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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.
In this issue we're talking about ways you can manage
your money for free, credit scores and bankruptcy. We'd
love to hear from you! Send
us an email with your credit questions or comments
anytime! |
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Quick
Tip
Checking
your own credit reports from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion
online does not harm your credit score.
This is a very common myth. Minor credit score damage
only occurs when your credit data is pulled by a business
for an application.
Click
here to read more about credit reports and scores. |
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Featured
Article
Do
you have a healthy or dysfunctional relationship with
your money? In this article, one of our credit experts
shows you how to improve your understanding and feelings
about money.
Knowing where your credit and debt stands is the first
step!
Find out
more
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On
the Blog
Consumer
bankruptcy laws have changed recently. In this post,
Nancy Castleman discusses the results and consequences
of the new rules. Share your comments, questions and
feedback online.
Read
more about bankruptcy reforms. |
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5 free ways to spring clean your finances!
Spring officially starts March 20th! No more shoveling snow…no
more puffy parkas…no more chapped lips…well, in theory
at least! Celebrate the end of winter by doing a bit of financial
spring cleaning. Credit.com recommends five simple and free cleaning
projects:
1. Scrub your credit reports
Spring is a great time to check your Equifax, Experian and TransUnion
credit reports. A little credit clean-up now could help you save
a bundle on big purchases this summer. Start by learning how to
order
all three of your credit reports for free through the FACT
Act website. This service gives you free access to your credit reports
once every 12 months as required by law. Check each credit report
for inaccuracies, expired
records and signs of identity
theft. If you find any problems, submit your disputes
to the credit bureaus for investigation.
2. Organize your files
If your home records are less than organized, set aside a few hours
to clean out your financial papers this month. Create organized
folders containing all your important bills, records, tax documents
and financial statements. Make copies of the most important documents
and put the originals in a safe deposit box at your bank for security.
Use a cross-cutting or confetti shredder to fully destroy any bills,
statements or sensitive mail that you decide not to keep.
3. Wash away your debts
If you are stuck in the payday loan cycle or dealing with too much
credit card debt, now is the time to take some action. With a little
hard work, it may be possible to be debt-free by summer! Start by
reading this great free article about going from debt
to wealth. You can also check out Credit.com's Debt
Center for products and services to help you gain control
of your debts.
4. Sort out your online accounts
Keeping track of your online banking, credit card, loan and investment
accounts doesn't have to be difficult. Simplify your online banking
by signing up for an account with OnCenter.
This free program allows you to monitor all your online accounts
through one secure website. Plus, OnCenter includes an email alert
system, handy charts and month-to-month tracking of your net worth.
Click
here to open a free OnCenter account online.
5. Replace your worn-out loans
Ready to refinance your home or auto loan? Do you have a balloon
payment on the horizon? Considering consolidating your student loans
into one monthly payment? This may be the perfect time to give your
loans a little spring cleaning. Calculate your mortgage
options first or apply online for a free, no-obligation
refinance
quote. You can also learn more about an auto
refinance or a student
loan consolidation online.
Doesn't it feel terrific to do a little spring cleaning? With some
scrubbing and organizing in March, you should be able to get your
finances sparkling clean this spring. Do you have comments, tips
or questions about spring cleaning? Share
them with us by email anytime!
Quote of the Month
A
bank is a place that will lend you money if you can prove that you
don't need it.
- Bob Hope
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