Foreclosure, bankruptcy or a history of missing payments can send your credit scores into the basement. The good news: nothing is permanent in the world of credit and credit scoring. You can rehabilitate your scores over time if you know how. Here’s what to do: Pull your credit reports from all three bureaus. Check for […]
Recent Blog Posts
Will home sale trigger eviction?
Dear Liz: Our landlady has been diagnosed with an advanced stage of cancer. In her precarious health, I find myself concerned that we may have to move if she gives up the duplex and moves to a care facility. I’m unemployed and my 72-year-old husband has recently been diagnosed with early stages of dementia. I […]
Carrying a balance won’t help your scores
Dear Liz: I question your advice to the father whose son was turned down for a car loan. You told the father: “Your children don’t need to take on debt to build their credit histories. A couple of credit cards, used lightly but regularly and paid off in full every month, will do the job.” […]
The best used cars, from Edmunds.com
If you’re in the market to replace a vehicle, check out Edmunds.com’s list of 2012 Used Car Best Bets, which include: Compact Sedan: 2005-2010 Hyundai Elantra Midsize Sedan: 2005-2010 Nissan Altima Large Sedan: 2006-2010 Hyundai Azera Coupe: 2005-2010 BMW 3 Series Convertible: 2005-2010 Mazda Miata Wagon: 2005-2010 Pontiac Vibe Compact SUV/Crossover: 2005-2010 Honda CR-V Midsize […]
Don’t put college savings into custodial accounts
Dear Liz: I opened Uniform Transfers to Minors Act savings accounts for my two boys (now 7 and 10) when they were newborns. I chose not to go with the 529 college savings accounts because I didn’t like the restriction that the money had to be used for education. It has always been my intention […]
“Authorized user” info may not be enough
Dear Liz: You recently answered a question about a young man who was turned down for a car loan because he graduated from college debt free and had no credit history. This is the same scenario my daughter encountered this past year. Despite having a solid job for three years at a good salary, plenty […]