consumer report http://www.artwoo.com Returned search results for consumer report Copyright 2008 Sun, 23 Nov 2008 02:07:34 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/rss/consumer+report How Consumer Reports Can Help You http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-consumer-reports-can-help-you http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-consumer-reports-can-help-you#comments Wed, 26 Sep 2007 03:20:01 +0000 consumer reportconsumer reportssatisfied with your purchasefuel efficiencyfellow customersquality consumervaluable tool http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-consumer-reports-can-help-you satisfied with your purchase, or you are not. It would be easier if you could predict what the outcome would be before you decide to buy the item in question. And while you cannot see the future, a that you can use is the .

are documents authored by actual consumers or by independent outside parties. The foundation of the consumer report is that they are honest and impartial, so that the consumer report that you read gives you an accurate review of the product in question. For example, let's say that you are interested in buying a car. By reading a variety of reports, you can get an honest feel for whether or not the vehicle that you want to buy is right for you. Consumer reports for cars can compare and review all aspects of a car, from to safety. So, if there's a particular aspect of a car that interests you, you will be able to research it via the consumer report.

Another reason why consumer reports can help you is because they can be written either by independent experts or by people such as yourself. A consumer generated consumer report is helpful because it is written by someone like you, for someone like you. You will easily be able to understand and appreciate the pros and cons that are listed in a consumer report that was written by . A consumer report that's been written by an independent expert will feature detailed information and expert analysis on general and specific product information.

If possible, you should always read as many consumer reports as you possibly can. The more information you are able to gather, the better informed you will be. A combination of consumer reports written by independent authorities and regular purchasers should give you an accurate review of the product your interested in. Consumer reports are like your secret weapon in determining products to purchase, and products to avoid. Pat Flouster knows consumer reports http://www.consumer-reports.ca and their importance. Read a free consumer report today and get the info you need. Consumer report, a valuable resource to use. ]]> Automotive Consumer Reports http://www.artwoo.com/article/automotive-consumer-reports http://www.artwoo.com/article/automotive-consumer-reports#comments Thu, 27 Sep 2007 04:15:02 +0000 consumer reportsconsumer reportbest betgas mileagecomprehendinformation gatheringpros and cons http://www.artwoo.com/article/automotive-consumer-reports information gathering procedures can help you make an informed decision on the car you wish to buy. You want to do everything possible to prevent yourself from spending your hard-earned dollars on a lemon of an automobile. Because of your diligence to knowledge, there are many routes available for you to choose to get the information you need. You can ask people about the car in question, for example. However, most people, when they are looking for a car to buy, use s to get the information they need.

Consumer reports are valuable sources of automotive purchasing information. A detailed consumer report can give you honest and accurate reviews on such important vehicular information such as , braking ability, steering control and traction. Unless you are an automotive expert, or have the capacity to test out a wide range of vehicles that you are interested in buying, the consumer report is your to get the unfiltered and precise information that you need to have.

Another reason why consumer reports are helpful is because they are often written by trusted third party sources. In some cases, consumer reports are actually created by people who have purchased and driven the car in question. This is of prime benefit because it gives you your own personal perspective on the car and its attributes. A customer generated consumer report is written by someone like yourself, so that someone like yourself can easily read, follow and it. Layman information is of absolute importance when it comes to reading an automotive consumer report.

Some consumer reports are written by automotive or vehicular experts. These are people who understand detailed aspects of the car that you're interested in. They are able to break down the of the car in great length and present the information in an easy to read consumer report. Pat Flouster reviews automotive consumer reports. Find a free consumer report on your car today! Read a http://www.consumer-reports.ca before you buy your car. ]]> Your Access To Free Credit Reports http://www.artwoo.com/article/your-access-to-free-credit-reports http://www.artwoo.com/article/your-access-to-free-credit-reports#comments Tue, 16 Jan 2007 04:27:08 +0000 free credit reportannual credit reportcredit reporting companiesfree credit reportscredit report requesttransunionexperian http://www.artwoo.com/article/your-access-to-free-credit-reports Experian, and -- to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months.

That's right; you are entitled to receive one every 12 months from each of the nationwide consumer . In addition to consumers who are eligible for a free credit report through the Request Service; consumers in some states are eligible for a free credit report under state law. The following states have laws that make available to consumers: Colorado, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Vermont.

Commonly called a credit report, what a credit report is really is a credit file disclosure. A credit file disclosure includes a record of anyone who has received a consumer report about you within a certain period of time. These are often referred to as "Inquiries". The credit file disclosure includes certain information that is not included in a consumer report about you to a third party, such as the inquiries of companies for pre-approved offers of credit card companies, or medical account information.

A credit report includes information on where you live, how you pay your bills, and whether you've been sued, arrested, or filed for bankruptcy. Nationwide consumer reporting companies sell the information in your report to creditors, insurers, employers, and other businesses that use it to evaluate your applications for credit, insurance, employment, or renting a home.

You are also entitled to a free report if a company takes adverse action against you, like denying your application for credit, employment or Insurance. You have up to 60 days to request your report after a decline. You're also entitled to one free report a year if you're unemployed and plan to look for a job within 60 days; if you're on welfare; or if your report is inaccurate because of identity theft.

For more information, see Your Access to Free Credit Reports at http://ftc.gov/credit Ben Cortese is a developer and business analyst for the financial industry and enjoys developing and supporting independent websites http://www.best-rate-cards.com Apply for credit at best-rate-cards.com Copyright 2007. Article can be reprinted only if unchanged. ]]> Satellite Tv Systems: Not All Are Created Equal http://www.artwoo.com/article/satellite-tv-systems-not-all-are-created-equal http://www.artwoo.com/article/satellite-tv-systems-not-all-are-created-equal#comments Fri, 13 Jul 2007 10:00:01 +0000 satellite tv systemssatellite tv providersatellite tv systemconsumer reportswhich means thatconsumer reportconsumer reporter http://www.artwoo.com/article/satellite-tv-systems-not-all-are-created-equal satellite TV provider, you should pay special attention to what type of s they use. Different providers use different satellite TV systems and many people don't even think about that. One company's satellite TV system may be superior to another's, so you should definitely ask about their satellite TV systems. How, then, are you supposed to know which satellite TV systems are good and which aren't? The best way is to check with a s periodical or website.

Consumer Reports Are Unbiased

The point of consumer reports, whether they be in magazine or website form, are to inform you of the latest information and ratings on many products, ranging from automobiles to electronics to, pretty much anything. The best part of consumer reports is that the information is unbiased, whoever is testing the products has no brand preference whatsoever. They have a completely open mind going into the experiment with the various products and they write the reviews in an honest and straightforward manner, just as you would if you were trying out the products for the first time.

The Reports Are Thorough And Informative

That's why it's so imperative that you research the various satellite TV systems out there using consumer reports. The reports will let you know the latest information on the various satellite TV systems, as well as tell you the upsides and downsides to each one. More than likely, the price will be listed, as well as any other information the feels is necessary for the consumer to know. Then, the satellite TV systems will be rated using whatever ratings system that consumer report publication uses, usually with stars or points.

So, if you're searching for a satellite TV provider and you want to know which satellite TV systems are worth your time, pick up or log onto one of the many consumer report publications out there and conduct your satellite TV search the way smart consumers do it. After all, you don't want to have to go through the trouble of having your satellite TV connected only to find out that the satellite TV system they use is inferior to the company you were this close to going with. Educate yourself and shop smart, not only with satellite TV but with everything else, too. Simon Peters is the owner of http://on-satellite-tv.com, it is THE best source for advice on the subject of satellite TV, nothing to sell, just information . .. . ]]> Free Credit Report And Score - How To Receive A http://www.artwoo.com/article/free-credit-report-and-score-how-to-receive-a http://www.artwoo.com/article/free-credit-report-and-score-how-to-receive-a#comments Mon, 22 May 2006 03:32:04 +0000 free credit reportfree credit reportsexperiancredit bureausunfortunatelyidentity theftcredit score http://www.artwoo.com/article/free-credit-report-and-score-how-to-receive-a credit bureaus, consumers may pay $15 per bureau. However, some online credit agencies advertise low cost credit reports. Rather than paying for a credit report, consider obtaining a free report.

Who Qualifies for a ?

By law, each consumer is entitled to one free credit report each year. Although reports are free, consumer may have to pay a few bucks to view their . Despite this incentive to encourage credit report monitoring, many people neglect to review the contents of their report. This results in millions becoming victims of each year. are available online, and viewable for up to 30 days. However, other factors may also qualify you for a free credit report.

Credit Report Inaccuracies

If you believe that your credit report contains errors or mistakes, you are a good candidate for a free credit report from each of the three bureaus. The majority of people only review their report from one bureau. However, if the contents on the report are inaccurate, it's worth obtaining copies of the other three reports to ensure that the same mistake has not occurred twice.

Denied Credit, Employment, or Insurance

Although credit history has nothing to do with your ability to function well on the job or drive a car, many employers, and insurance agencies have begun checking credit reports. In some instance, a negative credit rating may prevent you from obtaining employment, or result in higher car insurance premiums. Individuals who have been denied a line of credit, employment, or insurance because of their credit will qualify for a free report.

Experience a Credit Limit Reduction or Interest Rate Increase

, creditors have the right to reduce credit limits and increase rates at their leisure. If you habitually make late payments or exceed your credit limit, a change in credit card limits and rates should be expected. However, if changes occur for no apparent reason, it helps to obtain a free copy of your report and ensure that all information is accurate. Try using http://www.abcloanguide.com for a list of Recommended Companies To Get a Free Credit Report http://www.abcloanguide.com/freecreditreport.shtml online. Their recommended companies are reputable and offer great service. ]]> Free Credit Repair Advice - How to Repair Your Own Credit http://www.artwoo.com/article/free-credit-repair-advice-how-to-repair-your-own-credit http://www.artwoo.com/article/free-credit-repair-advice-how-to-repair-your-own-credit#comments Mon, 01 Sep 2008 15:29:20 +0000 free credit reportthree major credit reporting agenciesrebuilding your creditfact actmajor credit reporting agenciestruth of the mattersafe side http://www.artwoo.com/article/free-credit-repair-advice-how-to-repair-your-own-credit rebuilding your credit for a fee and once you hire them they will take care of everything. However, the is that fixing your credit on your own may be the best thing you could possibly do.

Fixing your own credit can be a difficult process but many who opt to fix their own credit do not find it that difficult to do. More and more people are beginning to repair their own credit. If you want to go this route you need to first contact one or all the , Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian. Ask them to send you a . The was passed in 2001 by Congress and the act lets every consumer obtain one free copy of their credit report annually.

Once you have obtained a copy of your credit report, you will need to take some time to check all the information for accuracy. You will most likely find some mistakes. These discrepancies may be due to the fact that that an old account that you had has been paid off but it is still being reflected on you current statement.

Once you have made a list of all of the mistakes on your credit report, mark them on the credit report or on a sheet of paper. Send a copy of the report to the agency you obtained your credit report from. You may want to contact them by telephone as well. When they receive your complaint they will ask for proof that what is on the report is indeed an error. This is why it is best to send a copy of your credit report to be on the . When they check the error they will notify you saying that they have fixed the mistake or that they do not have enough proof to take the mistake off of your credit report. If you want to successfully improve your credit you need to be stringent when it comes to making sure that all the information on the credit report is correct and reflected on your statement.

A big part of beginning any type of credit repair plan, whether you are repairing your credit yourself or using a debt counselor, is making a long-term plan to keep control of your finances so that you will not make the same mistakes you made with your credit in the past. Credit repair counselors are there to assist you but what is the use of paying their fee if you later find out the firm is not reputable?

Repairing your credit is very time consuming and it will require that you take it very seriously. Over a period of time, you will see the positive and favorable results. You will soon know that these results came about through your own motivation and your own efforts. There is absolutely no better feeling.Learn more information on consumer credit counseling service as well as tips on consumer credit debt consolidation when you visit http://www.creditlegalrepair.com]]> Free Personal Credit Report Online- What To Do http://www.artwoo.com/article/free-personal-credit-report-online-what-to-do http://www.artwoo.com/article/free-personal-credit-report-online-what-to-do#comments Wed, 12 Apr 2006 14:00:23 +0000 victim of identity theftfair credit reporting actfree online credit reportonline credit reportnever openedcontactfbi http://www.artwoo.com/article/free-personal-credit-report-online-what-to-do
Check for inaccuracies

It is very possible that some of the information contained on your credit report isn't accurate. It can be something as small as an address you no longer live at or something as big as a debt you paid off being reported as outstanding. If you find an inaccuracy, the credit bureau and ask them to correct the error.

Check for unusual activity

Does your credit report contain accounts that you . Are there outstanding balances due to companies you have never heard of? If so, someone may have opened accounts in your name and your credit report is paying the price. If your credit report contains any information that leads you to believe you are a , contact the credit bureau and your local police department, who may put you in touch with the .

Check to see who has been checking you out

Your credit report contains a list of the companies and individuals that have requested and received a copy. By law, there are certain requirements that must be met for a third party to view your credit report. Most requesters are required to have obtained your permission and signature, although under certain circumstances, this isn't necessary. Under the , "Any person who knowingly and willfully obtains information on a consumer from a consumer reporting agency under false pretenses shall be fined under title 18, United States Code, imprisoned for not more than 2 years, or both." If someone you know shouldn't have had access to your credit report, is listed as having obtained it, contact the credit reporting agency right away.

Your credit report is an important tool lenders use to help determine whether or not to give you credit. A is an important tool that you can use to make sure your credit report is as clean as it should be. About The Author: Visit http://www.abcloanguide.com/freecreditreport.shtml.">http://www.abcloanguide.com/freecreditreport.shtml. for a list of credit report companies online. View http://www.abcloanguide.com/freecreditreport.shtml.">http://www.abcloanguide.com/freecreditreport.shtml.. ]]> The Easy Way To Build A Good Credit Score http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-easy-way-to-build-a-good-credit-score http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-easy-way-to-build-a-good-credit-score#comments Mon, 01 May 2006 15:32:04 +0000 certified mailname and addressreturn receiptstatecredit scorecredit reportbad credit http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-easy-way-to-build-a-good-credit-score credit score, you need to be very decisive and flexible at all times. Although there are some people who have large credit lines, this does not mean that they can always handle their debts properly, resulting in .

If you're applying for credit, be sure that the consumer reporting company who processes the application uses accurate information in your . If there are any disputes, you must be sure to ask them to include copies of the documents that can support your position.

With regard to providing complete information like your , you must clearly in your letter the identification of each item in your report that you dispute. You must state the facts and explain why you have disputed the information. You must request that the information should be corrected or deleted.

You can also enclose a copy of your report along with the items in question. You can send your letter through a and you should keep the that is requested so you can document what the consumer reporting company has received from you, and when it was sent. It is important that you keep the copies of your dispute letter with the enclosures.

The consumer reporting companies should investigate the items in the question, this usually takes no more than 30 days unless the company considers your dispute frivolous. If you make a request, the consumer reporting company should send notices of some corrections to anyone who has received the report in the past six months.

You must tell the creditor or the one who provided the information that you are disputing an item. Make sure that you include copies of documents that give support to your position. Many of the providers specify an address for disagreements. If your provider makes a report about the item to the consumer reporting company, the report should include a notice of your dispute. In this case, if you are correct and the information has been proven to be inaccurate, the information provider will not report it again.

Your credit report will not actually echo all your credit accounts, even if most of the department stores and bank credit card accounts are included in your file, some are not. Some that are not included are those from the local retailers, gasoline card companies and credit unions.

If you are planning to start your own credit line, make sure that you are familiar with the credit score tips and ways to build your credit score. It might not be easy to build and keep good credit, but if you know how to watch and take care of your credit line, you will find out that you can keep your shopping worry-free. Stu Pearson has an interest in Business and Finance related topics. To access more information on http://www.infactual.com/category/business/ or on http://www.infactual.com/2006/04/21/credit-score2/, please click on the links. ]]> How To Get A Free Copy Of Your Credit Report http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-get-a-free-copy-of-your-credit-report http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-get-a-free-copy-of-your-credit-report#comments Mon, 10 Apr 2006 14:14:08 +0000 free credit reportfree credit reportsannualcreditreportexperiantransunionequifaxapply for a credit card http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-get-a-free-copy-of-your-credit-report apply for a credit card, a mortgage, a loan or any other source of finance, one thing any potential lender will check is your credit report. This will tell them about any previous unpaid debts or legal judgments against you, and help them assess whether you are creditworthy or not.

There are three three nationwide consumer reporting companies in the US: , and . All keep different information about you, and all or any of them may be referred to by a potential lender.

If you are thinking of applying for credit, therefore - and especially if you have ever been turned down in the past - it is important to find out what these companies have on their records about you. And because all three companies are independent, you need to check on all of them.

The good news for consumers is that as from September 1, 2005, everyone in the US is entitled to a free copy of their credit report from each of the consumer reporting companies once a year.

To get free copies of your credit report, you should not apply to the three companies directly. There is only one website that is authorized to give out s, and this is at www..com. You can also get your free credit report via telephone by calling 877-322-8228.

If you find a mistake on your credit report - for example, a debt that isn't yours or a disputed amount - you'll need to fill out the form that comes with the report, or follow the instructions on the explanatory sheet. Upon receipt of a challenge, a credit reporting agency must investigate the claim, usually within 30 days.

As long as a charge is in dispute, it will still show up on your report. Long-time lenders say it's common for reports to have errors. Some estimate that as many as 80 per cent of all credit reports contain some kind of misinformation. So it really is important to take advantage of this free opportunity to check your credit report, even if you're not currently planning any finance applications. About The Author: Nick Davis is the owner of credit card comparison website http://www.finest-credit-cards.com, which aims to match you up with the ideal credit card to suit your situation. With details of all the leading card offers updated daily, plus informative articles to guide you in your choice, you will never pick the wrong credit card again. ]]> Fundamentals Of Forex Trading http://www.artwoo.com/article/fundamentals-of-forex-trading http://www.artwoo.com/article/fundamentals-of-forex-trading#comments Fri, 11 Apr 2008 01:20:02 +0000 producer price indexmichigan consumer confidencepurchasing managers indextimely indicatorconsumer price indexfundamental analysis and technical analysisprivate reports http://www.artwoo.com/article/fundamentals-of-forex-trading fundamental analysis and technical analysis. Fundamental analysis in Forex trading involves taking a look at the economic conditions that can or will affect the value of the currency of a nation. There are several factors involved in a fundamental analysis concerning the Forex Market, and one of these factors are economic indicators, which are reports that the government and private companies release at scheduled times. These reports give an indication of the economic health of a country, and they cover everything from unemployment figures to housing figures, among others.

The four major reports that are most closely watched by Forex traders are the Gross Domestic Product, Retail Sales, Industrial Production, and the reports. The Gross Domestic Product report is the widest measure of the economy of a country, and most investors consider this report a lagging indicator. The Retail Sales report evaluates the total sales receipts for all retail stores in a specific country. This is a good indicator of consumer spending for a particuliar country, and this report is considered a . The Industrial Production report gives a good indication of the changes in production for the nation, as this can be a sign of the economy for that country. The Consumer Price Index measures the price changes of consumer goods across more than two hundred categories of goods and services.

Some other economic indicators that are used by Forex traders include the , or PPI, the , or PMI, the durable goods report, the employment cost index report, or ECI, and the housing starts report. These reports are all issued by the governments, and there are also plenty of as well that are extremely useful to Forex traders. The Survey is one of the most popular private reports, and it can be extremely useful as well, along with other private and government reports, if it is used properly.

The fundamentals of Forex trading include various government and private reports that show economic conditions as well as other factors that may affect the economy of a government or country. Knowing how to analyse these reports is critical to avoid losing money to the market. By being aware of economic trends and factors, and how they affect a specific economy, trading on the Forex market can be more profitable and less of a risk.

Copyright =A9 2007 Joel Teo. All rights reserved. Joel Teo writes on various financial topics including Las Vegas Real Estate. Learn more about Las Vegas Real Estate Investing at http://www.realestateinvestment101.info ]]> Why Self-Help is Required For Credit Repairs http://www.artwoo.com/article/why-self-help-is-required-for-credit-repairs http://www.artwoo.com/article/why-self-help-is-required-for-credit-repairs#comments Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:50:21 +0000 debt repayment plancredit repair servicescredit identityrepairing your creditpersonal debtcredit scoresbankruptcies http://www.artwoo.com/article/why-self-help-is-required-for-credit-repairs credit scores will impair people's ability to avail of mortgages and other types of loans. As such, many people will try to find ways to instantly repair their credit reports.

Due to the popular demand for credit repair, companies have mushroomed all over the country. More often than not, they claim that they can actually repair the credit reports of people with bad credit. They also claim that they are capable of erasing negative reports, including , judgments, liens and bad loans. Such claims are not entirely true.

The Reality Behind Credit Repair Services

The best service that a credit repair services company can provide is report only if it contains inaccurate or incomplete information. However, you can actually do this all by yourself. You do not need to pay thousands of dollars for the credit repair services to do this for you.

Also, credit repair services can offer you finance counseling. They can give you advice on how to build a positive credit record in a short time. An example would be advice on how to prepare your personal .

Other than these services, credit repair services companies cannot do anything more for your credit report.

So, you have to be wary of many companies that victimize a lot of people with bad credit. Below are some of the practices of fraudulent credit repair services companies:

a. They will ask you to leave all the work to them. They will not inform you about your legal rights and their process of repairing your credit.

b. They will ask you not to contact the credit report company by yourself. They will offer their agents to liaise for you.

c. They will ask you to do something illegal, like creating a new or a new credit report.

d. They will ask you to pay first before they start rendering their services.

Know Your Rights

You or any credit repair services company cannot remove accurate, complete and timely information from your credit report, even if it reflects a bad credit or it adversely affects your credit-worthiness.

According to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), all that you can do is ask for an investigation regarding incomplete and inaccurate information in your file. You have to realize that once you request a copy of your credit report, all the credit report companies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) will provide you a free copy each. You can request a copy and eventually check if the report is correct, once a year.

Now, if you find the report inaccurate or incomplete, you can actually file a dispute and ask the consumer reporting company and the credit information provider to correct their mistakes. All you have to do is contact these companies and send a written complaint to each of them. With your continuous follow-up, they will be obliged to investigate, correct their mistakes, and file a new credit report for you. Note that under the FCRA, these credit repair services are all free of charge.Real Claims and Consumer Credit Claims are a group of solicitors dedicated to miss sold loans and payment protection insurance.]]> Removing Negative Items From Credit File http://www.artwoo.com/article/removing-negative-items-from-credit-file http://www.artwoo.com/article/removing-negative-items-from-credit-file#comments Tue, 28 Aug 2007 10:35:00 +0000 esperianincrease your chancestrans unionequifaxcredit reportcredit bureaucredit repair clinics http://www.artwoo.com/article/removing-negative-items-from-credit-file
About Your Credit File- What You May Not Know

Every item listed on your must be proven. If a investigates an item and cannot verify that it has been reported correctly, then it must be removed from your file whether it's true or not.

Whenever there is a negative item on your credit report, you can challenge or deny the negative report at any time. If the item can't be verified within a reasonable amount of time, it must be removed from the credit report. The older an item is the better your chance that it will not be successfully re-verified. Creditors don't always keep good records beyond a year or two.

How to Get a Negative Item Removed From Your Credit Report

The procedure to get negative items removed, if they are incorrect, is straight forward. Some of getting an item removed is simply luck, but if you follow the steps you will of having the negative items removed.

Tip: Send your disputes in during the busiest time of the year for credit bureaus. Send them during November or December, and if the dispute isn't verified in time, it will have to be removed from your credit file.

Step One: Obtain a copy of all three of your credit reports- one from , one from and another from Trans-Union. You can get one copy from each credit bureau for free every 12 months.

Step Two: Review each report and find any negative items.

Step Three: Use the credit bureau's dispute process (sometimes online, sometimes a printed form) to dispute any and all negative items.



Step Four: The disputed items are removed or corrected.

Step Five: For any negative items remaining on your credit report, you can try to negotiate with the creditors to be able to make a lower payment to pay the account off The creditor must then report the item to the credit bureau as paid, and change it to a positive rating.

Consumer Rights Under The Fair Credit Reporting Act

The federal laws are in the consumer's favor when it comes to credit reports. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, there are 5 basic rights given to every consumer:

1.You may challenge the accuracy of the details in a credit report at any time.

2.Any items you challenge must be investigated (and re-investigated) without a charge to you.

3.All challenged items must be investigated within 30 days time or they must be deleted from the file immediately.

4.If errors are found during the investigation, the credit bureau is required to delete or correct the item within your files immediately.

5.If the credit bureau investigates and finds the negative items to be correct, consumers can place a Consumer Statement as part of your credit report as explanation to any inquiries made to your credit file. This article has been provided courtesy of Destroy Debt, http://www.destroydebt.com . ]]> Instant Online Credit Report Pros And Cons http://www.artwoo.com/article/instant-online-credit-report-pros-and-cons http://www.artwoo.com/article/instant-online-credit-report-pros-and-cons#comments Wed, 12 Apr 2006 17:00:05 +0000 free credit reportsfreecreditreportemailcredit bureausperusecredit reports for freeonline credit report http://www.artwoo.com/article/instant-online-credit-report-pros-and-cons credit reports for free, getting a copy of yours is easier than ever. There are good reasons to take advantage free s, but with anything that contains your personal information, there are reasons to be cautious.

Benefits of getting an instant online credit report

Having instant access to your credit report can come in handy. If you are heading out to go car shopping, you might want to quickly your current credit report so you know your credit worthiness before you talk to the finance people at the dealership. Often companies that offer these services provide you with a consumer friendly report that is much easier to read and understand than the official credit reports offered through the 3 .

Risks to consider when getting an instant online credit report

As with anything that requires you to enter your personal information, it is important that you only deal with reputable companies. Over the last few years, there as been an upswing in fraudulent companies offering and then stealing personal information from their customers. Typically the victims are solicited through s advertising free instant online credit reports, so be skeptical of any advertisements for free credit reports that show up in your email inbox.

When you have found a reputable company to request your free instant online credit report from, make sure you know all the terms and conditions that come with the free report. Some free reports are only available if you sign up for a monthly credit monitoring service for which you will be billed. This isn't a problem if you are interested in having your credit monitored, but can be inconvenient at best and expensive at worst if you have to pay monthly for a service you really don't want. About The Author: Visit .shtml">http://www.abcloanguide.com/freecreditreport.shtml for a list of credit report agencies. View our recommended sources for a free instant online credit report. ]]> Consumer Credit Law - Your Credit Report is Wrong! http://www.artwoo.com/article/consumer-credit-law-your-credit-report-is-wrong http://www.artwoo.com/article/consumer-credit-law-your-credit-report-is-wrong#comments Mon, 27 Oct 2008 10:36:27 +0000 debt collection practicescollection practices actfair debt collection practicesfair debt collectionright educationeconomic climatefair debt collection practices act http://www.artwoo.com/article/consumer-credit-law-your-credit-report-is-wrong
Listen, things happen. Circumstances change. Creditors sometimes wear blinders. All they want is their money. Credit law is daunting and complicated. I know I constantly preach about how you can settle your debts yourself, and I believe that you can. You need the , the right tools and above all the commitment. In some cases, you are going to need someone specializing in consumer credit law.

Even after you have negotiated and settled your debt, marks and blemishes can remain on your credit file for years. This can (and it's frankly certain in this ) prevent you from getting home and auto loans. Even if you are able to borrow, you will get the highest rates and end up spending money on increased fees and charges to offset what the lender perceives at an increased risk.

Even if the negatives on your credit report aren't your fault, as in the case of identity theft. The majority of credit reports contain errors of some kind. And even if the entry is accurate, but negative, you need to try to get it removed.

You have debt rights. You have the law on your side. The FDCPA ( Fair Act) protects you from unscrupulous creditors. But you do have to have a foundation, a basic knowledge of debt law. I don't usually speak too highly of lawyers, I mean, who does. But the truth is that we all hate 'em, until we need 'em.

Debt laws are made to protect you. But a good credit lawyer can't hurt. These guys have taken on creditors and collection agencies before. They know what the credit bureaus can and can't do. They know the procedures that can quickly get negatives removed from your credit report.


I'm not singing their praises. I'm just saying that the time comes for a little help, when you may not feel you know enough about credit law. You may need to turn to a professional who is experienced at dealing with credit bureaus and can make sure your credit rights are not violated!

If you have issues like a credit judgment or two on your credit report, there are procedures to get this removed. Getting a judgment vacated is not easy, but it can be done. It's really the experience factor that I think is important here. Credit lawyers have done this before. They already know what we as consumers would have to learn. And even after we learn it intellectually, we are still completely unfamiliar with the court procedures. If you are unable to get the debt judgment vacated, it can remain on your credit file for 10 or more years.

Practicing credit report law takes time to learn. While there are a lot of simple things you can do to correct your report, not all reports are simple. Many, in fact most, have numerous errors. In the case of identity theft, the errors and negative information can be almost insurmountable. Identity theft is definitely an area where you are going to need to contact an attorney who practices consumer credit law to correct the issues on your credit report.Your credit report is wrong. It is wrong for the majority of Americans. It is estimated that over 80% of credit reports contain errors. If not corrected these can prevent you from getting home and car loans. You will pay higher interest and fees. Your credit report can be corrected. Some are easy, some are not. How do you know? Read our report on Understanding Credit Score Information]]> Your Credit Can Be Your Life http://www.artwoo.com/article/your-credit-can-be-your-life http://www.artwoo.com/article/your-credit-can-be-your-life#comments Wed, 02 Jan 2008 00:30:02 +0000 credit worthinesscredit reporting agencywork addressesemployment creditbusiness relationshipconsumer privacyfinancial aspects http://www.artwoo.com/article/your-credit-can-be-your-life financial aspects of who you are. A credit report contains your home and , all the purchases and credit cards that you have made payments on and also your identity. This report is considered when you apply for a job, set up a or are applying for a loan. A bad report can keep you from getting any of these items.

You credit report is detailed information about you. Credit reports are used by creditors to determine if they want to extend credit to you. These reports are compiled by credit reporting agencies and contain your past debt paying information. These agencies give out the credit information to companies and individual consumers. A debtor also has the right to request their credit information at any time. Some credit reporting agencies charge a small fee to get a copy of the information that is in your file, but usually you can get one free report each year from each

Like most businesses, law regulates credit-reporting agencies. That law is called the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Several things are dependent on this act including , creditor decisions and of a debtor. This law keeps credit agencies from withholding debtor information from those who request it. A written statement that has been signed by the debtor must accompany this request. The primary purpose of the act is to show accuracy and fairness of the agencies credit reporting and maintain that certain procedures are being followed.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act ensures that derogatory information that is outdated cannot be reported. It also states that no information including medical history and other items can be released to employers with the debtor's consent. You also have the right to have the name and address of any credit agency that gives out information, which causes you to be denied employment, credit or insurance. You also can seek damages from any credit agency that violates the Fair Credit Reporting Act. It is advisable to check your credit report on a regular basis for items that are incorrect or might not belong to you. One of your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act is if you are denied credit, insurance or employment due to your credit report; you can request the information of the reporting agency. You have sixty days to request a free copy of your credit report from the reporting credit agency. These reporting agencies are not allowed to give out any information without your written consent, under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Another one of your rights under this act is that you can dispute the accuracy of the information in your report.

If you have tried to buy a car or a house you know how important your credit report is. There are a lot of people who don't know what a credit report is or how it affects them. If you have a bad credit rating you will not be able to buy items or they may come with an enormous interest rate. Legal Helpers (http://www.legalhelpers.com) is a debt relief agency helping people to file for bankruptcy relief under the bankruptcy code. We're one of the largest consumer bankruptcy firms in America offering great service and free consultations. Bankruptcy attorneys answer the phones six days a week. ]]> How To Check Your Credit Report http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-check-your-credit-report http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-check-your-credit-report#comments Sun, 04 Jun 2006 12:32:06 +0000 applying for a credit cardnational credit bureauscredit reportcredit historycreditorscredit accountshistory matters http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-check-your-credit-report credit report before granting you anything. So it is probably best to check up on your credit report as well. This way you can correct any inaccuracies and fix your credit report immediately. Ideally, you should check up on your report monthly, and even weekly, especially if you have made a large credit purchase.

Consistently checking up your report will help you to eliminate errors and mistakes easily. It is important that you are up to the task and fix your credit report when problems arise because otherwise, you may have trouble or loan.

The way to go about keeping an eye on your report is to first get a summary of all your and the total debt you've incurred. This includes the available limits and existing balances. Any inaccuracies you can then quickly rectify.

More importantly, by constantly reminding yourself of your credit report, you can budget and plan for the future. If you want to buy a brand new car or house, you need to make sure you'll be easily granted the loan required for such expensive investments.

If you're not willing to check your credit report that frequently, at least look over it thoroughly once a year. At the end of the day, it is up to the to evaluate your report, so you only have control over correcting errors really. When a creditor does finally accept your account, they will then determine how much to pay you based on your .

Credit and things like bankruptcy and disclosure will be major factors. The are responsible for collecting information for your credit history and they will indicate what accounts are overdue or late -- they actually sell this information to creditors. Success for applications of car insurance, apartment leases, cell phone services and the like will all depend on their credit history.

Even if you think your credit history is good, you will need a copy of your credit report. You may find overlooked errors and compelling statements written on the report. Don't be the last to know what's in your file -- get ahead of the game. Major consumer reporting companies can provide a copy of your credit report free of charge, so there is really no disadvantage to taking this step. If you fix your credit report, you may also end up securing a job promotion or loan application that you otherwise may have lost based on a silly error. Stu Pearson has an interest in Business and Technology related topics. To access more information on http://www.inreading.com/category/business/ or on http://www.inreading.com/2006/05/22/fix_credit_report1/, please click on the links. ]]> Finding The Perfect Roommate On Craigslist http://www.artwoo.com/article/finding-the-perfect-roommate-on-craigslist http://www.artwoo.com/article/finding-the-perfect-roommate-on-craigslist#comments Wed, 24 Jan 2007 20:27:07 +0000 roommatefriendsterfacebookexperianequifaxtenant screening servicepet peeves http://www.artwoo.com/article/finding-the-perfect-roommate-on-craigslist Roommates, and The Concerns

Craigslist is "great" when it comes to looking for housing and roommates. The majority of the time, if not all the time, the posters will be strangers to us. So how do we know if the person will be a good fit for a roommate? Is there a way as roommate-seekers to mind our own safety and well being? The fears of finding a potential roommate that turns out to have bad credit and never pays their fair share of the rent would pale in comparison if you ended up with an ex-felon! Yikes! So what are we to do?

In this article, I will give you a few pointers so you can play detective. Given the conveniences of today's internet, you can perform a full blown background check on your potential roommate, knowing everything from their quirky to their legal problems.

The Obvious

As long as provisions of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which you can find on the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) site, are followed, you can use a consumer report to help you assess your potential roommate. A consumer report is provided by the Consumer Report Agency (CRA), which helps put together pertinent information such as a report from a tenant-screening service, and a credit report from Trans Union, , or . Often times, the tenant-screening service may include information from previous landlords or housing court records, which will show any cases of eviction.

The Not-So-Obvious

Check social network sites to see their profile. There are always websites such as , and, of course, MySpace. Look at the testimonials of their friends. Are they consistent with the feel that you received from your interview of the person? Is there something in their self-described profile that doesn't match what they told you or is there something they didn't tell you that you find annoying or irritable.

Publicly Enforced Rating

The website, www.Roomapes.com, is another avenue for the concerned. If the potential roommate has had roommates in the past, it is highly possible that he is listed in this database, where roommates may praise or rant about their roommates. With the help of this database you can get a specific feel for your potential roommate's quirks.

The Bottom Line

Finding and choosing a roommate is a tough task, but with common sense and today's internet, the once daunting task can be easy. As with all decisions, weighing the pros and cons derived from the above measures are important. By combining the above information with your gut feeling, hopefully, you will find yourself a roommate that fits your lifestyle and needs. Professor P is an editor for http://www.roomapes.com ]]> Good Credit Report: A Positive Credit Tool http://www.artwoo.com/article/good-credit-report-a-positive-credit-tool http://www.artwoo.com/article/good-credit-report-a-positive-credit-tool#comments Sat, 01 Jul 2006 16:27:06 +0000 credit reportborrow moneycredit bureausconvenientlycredit cardbanksflawless credit http://www.artwoo.com/article/good-credit-report-a-positive-credit-tool banks offer credit for all your requirements, be it buying a house, car or consumer goods like a television, washing machine or a music system. The financers finalize their decision to lend you money based on your . Special agencies or maintain these reports.

What is a Credit Report? A credit report represents the record of your previous credits- whether you paid them completely and on time. It also shows complete details of your payments. If your credit report shows that you have been regular with your payments and have paid all your past credits, you automatically become a candidate for obtaining large credits and that too on lower rates of interest.

Constructing a Good Credit Report An honest borrower will naturally build a report. He/she would be a regular with his/her payments as a matter of habit. Any person, planning to in future, has to intentionally make an effort to regularly pay all his bills and credits in order to maintain a good credit report. If you plan to borrow a large sum in the future, you can start by taking a loan, for instance a car loan and build a good credit report around its regular payments. An early start, with regular payments like that of a credit card or personal phone, can also lead your creditors into thinking that you are a good candidate for a loan.

What Not To Do Always think before borrowing, whether you will be able to repay or not. It is very easy to borrow but not that easy to pay back a loan. Borrowing a loan larger than your paying back capacity will also have an adverse effect on your credit report. Your credit report is also affected if you apply for a loan at more than two places simultaneously, in the hope of it getting approved somewhere.

Conclusion Besides the banks and financial firms, business houses and insurance companies may also like to review your financial report, before employing you or paying you an insurance coverage. Therefore, always try to keep this useful tool, out of any trouble. Barney Garcia writes about many financial and credit report topics. http://www.easy-credit-report.info and http://www.credit-reports-forall.info and http://www.quick-credit-reports.info ]]> Federal Credit Bureau: How Does It Protect Your Credit Record? http://www.artwoo.com/article/federal-credit-bureau-how-does-it-protect-your-credit-record http://www.artwoo.com/article/federal-credit-bureau-how-does-it-protect-your-credit-record#comments Mon, 28 Jan 2008 14:20:00 +0000 credit reporting companiesletter in the mailfour major credit bureauslittle known factmajor credit bureausnational bureausthree major bureaus http://www.artwoo.com/article/federal-credit-bureau-how-does-it-protect-your-credit-record four are under the jurisdiction of the federal government. There is no federal credit bureau. The corporations who keep track of the credit files of America's consumers are for-profit companies owned not by the government, but by the stockholders of the company. Companies like this get no funding or help from the government in any way. However, Federal law does govern the actions of the four nationwide consumer .

Who Are the Credit Reporting Companies?

The three main players are Trans Union, Equifax, and Experian. The fourth bureau is called Innovis, but it lags behind the others in usage, being a fairly new organization. Every local credit bureau in the United States is affiliated with one of these three large companies. It is important for the consumer to understand that it is quite important to request a copy of your credit file from each of the . Why is this? A is that these could each have different information on you in their files. Since the credit reporting business is a competitive one, they do not share information between them on a usual basis.

The Federal law that regulates all credit bureaus in the United States is called the Fair Credit Reporting Act. The main gist of the law is accuracy in recording and record keeping, and the privacy and protection of consumers and their personal credit information. It is the law that you have to be informed if any of the information in your file has been used against you, such as when you are turned down for a job because of poor credit. Usually, this information comes to you in the form of a . If you just want to know what information is in your credit file, all you have to do is ask, and you can get a free report once a year from each major credit bureau.

Once you find out that there is no federal credit bureau, and contact one of the three main credit reporting agencies for a free copy of your file, examine your credit report closely. If you see any inaccuracies at all, it is up to you to contact the agency to have the discrepancy remedied. They have to, by law, investigate the false information by checking out all the evidence surrounding it. They then must get in touch with the information source that provided them with the erroneous information. This source must also review the information, then report back to the credit reporting agency.

The CRA will then send to you via mail a written investigative report, detailing everything that was done to check out this error in your file. You will get another, corrected copy of your file once the error has been corrected. Also, anyone, be it a potential employer or that local department store where you are trying to get a credit card so you can buy a kitty condo for you cats, will be informed by mail that there has been a change to your credit file, with detrimental information removed.

annrichter(at)creditreportguideonline.com Are you considering bad credit history loans to consolidate your credit card debt? Try visiting http://www.creditreportguideonline.com, a popular credit report site that provides information on how consumer credit counseling svc can help you clean up your finances. ]]> Credit Scores Are Vital to Your Financial Health http://www.artwoo.com/article/credit-scores-are-vital-to-your-financial-health http://www.artwoo.com/article/credit-scores-are-vital-to-your-financial-health#comments Mon, 22 Sep 2008 14:08:21 +0000 child support paymentsprovidian financialpayment historiessocial security numbercredit report inquiriesthree credit reporting agenciescredit payments http://www.artwoo.com/article/credit-scores-are-vital-to-your-financial-health
The type of information you will find in a credit report is as follows:

- Basic information such as your name, address, , employer, and geographic code (to prevent discriminatory lending).

- A section that lists all of the open accounts, the date those accounts were opened, their credit limits, last reported balances, and .

- The public records section that lists any bankruptcies, tax liens, repossessions, or owed .

- The inquiries section that lists that have been made by potential lenders. These are inquiries that are authorized by the consumer.

A credit score is able to be calculated based off of this information because it shows whether or not the consumer is using 30% or more of the available credit, if the consumer is using more than 20% of their income to make their each month, if payments are made on time, and if the consumer has applied for a lot of credit in a short period of time. Each one of the , Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union maintain a credit report and score on each consumer as reported by the creditors.

Why it is important to raise credit scores

If consumers would raise their credit scores by an average of only 30 points, they could save $16 billion dollars. This is according to 's chief public policy officer, J. Christopher Lewis. The money is saved because securing a better credit score means receiving better interest rates on loans, credit cards, and other types of credit. The interest is what takes billions of dollars out of the pockets of consumers and it is all because of the concept of "the lower the credit score, the higher the interest."

Getting a free credit report

As mandated by the federal government, the three major credit reporting agencies must provide a consumer a free copy of their credit report if they request it. The credit reports can be ordered at the same time or they can be ordered at different times, ideally three months apart. It is also important that consumers be aware of the websites that state they offer "free" credit reports from the credit bureaus. There is still a charge for monitoring services and other products as a result of taking these offers. It is important that credit reports be ordered by doing the following: Calling 877-322-8228, requesting by mail at Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA. 30348-5281, or through the federally authorized website www.annualcreditreport.com. It is important for consumers to obtain copies of their credit reports in order to develop and maintain good credit scores.Salim Omar, author of "Straight Talk About Small Business Success In New Jersey" specializes in providing accounting and tax services to small business owners and professional practices in NJ. Salim's articles are featured in various national magazines including Accounting Today, The CPA Journal, Chiropractic Economics, Wealth Manager and The Two River Times. You may request a free copy of Salim's new special report titled "How To Drastically Reduce Your Taxes By As Much As 62% This Year Alone And Put Thousands Back In Your Pocket"]]>