Credit & Debt

(FinancialHealth.net) - Between paying down debt and boosting your credit score, balancing finances can be a challenge. The ultimate goal is to have enough buying power to make major purchases at a stellar interest rate. If you've tried and tried but your credit rating is stuck, take a closer look. Have an unused credit card? That may be the...

(FinancialHealth.net) -  Calls from sophisticated scam artists often appear to come from a legitimate bank on Caller ID. The caller might even seem to have access to private financial data, such as banking account numbers, home addresses, employment status, maiden names, or the individual's date of birth. But that doesn't mean you should trust them. Scammers can access almost anyone's personal...

(FinancialHealth.net) - Life continues changing after retirement. You may need to replace an older vehicle or purchase a new home. Big purchases like these require a healthy credit score. The goods news is that you can continue to boost your score even after retirement. Staying under the limits on credits cards, avoid taking on additional debt and keeping a close...

(FinancialHealth.net) - Identity theft totally sucks, period. If your identity has been stolen, the Federal Trade Commission says you should call them at 1-877-438-4338 or use their website at IdentityTheft.gov to file an official report. Read on for additional steps to limit the damage and recover your losses: Review ALL Account Statements Look for any new or unfamiliar charges. If you...

Smart Quiz: One of the Most Common Frauds Against Debit and Credit Cards is... Skimming BIN attack Card not present Identity Theft Answer: Card not present (FinancialHealth.net) – You’ve probably heard at least one horror story about someone trying to use their debit card and finding it declined for insufficient funds; or someone who has received a dreaded call from the bank...

Save on Cable, Internet, and Phone in a Single Phone Call (FinancialHealth.net) - Looking for ways to lower your monthly budget? While your cable, internet, and phone bills may seem static, these three utilities are often considerably easier to adjust in price than, say, power or gas. In fact, providers will often be happy to help you find a more...

Smart Quiz: Which of These is NOT a Credit Bureau? A) Credit Karma B) Equifax C) Experian D) TransUnion Answer: Credit Karma (FinancialHealth.net) - A lot of people use Credit Karma to track their credit activity, but it is not a credit bureau. Credit Karma is a private site that does offer valuable information and tools. And while you may be able to review items...

Smart Quiz: How Long Does Negative Information Stay on Your Credit Report? A) Seven Years B) Ten Years C) Forever D) Until Paid Answer: Seven Years Your credit score is one of several factors that go into determining final approval on a new line of credit. If you happen to have something negative on it, like a late payment or a past bankruptcy, it can...

(FinancialHealth.net) - Your credit score is a measurement of your financial history. If you have a low credit score, it’s harder to get loans, and if you are able to finance anything, you’ll pay thousands of dollars more in interest than someone who has a good credit score. This is why you need to check your credit report at...

(FinancialHealth.net) Smart Quiz: 0% Balance Credit Card Transfer Offers - What's The Most Important Factor? Duration of Promotion Interest Rate Type of Debt Credit Limit Answer: Duration of Promotion Being stuck in credit card debt can feel like being trapped in an endless pit with with no way to climb out. One way to get out of credit card debt is to...