most of your financial life is reflected on your credit report. But there's one specific aspect that carries more weight than any other when Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion calculate your credit score -- because it accounts for more than half of the updates the credit bureaus receive.
CFPB Complaint Site Takes on Credit Report Issues, Too
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's complaint website already gave Americans a way to seek redress over problems with credit cards, mortgages, bank accounts, auto or personal loans, even student loans. Now, it's also ready to help us deal with credit reporting agencies.
The Hidden Credit Scores That Could Sink Your Finances
It's not hard to get copies of your credit report: You can even get them free from the major credit-reporting agencies. But each one of us has more than one credit score, and the one you're given may be very different from the ones lenders and other businesses actually use.
Where Does Your Spouse's Credit Card Debt Go When They Die?
When a husband or wife dies, it's not just the emotional issues that can be overwhelming; the financial issues can be, too. Here are three important financial actions no widow or widower should delay taking -- and the answer to the pressing question in the headline above.
Dealing With Your Credit Report Just Got a Lot Easier
It has never been more important to have good credit, but it's no easy task to go against the ratings agencies when your credit report is wrong. Now though, you have an ally in your corner: The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Consumer Bureau to Supervise Credit Reporting Agencies
Credit reporting agencies will soon be subject to federal oversight for the first time. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau announced Monday that it will begin supervising the nation's biggest consumer reporting agencies this fall.
4 Ways for Young Adults to Get a Better Handle on Credit Scores
Americans are getting more educated about credit scores, and younger people are the most well-versed of all. But that doesn't mean there aren't some gaps in their knowledge. So what should you do to keep on top of your credit? Here are a few free tips.
Denied Credit? New Fed Rule May Interest You
Have you ever been turned down for a loan? Had your credit line slashed or interest rate bumped up? Well, starting Thursday, banks and other lenders will be required tell you a bit more about why. The FTC and the Fed are implementing a new rule requiring lenders to show consumers the credit score data they used to make their decision.
100 Words That Can Change Your Credit History
You should always know what's in your credit report -- especially if you're planning any major purchases or intend to apply for a new job in the near future. But creditors and credit agencies aren't the only ones who can contribute to your report. You can have your say, too.
