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Welcome
to the Credit.com newsletter!
Each month, this free email newsletter delivers easy-to-read
tidbits about credit directly from personal finance experts.
These straightforward tips are designed to help you understand,
improve and maximize your finances. We'd love to hear
from you! Send
us an email with your credit questions or comments
anytime! |
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Featured
Article
All
late payments are not created equal! In this article
our FICO Score expert, John Ulzheimer, reveals secrets
about how 30, 60 and 90 day late payments really impact
your credit scores.
Find
out more
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Fraud Alert
The
IRS has issues a warning about a phishing email being
distributed online. The email claims to be from the IRS
and alerts you to a "refund" that is being
held in your name.
Read more about this identity theft scam.
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30 Minute New Year's Resolutions
Lose weight, learn a language, stop smoking....What's your New Year's
resolution? Along with long term goals, set a few easy-to-achieve
financial resolutions for 2006. In this month's newsletter, we show
you five simple financial resolutions that can each be completed
in just 30 minutes. Less work and more results, now that's a New
Year's resolution!
1. Check your Credit Scores
Checking
your credit reports and credit scores online is simple and safe.
Catching and correcting mistakes now ensures that your credit will
be ready for any major purchases in 2006. Plus, checking your own
credit data online does not harm your credit scores. Check your
Equifax, Experian and TransUnion credit reports with all three FICO
scores today.
2. Create a Spending Plan
Take
a few minutes to calculate your monthly budget, you may be very
surprised at the results! Our free online cash flow calculator makes
it easy to evaluate your income and expenses. Are you spending $80
a month on morning lattes? Could you be putting more money toward
reducing your credit card debts? What about opening a savings account?
Spending just 30 minutes thinking about your monthly finances could
help you save big in 2006.
3. Open a New Credit Card
Keeping
3-6 active credit card accounts open can help you improve your credit
score and prepare for financial emergencies. If you don't currently
have any credit cards, start by applying for a credit card designed
to help you build
your credit history. If you have established credit, upgrade
to a new credit card that offers a low
APR, no annual fee or a rewards
program. If you have high balances from holiday shopping,
open a new account that offers excellent balance
transfer rates.
4. Think About Refinancing
Refinancing expensive
loans has never been easier. With online lenders available 24 hours
a day, evaluating your refinance options is a snap. If you are currently
stuck with an expensive home loan, you may be able to save thousands
by refinancing
your mortgage before rates increase. Plus, there are even
options available now that allow you to refinance
costly auto loans. Both refinance options offer secure applications
and no obligation quotes.
5. Guard Against Identity Theft
Identity theft
is considered the fastest growing crime in America. It is also a
crime that you can guard against in just 30 minutes. Start by installing
virus
or spam blocking software on your computer to prevent cyber
criminals. Next, purchase a cross-cutting shredder from your local
office supply store. Use this shredder daily to securely destroy
mail containing your personal identifying information or any other
information you consider sensitive. You can visit Credit.com
to read more about preventing identity theft.
Each of these five financial goals can be achieved in just 30 minutes.
Get a few 2006 resolutions under your belt today!
Quote
of the Month
Be
at war with your vices; at peace with your neighbors, and let every
new year find you a better man.
- Benjamin Franklin
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