Credit Report and Your Rights
Have You Pulled Your Credit Report Lately?
Information found on credit reports and that three-digit number called a credit score havebecome such integral decision-factors in our lives. Do you feel as though you are now judged upon your credit report and credit score more than ever?
We have the opportunity—and the right—to see our credit reports and ensure that they are accurate, which is especially important before you apply for a loan. Here are some steps to taking advantage of the FACT Act to monitor your own credit: Continue reading “Credit Report and Your Rights” »
KTVQ Interview with Sharon Welborn | New Credit Card Changes
Sharon Welborn, Branch Manager of our Billings, Montana office, made the evening news last night. I’ve included the full story below as well as a link to the video broadcast. Enjoy! Continue reading “KTVQ Interview with Sharon Welborn | New Credit Card Changes” »
New Debt Consolidation Guide on Site…
I wanted to let our readers know that we have added a Debt Consolidation Guide to our website. You can view the guide online and print it off to keep.
We created the guide to help clear up some misconceptions of what Debt Consolidation is and what it isn’t. Continue reading “New Debt Consolidation Guide on Site…” »
Debt Consolidation Services Explained
Debt Consolidation Definition
Wikepedia Definition: Debt consolidation entails taking out one loan to pay off many others. This is often done to secure a lower interest rate, secure a fixed rate or for the convenience of servicing only one loan. Continue reading “Debt Consolidation Services Explained” »
Focusing Your Financial Energies
In these unsettled economic times, we offer the following suggestions for your household finances:
- 1. Continue to make payments to your creditors if you’re in the process of paying off debt. Having fewer of the proverbial creditors “knocking on your door” means less of a likelihood of additional and unexpected fees and/or interest rate hikes. Continue reading “Focusing Your Financial Energies” »
The Unintended Consequences of the New Credit Card Legislation
With the recent passage of the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility, and Disclosure Act of 2009 (CARD), credit-issuing companies stand to lose a significant revenue stream, namely, penalty charges.
No one can reasonably believe these businesses will accept a reduction in their profits without seeking to replace that income elsewhere in their operations.
With the curtailment of penalty charges and seemingly arbitrary consumer interest rate increases, banks and credit card companies will likely try to recapture lost revenue through expanded fees and service cuts. Continue reading “The Unintended Consequences of the New Credit Card Legislation” »
Back to Basics: The Cash Only Method
If you’re like a lot of people, the thought of writing each expenditure down or filling out a complex budget planner seems overwhelming and something akin to water boarding. If you are one of those people that hate writing down and tracking your spending, these tips are for you: Continue reading “Back to Basics: The Cash Only Method” »
Credit Cards, Debt, Interest and Money
Here are some interesting figures I had put together a few years back. Interesting figures to say the least. I thought I would repost them.
Did you know…?
- The average APR for standard and gold credit cards is over 13% according to bankrate.com.
- The average APR for all credit card holders is nearly 17%.
- If you’re one day late on any payment to any creditor, you could be subject to a default rate as high as 29.99% on your credit card accounts. (bankrate.com) Continue reading “Credit Cards, Debt, Interest and Money” »
Wise Usage of Credit, Credit Cards and Your Money: 8 Tips
Here are 8 tips that will help you use your credit wisely. Following these principals should help increase your credit score and standing.
- Make all payments on time. Don’t wait until the last minute to send a payment.
- Pay off the entire balance every month. You’ll never be charged interest this way. Continue reading “Wise Usage of Credit, Credit Cards and Your Money: 8 Tips” »
The Mortgage Meltdown, Forclosure Frenzy and the Credit Crunch
Whatever name we apply to it, our nation’s economy has received a particularly challenging blow over the past few years. The Good O’l Days of solidly appreciating home values and easily obtainable financing seem much further in the past then they are in reality. Continue reading “The Mortgage Meltdown, Forclosure Frenzy and the Credit Crunch” »