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Credit Reports

Q&A: Purchasing the right credit report

June 29, 2014 By Liz Weston

Dear Liz: I got my credit reports from http://www.annualcreditreport.com as you recommended in a recent column, but had to go through some hoops to get my actual credit score, which is the main thing I wanted. One of the bureaus required me to subscribe to its newsletter, which cost $29.95 a month after a seven-day free trial. I guess they hope people won’t cancel within seven days, but I did, without any trouble.

Answer: Confusion about the difference between credit reports and credit scores often leads people to sign up for unnecessary, costly products. (You were signing up for credit monitoring, by the way, not a newsletter.) You can get free credit scores from a variety of sites, including Credit.com, Credit Karma and Quizzle, without having to buy a product. The scores you get from these sites aren’t the scores that lenders typically use, but neither is the score the credit bureau provided you. If you want to see scores lenders usually use, you’ll need to buy those for $20 apiece from MyFico.com.

Filed Under: Credit Scoring, Q&A Tagged With: Credit Reports, q&a

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

June 12, 2014 By Liz Weston

credit-score-repair1Today’s top story: Meet the credit score you didn’t know you had. Also in the news: What to do when you’re debt free, how to break out of a financial slump, and what single people need to do to protect their money.

You Have a “Secret” Credit Score That Could Be Working Against You
That late payment on your rent ten years ago could come back to haunt you.

Life After Debt: 5 Ways to Make the Most of Healthy Finances
Debt free. Now what?

4 Ways to Overcome Financial Inertia
Stop treading water.

3 Things That Make Single People Financially Vulnerable — And How To Beat Them
Because being single wasn’t depressing enough.

Is Your Credit Card Debt Average? And What’s Average?
One of the few times when being below average is a good thing.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: credit card debt, Credit Reports, Credit Scores, financial tips, Investing

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

June 11, 2014 By Liz Weston

Zemanta Related Posts ThumbnailToday’s top story: How often should you check your credit report? Also in the news: How not to get duped on your summer vacation, some of the worst ways to handle your debt, and how to construct a realistic debt reduction plan.

How Often Should I Check My Credit Report?
Don’t go overboard.

Summer Vacationers, Beware: 5 Travel Scams That Won’t Die
From souvenirs to scenic tours.

4 of the Most Foolish Ways to Handle Debt
Never pay just the minimum.

A realistic debt-reduction plan for retirement
Mind over money.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: Credit Reports, debt reduction, vacation scams

Monday’s need-to-know money news

February 10, 2014 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: Finding the best strategy to pay off your debt. Also in the news: The best way to use your tax refund, the credit scores needed in order to obtain a mortgage, and how to get rid of your bad money habits. refund

What’s the Best Debt Payoff Strategy for You?
You need to have a gameplan.

Eight ways to use your tax refund wisely
Oddly enough, purchasing a Harley is not on the list.

How Many Credit Scores Do You Need to Get a Mortgage?
Start with one from all three credit bureaus.

3 Simple Steps to Help Change Bad Money Habits
Identifying your triggers is essential.

How to Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck
Four steps that will help give you some breathing room.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: Budgeting, Credit Reports, debt, mortgages, spending habits, tax refunds

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

January 7, 2014 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: Making sense of your credit report. Also in the news: Protecting your credit cards from data theft, four bills you may be able to eliminate in 2014, and the benefits of joining a credit union.The hacker

The 5 Most Confusing Things on Your Credit Report
Unlocking the mysteries of your credit report.

How to Protect Your Credit Card from a Data Breach
Don’t let your credit become a target.

You May Be Able to Eliminate these 4 Bills
Not everything needs to be insured.

The Benefits of Joining a Credit Union
Lower fees and higher interest rates.

How To Profit From Gift Cards, Pay It Forward With Frequent Flier Miles
Don’t let unwanted gift cards collect dust.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: Credit Reports, credit unions, gift cards, Identity Theft, Insurance, interest rates

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

October 23, 2013 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: How to get the credit reports you’re entitled to. Also in the news: Demystifying credit scores, how to master your holiday shopping list, and what kind of credit you’ll need to get a student loan.

I Want My Free Credit Reports
How to get what you’re entitled to.

What to Do When Your Partner Commits Financial Infidelity
What do you do when your partner goes rogue?

Do I Need a Good Credit Score to Get Student Loans?
Is this the one loan where credit history doesn’t matter?

10 Things Consumers Don’t Understand About Credit Scores
Demystifying your scores.

How To Master Your Holiday Shopping List
The sooner you start shopping, the better.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: Credit Reports, Credit Scores, holiday shopping, Student Loans

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