Loans

Site Map for Credit Scores, Credit Cards

Chapter 1
Why Credit is so Important It’s a Credit Economy Credit Keeps Getting Easier	A Creeping Effect Student Loan Debt Increasing Mortgage Debt	The Bottom Line Chapter 1 Conclusion

Chapter 2
The Mechanics of Credit Scores History of Credit Scoring Credit Bureaus’ Customers Fair Credit Reporting Act What’s in Your Report?	Identifying Information Credit History Inquiries Public Records What’s NOT in Your Report	Credit Reports vs. Scores What Makes a Credit Score Your Score and Credit Chapter 2 Conclusion

Chapter 3
How Credit Cards Work A History of Credit Three Kinds of Credit Cards	How Merchants Get Paid The Web of Relationships A Complex System	What This Means to You Chapter 3 Conclusion

Chapter 4
Choosing a Credit Card Who Are You? Interest Rates Periodic Rate Grace Period	Finance Charges Look for the "Schumer Box" "Credit Cards" that Aren't Cash Advance Fees Late Fees	Over-Limit Fees Comparing Numerous Cards Credit Card Scams Secured Credit Cards Chapter 4 Conclusion

Chapter 5
Using a Credit Card Wisely Debit Cards Balance Tranfers	Surprise Balance Tranfers Changing Terms Read Your Statment. Really	What to Do About Errors Chapter 5 Conclusion

Chapter 6
Dealing With Credit Bureaus How to Get Your Reports Different Kinds of Reports Add-On Services	Nobody's Perfect Fixing Mistakes Specific Steps to Take	Beware of ID Thieves If Errors Aren't Fixed Chapter 6 Conclusion

Chapter 7
Who Can Look at Your Credit Potential Employers Insurance Companies Lender Inquiries	Why Inquiries Matter Auto Loans & Mortgages Credit Card Inquiries Inquiries That Don't Hurt	Permission vs. Permissible Sneaky Peeks Chapter 7 Conclusion

Chapter 8
Red Flags and Black Marks The Basic Trouble Signs Problems With Secured Debts	A "Downward Spiral" Beware of Cash Advances Bankruptcy	Debt Reaffirmation Chapter 8 Conclusion

Chapter 9
If You're Having Money Problems Make a Simple Budget Paying Down Your Debts Contact Your Creditors Late Payments Re-Aging Your Accounts What Will Creditors Do?	Collection Agencies Debt Collection Laws What Collectors Can't Say Things You Shouldn't Say Statute of Limitations Negotiating With Collectors Why Will a Creditor Settle?	Negotiating Your Score Once You Have an Agreement Credit Counselors Avoiding Scammers Debt Consolidation Playing Hardball Chapter 9 Conclusion

Chapter 10
Family Issues Community Property Authorized User Marriage as a Reckoning Secrets are Not a Good Sign	Divorcing Into Bankruptcy Creditors May Not Care You Do Have Recourse A Better Way to Break Up	Establish Your Own Credit Helping Family Members Promissory Note Chapter 10 Conclusion

Chapter 11
Improving Your Credit Score Step 1: Get Your Credit Reports Step 2: Pay Bills On Time Step 3: Keep Using Credit Step 4: Pay Down Balances Step 5: Keep Accounts Active	Step 6: Avoid New Credit Other Steps Show Stability Advanced Tactics Playing With the Numbers Time Heals All Wounds	Alternatives to Waiting "New Credit Identity" Weasels on Both Sides Quick Points to Remember Chapter 11 Conclusion

Chapter 12
Mortgages and Car Loans Home Mortgage Loans Qualifying Ratios Working With a Loan Broker Home Loan Mechanics Amortization	Paying Points Amount of the Loan The Down Payment Closing Costs Low Doc Loans and No Doc Loans	Length of the Loan Refinancing Auto Loans Shopping for Car Loans Chapter 12 Conclusion

Chapter 13
Keeping Good Credit Evergreen Advice Managing Credit Watch the Balance Transfers	Tricky Accounting The Law On Fine Print Guard Against Identity Theft Lost or Stolen Credit Cards	Review Your Statements On-Line Safety Other Tips Chapter 13 Conclusion

Site Map for Credit Scores, Credit Cards

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13