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Learn the key terms involved with credit and debt management. This glossary contains definitions and miniature lessons on the basic and advanced aspects of credit and debt management.
fraud alert
A fraud alert is a statement on your credit report that warns credit report viewers that you have been or may be a victim of identity theft.
daily rate
The daily rate is 1/365th of your annual percentage rate
debt to income ratio
the percentage of your income that goes toward paying your debt
default rate
The default rate is the highest interest rate charged by a creditor or lender
discretionary income
income left after taxes and necessary expenses have been paid
disposable income
income left after taxes have been paid
FCRA
The Fair Credit Reporting Act is a federal law that details how consumer credit information can be collected, given out, and used
FICO score
The version of your credit score developed by and named after the Fair Isaac Corporation
finance charge
cost of credit calculated using the APR and the balance
foreclosure
a legal proceeding in which the bank can take possession of and sell a mortgaged property when the borrower does not meet his or her contractual obligations
FTC
The FTC is a government agency that protects consumers against unfair business practices
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