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We've heard the warnings before, but now that the holiday shopping season is upon us, it may be useful to hear it again: Back away from the wallet, put down that credit card, and think about what you're about to do. Even the tiniest action, when it comes to credit, can hurt your credit score. For...

Ever notice how there are a host of websites out there dedicated to helping you manage the income and payments side of your personal finances but nothing that really helps you manage your debt better? Adrian Nazari did, and this long-time financial services computer expert hopes to change that with...

If harassing calls from debt collectors are keeping you from answering the phone -- or stressing you out -- you're not alone. Amid the tough economy, debt collection activity has intensified, with some debt collectors engaging in unfair, abusive or illegal practices. The Federal Trade Commission...

Having super-high credit scores can make your financial life a breeze – helping you earn a VIP pass to the best interest rates and terms on credit cards, mortgages and loans of all kinds. A stellar credit rating can also help you land a job or a promotion, save money on insurance, and get...

How important is your credit score? Important enough, but some industry analysts worry that consumers focus too much on credit ratings when they have other, larger financial issues to consider first.

Most financial experts agree that routinely checking your credit reports is a smart idea. If you ask those same experts about credit monitoring services, however, you'll likely get a lot of eye-rolling and negative comments. Critics have three primary complaints about credit monitoring. They say...

Over the weekend I got a letter in the mail from a company called ECMC in Chanhassen, Minn., warning me of a possible theft of my personal data. Letters like these have become, unfortunately, commonplace in recent years. Here's the first paragraph: We at ECMC, a guarantor of federal student...

What's your score? No, this isn't a pick-up line. Every time you apply for a loan, an apartment or a credit card, companies contact credit bureaus like Experian and TransUnion to obtain your score -- your credit score that is. That number and your credit history can often times make or break a...

You want to finance a car? Check your credit score. Want a mortgage? Check your credit score. Want your credit score? There's an app for that, turns out. FICO, which developed the industry-standard credit-risk score, has introduced the myFICO App, available from the Apple App Store. It gives...

We here at WalletPop keep telling you how important your credit score is, but what's a hardworking American to do if there's a mistake on that all-important score -- one that could be costing them valuable points that could translate into a better rate on a mortgage, car loan or credit card?...