The Fico Score Misconceptions
|
There are many misconceptions about credit scores out there. There are borrowers who believe that they don't have a credit score. There are others who think that their credit scores don't really matter. These sorts of misconceptions can hurt your chances of gaining employment, obtaining preferred interest rates, and even your chances of qualifying for renting an apartment.
The truth is, of you have a bank account and you pay utility bills, then you have a credit score, and it matters more than you might think. Your credit score can be called many things such as a credit risk rating, a FICO score, a credit rating, a FICO rating, or a credit risk score. All these terms refer to the same thing: the three-digit number that lets lenders get an idea of how likely you are to repay your bills.
Every time you apply for credit, apply for a job, or even apply to some apartment complexes, your credit score is checked. Another misconception is that employers check your credit only if you apply for a job that involves handling money. The fact is that many companies use credit checking as part of their standard background checks.
Make no mistake, your credit report can be checked by anyone with a legitimate business need to do so. Your credit score is calculated based on complex formulas. Things such as your past financial responsibilities, past payment records, credit limits, credit line utilization, open and closed accounts, and public records are all considered. It provides potential lenders with a quick snapshot of your current financial state and past repayment habits.
In other words, your credit score lets lenders know quickly how much of a credit risk you are. Based on this credit score, lenders decide whether to trust you financially. They use this information to approve or decline a loan. Even if approved, your credit score can have a direct effect on the interest rates you pay. Apartment managers can use your credit score to decide whether you can be trusted to pay your rent on time. Employers can use your credit score to decide, perhaps unfairly, how you manage your life. Some employers find that if you're poor with money, you have poor organization skills and no attention to detail -- things that are a must in a corporate environment.
The problem with credit scores is that there is quite a bit of misinformation circulated about, especially through some less than scrupulous companies who claim they can help you with your credit report and credit score -- for a fee, of course.
From advertisements and suspect claims, customers sometimes come away with the idea that in order to boost their credit score, they have to pay money to a company or leave credit repair in the hands of so-called "experts." Nothing could be further from the truth. It is perfectly possible to pay down debts and boost your credit on your own, with no expensive help whatsoever. There are many free resources on the web that will enable you to do just that.
Lee has done it all in the lending business. From loan origination to processing to underwriting, even owning a mortgage company. In http://www.credit-restoration-kit.com, he exploits the secrets of the industry to help fix credit, obtain mortgages, and improve financial standing. Free articles, resources, and a blog.
|
|
|
Like It Or Not, You Have A Score To Settle! Part 1
Just when most people finish with school and can stop worrying about test scores, there's a new kind of scoring that enters the picture. It's called credit scoring. And, its impact on your financial future can mean more to you than a college degree.Why It's So Important:Ever wonder how a creditor decides whether to grant you credit? For years, creditors have been using credit scoring systems to determine if you'd be a good risk for credit cards and auto loans. Mor...(related: Credit)
Credit Report ? Check Yours Regularly - And For Free
In the twenty-first century, there are few documents that have a greater impact on the lives of Americans then their credit report. Credit rating determines one's abili...(related: Credit)
A Summary Of The Fair Credit Reporting Act
This summary of the Fair Credit Reporting Act will explain what you can legally do if you wan...(related: Credit)
Bad Debt Recovery
Bad Debt IdentificationIdentifying bad debt is not as easy as it sounds. But the earlier it is done, the better are chances of recovering it. Here are some signs of customer behavior that can identify bad debt early:Customer fails to pay as per the agreed payment terms.Customer makes repeated unrealistic complaints ab...(related: Credit)
Student Credit Cards 101
If you're a college student, you probably already have a credit card. If not, you may have plans to get one or more soon. So why should you read on?
- Because financial debt is one of the main reasons that many students end up dropping out of college.
- Because your college years can be some of your most memorable-and some of your most costly. They don't, however, have to be the beginning of an adult life strapped with debt.
- Although you may still feel in limbo between your teen years and adulthood, it's time to take charge of your finances and manage them as an adult. The sooner you do, the sooner you'll be able to start saving and spending your own money.<...(related: Credit)
How To Start A Second Seperate Credit File!
Your personal credit file is separated from those with the same or similar names by several factors, including a driver's license number, birth date, or spouse's name. Although these are three important identifying marks, the number one identifying mark on your credit report is your social security number. Since there is no one else in the United States with your number, your file is easily identified. The chances are very small that the social security office in your area will issue a second number just because somewhere down the road you messed up your credit. However, it is impossible that a second personal file would be created.The second kind of credit file is the business credit file. Business credit files are identified by the business name and by a computer...(related: Credit)
Building Business Credit
Most businesses want to be able to borrow money when they need it, without the owners having to guarantee the loans personally. This means less risk to the owners. But wanting to get credit for your business and actually getting it can be two different things.One company recently approached us because over the past two years they had created a successful business, with over twenty employees. But they couldn't get a business loan because they hadn't taken the time to build a business credit profile and didn't know where to start.You may have seen marketing hype about how a business credit profile can overcome a bad personal credit file. In most cases, however, it's important that small businesses have bot...(related: Credit)
Credit Card Rates - Negotiating Rates With Your Credit Card Company
Ok, let's face it, everybody hates high credit card rates, and they drain hard earned money out of your wallet. As a valued consumer, it is apparent that you learn how to negotiate to get the absolute best rate that you possibly can. The good news however is that it doesn't have to be a difficult or time-consuming process. In fact, it can be very easy indeed if you know what you're doing. In this article we will discuss the ins and outs of credit card negotiating to ensure that you get the best possible rate with the least amount of effort.1. First and foremost, you should figure out if you even want to continue using your current credit card company. Are you pleased with the overall se...(related: Credit)
How To Get Credit Reporting Agencies To Help You
The process of clearing credit can be laborious and frustrating. Understanding your rights empowers you and saves you time and effort. By employing the following tips, you can enlist the help of credit reporting agencies (CRAs) as you work to improve your credit rating.A negative credit report hinders your quest for financing a house. You will have to do a lot of tedious work to clear up any mi...(related: Credit)
How You Can Help Prevent Identity Theft
How can I prevent Identity theft from happening to me? Never leave your receipt or slip in the ATM or gas pump. Pay attention to your habits, lock up or organize and file your bills, and bank statements. Shre...(related: Credit)
Free Credit Report ? Watch Out For Scams
Many people may still not be aware of an amendment to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) that Congress passed last year. This amendment allows U.S. citizens to receive a copy of their credit report, for free, once per year. The plan is being rolled out slowly in order to avoid swamping the system, but people living in the West and Midwest can receive their ...(related: Credit)
10 Signs You May Need Credit Counseling
Debt management programs can be of real help for people that discover they cannot face their debts. At first, they will attempt to solve the situation all by themselves by cutting down on spending and keeping a close eye on accounts. If this doesn't work then it is time to ask for help from a financial expert. The sooner you admit you need help from an expert, the better will be for your future. The best time to seek the advice of an expert is before the appearance of most of the important 10 signs you may need credit counseling. You should alr...(related: Credit)
site-map - Copyright © 2007 | Contact Webmaster | All Rights Reserved | Free Articles and Information | Credit