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Get smart with your money

Credit Scores

Friday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: What to do if you’re part of the Target credit card breach. Also in the news: 3 reasons to start your taxes early, why more Americans are looking to get their financial houses in order, and how to hunt for a job during the holidays. Christmas shopping woman holding gifts

3 Reasons to Start Your Taxes Now
Starting your taxes now could result in a bigger refund.

Americans Get Their Financial Houses in Order for 2014 According to a New Wells Fargo Survey
Focusing on credit scores.

3 Holiday Job Hunting Tips
Network during holiday parties.

40 million Target shoppers victims of credit fraud; What to do if you are a victim
If your information has been compromised, you need to act quickly.

A Survival Guide for Last-Minute Shoppers
Last-minute shopping doesn’t have to empty your wallet.

Credit myths that need to die

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YCS4 coverThe more you understand about how credit works, the more frustrated you get with how much misinformation is floating around out there. At least, that’s true for me and the three experts who joined me last week on a Google hangout to talk about “Credit myths that need to die.”

John Ulzheimer, who’s worked at Equifax and Fair Isaac, has unique insight into the credit reporting world. One thing that drives him around the bend is the persistent myth that employers use credit scores to evaluate applicants. Another myth he hates: the one about how closing accounts hurts your credit scores.

Gerri Detweiler, who writes for Credit.com and runs the DebtCollectionAnswers.com, discusses how medical debts affect your credits and debunks the myth that you need to carry balances to improve your credit scores.

Maxine Sweet heads consumer education at Experian and battles the myth that there’s just one credit score.

Take some time today to check out our discussion. You’ll come away from it a lot more informed about credit and how to make yours the best.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Changes are coming to the 2014 mortgage market. Also in the news: The privacy of your credit score, financial predictions for 2014, and how to avoid charitable giving tax mishaps. credit

What You Need to Know About the 2014 Mortgage Market
Seven possible changes to next year’s mortgage market.

How Private Is Your Credit Score?
The amount of people who know your credit score might surprise you.

10 Personal Finance Predictions for 2014
NerdWallet reads the financial tea leaves.

Giving to Charity? Watch Out for These Tax Traps
Your generosity could come with a hefty price tag.

Will Banks Ever Pay Savers More?
Why banks hate people who save their money.

Join our credit chat tomorrow

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liz-credit-mythsI’ll be hosting a live video panel discussion about credit myths and facts tomorrow, Dec. 13, at noon Eastern/9 a.m. Pacific. Joining me will be John Ulzheimer of SmartCredit.com, Gerri Detweiler of Credit.com and Maxine Sweet of Experian.

This is a reprise of a conversation we had at FinCon13, the financial blogger conference held in St. Louis this fall. People there really seemed to get a lot out of it, so we thought we’d share our insights with a broader audience.

My panelists have the inside scoop on the credit industry. John has more than two decades’ experience working in the consumer credit industry, including stints with credit bureau Equifax and credit score creators Fair Isaac (creators of the FICO scoring formula). Gerri’s my go-to expert on consumer credit and debt collection; she’s also the author of the books “The Ultimate Credit Handbook” and “Slash Your Debt.” Maxine Sweet leads Experian’s consumer education efforts and knows how to give clear, concise (and correct!) answers to your questions.

You’ll find the live video stream here. Please bookmark the site and join us tomorrow for insights you won’t find elsewhere. Thanks!

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Choosing the best credit card. Also in the news: Financial predictions for 2014, financial resolutions for Millennials, and how to manage ballooning credit card debt.

Which credit card is the best?
Don’t get sucked in by perks you’ll never use.

3 Financial Predictions For 2014 That Will Be Good For Your Wallet
Credit scores are about to become more realistic.

Nine Financial Resolutions For Millennials
How to start 2014 off right.

Manage Ballooning Credit Card Debt
What to do when that 0% interest rate runs out.

A Little-Known Credit Card Perk That Can Save You Big
Disputing charges is much easier when you’ve used a credit card.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Five things that won’t hurt your credit score. Also in the news: The Golden Rules of personal finance, which banking costs to avoid while shopping for the holidays, and why the holiday season might be the best time to purchase a new home. Gift

5 Things That Won’t Hurt Your Credit Score
You can no longer use your credit score as an excuse for not getting married.

The Golden Rules of Personal Finance
The answers to some of the most common personal finance questions.

5 Banking Costs to Avoid This Holiday Shopping Season
The banks don’t need any presents.

4 Reasons to Buy a House During the Holidays
Less competition during the holidays could save you money.

Will the Body Shop Cut You a Deal?
Car repairs don’t have to crash your wallet.