Credit reports: They’re complicated. You can’t really argue with that sentiment: They are long and often unwieldy; there are three major versions of them, and they can affect more facets of your life — like, say, your ability to get certain jobs — than you may think. Fortunately, there are some things that are true, no matter... Read More

You pay your bills on time, keep those credit cards in check and only apply for new credit when you really need it. There’s every reason in the world you should have a stellar credit score. And yet … One of the reasons you hear “check your credit” so often is that there are ways things can... Read More

You have a very pleasant phone call with a debt collector. The person begs you to send in a just a small sum, say $10, to settle the payment and promises to never bother you again. Suddenly, you get a new bill with the date of the collection account reset to the current date. Is it... Read More

If you’ve got a less-than-stellar credit score and are looking to apply for a loan, chances are you’re going to want to fix those numbers fast. And you just might be able to do it — depending, of course, on what’s weighing your credit down. Dealing With Disputes Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, once... Read More

Credit reports play an important role in your life beyond the world of credit cards, mortgages and student loans. As you build a credit history, you’re developing a key component of your future that may affect your job, where you live and even the phone in your pocket. Loan officers and credit card companies aren’t... Read More

As spring gives way to summer, you’re probably thinking more about long weekends with friends, backyard barbecues and just hanging out poolside than you are about how to improve your credit score. But if you have less-than-stellar credit, there’s no time like the present to turn your financial situation around. The following steps can help... Read More