Credit / Debt Management: Most Popular Articles

10 Things To Improve Credit
Steps you can take today to improve your credit score.

Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations on a debt keeps debt collectors from collecting on it forever. The limit varies by state and depends on the account's last date of activity.

Stop Collection Calls
Debt collection calls are usually unwanted and can border harrassment. The FDCPA, a federal law, give you rights that help you stop debt collector calls.

Rent With Bad Credit
Renting with bad credit can be easy or hard depending on where you're looking. Find out how to get around the credit check and rent an apartment even with bad credit.

Hurt Credit Score
Your credit score is an important number. It's how creditor and lenders quickly decide if you are creditworthy. Even though there are quite a few things that can hurt your credit score, those that occurred most recently have the greatest effect on your score. Once activity falls off your credit report, it no longer effects your credit score. In the meantime, these 15 things will cause some damage to your credit score if they appear on your credit report.

Closing Credit Cards
Closing credit cards might seem like a solution for credit card problems. But closing the wrong card could hurt your credit score.

Credit Report Dispute
By submitting a credit report dispute to the credit bureaus, you can remove incorrect information from your report. Find out how to submit a credit report dispute.

sampledispute
A sample credit report dispute letter you can use to dispute information from your credit report with the credit bureaus.

Credit Score
Understanding your credit score calculation can help you use credit wisely. Find out what goes into calculating your credit score.

Sample Cease and Desist
To stop debt collection calls, you must tell the debt collector in writing. Federal law requires that debt collectors stop attempting to contact you as requested by a cease and desist letter.

Credit Repair
There is nothing a credit repair company can do to fix your credit that you can't do yourself. Save your money and repair your credit yourself.

FDCPA
Debt collectors aren't free to take whatever means necessary to collect a debt. In fact, they are governed by federal laws. Being aware of these laws helps protect you from the unscrupulous practices of certain debt collectors.

Worst CR Entries
Credit reports are the key to credit decisions made about you. These are some items you never want to have on your credit report.

Bad Spending
Avoid the spending habits that can cause you to be overloaded with debt.

Secured Credit Card
Secured credit cards are good for establishing or re-establishing credit. Before you apply for a secured card, make sure to get the important facts about the card.

Pay Off Collection
Before you pay off a collection account, first negotiate with the debt collector to have your credit report updated to something that works in your favor. As you work with debt collectors to negotiate a payment, keep in mind what you and the collector want from the deal.

Pay Old Collection
When a debt collector contacts you to pay an old collection, you might wonder if it's worth paying, especially if the statute of limitations has run out.

Do's And Don'ts
Guidelines for using credit cards the right way. Learn the way to use - and not to use - your credit card.

Closed Cards and Credit Score
Thinking about closing a credit card? Before you pick up the phone to call your credit card company, take some time to learn what will happen to your credit score if you close the card.

Worst Credit Cards
There are a lot of bad credit cards out there. Learn to recognize the features of the worst credit cards.

Free Credit Report
Step by step instructions for ordering a copy of your credit report for free

First Credit Card
It can be tough finding that first credit card. Don't worry, there are many credit card companies who are willing to give credit to first timers.

Debt Validation
Debt validation is your right to have the debt collectors prove you owe what they say you owe. If the collector can't validate the debt, they can't collect from you.

Build Good Credit
Find out what you need to do to build a good credit history starting with your very first credit card.

Negative Info On Credit Report
How long does negative information stay on my credit report? A minimum of seven years, with exceptions.

Late Payments
Missing a credit card payment may not seem like a big deal, but it definitely can be. Find out what your creditor does when you miss a credit card payment. Hint: the answer isn't "nothing."

Credit Card Types
Learn about the different types of credit cards to choose the right one for you.

Debt Plan
Successful debt reduction starts with a plan. Learn how to put together a plan to get out of debt, decide which debts to focus on, and how to create a budget to get out of debt.

Read Credit Report
Credit reports aren't very easy to understand. In this article, you'll find a detailed description of the information contained in your credit report.

Charge-Off Explained
Ever see the words "charge-off" on your credit report and wonder what they mean? When your account has been charged off, it's the creditor's way of saying it doesn't believe you're going to repay the balance.

Debt Settlement
Even though debt settlement may promise to reduce your debt, they can't promise to keep your credit in tact at the same time. Find out how debt settlement works and why it may not be the best solution.

How Many Credit Cards
The truth is, there's no single number of credit cards to prescribe to consumers. Instead, you have to think about your ability to pay your debts and manage your credit card payments.

Rebuild Bad Credit
After repairing your credit, you need to rebuild it, prove to your creditors that you can pay your bills on time. Learn what it takes to rebuild your credit and improve your credit score.

Correctly Close Credit Card
How to cancel a credit card account the right way

Debt To Income Ratio
Your debt to income ratio indicates your level of debt. Learn how to calculate and analyze your ratio.

Inquiries & Credit Score
How credit report inquiries affect your credit score

Too Much Debt?
How to tell if your debt load is just right or too large.

Zombie Debt
The term “zombie debt” is often used to refer to old debt that’s been brought back to life by debt collectors. Collection agencies purchase these old debts from companies in hopes of intimidating consumers like you into paying the debt.

When Can Collectors Call
Debt collectors seem to call at the most inconvenient times, don't they? What times are debt collectors really allowed to call you?

Sample Validation Letter
Debt validation requests should be made in writing. Here is a sample debt validation letter you can send to collectors.

Rebuild With Secure Credit
If you’ve run into financial difficulty that resulted in damaged credit, you might find it hard to obtain new credit. A secured credit card can help you improve re-establih your credit.

Choosing Credit Cards
There are certain factors to consider in choosing a credit card. Get these key questions answered before you fill out that credit card application

Lower Interest Rate
How to talk your creditors into lowering your interest rate on some or all of your credit cards.

Break The Habit
If you have bad credit or have too much debt, it's time to put the credit cards away. Here are some tips to help you kick your credit card habit.

Double Billing Cycle
Explains the double billing cycle method of computing finance charges and demonstrates how it can be more costly for cardholders who want to pay their balance off quickly.

FICO vs FAKO
There are a lot of different credit scores out there. Are they different from FICO scores? Which scores matter most?

FDCPA Violations
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, FDCPA, dictates how debt collectors can act when collecting a debt from you. Find out what debt collectors can and cannot do.

Credit Card Payments
If you ever wonder the best way to pay off your credit cards, here are some tips to help you make those decisions each month.

Can't Make Payment
There may come a month when you don't have enough money to make your credit card minimum payment. Find out what you can do to maintain your credit score, interest rate, and relationship with your creditor.

Good vs. Bad Debt
Did you know there was a such thing as good debt? There's a big difference between good debt and bad debt. How much of each are you carrying?

Avoid Charge-Off
A charge-off is one of the worst things that can happen to your credit report. Find out how to avoid a charged-offs credit report entry.

Average Daily Balance
Average daily balance is one of the ways your creditor might calculate your finance charge. Find out how the calculation works.

Finance Charge Calculation
Finance charges are applied to credit card balances that aren't paid before the grace period. Find out how your finance charge might be calculated.

Remove Collections From Report
Can I remove debt collections from my credit report? Find out if you can remove collections from your credit report.

Credit Utilization
the amount of credit purchasing power you have, accounts for 30% of your credit score.

Score Match
Score Match lists credit cards based on your credit score.

SoL Definition
the amount of time a creditor or third-party debt collector can sue you for a debt

Buy Better Credit?
An increasingly popular way of repairing your credit involves buying positive credit history from other consumers. How effective is this? Is it a viable way to repair your credit?

Charge-Off
debt that has been determined uncollectible by the original creditor, usually after the debtor has become seriously delinquent

Debt Management Watch Outs
Know what to stay away from when you're choosing a debt settlement, debt consolidation, or consumer credit counseling agency.

How To Obtain Credit
Guides first time credit applicants through the steps of obtaining new credit including where to look and things to watch out for.

Credit Report and Score Basics
Your credit history is compiled in a single credit report and used to calculate your credit score. Learn your credit report and score affect you as a consumer.

Credit Counseling
Consumer credit counseling is a viable option for managing your debt. Learn more about consumer credit counselong to determine if will work for you.

Money for Debt
Making the decision to get out of debt is one thing. Coming up with the money to do it is another. Tap into all the resources you can to fund your get out of debt plan.

Sample Close Letter
You can use this letter to close your credit card.

Close Paid Card
Paying off a credit card is a great accomplishment, especially if you worked long and hard to do it. What now? Do you leave the card open or should you close it?

Billing Statement Definition
a statement listing the purchases, payments and other debits and credits made to the credit card account within the billing cycle

Different Credit Scores
Find out why you may have a different credit score at each credit bureau.

Dept Store/Gas Cards
Department store credit cards and gas credit cards are good for establishing credit. But, the terms and conditions make it hard to use these cards to your advantage. Find out how and how not to use department store and gas credit cards.

Credit Bureau
an agency that collects, maintains, and sells individual credit information in the form of a credit report

Good Credit Matters
Good credit goes far beyond getting approved for a credit card or loan. Find out why good credit is so important and how bad credit costs.

FICO Score
The version of your credit score developed by and named after the Fair Isaac Corporation

What Is A Judgment?
a court order to pay a certain amount of money to someone who has filed a lawsuit against you

Signs Of CC Debt
Recognizing the signs of credit card debt gives you the ability to manuever away from debt before you get in too deeply.

Finance Charge
cost of credit calculated using the APR and the balance

Credit Card Mail
Is your mailbox constantly filled with pre-approved credit card offers? Federal law gives you the right to get rid of this credit card junk mail.

Reporting Lost Credit Card
Missing credit cards should be reported as quickly as possible to reduce your liability. Find out what steps you should take when your credidt card has been lost or stolen.

Bankruptcy Types
The two major types of bankruptcy for consumers are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Chapter 7 allows you to discharge debt after some assets have been liquidated. Chapter 13 allows you to discharge debt after completing a payment plan.

Essential Credit Terms
The lingo used in the finance world sometimes seems like a foreign language. Here are some terms that will help you translate commonly used credit and debt terms.

Credit Beginnings
Tips for first time credit card users

Debt Validation FAQ
Debt validation is how you get debt collectors to prove you owe them the debt. Get answers to common questions about how debt validation works.

Credit Essentials
A list of 10 important things every consumer should know about credit

Pay Charge-Off?
When your credit card balanced gets charged-off, are you still responsible for paying it? The answer is yes.

FICO Score Estimator
Review of the free FICO score estimator found on www.myfico.com

When To Check Credit Report
Some information suggests checking your credit report once a year. There are some other situations that might require checking your credit report more often.

Three Credit Bureaus
There are three insitutions - credit bureaus - that compile your credit report information.

Marriage and Credit
Married or thinking about getting married? You’re probably wondering if and how getting married will affect your credit score. Will your spouse’s credit will affect yours or vice versa? In marriage, much of your life is combined; does that include your credit?

2007 State Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy filings for 2007 ranked by state. Find out bankruptcy statistics for your state.

Credit Card Process
Get a better understanding of how the credit card process works from making purchases to making payments.

Introduction to Credit
A basic understanding of credit is needed to make the best credit decisions. Find out the definition of credit and learn how lenders decide to give you credit.

CCF Settlement
In late 2007, many consumers received letters that they were entitled to part of a settlement resulting from a lawsuit. Is the CCF Settlement a scam?

Balance Transfer Card
Don't be roped in by advertisements for zero percent introductory rates. Read between the lines and ask questions to make sure you're choosing the right balance transfer credit card.

FCRA
The Fair Credit Reporting Act is a federal law that details how consumer credit information can be collected, given out, and used

Interest Rate Cut
When the Feds cut interest rates, it could be good news for paying off your credit cards and loans. Find out how to take advantage of lower interest rates.

SoL & Credit Reporting
Understand the difference between statute of limitations and credit reporting time limits

Credit Card Tricks
Credit card companies look for sneaky ways to charge you more money, while you’re stuck wondering what happened. Here are some of their dirtiest tricks.

DTI Ratio Definition
the percentage of your income that goes toward paying your debt

Credit Card Rewards
Find out about the different rewards offered by credit cards and how to decide which reward program is best for you.

Garnished Wages
a court order for an employer to withhold a certain amount of employee's wages as repayment for debt

Credit Card Features
Explanation of the most common features of a credit card including types of credit cards, interest rate, grace period, fees, and finance charge.

Credit Card Fees
Credit cards aren't free. Find out some of the most commonly charged credit card fees.

Contact FTC
When your rights under any of the several consumer credit laws have been violated, like a FDCPA violation, you should inform the FTC.

Spend Tax Rebate
A tax rebate can never come at a bad time. If you’re due a rebate, here are some smart ways to spend it to improve your credit and reduce your debt.

Spring Clean Credit
Spring isn't just for dusting forgotten corners, it's a good time to check your neglected credit report. Use this time to repair your credit or dispute inaccurate items from your credit report.

APR
annual percentage rate

Credit Limit
the maximum amount that can be borrowed on a credit card without penalty

disposable income
income left after taxes have been paid

How To Use Credit
Whether you're building or rebuilding your credit, knowing the right way to make charges and payments will help raise your credit score.

Why Not Co-Sign
At some point in life, you may be asked to co-sign a credit card or loan for a loved one. Before you sign your name or give away your social security number, make sure you understand why you shouldn’t co-sign for others.

Pay Income Tax By Credit
The IRS gives you the convenience of paying your income taxes with your credit card. Is the extra credit card debt worth it?

Credit Report
a report maintained by a credit bureau detailing your credit history

Balance Transfer
the process of moving credit card debt from one credit card to another

Fix Credit Report Mistakes
How can I remove inaccurate information from my credit report? Dispute it with the credit bureaus.

No-Credit Report
It’s tough getting approved for loans and credit cards when you have little or no credit history. Payment Reporting Builds Credit, PRBC, maintains a history of your monthly bill payments and has partnered with Fair Isaac to deliver the FICO Expansion Score.

Credit Repair Scam
Credit repair organizations are governed by a law known as the Credit Repair Organizations Act. This federal law requires any credit repair service to fulfill certain obligations to you. You should avoid any credit repair service that doesn’t follow these rules.

Revolving Credit
Credit that can be used repeatedly up to a certain limit as long as payments are made

View Own Credit Report
Find out how viewing your own credit report affeects your credit score?

Choose Credit Counseling
Before you choose whether to enroll in consumer credit counseling, there are some key criteria to consider. These credit will help you make your decision.

Debt Consolidation
If you’re like most people you want to ease the debt burden, but don’t want to ruin your credit with bankruptcy. Debt consolidation may have crossed your mind as a possible solution. Is it the right one for you?

Late Fee
fee imposed when your payment is received after the due date

Spouse Credit Report
When you're married, does your spouse's information appear on your credit report and vise versa? Find out.

Avoid Bankruptcy
It's no secret that filing bankruptcy is a detriment to your credit. It's best to avoid a bankruptcy listing on your credit report, if you can.

Close Card Without Number
How do you close a credit card when you don't have the credit card number? There are a few ways you can access the credit card number to close the account.

Emergency Fund
Without an emergency reserve of cash, you'll feel forced to use credit cards or loans to cover unexpected expenses. Build an emergency to avoid the credit card debt.

Nonrevolving Credit
Credit that cannot be used after payment.

discretionary income
income left after taxes and necessary expenses have been paid

Billing Error Dispute Letter
A sample letter to send to creditors to dispute billing errors

Choose Credit Cards
You should consider different factors when you choose different types of credit cards. Learn more about choosing various credit cards.

Credit Report Card
Credit.com launches a free credit report card that grades consumers on their credit report. The interactive tool helps consumers understand just where their credit report stands.

Skipping Bill Payments
Under a tight budget, many people choose to skip their credit card payments over other monthly bills. Is that such a good decision?

Credit Crunch Definition
a period of time when credit is costly or difficult to obtain, usually both

Grace Period
the period of time in which credit card payments can be made without interest penalty

Periodic Rate
the APR in relation to a period of time, i.e. monthly periodic rate is the monthly interest rate

Avoid Over Limit Charges
Extra fees and interest rate hikes make going over your credit limit costly. Not to mention the damage that's done to your credit score. Find out how to avoid the penalties of exceeding your credit limit.

07 FDCPA Complaints
The FTC report on debt collection complaints received in 2007.

CROA
The Credit Repair Organization Act was put in place to protect consumers from unscrupulous practices by organizations who claim to repair credit. The Act seeks to ensure that consumers who decide to use credit repair services are aware of their rights and are able to make an informed decision about choosing to pay a credit repair company.

TrackCards
An online tool that helps you figure manage and track your credit card debt

Student Loan Default
a state of delinquency on student loans occurring after you have violated the terms of your contract, e.g. have not made a payment or arrangements for at least 270 days.

Maxed Out Review
Maxed Out is a feature-length documentary that exposes the credit card industry and cautions consumers against excessive debt.

Cash Advance
cash borrowed against your credit card balance

Tax Lien Definition
the right, usually by the county, state, or federal government, to take possession of property due to a delinquency on taxes.

2008 Credit Resolutions
Most New Year's resolutions involve improving health or getting rid of a bad habit. Don't forget about improving your financial health and your bad credit habits in the new year.

Choose Rewards Credit Card
Learn the most important features of a rewards credit card and get tips on how to choose one.

Gas Price and Credit Score
Many experts believe there's a link between rising gas prices and lower credit scores. Find out the impact gas price has on your credit.

Afford Charges
Thinking about making a credit card purchase? Before you swipe your card, consider how much you can afford to charge.

Dispute Billing Error
The Fair Credit Billing Act, FCBA, gives you the right to have credit card billing errors corrected. Find out how to properly respond to incorrect credit card charges.

Check Your Report
How many times a year should you be checking your credit report? At least once, possibly more.

Over-The-Limit Fee
fee imposed for exceeding your credit limit

Contact Credit Bureau
Contact information for the three major credit bureaus.

Foreclosure Definition
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