Tidbits® - March 2006

Credit insight from Credit.com

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 focusing on recovering from credit problems. We'd love to hear from you! Send an email to tidbits@credit.com with your credit questions or comments anytime!

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 -
http://www.credit.com/r/tidbits_credit101/af=p40523

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 online. 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 - http://www.credit.com/r/tidbits_acr/af=p40523

This service gives you 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 - http://www.credit.com/r/tidbits_debt2wealth/af=p40523

You can also check out products and services to help you gain control of your debts in Credit.com's Debt Center - http://www.credit.com/r/tidbits_debt/af=p40523

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. Open a free OnCenter account online here - https://www.yodlee.com/newarch/registration/signon.default.do?

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. Apply online for a free, no-obligation refinance quote here -
http://www.credit.com/r/mortgage_refi/af=p40523

You can also learn more about an auto refinance - http://www.credit.com/r/auto_refinance/af=p40523

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? Send an email to tidbits@credit.com anytime!

Featured Article

Do you have a healthy or dysfunctional relationship with your money? In this article, one of our credit expertsshows you how to improve your understanding and feelings about money.

Knowing where your credit and debt stands is the first step! http://www.credit.com/r/tidbits_fear2freedom/af=p40523

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 reform online here - http://www.creditbloggers.com/2006/02/bankruptcy_refo.html

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

Tidbits® - March 2006

About this newsletter
This information has been compiled and provided by Credit.com as a service to the public. While our goal is to provide information that will help consumers to manage their credit and debt, this information should not be considered legal advice. Such advice must be specific to the various circumstances of each person's situation, and the general information provided on these pages should not be used as a substitute for the advice of competent legal counsel.

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