consumers report http://www.artwoo.com Returned search results for consumers report Copyright 2008 Sun, 23 Nov 2008 02:10:00 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/rss/consumers+report How To Get A Copy Of Your Credit Report http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-get-a-copy-of-your-credit-report http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-get-a-copy-of-your-credit-report#comments Wed, 07 Mar 2007 14:27:04 +0000 free credit reportmajor credit bureausthree major credit bureausfree credit report once a yearcredit reporting agenciesexperianequifax http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-get-a-copy-of-your-credit-report credit reporting agencies during the year. By requesting a copy of your credit report every year or even every six months, you can determine if all the information in the report is accurate, and if not be proactive to change it. Here are tips on how to get a copy of your credit report.

There's Not Just One Credit Report While most consumers talk about getting "a" credit report, there are actually three different credit reporting agencies that each create their own credit report. While there are usually quite similar to the information included in the report, sometimes, they can have conflicting information and inaccuracies. This is why it is important to request a report from each individual credit bureau. The three include; , and Trans Union.

It's Easy to Request a Credit Report For consumers that are interested in what their credit report says about their financial history, you will be happy to know that each of these are required by law to provide you with a once a year. If you would like a report more than once each year, you will have to pay a small fee. You can easily request a free credit report by visiting the major 3 credit bureaus web site or calling them directly to request a report.

Why Request a Report It is extremely important to request your credit report each year to determine if any inaccuracies are present. Mistakes on your credit report can result in the rejection of a mortgage or car loan. If you are planning on making a large purchase it is always a good idea to view your credit report before making your purchase.

You should also request a report if you believe you are a victim of identity theft. One way to reduce the damage done by identity theft is to contact the three major credit bureaus and request that any new loans and credit cards that are applied for should first seek proof of identity. Another way identity theft can be curtailed, is when you receive your credit report, you can easily look at it to determine if loans or credit cards have been taken out fraudulently. Connie Barker is the owner of a credit report website http://www.creditreportchoice.com/ ]]> 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. ]]> What Is A Credit Report? http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-is-a-credit-report http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-is-a-credit-report#comments Tue, 23 Jan 2007 02:27:05 +0000 apply for a credit cardcredit cards creditcredit reportcredit reportsbusiness loanslenderscredit card company http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-is-a-credit-report credit report. If you are new to having credit or finally realized how important credit can be, here is some information on what a credit report is and its importance in the credit process.

A credit report is a document that is used to summarize your financial reliability. Usually compile information that includes current loans and credit cards you have, your payment history, your outstanding debt and other personal information such as your current and previous address, full name, aliases, and companies or that recently requested your credit report.

Credit reports are a very useful tool for companies and lenders to determine if a person they are either loaning money to or can be providing a job or an apartment for is reliable and stable with their finances. For instance, if you would like to , when filling out the application, you sign a waiver giving the credit card permission to pull your credit report and analyze it. From this point the will look at your credit report to see if you have lots of other credit cards, the debt that you owe on those credit cards and if in the past were you late paying the monthly bills for the credit cards.

Credit reports are instruments used by lenders and other entities to protect themselves against risk. While a credit report with lots of negative info can be bad for the person that is applying for a loan or apartment, credit reports are in most cases very helpful for consumers that keep up on their payments and are financially responsible. These consumers are able to acquire import loans such as mortgages and that can help them reach their life goals.

Because credit reports are so important to the process of acquiring loans and a big factor in renting an apartment or applying for a job, it is extremely important that consumers know as much as possible on how credit reports are used, how they are scored and strategies on how your credit report can show you as being financially responsible. Connie Barker is the owner of http://www.creditreportchoice.com website. ]]> Bad Credit Credit Report Repair - Why Do It http://www.artwoo.com/article/bad-credit-credit-report-repair-why-do-it http://www.artwoo.com/article/bad-credit-credit-report-repair-why-do-it#comments Wed, 12 Apr 2006 16:00:20 +0000 three credit bureausfair credit reporting actcredit reportcredit repair agenciesmoneycredit reporting actbad credit http://www.artwoo.com/article/bad-credit-credit-report-repair-why-do-it credit report is a powerful piece of paper. Lenders look at it closely when deciding whether or not to give you a loan. Insurance companies can use it to determine your rates or whether they will cover you at all. Employers can access it and use it as a factor in offering you a job or promotion. With that much significance placed on your credit report, it is absolutely essential that the information it contains paints you in a good light.

Repairing your credit yourself saves you

According to the , consumers can dispute mistakes in their credit report for free. It can be a little time consuming to pull your report, document the error, type up a letter and send it in, so many people hire to do the boring work for them. There is no real reason, other than the issue of time, to pour out money for work that you can easily do yourself.

There are no secret tricks to credit repair

Don't be fooled into thinking that you don't have the knowledge to clean up your credit report and that a credit repair agency knows a bunch of angles that have eluded you. Everything you need to know in order to fix errors on your credit report is readily available and there is nothing in the process that is required to be done by a third party or professional agency that specializes in credit repair.

Keep yourself from getting scammed

Don't fall for the ads that claim an agency can erase from your report. The only thing by law that can be changed on a credit report is inaccurate information. If you have had a bankruptcy, the only thing that will legally remove it from your credit report is time.

Credit repair agencies charge anywhere from $400 to $2000 for their services and the reality is they are not doing anything that you can't do for yourself. For $30 you can obtain a credit report that lists your history with all . The rest of the investment in cleaning up your credit report is in the value of the time it requires. About The Author: Visit http://www.abcloanguide.com/freecreditreport.shtml for a list of credit report agencies. View our recommended sources for a free instant credit report. ]]> Free Annual Credit Report From All 3 Reporting http://www.artwoo.com/article/free-annual-credit-report-from-all-3-reporting http://www.artwoo.com/article/free-annual-credit-report-from-all-3-reporting#comments Wed, 14 Jun 2006 21:32:08 +0000 free credit reportcredit reporting agenciesannualcreditreportmajor credit reporting agenciesexperiantransunionequifax http://www.artwoo.com/article/free-annual-credit-report-from-all-3-reporting
Most consumers are surprised to learn that they are permitted to request a free copy of their credit report, every 12 months, from each of the three major . These include , and . These are the three agencies that respond to credit report requests from banks and other potential lenders. They supply the credit report, which is used to determine whether or not a loan is approved, the amount of any loan granted and an interest rate. While the credit reporting agencies are not involved in the actual credit decision, they are the ones who provide the information that leads to that decision.

These days, many businesses promise to provide a , but there is almost always a subscription requirement or paid service that must be honored before the individual can receive their free credit report. One website, however, is much different. Once every 12 months, consumers may visit .com">http://www.AnnualCreditReport.com and request instant online access to their free credit report from each of the three previously mentioned credit reporting agencies.

Upon viewing each credit report, which may be slightly different from each of the reporting agencies, individuals will be able to review every entry and confirm their accuracy. If anything is determined to be incorrect, including an account balance, status or payment history, the consumer has a right to dispute that information with the credit reporting agency directly. At the time that a dispute is lodged, the agency will launch an investigation to determine whether or not the entry needs correcting.

At any time during the year, if an applicant is denied credit, he/she has a right to receive a free copy of the credit report from the agency who supplied the information to the denying lender. The lender must supply the name, address and telephone number of the credit reporting agency that supplied the applicant's credit report. Within 60 days of the notice of denial for credit, the applicant may request a free copy of his/her credit report. A final consideration recommended to all consumers is that, in order to prevent identity theft or any type of fraud, a credit report should be monitored every six months. Learn more about credit report - visit our website at http://www.onlinecreditreportguide.info for credit report articles and reviews. ]]> Free Credit Report And Score - Why You Need Them http://www.artwoo.com/article/free-credit-report-and-score-why-you-need-them http://www.artwoo.com/article/free-credit-report-and-score-why-you-need-them#comments Wed, 12 Apr 2006 15:00:07 +0000 three credit bureausfree credit reportcredit scoremoneyworthycredit accountscredit bureau http://www.artwoo.com/article/free-credit-report-and-score-why-you-need-them money is in your checking account. Chances are, you keep a running tally in the back of your check book and you balance that with the statement the bank sends you each month. As important as it is to know how much money you have available before you write a check, it is equally important to know your and what is on your credit report. Not knowing these things could cost you money.

A credit score helps predict how credit you are

Many factors go into determining your credit score including your bill-paying history, the number of you have, late payments, collection actions, and outstanding debt. Once this information is compiled, statisticians compare your information with other consumers and give you points for each factor of your history that shows you to be a good credit risk. Your total number of points are added up, giving you your credit score.

A credit report shows how credit worthy you have been

Simply put, a credit report is a tracking of all of your credit purchases and payments compiled by a and made available to any agency that is trying to determine whether or not to give you a line of credit or loan you money. The report lists every account you have open, even if it contains a zero balance. Information published on the report stays on it for 7 to 10 years.

Everyone should know their credit score and have a copy of their credit report

If you are getting ready to apply for a home loan, you should know what is on your credit report before your lender ever sees it. If there is an inaccuracy, you will have a chance to have it fixed, so it won't spoil your chance of getting the loan. Having your report in hand will also give you a chance to close any old accounts that you no longer use. Having too many open accounts can influence the amount of credit you are eligible for to receive.

Everyone is entitled to a

The law requires each of the to provide you with a free credit report each year. You may take them all at once or spread them out, but it is important to obtain them and make sure that the information of your credit report is accurate. About The Author: Visit http://www.abcloanguide.com/freecreditreport.shtml for a list of credit report agencies. View our recommended sources for a free online credit report. ]]> 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. ]]> Understanding Your Credit Report http://www.artwoo.com/article/understanding-your-credit-report http://www.artwoo.com/article/understanding-your-credit-report#comments Sat, 02 Sep 2006 00:27:16 +0000 three major credit bureausfair isaac corporationmajor credit bureausexperiantransunionequifaxcredit report http://www.artwoo.com/article/understanding-your-credit-report credit report, you're probably way over due for a look at your credit history and score. But with so much information packed into each credit report, it can often be frustrating trying to decipher all of the codes, abbreviations and numbers within them. If you're not sure how to read your credit report, you're not alone. It can be tough trying to figure it all out, so keep reading to gain a better understanding.

For your convenience, many credit reports list personal information, credit history, public records and inquiries in different columns. This will make it easier for you to read and understand them. If you're not sure what FICO means, it stands for and it's the most popular scoring system used by lenders.

You can expect to see your full name, address and social security number listed on your credit report. As you skim this information, check to see if everything is correct. As you go down this page, you will also see previous addresses listed along with your date of birth, phone number and employer name.

Check the public records section of your credit report if you have had credit problems in the past, such as collection accounts and bankruptcy. Don't forget to go through this section, because if any of the listed information is false, your credit rating could be greatly affected. .. The credit history portion of your credit report will contain a list of all the credit accounts you've ever opened and closed. They will detail if you have paid on time or been late and might offer remarks, such as "pays on time" or "pays 30 days late." The , , and have tried to make reading credit reports easier on consumers by making their information less complicated.

Anytime you have applied for a line of credit in the past, it has been detailed in the inquiry section of your credit report. Review this section to see just who has been asking for a copy of your credit report. If you see anything suspicious, report it, but keep in mind that anytime you apply for an apartment, personal loan or credit card, your credit has been run.

It might take you a few tries to fully comprehend your credit report, but you'll get there. The important thing is that you are keeping track of your credit history and rating and that is a wise investment for your future. Visit http://www.creditandyou.com for more informaiton on how to understand your credit report and what to do if you have negative information in your credit 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. ]]> How To Get Your Free Annual Credit Report http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-get-your-free-annual-credit-report http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-get-your-free-annual-credit-report#comments Tue, 11 Dec 2007 14:25:01 +0000 credit card fraudcredit reporting agenciesfree credit reportthree credit reporting agenciescredit card loantransunionexperian http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-get-your-free-annual-credit-report credit card fraud and identity theft, so right after the holidays is a great time to check your credit report. The following article will show you why, when and how to check your credit report...

Why you should check your credit report

* to check for errors * to check for fraud and identity theft * to get the best interest rates * more and more people are relying on credit scores - car insurance, employers, etc.

When to check your credit report:

* Once a year if you have good credit and don't anticipate any large purchases in the near future * Before a major purchase, such as a new home, new car, etc. - should request your credit report 6 months ahead of a big purchase so you have time to correct any errors * If you've been denied a credit card, loan or other product or service because of your credit (you are entitled to a if you have been denied credit based on information found in your report) * If you suspect that your identity has been stolen * If you are starting a plan to get out of debt or repair your credit.

How to check your credit:

There are three (Equifax, and ), and they are required to provide you with one free credit report each year. The three agencies do not always share the same information, so it's important to check all three.

You can order all three credit reports at one time, but it may be a better idea to check one company one month, wait a few months, then check another company, then the third company a few months later. This way you are getting three free credit reports a year, and you are checking several times a year, so you are more likely to catch errors and/or fraud.

Go to www.annualcreditreport.com to request your free credit report online. This is the only authorized source for consumers to check their credit report online for free. There are commercials and websites for other companies who claim to offer your credit report online for free, but they are generally selling a service or they are a scam.

In addition, you can call 1-877-322-8228, or you can write for your free credit report at: Annual Credit Report Request Service, PO Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.

Finally, you can purchase a 3-in-1 report, which is basically getting all three reports from each of the credit bureaus. This is a good idea if you have never requested your credit report before, or if you suspect fraud. You can purchase your 3-in-1 credit report at www.myfico.com.

Regardless of what time of year it is, it's important to check your credit report periodically to make sure there are no errors and that you have not become a victim of identity theft or fraud.

But it's even more important to check your credit report right after the holidays to make sure that you didn't become a victim of fraud during the busiest shopping days of the year. Kristine A. McKinley, CPA, Certified Financial Planner, teaches individuals and families how to invest and plan for retirement, college, and other financial goals. For more tips on boosting your credit score, getting out of debt, and more, please visit http://www.financialtipsforwahms.com ]]> Using Your Credit Report: Why You Should Check The Information http://www.artwoo.com/article/using-your-credit-report-why-you-should-check-the-information http://www.artwoo.com/article/using-your-credit-report-why-you-should-check-the-information#comments Thu, 23 Aug 2007 05:15:00 +0000 credit card companiescredit reportmortgage lenderscredit scoreunscrupulousembarrassmentauto finance http://www.artwoo.com/article/using-your-credit-report-why-you-should-check-the-information credit card companies, and just about every financial institution uses credit scoring to determine your suitability for loans or finance. Unfortunately, many people don't even think about using your to check your score before applying for a loan or credit card, and you could be in for a nasty shock! Being turned down for credit can often come as a surprise for unsuspecting consumers, so using your credit report in advance is essential to check that all the facts are correct and relevant. It is important that you obtain your credit report from a reputable credit scoring company, as there are an increasing number of websites claiming to hold this information.

Using your credit report to check the details.

The first thing to do when you receive your credit report is to check every entry. This includes your names (including any previous names before marriage), addresses =96 past and present =96 and any other personal information. You should then have a look at the current and past credit institutions that you have any arrangements with and make sure that these are legitimate entries. Using your credit report information, you should be able to see the status of your payments to mortgage lenders, credit card companies, store cards, and any other financial arrangements that you have obtained credit for. Again, check each of these carefully for errors or incorrect information.

Using your credit report to check your score.

Banks and other lenders, including credit card companies, will use your to decide if you qualify for their accounts. Using your credit report to check your score can help you to decide which financial products you would be able to apply for, and avoid any by being rejected. Applying for a mortgage can be a particularly stressful task and using your credit report beforehand will help you choose the right company and home loan products. Similarly, there are numerous credit cards available and these offers can vary widely depending on your credit score.

Using your credit report to improve your score.

Forewarned is forearmed, so using your credit report to check all of your regular payments to loans and credit cards can help you rebuilt your score. You may not have realised that you're a month behind with some of your payments, or that you have a debt that you've forgotten about. If you've moved home and failed to inform one or more credit companies, there could be outstanding debts on your credit report that you're no longer receiving mail for. You can get your score improved, in time, by catching up with any missed payments or outstanding debt, by using your credit report to keep yourself up to date.

Credit scoring companies do get things wrong, and if using your credit report shows up any errors or incorrect information, it is vital that you contact them as soon as possible. Mike Paetzold is the webmaster at http://financeandcreditreports.com where you can find more information on using your credit report. ]]> 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. ]]> Taking Steps To Repair Bad Credit http://www.artwoo.com/article/taking-steps-to-repair-bad-credit http://www.artwoo.com/article/taking-steps-to-repair-bad-credit#comments Sun, 16 Apr 2006 22:50:09 +0000 experiantransunionequifaxcontactcredit reportcredit scorecredit reports http://www.artwoo.com/article/taking-steps-to-repair-bad-credit
Since new laws make it difficult for consumers to restore their credit rating, it might seem impossible to get out of trouble. However, under the law it is possible to get all three of your s free of charge.

If you have a poor credit history, you should request copies of your to be certain that there are no mistakes or false charges. If you do find erroneous claims on your credit report the first thing you should do is file a dispute against the claims. This will likely delay your payments and if you are found not to be responsible for the debt it can free you from it all together.

the agencies as soon as possible if you notice any invalid accounts or incorrect claims that are not your responsibility. For your convenience, , , and all have dispute hot lines available.

Disputing can be one step toward repairing your credit. Most of the information listed on credit reports is from banks, credit card companies, utilities providers, legal judgments, etc. Typically, that information remains on your credit report for at least 7 years. Positive ratings often remain on your report for 10 years. Tax liens will remain on your credit report for 15 years and bankruptcies will remain on your credit report for 10 years. That is why it is important to dispute any credit claims that are on your report that are not yours.

The bureaus will investigate, and if they find in your favor, the debts will be erased from your credit report. For this reason, it is very important to keep track of your credit report, and view it on a regular basis. You also have the ability to view your from the reports so that you can see how it has been affected by your report.

If you find claims against you that you are responsible for, but don't know how to fix, you should educate yourself.

Do not believe it when credit repair companies assert that they can remove items from your credit report and lower your monthly payments. The government watches most of these agencies and the government has been given reason to believe that some of these agencies have misled customers.

Most of these companies are only looking to cheat you, all the while putting you at risk of further damaging your credit. If you need help or support with your credit then it is easy and sensible to consult counselors at the National Foundation for Credit Counseling. The representatives are highly trained in helping consumers find a legal way to improve their credit, and get out of debt, while keeping the creditors at bay.

Make sure that you know your rights if you are looking for ways to repair your bad credit. It is still possible to overcome bad credit, and build good credit again.

You are not alone, and there are places that you can turn. The Consumer Response Center is another great resource for learning about your rights. There are some cases where you have more rights than you might realize. Victims of Identity Theft or Military Personnel that have had their identities stolen often have more rights than people who simply fail to pay their bills.

Knowing your rights and where to turn for help is the first step in repairing your bad credit. To learn more about credit repair visit http://www.creditrepairtips.info ]]> Even People With Good Credit Are Penalized http://www.artwoo.com/article/even-people-with-good-credit-are-penalized http://www.artwoo.com/article/even-people-with-good-credit-are-penalized#comments Sun, 30 Sep 2007 01:34:59 +0000 fico scorecredit scorethree major credit bureauscredit scoring systemtransunionexperianequifax http://www.artwoo.com/article/even-people-with-good-credit-are-penalized credit scoring system developed by the : , and . The system grades consumers on a scale of A-F. I have done extensive research, but have yet to find out how lenders will use this score, or which lenders will choose to use the Vantage score as opposed to the .

Will they be flexible in their analysis and look at the actual score or just look at the grade of A-F.? Unfortunately, no one knows for sure. For now, when applying for a loan, ask the lender which they are using.

I recently refinanced my home and the lender used the FICO score. Well, I recently obtained a copy of my credit report and credit scores from the three major credit bureaus. I have not made any late payments in the past 10 years; therefore, I expected to get the highest credit score possible or at least very close to it. My scores were 760 and above.

When I ordered my Experian report I wanted to order a FICO score, yet I only had the option of getting a Vantage score. My Experian Vantage score was 819. To my surprise, all of these ridiculous reasons were given to explain why my credit scores were not higher:

1. Your report does not show real estate loans =96 this was incorrect, I have had a mortgage for the past 7 years.

2. Your report shows that available credit across your open revolving accounts is too low =96 I only have one credit card with a limit of $3,000. They are telling me that if I had more credit cards my score would be higher.

3. Your report shows that the ratio of balances to credit limits across your open revolving accounts is too high =96 My balance on my credit card was approximately $900, which is only 30% of the credit limit - the suggested balance that consumers should have on their credit cards.

4. Your report shows that the time since your oldest revolving account is too short =96wrong. I have one revolving account, my credit card which I have had for the past 10 years.

5. Your report shows one or more inquiries on file =96 I had one inquiry in June 2005. One inquiry in February 2006 and one in October 2006. Inquiries should be obtained no more than twice a year unless you are doing comparison shopping. I am being penalized because I had two inquiries within one year.

Well, needless to say, I wrote each credit bureau and disputed all the reasons they provided. I received two responses back and am waiting for the last response. After I receive it, I will order a copy of my credit report again to see if my scores have increased. I have struggled to find out how one obtains an 800 FICO credit score or higher. From the looks of things, it doesn't seem like an 800 is possible anymore because the credit bureaus will find ways to make sure your credit score is not as high as it can be.

I advise everyone, whether you have bad credit or good credit, to order a copy of your credit report once a year, read every single line on your credit report and read all of the information provided along with your credit report. Make sure everything listed on your credit report is accurate. Even a few points on your credit score can make the difference between getting approved or getting declined, and we all need those extra points. Good luck! Harrine Freeman is the CEO of H.E. Freeman Enterprises, a credit repair and personal finance services company and author of "How to Get Out of Debt: Get an "A" Credit Rating for Free." Visit http://www.hefreemanenterprises.com. ]]> Better Deals For Life Insurance Policyholders http://www.artwoo.com/article/better-deals-for-life-insurance-policyholders http://www.artwoo.com/article/better-deals-for-life-insurance-policyholders#comments Thu, 07 Jun 2007 04:19:58 +0000 financial services authoritylife insurance policiespurchase life insuranceconsumersselling life insurancefsarectify http://www.artwoo.com/article/better-deals-for-life-insurance-policyholders Financial Services Authority are asking for better treatment for those who hold in the UK and those who wish to cover. It seems that some advisers policies are giving very poor advice regarding the product, both before the sale has taken place and after.

In an insurance sector briefing issued by the , it said that the after sales care when it comes to life insurance was seen as being very poor with some consumers thought not to have been treated fairly. There are also concerns over the quality of the product that some consumers are getting. Sarah Wilson who is director and sector leader of the Financial Services Authority insists that the findings where significant and that consumers should be able to be make the right choices when it came to purchasing the product.

The report said that consumers currently cannot make the right choice for themselves regarding their profits policy, because they simply don't have the necessary information by which to do that. Consumers can be given very poor information before and after they have been sold a policy, which then leaves them unsure about what they have paid for and have actually bought.

In response to this and to try and the situation the Financial Services Authority are asking those that sell the insurance to take more time out to make sure the consumer is more aware of the product they are purchasing. If the product isn't understood then it needs to be clearly explained in jargon the consumer understands.

Sales of the product clearly need to be assessed with staff making sure the consumer understands the performance of the policy and the features of the product.

If the sales techniques and advice given in general about the product isn't stepped up to ensure the consumer understands the product, then the Financial Services Authority are insisting they will start to hand out fines as a way of dealing with those advisor's and companies who don't put the consumers best interests first.

The Independent newspaper has said that the Association of British Insurers have welcomed this with open arms and accepted the Financial Services Authorities recommendation when it comes to consumer satisfaction regarding their life insurance policy. David Thomson is Chief Executive of BestDealInsurance (http://www.bestdealinsurance.co.uk) an independent specialist broker dedicated to providing their clients with the best deal on their home, motor and life insurance. ]]> 6 Steps To Dispute Credit Report Errors http://www.artwoo.com/article/6-steps-to-dispute-credit-report-errors http://www.artwoo.com/article/6-steps-to-dispute-credit-report-errors#comments Tue, 29 Jan 2008 15:35:00 +0000 credit reporting companiescredit report disputedispute credit reportregistered mailthree credit reporting agenciesdispute credit report errorsautomated systems http://www.artwoo.com/article/6-steps-to-dispute-credit-report-errors
Something all consumers should be doing at least once a year is keeping tabs on their credit history. How ever most of us don't do it unless we run into a problem. If you don't already have current copies visit AnnualCreditReport . com and request your credit report from all .

#2 Draft a dispute letter and send it to the Credit Bureaus

If and when you find mistakes on your credit report be sure to contact the right away. This is an important step, errors ASAP, waiting could make it more difficult to remove, and/or cause harm if you require credit at some point.

#3 Hold onto copies of all documents

When writing to never send in your original credit report, or creditor statements you're using as support. It's important that you keep a good file on your credit repair process, and have all items if requested in the future. Another piece of advice for protection is to always send items via . This will ensure the letter gets to them, and there is a tracking number for your own records.

#4 Contact Creditors if it's worth while

Depending on the item that is an error, along with your consider contacting the creditor correctly. A lot of information is handled via these days, and computers can make mistakes, or an employee could accidentally miss someones SSN by one digit. Creditors should contact the credit bureau to resolve issues as well, and ensure that the credit report error is deleted.

#5 Know what happens behind the scenes of a Credit Report Dispute

After a credit bureau receives your dispute credit report error, they have approximately 30 days to investigate. The credit bureaus will attempt to prove the item to be not an error, if this cannot be done then the item should be deleted. Understanding how the credit report dispute process works will help with patience while you wait, and support arguments if need be.

#6 Contact a Lawyer if you need more help

This is for more serious credit repair, and dispute cases, but there are credit repair lawyers that can help you draft credit dispute letters and help handle your case. If you feel uncomfortable handling the process yourself, or wold like someone to discuss your options with, consider seeking out a lawyer you specializes in credit report disputes.

These six steps give you a basic primer to what it takes to repair a credit report error, and what you should do and/or be careful of during the process. Remember credit reporting agencies are for profit companies, so don't expect them to want to help you out, stand your ground and provide supporting information and you'll see things happen.

If you are nervous or feel uneasy about handling your credit report information alone, there are non profit companies in most areas, as well as paid professionals that can help you understand the information on your credit report and help make decisions about what errors you could/should dispute. To read more details about how you can dispute credit report errors, and improve your FICO score visit our website at http://www.fix-my-credit-online.com/how-to-dispute-a-credit-report.html ]]> Debt Relief Credit Repair - Repairing Your Credit http://www.artwoo.com/article/debt-relief-credit-repair-repairing-your-credit http://www.artwoo.com/article/debt-relief-credit-repair-repairing-your-credit#comments Wed, 23 Jul 2008 18:08:18 +0000 unfortunate truththree major credit reporting agenciesfreecreditreport comfact actmajor credit reporting agenciescredit reporting agenciestransunion http://www.artwoo.com/article/debt-relief-credit-repair-repairing-your-credit unfortunate truth is that everyone needs credit. When we begin to have credit problems, no matter what the reason, we have to repair that credit. There are many occasions when people have misused their credit and when it's time to repay these debts, it can be appear to be a very difficult task. However, the task is not as difficult as it may seem. With some planning you can repair your credit in no time at all.

If you want to repair your credit, the first thing to do is obtain a copy of your credit report. You can get your credit report from one of the three main . These credit reporting agencies are Experian, , and Equifax. Each of these agencies has a website and through these websites you can request that a copy of your credit report be sent to you.

In 2001, Congress passed the . This bill lets consumers obtain one copy of their credit report per year. By using such websites as www.annualcreditreport.com or www.freecreditreport.com you can obtain your credit report. When you request your credit report, they will send it to you instantly. This may be a bit faster than contacting one of three main credit reporting agencies.

If you are determined to fix your credit then it is recommended that you get a copy of your credit report from all . Most of the time, you only need to contact one agency, not all three. It is helpful to obtain credit reports from all three agencies because you can check the statements they send you for discrepancies and make a better plan to fix your credit.

When you receive a copy of your credit report you should check all of the entries carefully and right away. If you have been diligent in keeping your own financial records, cross checking your credit report should be a simple. Check to see if all payments you have made have been properly recorded on the credit report and if all entries are correct. If you see a charge or payment that is not yours or anything else suspicious check with the credit bureau right away.

Once you have looked through your credit report completely, you now have the tools you need in order to move forward and improve your credit. Promise yourself that from this point forward, you will make a conscious decision of discontinuing any splurging on any items and that you will pay your debts on time

In modern life it is impossible to function without proper credit and a good credit rating. If you make good decisions and plan your finances wisely you will be much better off. Start by avoiding wasteful spending and do not make bills that you cannot pay. If you do this your credit will be repaired and you will be building a good foundation for your future credit needs.

It is not hard to repair your credit. It just takes perseverance and time and you can achieve your goal.Learn more information on corporate credit report as well as tips on dealing with credit report agencies when you visit http://www.creditlegalrepair.com, the permier portal on free debt relief credit repair advice and resources.]]> Credit Cards And Credit Scores http://www.artwoo.com/article/credit-cards-and-credit-scores http://www.artwoo.com/article/credit-cards-and-credit-scores#comments Mon, 21 Jan 2008 14:34:59 +0000 issue credit cardslegitimate reasoncredit scorecredit reporting agenciescredit scorescredit bureausextra time http://www.artwoo.com/article/credit-cards-and-credit-scores credit scores are often tied together? It is true, and there are several ways that this happens.

The manner in which you pay=97or do not pay=97the monthly payments for your credit cards will certainly have a bearing on your credit score. If you pay on time, you will earn a better score as time goes by. On the other hand, if you are late on your payments, your score will go down. Two interesting facets of this, however, are time and=97for lack of a better word=97mercy.

Time and mercy come into play when you know that you cannot make the payments on your credit cards. If you know that you do not have the funds to make your payments, it is far better to contact the company and explain your situation than it is to simply ignore the payment. When you fail to make a payment and fail to contact the company, they simply have no idea what is going on with you. You may have a for not being able to make the payment, but they do not know that. When you miss a payment and have not contacted the company, you can all but expect to have that missed payment reported to the at about the 30 day mark. If you miss two payments and have not contacted the company, it is all but guaranteed that it will be reported.

There is a better way to handle these issues. Companies that almost always have the authority to grant you if you need it. They can only do this, however, if you contact them before the payment is overdue or very soon thereafter. If you have a good reason for not being able to make the payment they can offer different plans to help get you through the short-term. In many cases, if you can get the payment into them within a reasonable amount of time, they will not report the missed payment to the .

Consumers should understand that once any type of negative information is reported and attached to the credit report that information can stay on the report for up to seven years. During that time, lenders will see this negative information and it can have an effect on your financial future. Consumers should also understand that their credit score is determined by the information that is recorded on the credit reports that are maintained by the three credit reporting agencies.

The math is simple on this. If you miss payments on your credit cards and do not contact the companies to make arrangements the missed payment will go on your credit report. That same credit report will then be used to determine your overall credit score. In most cases, negative information, such as missed payments, will result in lowered . With a lower credit score, you may find it hard to get future credit cards or credit in general. You may also be subject to higher interest rates on those loans that you are able to get. To avoid all of this, contact the companies that are carrying your credit cards when you need help with payments. It is well worth the time and effort it takes. Joe Kenny writes for http://www.creditcardsweb.co.uk/ for UK credit cards and also http://www.iloanapplication.com/ for the best in online personal loans. ]]> Web Design: A Three Second Impression http://www.artwoo.com/article/web-design-a-three-second-impression http://www.artwoo.com/article/web-design-a-three-second-impression#comments Mon, 23 Oct 2006 02:27:09 +0000 online shoppersquestusrosenblumweb usersprofessionalismthree monthsweb design http://www.artwoo.com/article/web-design-a-three-second-impression Rosenblum,

According to a 2005 report on holiday shopping conducted by Questus, it was and function that held the most meaning to online visitors. Roger Park in a report based on those findings said, "70 percent of consider web design as a key role in 2005 online holiday spending."

The report went on to say, "Over 30 percent of online shoppers cited navigation, the checkout process, and product descriptions as critical site aspects that impacted their completion of online purchases."

Users cite lengthy registration requests as a primary reason they avoided certain online retailers. However, to explain how motivated online shoppers have become you need to understand that 77% of online users during the 2005 holiday season actually conducted an online purchase.

"Information overload is a critical and consistent problem, and in this study we found that were more likely to say that a site had too many links as opposed to too few links." -- Jeff Rosenblum, Questus

More than 3/4th of the respondents indicated the of the site was a primary factor in moving forward with a purchase. If a site did not appear professional, the respondent typically moved on to another site.

As web users become more sophisticated so too should web designers. If you have difficulty in developing your own site an online site builder may provide the professionalism and consistency you need in site design.

"Consumers who made an online purchase in the past are more than 80% likely to make another purchase in the coming three months." -- Consumer Internet Barometer

The demand for online shopping spurs a phenomenal growth pattern. Online shoppers are discovering the value of being able to shop from the comfort of home without commute time, line waiting and stores that don't have the item they are seeking.

The web user remains in the driver's seat with the ability to click easily to, or away from, your site. The design function of your website is incredibly important in the midst of a growing throng of motivated shoppers.

"The top reason online consumers prefer to shop on the web is to avoid crowds, a reason cited by 38% of respondents." Neilson/NetRatings

Do not assume that simply because consumers are migrating toward cyber-shopping that you simply need to set up shop and hope for the best. Web design is becoming a primary source for decision-making among online consumers. Scott Lindsay is a web developer and entrepreneur. He is the founder of HighPowerSites and many other web projects. HighPowerSites is the easiest do-it-yourself website builder on the web. Get your own website online in just 5 minutes with http://HighPowerSites.com at: http://www.highpowersites.com ]]> First Time Home Buyer: Get a Free Credit Report http://www.artwoo.com/article/first-time-home-buyer-get-a-free-credit-report http://www.artwoo.com/article/first-time-home-buyer-get-a-free-credit-report#comments Fri, 29 Aug 2008 14:36:24 +0000 free credit reportsfree credit reportfree credit report once a yeartime home buyerfirst time home buyercredit reporting bureausreport thanks http://www.artwoo.com/article/first-time-home-buyer-get-a-free-credit-report free credit report. You may have asked yourself, how is it possible for all these companies to offer these attractive free services? The answer is, like a lot of things; there is a catch. The catch, of course, isn't an obvious one, when it comes time to sign up for a free credit report. What many of these unscrupulous companies do is they get you signed up for a free credit report first. Many consumers are finding out the hard way that they have been taken with things like recurring billing and the like. This is how a large number of companies offering make their money.

Fortunately, there is a solution to this. Due to numerous consumer complaints the government has provided a resource that allows you to get a truly free credit report. By going to annualcreditreport dot com you can get a free credit report, thanks to our government. The only drawback, however, is that you can only get one from each of the three .

So, you may be asking, why is it important first to get a free credit report? Your credit report shows a complete history of your credit. In some cases, this is gratifying, and others it is disturbing. Regardless of how great you think your credit is it's always a good idea to check your credit. With identity theft on the rise, checking your credit regularly is more importance than ever. Getting a free credit report, the right way, doesn't cost you a thing. What it does for you is allow you to see if there are any issues on your credit history. This can be particularly important for the . If you have unresolved issues looming on your credit report it could negatively affect your credit score, resulting in a higher mortgage rate. And assuming that getting the lowest rate on your mortgage is important, you'll want to make sure your credit is squeaky clean.

It is not at all uncommon for individuals to find mistakes on their credit report. These mistakes can be cleared up, relatively easily with your creditors. You may have an unresolved bill that's holding your credit down. Even the smallest of unpaid bills can have a negative affect on your credit. All these things can go unresolved if you're not on top or credit report. Discovering these issues helps in the process of improving your credit so that you get the lowest interest rate possible on your home loan.

Things are hard enough the first time home buyer. You have to come up with a large down payment. You have two get approved for a loan. You have to cover closing costs. The list goes on. Getting your credit straightened out is one of the easiest ways to get on track for the first time home buyer.

After you make sure you have no credit issues, or you get any unresolved issues straightened out, you've taken the all-important first step. There are many first time home buyer programs available. Some allow for lower down payments or lower interest rates when it comes to buying your first home. You can withdraw money from qualified plans early if you're a first time home buyer. There are even some grants in specific states available. Do some homework and be sure to take advantage of these programs, it can save you substantially. And with the cost of real estate, and just how hard it is to be a first time home buyer, you'll need every advantage you can get.If you're a First Time Home Buyer looking to buy your first home you can visit the site for more details. For more on how to get a Free Credit Report you can get more specifics on that as well.]]>