Credithelper's Blog

Looking for Unsecured Credit Cards?

2010-03-17T11:21:00.001-07:00

Don’t feel bad, you’re far from the only person on the planet searching for unsecured bad credit cards. I’ve been there myself, and I can tell you, the search isn’t easy — but if you’re trying to turn your life around, you need a good credit card to help. Unfortunately, the credit card industry really likes to punish people for past mistakes, and that means you’re looking at secured credit cards — if you’re lucky. Sometimes it seems like there aren’t any unsecured credit cards available, but that’s not true. They’re just hard to find — and once you do find them, you have to anticipate making a few sacrifices because of your credit rating.

The best way to start your search is by improving your credit rating, even if it’s just by a bit. To begin, learn everything you can about credit cards and debt management. Second, if you already carry some debt and can manage without a credit card for another month or two, hold off. Make absolutely certain that you’re making payments on time and in the correct amounts. Even one or two months of this can jump your credit score a few points, and that can make a big difference when it comes to credit cards. Third check out http://creditcardissuer.us they have a whole list of credit cards for people looking to start their road to recovery in the credit world again.

Like to Improve your Credit Rating?

2010-02-06T14:09:00.000-08:00

Your credit score is a three-digit number between 300 and 850, generated by a mathematical algorithm (a mostly secret formula) based on information in your credit report, as compared with information on tens of millions of other people. The number is said to be a highly accurate prediction of how likely you are to pay your bills. If it sounds boring and unimportant, you couldn’t be more wrong. Credit scores are used extensively these days. If you rent an apartment, get braces, buy cell phone service, apply for a job or call to get utilities connected, there’s a good chance your score will be pulled.

If you have an existing credit card, the issuer is likely to look at your credit score to decide whether to decrease your credit limit or charge you a higher interest rate. The higher the number the better you look to lenders. People with the highest scores get the lowest interest rates. And, we hear, they’re getting the jobs. Fair Isaac, the company that created the FICO scoring formula, gives us the following ways to improve our credit scores: Pay your bills on time. Paying late or letting something go to collection can have a major negative impact on your credit score. If you have missed payments, get current and stay current. The longer you pay your bills on time the better your credit score. Be aware, however, that paying off a collection account or bringing an account current will not remove it from your credit report. Look by paying your bills on time you avoid the hassle of late fees, over draft fees and negative reports on your credit report. Its much easier to stay on top of something then to try and climb out of a hole later on!

Using Balance Transfer Cards after the Holidays

2010-01-20T11:21:00.000-08:00

With Christmas and at least some of the sales behind us, peoples credit card balances are feeling the strain. According to the latest figures more than four million people plan on transferring their credit card balance to a new card in order to take advantage of zero interest introductory offers. If you are suffering a financial hangover from the festive season then a balance transfer can be an effective way of getting back on track. The average borrower plans to move $1,140 this month which is a significant sum but well down on last year’s figure. In a sign that the nation is trying hard to pay off its unsecured debt the average sum has halved from $2,290 last year and as a result our collective transfer will reach $3.2 billion compared against last year’s $7 billion.

Credit card lenders are prepared to take borrowers’ existing debts on to a zero per cent introductory offer which can last from as little as three months right up to as much as 16 months. They charge a fee based on the amount you are transferring. Their generosity is based on the assumption that many of those who transfer their debt will either fail to pay off the cash before the deal expires or will take on new debts following the deal so it’s not a completely altruistic offer. Anyone planning to transfer a debt can expect to pay between two and a half and three per cent charge on their debt. So anyone moving $1,140 to a new card will face a charge of roughly $34. If you do fail to pay off your outstanding debt before the introductory rate expires then the rate of interest you’ll pay will jump from nothing to around 16%. That means a $1,000 balance will start to cost you around $160 a year.

Having been there myself, your best bet might just be keeping the card you already have and making more then the minimum payment if possible. Even an extra $50 per month can make a huge difference. Balance transfer cards are really wolves in sheep’s clothing. So be careful, if you must get one, use it to strictly “pay off the original balance,” and nothing else. Do not continue to use the card for purchases.

A Secured Credit Card can Help your Credit Report

2010-01-02T13:35:00.000-08:00

A secured credit card from a lender like Wachovia or Bank of America can be an excellent asset in the process of rebuilding or repairing your credit score. With so many being effected by economic troubles and finances taking a turn for the worse, many American’s are finding they are watching their credit fall into disorder and their credit score go from bad to worse. However, with a secured credit card from major lenders like Wachovia, Bank of America, or another credible institution, you are able to obtain a credit card, which may be difficult for some at the present time, and use the card to build your credit score. Lenders that are well established like Bank of America and Wachovia are often more likely to give you a better rate on a secured credit card and will work with you to rebuild your credit score by not levying fees and fines on the card user.

Institutions like Wachovia and Bank of America will typically work just as any other when it comes to a secured credit card though. Usually, the credit limit is the amount of money you deposit into an account for the secured credit card and will be used to make a payment if you miss one. Remember, though, missing a payment on a secured credit card is going to hurt your credit score rather than help so make sure you are well equipped to make the payments to which you are obligated. People might think that having good credit these days isn’t that important, but believe me it is. If you ever plan on purchasing a house or car in the future, you will have to have some form of decent credit in order to get a good rate on your loan.

Credit Cards that Allow Balance Transfers

2009-10-23T10:28:00.000-07:00

Balance transfer credit cards are one of the latest, and new means of reducing credit card debt in a very short span of time. They have gained lot of fame because of their convenience of merging numerous credit card debts on them. The best benefit of balance transfer credit cards are that they only let balances accumulate on one credit card through an application process, by doing this, the debts can be easily stopped from building to ridiculous sizes.

There are a lot of banks and financial institutes offering low interest rates on their balance transfer credit cards. Those looking for reduction in their credit card debt should definitely go for balance transfer credit cards with 0% interest rate. It is a reasonable quick fix so to speak if your looking to pay off your debt in a year or two, instead of five years. This way your actually paying off the debt and not the interest. Also try to find a card that has a “no balance transfer fee.” No reason to pay extra when you don’t have to, and there are plenty of cards out there that offer this. Check out Balance Transfer Cards, and see if one of these cards suites your needs.

Watch Out for Fast Credit Repair Scams

2009-10-19T12:28:00.000-07:00

With Americans’ credit scores plunging after record numbers of mortgage and credit-card delinquencies, companies that promise quick fixes, eliminating negative information in credit-bureau files, are proliferating, say federal officials. The pitches are especially attractive to homebuyers and mortgage applicants because they offer a way to raise credit scores enough to get loan applications accepted, and even to qualify for lower interest rates. But two new legal settlements by the Federal Trade Commission suggest seductive “credit repair” come-ons can lead consumers into costly credit rip offs. Both cases involve companies that allegedly claimed they could remove any negative information from consumers’ files. One even said it could do so because it had special inside contacts with lenders and credit bureaus. Successful Credit Service, based in Woodland Hills, Calif., allegedly promised it could erase bankruptcies, missed payments, tax liens and other damaging credit-file data permanently.

“We fix the credit 100 percent guaranteed whether it is a bankruptcy or a 30-day late,” said one of the company’s Internet ads cited by the FTC. “It does not matter how low or how big it is; anything that’s on there, we can remove.” The company could achieve these results, ads said, partly because of the “priceless relationships we have with every creditor, collection company, public-records provider and credit bureaus. We deal directly with these institutions in order to eradicate the problem at the source.” To sign up, consumers had to pay $3,000 to $4,000 upfront. When and if you decide to have a company “fix” your negative credit report, just make sure you know what your getting into up front. Double check the various companies out and make sure about any hidden fees. The last thing you want is to get into further debt.

Basic Knowledge About Payday Loans

2009-10-16T09:50:00.000-07:00

More people than ever before are visiting the moneysupermarket.com payday loans page, to search for short-term borrowing ahead of their next pay check. Over the last 12 months, the number of visitors looking at this kind of personal borrowing has risen by 166% - so there's clearly a demand. However, payday loans are pretty pricey and can be seen as a last-resort loan, used only by those skating close to the edge of financial chaos. Is that true and are Payday Loans right for me? Loans should not be used for casual purchases because they are so expensive.

There are circumstances, though, where they can really help out. For example, if your phone bill is much bigger than you had expected, you could find you're left with a choice of defaulting on the debt, being charged for going beyond your overdraft limit or taking out short-term borrowing. As long as you are confident you can afford to repay it the next month, a payday loan is preferable to failing to pay and adding a black mark to your credit record. Plus you do not have to worry about having perfect credit to get a loan, after all who has a perfect credit score these days? Click on this link, Payday Loans, and you will be taken to a page with a couple of different companies who are very forgiving about your past credit and can give you an instant online decision, no agonizing for hours or days wondering if you can qualify for a short term loan. Remember though that this money is a loan, so please use it responsibly and be sure to pay it back. This will also help to improve your credit score!

Be Careful when Consolidating your Credit Cards

2009-10-12T10:05:00.000-07:00

If you're thinking about consolidating your credit card debt, first consider some advice to keep you from getting into more debt. Jere' Webb, author of If You're Going to be a Bag Lady, make it a Gucci said people don't like getting several bills in the mail, so consolidation seems like a good idea, especially if the new card has a lower interest rate.

"If we haven't taken control of our life and control of our credit before we do that, what happens is we keep those other credit cards. They're empty because we've transferred the balance but we still have the credit cards. And because we haven't taken control, now we rack up the credit on those cards again, so the end result is - we've doubled our debt," Webb said. If you do consolidate, never pay someone to do it for you, Webb said. Either work with a non-profit, or, just do it yourself. Also when looking at other credit cards to consolidate all your debt into make darn sure that it is a FIXED APR. Watch out for those teaser intro APR of 2% or 3%. That’s exactly the kind of non-sense that got our country into the trouble it is in today with adjustable mortgage rates! Take the time and read the fine print.

The Proper Use of Credit Cards

2009-10-09T11:39:00.000-07:00

We hear a lot about how some people misuse their credit cards. This implies that there is a right way to use your credit card. So just what is the proper way?

First and foremost, your card needs to be treated like a loan. When you request a loan from the bank, you're required to promise that you'll repay it within a certain period of time.

This is also true of credit cards--except they have a shorter repayment time. For this reason, it's important that you only buy things with your card that you can manage to repay. If you suspect you can't repay the amount for these credit card purchases within the designated time, don't buy those things!

Paying within the designated time means you must not be late on your payments This is a common cause of credit card debt, since this will make your minimum balance skyrocket.

Also, when making payments on your card balance, avoid the temptation to make only the minimum balance. By paying more than the minimum, you will reduce the amount ath you owe for interest.

These three simple suggestions will do a lot to make sure that you don't become overwhelmed by your credit card debt.

Getting a Car Loan After Repossession

2009-10-07T11:07:00.000-07:00

One of the events that puts a severe blemish on your credit record is a car repossession. And understandably, this can make it difficult to get another car loan in the future. Difficult, but not impossible. Here are some tips for getting that loan, even following a repossession:

1) Wait one or two years. if you try to get a loan immediately afterward, the lender is likely to charge a huge interest rate. Instead, try to get by with a $500 or $600 car that you can pay cash for, and then after your credit has improved over a couple of years, try getting a loan again.

2) Go to a "Buy here / Pay Here" dealer. You're going to pay a bit more than with a standard loan, but your acceptance is guaranteed, and since they usually require weekly payments, they train you to get in the habit of paying off your car. However, ask around your community so that you can find a dealer with a good reputation; there are a lot of shady dealers in this business who will sell a car that they know is not even worth the down payment.

Can Bad Credit Be Good?

2009-10-05T10:55:00.001-07:00

Can a bad credit score be a good thing? It might sound a bit offbeat to consider that possibility. And to be sure, you don't want to actively try to get a bad credit score, since there are certainly many ways that a low score will hinder you in the future.

However, if you find that your score is low, rather than focusing on the negative consider the positive. Specifically, since it's difficult for you to get credit, this means it is also difficult for you to get in debt. This means that you will be required, to a large extent, to live within your means without saddling yourself with a financial burden that might not be paid off for years.

One person I spoke with recently impressed me when a group he was with was discussing how much debt each had, and this gentleman said he had no debt. He said he owns his car, rents an apartment, and has no credit card bills. Everyone thought this showed great restraint on his part. Later I learned about his credit problems that forced him to live in this way. But then--is living that way really such a bad thing?

2009-10-02T10:36:00.000-07:00

Have bad credit and hoping to go back to school? Private student loans are available, but finding on if you have bad credit can be tricky. Unfortunately, if you find a loan source, you will most likely pay back a higher finance rate or maybe even have to find someone to co-sign for you.

Once you have either found a co-signer or decided the higher rates are something you can deal with, then you need to find a lender. The best bet is usually to research all lenders and pick the one that best fits your situation. However, in this case, it is best to apply to multiple lenders and then see which one is best. Here are a few sites to check out.

www.wellsfargo.com/student/cosign With this site, you will need a co-signer. There is good information on this site, and after making the first twenty four payments on time, you may be able to remove the cosigner.
www.studentloan.com. This site will give you different options for a lower finance rate. Check it out and see what fits you best. As usual, a co-signer will also help you get a lower rate.
www.astrivestudentloans.com. A co-signer will help you be accepted on this site as well.
www.chasestudentloans.com. Chase is a well known organization, so the scam factor is out the window. A so-signer will also help here.

Your Credit Rating in a Bad Economy

2009-09-30T09:44:00.000-07:00

Things are not looking too good here in the USA. The gas prices, unemployment, and debt are all rising, while credit scores are falling. A credit score is supposed to reflect the character of the person it belongs to, but there are many good people who have bad scores. These people are trying to live up to their responsibilities, but in this time of recession, they just are not able to in some cases.

Credit score can determine where you live. Without good credit, you may not be able to acquire a loan to purchase the house of your dreams, leaving you in a small apartment, which in some situations may not be achievable. Some apartment complexes use the total score of the applicants.

For instance, if one person has never missed a payment, but the other is not as perfect, then they may be denied. Housing is not the only problem. A person with a low score will find it tough to find financing for a vehicle as well. Then the option becomes paying cash for an older less reliable vehicle. Insurance companies are starting to check credit scores for their applicants as well.

Even employers are checking credit of their potential employees. Once bad credit is established, it is almost impossible to return to a good rating. Many people across the U.S. live with this everyday.

Student Loans on Bad Credit

2009-09-28T10:54:00.000-07:00

Have bad credit and need a student loan? Think it might be impossible? Well, it's not. Just take your time and you just might be able to find a loan just for you. At this point, you should have already tried acquiring financial aid through federal loans and state grants. If not, then try these options before you start this venture. Federal loans offer low fixed rates, and the Stafford loan doesn't need a credit check.

These are the best options, just maybe a little heavy on the paperwork. If you go through a private lender, don't accept the first offer, even if your credit is not up to par. These lenders will often compete for your business, which can drive down your interest rate, costing you less money in the long run. Make sure you have all of your financial information at hand, this will speed up the process, and make sure to tell these lenders that you are applying to other companies so they will compete against each other. This process will take some time, so start as early as possible to get the best results. As always, having a co-signer with good credit will also help you acquire a better rate.

Credit-Boosting Cards

2009-09-25T10:00:00.001-07:00

Have bad credit and want to improve your score? For starters you can apply for a Orchard Bank Platinum MasterCard. This is a good card for someone with less than perfect credit. It offers no hidden upfront fees and reports to the four major credit bureaus on a monthly basis.

Centennial MasterCard/Visa is also another option. They will sometimes give you a card when no other company will. First Premier Bank Gold MasterCard/Visa specializes in giving credit to people with less than perfect credit. Before you apply for one of these cards, check the fees and financing rate first, remember to see if the rate is fixed or variable. Variable rates may change on a monthly basis depending on the prime rate and current interest rate. This is important because you need to know how much you can afford, so you can fit it into your monthly budget. By making your payments on time, you will help improve your score. However, this may take months or years, be patient.

You need to prove to creditors you are trying and are worth the risk. By using your credit cards wisely, you can help improve you score significantly.

Department Store Credit Cards

2009-09-21T09:45:00.001-07:00

There are good reasons to make a department store credit card your first card. Let's consider a few of them.

First, you can't guy gas or groceries with a department store card. That means you won't be as likely to exceed your spending limit. You might not be interested in the department store card since it can't help you with emergencies. However, no emergency is worth carrying a balance on your credit card. Instead, for emergencies, start setting aside three to six months worth of salary.

Also, a department store card is easy to get. All that is typically required is a phone in your name, a job, and a consistent payment history on prior bills.

Remember, though, to use the card for two reasons: As a convenience and to help build credit for the future. Don't use them as a loan. Continue to budget all purchases as if you were paying from your checking account.

One last reason to use a department store credit card: They will sometimes qualify you for points that can be redeemed for special premiums, as well as special sales. You'll find out about sales events before the rest of the public.

So by all means, if you're just starting out in the world of credit, the next time you pass one of those credit card offers at a department store, go ahead and fill out the application.

The Death of Credit-Card Tuition Payments

2009-08-17T12:15:00.001-07:00

As students prepare to go back to school this year, college students and their parents will find more and more that they cannot pay their tuition using credit cards. As the economy has gotten worse, schools have decided that they cannot pay the thousands of dollars in merchant fees associated with accepting credit cards. So, while students can still use their cards for their personal needs and for textbooks, they'll need to find an alternate way for paying tuition.

For some students, dumping the cards altogether is maybe not a bad thing. One report shows that undergraduate students have, on average, more than $2,000 in credit card debt. And in the past, about a quarter of these students used their credit cards for tuition payments. That's a lot of debt racked up from college tuition!

If students and their parents have been using credit cards for tuition payments because they can't afford one lump sum, they might consider running away from the high interest rates of a credit card and instead use an interest-free payment plan, offered by many colleges, in partnership with a monthly payment program like Tuition Management Systems or Sallie Mae's Tuition Pay. These will allow the family to sign up for a five month or ten month payment plan, with an enrollment fee of $30 to $60.

How to Stop Giving Money to Your Bank

2009-08-03T12:07:00.001-07:00

So you've opened a checking account. That's a positive step, right?
After all, this is the first step to helping you save your money. However, there are some ways that a checking account can actually become a trash can for your money. Here are the tips you need to follow to stop giving your money away to the bank.

1) Use your ATM card only at ATMs owned by your bank. Every time you use some other ATM, you can count on being charged a fee of anywhere from $1 to $3 --just to get your money out of the bank! In fact, sometimes, if you're not careful, you'll be charged a couple dollars by the bank which owns the ATM as well as a dollar or two from your own bank.

2) When you take money out, take out enough to do you for several days, rather than going to the ATM ever time you go out. This also will save you on the above-mentioned fees.

3) Keep your own record of how much money is in your account. Do NOT reply on the balance that your bank's website says is available, since some transactions might take a few days to post. And if your bank goes in the negative, you can expect to pay a hefty $30 or $30 NSF fee.

The Best Prepaid Credit Cards

2009-07-31T10:11:00.000-07:00

Prepaid "credit" cards (which by definition are not really "credit" cards) are those cards with a VISA or MasterCard logo that you buy at a store that you load and re-load with a pre-set amount of money. They can then be used like standard credit cards at stores and online.

The best prepaid cards have some things in common. For starters, the best ones have low fees. This is important since most of these prepaid cards charge a high one-time application fee--sometimes more than $100. You'll also be paying a monthly maintenance fee between $3.00 and $9.00. Some will even charge a fee for loading the card and for transactions made.

The second thing you should look for in a prepaid card is availability. By that we mean it should be one where there are many places in your neighborhood to reload them. One of the points of the prepaid credit card is that, as you need it, you can continue to load more money on the card. But this only works if there are actually places available where you can reload your card.

And finally -- and obviously -- you should stick with either a card with a VISA or MasterCard logo, since these are the most commonly accepted ones.

Affordable Check-Cashing Options

2009-07-27T11:00:00.000-07:00

Thousands of Americans without checking accounts think that their only option for cashing a check is to visit those check-cashing centers that require a hefty fee for the service. Not true. Here are a few other options.

1) Prepaid cards. Most of these companies will allow you, as a card-holder, to have your payroll or unemployment check deposited into the card account for free.

2) Issuing bank. If your check is drawn on XYZ Bank, then it will usually cash the check for you for free. The name of the bank where the check originated is usually found on the check's right bottom corner.

3) Walmart. Most of Sam Walton's stores will let customers cash their payroll check as well as some government checks, as long as they're not more than $1500. There's a small fee, but it's usually considerably less than a check-cashing store. You will, however, need a valid ID and to provide your Social Security number.

4) Similarly, Safeway also cashes checks less than $1,500 for a cost of $2.25 per $200. However, you must cash it within a week of the issuing date.

So now you know--You have options for cashing your check, even if you don't have a checking account.

The Good and Bad of Online Payday Loans

2009-07-24T11:14:00.000-07:00

As with most businesses, the payday-loan industry has had a boost from the Internet. Now people don't need to go down to the nearest check-cashing store to get a payday loan; they can do it from the convenience of their computers. There are pros and cons to this approach.

One of the positive aspects of applying for the loan online is that you have more privacy. No more worrying about who might walk by and see you in the store. You can apply without embarrassment. But perhaps a bigger advantage is that the online companies typically don't require any paperwork. Unlike at the check-cashing store, you won't need to provide documentation from your employer. It's a paperless route to getting the money you need.

However, online loans have in common with the regular payday loans the biggest drawback: the interest rates. You'll still be required to pay a hefty fee for the convenience of getting your pay a few days early. But there's one other drawback that you should consider. As soon as you apply for a payday loan online, you can bet that your web browser is going to betray you. It will convey information (via 'cookies") to all of the other payday-loan companies online that you are shopping around for a loan. And probably for months to come, you will be inundated with email offering loans. So be prepared.

You Can Rent a Car with Bad Credit

2009-07-20T11:34:00.001-07:00

Sometimes a person just has to rent car--and unfortunately, many people think they can't because of bad credit. However, there is a way to rent one despite your previous credit history. Here are the steps you need to follow.

First, make sure you know your credit history and score. You always want to keep up to date on this, but especially when you need to rent a car.

When you go to rent the car, be ready to provide a credit card. Nearly every rental company will require a reservation and sometimes a deposit, made through a credit card. Please note that a debit card will not be accepted; neither will cash. Can't get a card because of poor credit? Consider getting a secured card.

The third step is to either offer the company an extra deposit or find someone who will co-sign with you on the contract.

And finally, be willing to work with the rental agency. Ask their guidelines regarding credit. For instance, Hertz has a policy of accepting a debit card if the funds are in the account for all rental fees.

It is Possible to Get Another Chance with Banking

2009-07-17T11:54:00.001-07:00

A company called ChexSystems has been the bane of many people wanting to open a new checking account after a mistake at their old bank. Specifically, if you close an account with money owing, this money generally goes to ChexSystems who reports it to almost every bank the country.

Almost--but not quite. There are options for you, even if you have a bad report through ChexSystems.

For instance, Wells Fargo has their Opportunity checking package. It's a traditional checking account, but with some limits on deposits, which can't be made through ATM. Also, you have to apply in person instead of online. But after paying your opening deposit of $100, the bank will not deny you an account based on ChexSystems--provided it was not a Wells Fargo account you left owing.

Another option is BBVA Compass. For a minimum deposit of $25, you can get a second chance checking account, along with a VISA debit card.

And Woodforest Bank, though not as well known as Wells Fargo, offers a second chance account. It offers free online banking plus a MasterCard debit card.

When to Get a Payday Loan

2009-07-13T15:03:00.000-07:00

It would be easy to put together an article about why you should avoid payday loans. To be sure, they do cause problems for many people. However, there are a few legitimate reasons to get one. Here are some of them.

For instance, some people will find it helpful to get one when they're moving. Most people don't have the extra cash for moving trucks, apartment deposits, as well as the cleaning supplies to make the move easy. A payday loan could help out with these one-time expenses.

Also, medical expenses are a good reason to apply for one. If you don't have insurance coverage, then even though a payday loan has high insurance rates, it beats suffering through the medical condition that needs treatment.

A third good reason for a payday loan is to cover expenses when someone dies. This could include funeral expenses or travel to be at the funeral. Likewise, a loan can help you be there for once-in-a-lifetime events like weddings and births.

And finally, car repairs are something that come up suddenly and must be handled. A payday loan is one way of doing so.

Advantages of keeping a low credit card balance

2009-07-10T10:59:00.000-07:00

I recently talked with a friend about looking into how to improve his credit score, I automatically thought about his credit cards. He’s a disaster with credit, and his credit cards are a real mess. They have been for a while, and I hate to think what this has done to his credit score. I know that they say you should pay off your credit cards at the end of every month, but he simply hasn’t been able to do that, and now it’s all he can do to pay off the interest due each month. So I looked at how he could improve his credit score without necessarily paying off the whole amount on the card, and actually it is possible. It turns out that the people who decide whether or not to lend you money like to see that you aren’t maxing out your cards regularly, or that you have maxed them out already. This means that the bigger the gap between the balance on your card and the credit limit, the better. So paying anything off the card will help, but if you can get it below 30% of the card’s credit limit, this is so much the better.

Why Slowly Paying off Your Credit Card is a Good Idea

2009-07-06T11:42:00.000-07:00

When it comes to your credit score, we all know that spending huge amounts on credit and then not paying the balance off at the end of each month is a bad idea, quite apart from the fact that paying interest on the balance due can become ridiculously expensive within a very short period of time. However, it turns out that spending a lot of money on your card each month can really damage your credit score, even if you always pay the balance off in full when the bill comes in. The credit bureaus are told about the balances due on your cards, not whether you paid them off or not, so that is the information which is used to calculate your credit score. This means that it doesn’t matter in the slightest to your credit score whether or not you paid the balance off in full. The fact that you spent that amount of money on credit in the first place is what does the damage.

Your Credit Limit and Your Credit Score

2009-07-03T09:05:00.000-07:00

The state of your credit cards can really affect your credit scores and not just by incurring huge amounts of interest each month on the balances. It turns out that the credit scores look at the credit limit on your card and how close you are to that limit. The more space between the balance and the limit, the better, so if at all possible you need to pay down the balance so that it comes in at or below 30% of the card’s limit. Unfortunately, not all card issuers report your credit card limit to the credit bureau – American Express is one of these – and in this case the credit bureau will assume that the highest balance on your card is at the card’s limit. This means that if you are regularly charging around the same, large amount every month, the people working out the credit scores may assume that this means you are regularly maxing out your credit card. This means you have to pay down as much as you can of the balance, so that at least it shows up as significantly less than the maximum balance.

Use your credit cards to improve your score.

2009-06-29T11:31:00.000-07:00

Your credit cards, while often the biggest culprit when it comes to bad credit scores, can actually be used to improve your credit score, if you use them properly. This is particularly true of older cards that you haven’t used for a while. Obviously, the longer your credit history, the better for a credit score, but when you don’t use a card for a while, the credit card issuer often stops bothering to update that particular file with the credit bureaus. This means that although the card appears on the file it isn’t given the same degree of importance as your more recent activity. Your older cards can help you out – if you charge a small amount to an old card which you pay off in full when the bill arrives, then that card will come up on your active accounts and of course its behavior will be perfect, thereby helping to raise your credit score."

The at home business craze « Credithelper’s Blog

2009-06-22T12:00:00.000-07:00

The at home business craze « Credithelper’s Blog: "Hi everybody, well I thought I would talk a little about working from home today. Its something I started doing about two years ago myself. Frankly, I just got sick and tired of working for somebody else and getting no where. I was in the legal profession for fifteen years. Finally I got to a point where I couldn’t stand it anymore. So I opened up my own real estate company, but as you all know, the housing market took a giant nose dive, rapidly! So I decided to give internet marketing a chance, and you know what, it really is for real. I know what your thinking, cause I thought the same thing, everybody and everything on there is a giant scam. Not true. In fact, I’ve met so many people on here with better character, and kindness than I ever met in a traditional office. My first website I started http://creditcardissuer.us is a total financial website serving all kinds of needs from credit cards, to debit cards, and debt consolidations, to payday loans, and savings accounts. My second site I opened http://doorways2wealth.com is a home based business that can generate huge somes of cash for anybody, all you have to do is return phone calls to people who have already called you and asked for information, pretty easy. Anyways if your interested in starting your own online business like everybody else is these days, by all means do it. If you’d like to start off quickly try the http://doorways2wealth.com program, it can change your life."

New Business Called Cash Gifting

2009-06-19T10:45:00.000-07:00

Hi everybody, today I thought I would write about something new that we have been doing which has paid off quite handsomely, and yes it will definatly help out with your financial situation. Its called Cash Gifting. It's a completely new way to do business, utilizing the power of the internet, and the huge customer base that it supplies. Plus the great thing about this business is that it's not regional, meaning you can do it with anyone on the globe. Also when you get into this business you will receive huge tax breaks. A cash gifting site allows anyone to generate a large cash income by simply returning phone calls to people who have already asked for more information from you regarding this business. Our site offers complete training online or on the phone, to learn how to specialize in this growing global industry. It gives a different way for people to work part time or full time to earn extra cash from home. You will earn any where from an extra $500 to $3,500 per week. So check out my site http://doorways2wealth.com/ and simply input your email and phone if you'd like to hear more about it. We'd love to hear from you!

Bad Credit and the Cell Phone Search « Credithelper’s Blog

2009-06-15T11:54:00.000-07:00

Bad Credit and the Cell Phone Search « Credithelper’s Blog: "Bad Credit and the Cell Phone Search
One thing I like to tell people is that there are ways to do just about anything, even if you have bad credit. It’s harder, but possible. For instance, even with bad credit, you can get a cell phone. Some suggestions:
1) The most obvious solution is to get a prepaid cell phone. There are lots out there, everything from Tracfone to AT&T’s “Boost Mobile.” The idea is that you pay ahead of time for the calls you’ll be making. Consequently, no credit check is ever done.
2) Sprint offers a “Spending Limit” plan. Usually this limit is about $125. You don’t have to sign a long term contract and your credit history won’t keep you from signing up. But no more than $125 credit is ever extended to you for services that you use. After you pass the $125, service is cut off until you pay your bill back down.
3) If you really want a contract, many cell phone companies will let you sign up as long as you put down a deposit in advance. But be forewarned: this could be several hundred and even as high as $1,000."

Credithelper’s Blog

2009-06-11T10:43:00.000-07:00

Credithelper’s Blog: "Alternatives to Payday Loans
June 11, 2009

While some people might find it necessary to take out a payday loan, we need not remind you of the steep interest rates you’re agreeing to. If a payday loan seems impossible for you, here are some alternatives:
Ask your creditor if they’ll extend your due date. You’ll be surprised at how many will. Some won’t even charge you a due date, if you ask first.
Ask for overtime. True, this is no miracle solution, but many employers will give you a few hours’ overtime if you ask.
Ask your boss for a payday advance. This accomplishes the same thing as a traditional payday loan, but it won’t cost you the excessive interest rates.
Pawn or sell things you don’t need. You can take care of this at the local pawnshop or on Internet sites such as eBay or Craigslist. Or have a yard sale one weekend to sell many items at once.
Adjust your tax withholding
Adjust your tax withholding. If you’re willing to take a smaller tax refund at tax time, you can bring in a few more dollars by simply adjusting the amount withheld from your pay check. Visit the IRS website for more information."

June « 2009 « Credithelper’s Blog

2009-06-09T15:25:00.001-07:00

June « 2009 « Credithelper’s Blog: "More Alternatives to Payday Loans
June 1, 2009

We discussed previously some ways of getting a quick infusion of a small amount of cash without taking out a payday loan. Here are a few more suggestions.
1. Ask for cash from a hardship organization. Many local organizations will help with rent, which will have the same effect as getting that amount of cash for that month. Others will actually loan you some money at a low interest rate. Contact the Salvation Army for information about local organizations.
2. Request a small loan from the bank. Many people qualify for a small personal loan if they have a steady income. Although the economy is struggling, banks are being encouraged now to extend more loans to people than they were a few months ago.
3. Borrow money from a family member or friend. This is not the best way of getting money, but consider the alternative. If your only other choice is getting money from a place which will charge huge interest rates, then maybe a loved one, who won’t charge you interest, is the better of two evils.
4. Ask for consumer credit counseling. A legitimate counselor is usually free and can help you lower monthly payments to a level you can better manage."

May « 2009 « Credithelper’s Blog

2009-06-09T15:25:00.000-07:00

May « 2009 « Credithelper’s Blog: "The Truth About Free Credit Reports
May 18, 2009

You can probably sing by heart one of the many “free credit report” TV jingles. But what’s the truth about these free reports.
Fact number one: Anyone can get a free credit report, even without using these services. By law, each of the major credit bureaus must provide you with one free report each year. So want a free one? Just log onto the bureau’s website and ask for one…or write them. You can also get a report each time you’re declined credit due to an entry on a particular bureau’s report.
Fact number two: Almost all of the websites advertising a free credit report have something to sell. In most cases, you get the free report by signing up for their credit-report monitoring service (which, of course, costs money).
Fact number three: There is one site which offers, absolutely free, with no strings attached, a copy of all three credit reports. That’s because it’s a site created and coordinated by the three bureaus themselves, in response to federal requirements that they provide this information. That website address is www.annualcreditreport.com. And no bad singers are required."

May « 2009 « Credithelper’s Blog

2009-06-09T15:24:00.003-07:00

May « 2009 « Credithelper’s Blog: "Best Rates on Payday Loans
May 15, 2009

There are many variables facing a customer in the field of payday loans. You can’t really avoid exorbitant interest rates, but you can minimize them by checking first with your bank branch to see if they offer some sort of payday loan or checking account advance program.
For example, midwest-based U.S. Bank offers a checking account advance option for customers who have signed up for monthly automatic direct deposit of their paychecks from their employer. Customers can do it all with a few clicks of their mouse on U.S. Bank’s website, and all for a 10% fee, which, along with the principal advance, will be automatically paid when your paycheck gets deposited. By comparison, Cashnetusa.com charges an average of 15% interest for basically the same service over the same period, and some payday loan companies charge up to 30%.
The main advice I can give if you are considering a payday loan, is to call your bank first and ask what kind of payday advance services they offer and what fees are associated with it. It’s your money, so don’t rush into using the first payday loan company you find and end up getting overcharged."

May « 2009 « Credithelper’s Blog

2009-06-09T15:24:00.002-07:00

May « 2009 « Credithelper’s Blog: "Alternatives to Payday Loans
May 11, 2009

While some people might find it necessary to take out a payday loan, we need not remind you of the steep interest rates you’re agreeing to. If a payday loan seems impossible for you, here are some alternatives:
Ask your creditor if they’ll extend your due date. You’ll be surprised at how many will. Some won’t even charge you a due date, if you ask first.
Ask for overtime. True, this is no miracle solution, but many employers will give you a few hours’ overtime if you ask.
Ask your boss for a payday advance. This accomplishes the same thing as a traditional payday loan, but it won’t cost you the excessive interest rates.
Pawn or sell things you don’t need. You can take care of this at the local pawnshop or on Internet sites such as eBay . Or have a yard sale one weekend to sell many items at once.
Adjust your tax withholding
Adjust your tax withholding. If you’re willing to take a smaller tax refund at tax time, you can bring in a few more dollars by simply adjusting the amount withheld from your pay check. Visit the IRS website for more information."

May « 2009 « Credithelper’s Blog

2009-06-09T15:24:00.001-07:00

May « 2009 « Credithelper’s Blog: "The Two Most Important Considerations in a Credit Card
May 9, 2009

Yeah, all the fringe benefits and incentives are great for credit cards. But there are two overriding things that should guide your selection of your next card: the introductory rate and the interest rate.
1. Introductory rate. Most card companies will offer you a special rate when you first sign up which lasts for a limited time. Usually this introductory offer says you will pay zero percent interest on transactions for 6, 8, 12 months or so. Most of these deals will look somewhat alike, but be sure to pay close attention to the length of time for the intro offer. The longer, the better.
2. Interest rate. This is what you’re “buying” each transaction for after the introductory rate expires. This number varies from one card to another, so make sure you check out the rates on several cards to find the best deal. Also, make certain you understand if the interest rate is fixed for the card’s lifetime or is, instead, variable. A variable rate can change–and usually this means it will go higher. Avoid variable rates if possible."

May « 2009 « Credithelper’s Blog

2009-06-09T15:24:00.000-07:00

May « 2009 « Credithelper’s Blog: "What My Dad Said About Debt Consolidation
May 4, 2009

Today’s American not only appreciates but expects instant communication, short lines at McDonalds and speedy solutions. And that’s exactly what debt consolidation is: a quick fix. Or is it? I see good and bad with it, but here’s what my Dad always told me.
For some people and some debt levels, consolidation provides an opportunity to balance budgets and work toward early payoffs. For others, the lack of multiple bills provides a false sense of freedom. Depending on the amount, consolidation loans usually require years to repay. How many indebted individuals have the discipline to stick with payments without backsliding into old spending habits? Also, a consolidation loan may cost more in the long run than paying off individual debts would cost. And creditors often secure such loans against a debtor’s home.
The alternative? (No, it’s not winning the lottery.) With or without the support of credit advisers, debtors can make arrangements with creditors to lower payments and pay off debts one at a time, starting with the smallest. Equally crucial: destruction of credit cards, adherence to a cash-based budget—and scrimping. In case you haven’t heard the word “scrimp” since your grandmother lost her teeth, it means “to be sparing or frugal, to economize.” In other words, no more Egg McMuffins on the way to work!
Hey, it worked for Dad."

May « 2009 « Credithelper’s Blog

2009-06-09T15:23:00.003-07:00

May « 2009 « Credithelper’s Blog: "Automatic Bill Pay by Credit Card
May 1, 2009

Many utility companies allow you as the consumer to pay your bill automatically through your credit card. This includes electricity, water, telephone, cable, and more. This is a good idea for many people. Having your bills charged to a card will eliminate the likelihood of you forgetting to pay a certain bill or another monthly charge, because the card company pays it every month for you. It’s kind of like having a personal accountant.
Utilities that allow automatic bill pay don’t have to worry about legal actions against those who don’t pay bills, since this is now the credit card company’s concern. However, if you ever stop paying your credit card, the card company will eventually report this to the utility and tell them to start charging the card.
One other advantage to considering: by using a card to automatically pay your bills, you will increase your total number of advantage reward points. You might also earn rewards more quickly during the year. It’s a good idea, as long as you’re consistent in paying off your credit card bill. But get behind on it and you risk losing all utilities attached to it"

April « 2009 « Credithelper’s Blog

2009-06-09T15:23:00.002-07:00

April « 2009 « Credithelper’s Blog: "Suggested Strategy for Monitoring Credit Reports
April 27, 2009

We’ve discussed previously the www.annualcreditreport.com website. This is the one legitimately-free website which provides a free peek at your credit record from all of the major credit bureaus. But when most people learn of this site, they take the wrong approach.
Under federal regulations, each of the three bureaus is required to give you one free report each year. Therefore, when most people find out about this site, their first inclination is to have each of the services send them a report. A better idea is to request a report from one of them. Then wait three or four months and get a report from the second, and wait another three or four months, and get a report from the fourth.
Although not always the case, usually the three bureaus will have the same information on you. So by staggering the reports a few months apart, at no cost at all, you’re able to monitor your credit record throughout the year. This way, it makes it more likely that you’ll catch a mistake earlier. There might still be the occasional mistake that slips through because only one bureau reports on it. But this at least improves your odds."

April « 2009 « Credithelper’s Blog

2009-06-09T15:23:00.001-07:00

April « 2009 « Credithelper’s Blog: "FreeCreditReport.com Lyrics Make No Sense
April 24, 2009

You know the words–Sing along!
“Well I married my dream girl,
I married my dream girl
but she didn’t tell me her credit was bad.
So now instead of living in a pleasant suburb,
we’re living in the basement
at her mom and dad’s.
No we can’t get a loan for a respectable home,
just because my girl defaulted
on some old credit card.
If we’d gone to free credit report dot com
I’d be a happy bachelor with a dog and a yard.”
A few problems with this ad. First, this is the same guy who, in other commercials, says he can’t get a decent job or car because of his own poor credit. So what’s with blaming it on the girl? Furthermore, the message of this song is plain: He’d be a bachelor if he’d checked his girl’s credit. Is he suggesting pre-marital credit checks?
A catchy jingle, but it covers up the real lesson: Keep your nose in your own credit history and out of your friend’s!"

April « 2009 « Credithelper’s Blog

2009-06-09T15:23:00.000-07:00

April « 2009 « Credithelper’s Blog: "Coming Soon: Design-a-Credit-Card
April 20, 2009

Credit cards I’ve seen that I liked: Marvel Comics MasterCard, NASCAR Visa Card, Star Trek MasterCards, and in fact, cards for just about any hobby or fan obsession you can imagine. Since people love having a card that reflects their own passions, why not just cut to the chase and let consumers design their own credit card?
Believe it or not, that’s coming soon. Capital One is the bank giving the idea a try. Any Capital One card holder now can visit the company website and upload their own images. It could be photos of family, a favorite pet, friends, or any other favorite photo, and have it printed on their credit card, at no additional cost.
This concept is so in-tune with the current “user generated content” atmosphere in the world that the only surprise is that more banks aren’t allowing this. And let’s face it, this will generate pride among consumers about holding YOUR BANK’S card, more than anything else."

April « 2009 « Credithelper’s Blog

2009-06-09T15:22:00.002-07:00

April « 2009 « Credithelper’s Blog: "Avoiding Credit Repair Scams
April 17, 2009

Contrary to what some people think, there are legitimate companies out there with the goal of helping you repair your credit deficiencies, and yes there are also a number of credit-repair scams. So how do you tell the difference? A few tips should suffice.
First, a legitimate credit counseling service is normally non-profit. It will also not guarantee to correct all credit problems and raise your credit score.
Instead, what they do is offer advice on managing your money, paying your bills on time, and decreasing your debt service. And they might offer legitimate strategies for raising your credit score over time (such as staying current on payments and monitoring your credit report to check for inaccuracies).
A scam will make incredible promises to get rid of all negative report entries. All for a handsome fee, of course. Don’t fall for it. Nothing these services promise is anything you can’t do for yourself. And if you’re ever lost for how to do it, the nonprofit services will serve fine, without the scam fees."

April « 2009 « Credithelper’s Blog

2009-06-09T15:22:00.001-07:00

April « 2009 « Credithelper’s Blog: "Before Applying for That Payday Loan…
April 13, 2009

This is not going to be one of those blog posts that tells you all the reasons you should not get a payday loan. By now, I’m sure you know the negatives associated with them and have decided you still want to pursue it. If so, just take the following advice:
1) Learn to tell a good rate from a bad one. Payday loans always come attached to higher interest rates. But this doesn’t mean they’re all the same. Some are still lower than others. If this is the first payday loan for which you’ve applied, you can almost certainly find a first-timer’s discount–as long as you’re not quick to accept the first offer you find. Do your best to avoid a 30% or higher interest rate. Instead, keep an eye out for something around 15%.
2) Know your limits. If you know your salary, then you should know how much to borrow. After all, the idea is to give you quick cash to last until the next time you’re paid. This also means that immediately on your next payday, you should arrange to pay off this loan quickly."

April « 2009 « Credithelper’s Blog

2009-06-09T15:22:00.000-07:00

April « 2009 « Credithelper’s Blog: "Avoiding Debt Consolidation
April 10, 2009

Debt consolidation can be a good option for those who find themselves overwhelmed with too much debt. It’s not the only way, though. Here are a few other ways of getting some quick money for your debts.
1. You could consider getting a home equity loan. This will give him a way of borrowing more money against their home’s equity. In many ways, it’s easy money, but remember that this loan might easily take 15 or more years to pay it off. However, in many cases, you can deduct the interest rate from your taxes.
2. You can also refinance your vehicle to get some quick cash for paying off debts. This, too, however, can cause you pay off sums of money over a longer course of time.
3. And third, you could get rid of all of your debts through bankruptcy. This is never a preferred choice, and should always be saved for the last possible action, when nothing else will help, since it will damage your credit report for years to come."

April « 2009 « Credithelper’s Blog

2009-06-09T15:21:00.003-07:00

April « 2009 « Credithelper’s Blog: "Benefits of the American Express Blue Card
April 6, 2009

If you’re searching for a credit card with an outstanding rewards program, it’s hard to beat the American Express Blue Card. This card will allow you to earn a point for each dollar spent. There’s no limit to how many points you can earn, and they do not expire.
There are 21 airline partners under the rewards program. This allows you to transfer two pints for one air mile. There are also 15 hotel partners that let you trade points for “frequent guest points” or even receive hotel certificates.
And finally, there are many shopping, cruise and entertainment rewards. For instance, you can buy at www.shopamex.com, which is a shopping comparison site specifically for AMEX cardholders. You may also receive a hundred dollar credit on your statement when you spend $3,000 on certain vacations using your Amex card, as long as the vacation participates with Amex Travel Services.
There are many more goodies in the rewards program, but you get the picture."

April « 2009 « Credithelper’s Blog

2009-06-09T15:21:00.002-07:00

April « 2009 « Credithelper’s Blog: "Advantages of Pre-Paid Debit Cards
April 3, 2009

By now, everyone’s seen pre-paid debit cards at supermarkets, drug stores, and even Wal-Mart: Those cards with the Visa or MasterCard that you can buy at the check-out and load as much money on it as you want to spend. We all know the main disadvantage of using these cards (The fact that they charge a pretty hefty fee just to get the card in the first place). But here are some advantages of them:
1. The main advantage is that they let you control your spending. You put as much on it as you want or need to spend without putting much money at risk.
2. They serve as an excellent training tool for those who have a problem using a credit card correctly and wisely.
3. Likewise, they serve as great training for teens in learning to spend responsibly–and to prove that they’re ready for a more conventional credit card.
4. They’re also fairly simple to load. You simply go to the store and tell them to put X amount on the card, and in two minutes, you’re ready. What could be easier?"

March « 2009 « Credithelper’s Blog

2009-06-09T15:21:00.001-07:00

March « 2009 « Credithelper’s Blog: "Dangers of Debit Cards
March 30, 2009

So debit cards are the safe way to use the Visa or MasterCard name, right? After all, you’re not paying with money you don’t have.
Yes, in most cases, a debit card is safer. However, this doesn’t mean there aren’t a few dangers to watch out for. Here are the two dangers that come to mind:
1. The danger of fraud charges. Whenever a person steals your wallet and uses a credit card from it, this won’t take money out of your pocket. If he manages to use your debit card, he could take literally every penny from your savings or bank account.
2. The danger of extra fees. Be Some banks might charge as much as 75 cents to a dollar fifty for each purchase. One tip: If you use your card at a swiping machine and it prompts you to select either debit or credit, select “credit.” This will take the money from the same place, but you won’t incur an extra fee."

March « 2009 « Credithelper’s Blog

2009-06-09T15:21:00.000-07:00

March « 2009 « Credithelper’s Blog: "Why Do Employers Run Credit Checks?
March 27, 2009

Okay, the criminal background checks we get, but why so many prospective employers run a credit check on someone before hiring him? One study says as many as 20 percent do so! There are actually a few reasons.
1) To determine the prospect’s responsibility. By running a credit check, the employer can figure out if you’re sloppy in your personal life or take responsibility for your actions.
2) To identify who you are. Identity theft is nearly an epidemic today, so by running a credit check, they have more assurance that they’re paying the right person.
3) To verify your employment history. Let’s be honest: a job applicant
Employment History Verification. Another reason why prospective employers run credit checks is for employment verification. Since an employee can write whatever he or she wants on a resume or application, employers must be careful about believing what’s been written down.
4) Workplaces that deal with money sometimes run checks to see if you’re likely to steal from them.
None of this is meant to defend the employer’s practice of using credit checks–just to prepare you for the fact of life as it exists."

March « 2009 « Credithelper’s Blog

2009-06-09T15:20:00.002-07:00

March « 2009 « Credithelper’s Blog: "Student Loans with No Credit Check
March 24, 2009

Yes, it’s possible that even as a young person about to enter college, that you’ve already done damage to your credit record. And yes, it’s possible that this could damage your chances of getting a student loan.
But not necessarily. Believe it or not, there are such things as no-credit-check student loans. Sort of.
In reality, any time you apply for a loan, the financial institution granting the loan will be scrutinizing your credit record. Consequently, only if your record is adequate, or if you have a co-signer whose credit is adequate, will you get the loan.
However, this trick works for most students with poor credit. If he has taken a loan from three banks, he can apply to have the loans consolidated, if he has a repayment record for a minimum of six months. He can then consolidate the loans with the third one. If all of his repayment records are sufficient, he will in essence be getting his student loan without passing a credit check.
Another option that can be turned into a student loan is a payday loan. Many places offer this service to those who have an emergency need for money, and will approve up to $1,500 if you have a job."

March « 2009 « Credithelper’s Blog

2009-06-09T15:20:00.001-07:00

March « 2009 « Credithelper’s Blog: "Are you Considering Bankruptcy?
March 20, 2009

Don’t feel bad. Bankruptcy has more than doubled in the last 3 years. Partly due to the fact of the housing, and foreclosure situation. However, there are a large portion of citizens filing bankruptcy’s because of inaccurate information on there credit reports! If you’ve been following me, you know I talk at length in my articles, and blogs about checking that darn credit report of yours. Believe me, I was like you. When I was younger, I didn’t think that it mattered, or that they keep those things pretty accurate. Well wrong. When I was considering a bankruptcy five years go, the attorney had my report pulled up, and I found things on there I couldn’t believe. Statements for credit cards I never owned, debts from collection agency’s that weren’t mine. Fortunately, my lawyer was able to simply contact the credit report bureaus, and have them removed. It was fairly easy. End the end, it allowed me to save money, and pay off my real debts much faster, saving me from a bankruptcy. So my message today is, if your going to do a bankruptcy, please make sure you have all the facts, and that its for the right reasons. Its much easier to fix your report, then to live with a bankruptcy on your report for the next ten years."

March « 2009 « Credithelper’s Blog

2009-06-09T15:20:00.000-07:00

March « 2009 « Credithelper’s Blog: "Want the best credit card on the market?
March 16, 2009

Well I definatly found it! It’s the Blue Card from American Express. Check this out, you can go online, and fill out a super easy application, and get a decision online instantly! I literaly mean within 60 seconds, now that’s super fast. I mean who’s got time to fill out pages and pages of applications, and wait weeks to find out that they have denied you? Plus there’s no annual fee, and you can earn 5% cash back on every purchase, anywhere! Now you can’t beat that. Oh, and get this, its a 0% APR card as well. Now that’s always good. Who want’s to pay for high interest rates? The credit card companies make enough money dont you think? This card is also a balance transfer card, with only 2.99% for a full year! Seriously, can it get any better? Plus, everybody knows that American Express is the cadillac of credit cards, and this particular one allows you to make payments on any balance you have, instead of owing the full amount. So what are you waiting for, check out your online credit card issuer, and get signed up today."

March « 2009 « Credithelper’s Blog

2009-06-09T15:19:00.003-07:00

March « 2009 « Credithelper’s Blog: "Need a Good Reason to Get your Credit Report?
March 13, 2009

How about I give you five reasons. A credit report, can be one of the most important pieces of paper regarding your life. Unfortunately, most of the people in this country have no idea whatsoever what their current credit status is. They either, don’t have the time to check it, or don’t think it’s important. However, it is extremely important. Simply because of the fact that most of the things that we want, or need in our lives, have to either be bought on some kind of payment plan, or through a financial loan. In order to make sure you get that loan, you must have a good credit score. Now, I have written an excellent article on the subject, listing five good reasons why you should check your current credit rating. If you have the time please check it out. It’s at www.ezinearticles.com under my name Trevor Poulson, in the credit help or, credit advice section. It’s titled “5 Reasons to Get Your Credits Report Today.” Take the time to read it, I promise you it will change your mind on how you feel about looking at you credit score."

March « 2009 « Credithelper’s Blog

2009-06-09T15:19:00.002-07:00

March « 2009 « Credithelper’s Blog: "What Exactly is a Credit Score?
March 9, 2009

Basically it is a numerical value that financial institutions go by when determining a person’s credit worthiness. The higher the score, the more you can be trusted to pay back the loan you might receive. However, did you know that all three major credit reporting institutions, go by their own credit scoring system? Not counting your FICO credit score. I believe this kind of system actually works against itself. We should have some form of nationalized standard credit scoring system. This is why people become confused as to what their score really is. With four different possible credit scores, it is no wonder people are confused and frustrated with the credit situation in this country. People go to buy house or car, thinking that their credit score is one number, only to find out that a financial institution has turned them down based on a totally different number. That is why you must get an up to date, and accurate credit report, that lists your credit score from all three major credit reporting institutions, including FICO."

March « 2009 « Credithelper’s Blog

2009-06-09T15:19:00.001-07:00

March « 2009 « Credithelper’s Blog: "There is something about freecreditreport.com that you don’t know!
March 6, 2009

I found out something funny about the commercial that we’ve all seen 100 times over last several months. Apparently, the guy you see singing in the commercial, is not really the one who is actually singing. The guy you see in the commercial is French Canadian, and speaks only broken English. He does however, actually play the guitar. In fact he’s never actually been to America. He does find it funny how popular these commercials have actually become. It has helped to promote the band that he’s actually in. As far as the actual website goes, it truly is a case of this company telling the truth. I offere it on my website, because you can sign up for 30 days free of charge, and get a an accurate credit report from all of the three major bureaus. So go to my site www.creditcardissuer.us, and get your free credit report. After all, you don’t want to end up like our Canadian friend."

March « 2009 « Credithelper’s Blog

2009-06-09T15:19:00.000-07:00

March « 2009 « Credithelper’s Blog: "I think everbody deserves a second chance, dont you?
March 2, 2009

Hello everybody, I thought I would talk today about second chances. Most people in this country unfortunately, have bad credit. However, there are a lot of credit card companies that are still willing to help people with bad credit,or who have had a bankruptcy. These companies believe in giving people a fresh start, and so do I. On my website I offer a nice variety of cards that do just this.
All of the creditcards offer a very simple and easy way to the rebuild your credit. On most, there is guaranteed approval, which includes, no credit check, no employment check, and instant online decisions. They also offer fraud protection, and excellent customer service. It is a very easy way for a lot of people in this country, to get started again rebuilding their credit. If you’re one of these people, please don’t hesitate to utilize my services. I love being able to help people out. Let’s face it we all make mistakes in life. We shouldn’t have to pay for those mistakes forever,right?"

February « 2009 « Credithelper’s Blog

2009-06-09T15:18:00.002-07:00

February « 2009 « Credithelper’s Blog: "IT’S TIME TO HELP FIX THIS COUNTRY!
February 25, 2009

I hope most of you watched the presidents speech last night. Frankly, I was very inspired by the examples of people he pointed out, and what they had done to help set things right in America. He also issued a directive to the rest of us. We are the only ones who are going to help ourselves out of this mess. It starts by finding out what your current credit report, and score is, you might be surprised. I offer this kind of help on my site www.creditcardissuer.us Please do not hesitate to use the businesses on my site to help get started on the long road to recovery, and proper credit responsibility. I have no doubt we can fix this problem, with a little effort and faith. Remember like the president said, “without credit Americans can’t buy a home, buy a car, or send their kids off to college.”"

February « 2009 « Credithelper’s Blog

2009-06-09T15:18:00.001-07:00

February « 2009 « Credithelper’s Blog: "80% OF MOST CREDIT REPORTS HAVE ERRORS IN THEM!
February 22, 2009

Now there’s a scary thought. Unfortunately its all to true, and guess who’s to blame for most of this, the credit card companies themselves. By creating inaccurate credit reports it gives them the “go ahead” to charge you extra fees on your credit cards, late fees, overdraft charges, the list is endless. That’s why its so important you get an accurate report from a company you know you can trust. The great thing about all this is its not that hard to do, and its so important. If you will just take a few minutes out of your day I can help you get your reports where they should be. Accurate and telling the truth. Drop me a line if your interested in some good help and free advice."

February « 2009 « Credithelper’s Blog

2009-06-09T15:18:00.000-07:00

February « 2009 « Credithelper’s Blog: "The credit card situation in America is out of control!
February 19, 2009

I recently saw a commercial that said according to current statistics the average American has eight credit cards in their wallet! It reminds me of that Capital One commercial, “What’s in your wallet?” It sounds like too many damn credit cards! People, we have got to get this situation under control, and fast. Its part of the reason why this country is financially in the toilet. Everybody, including the banks are over extended. Too much impulse buying, and not enough self control. I know how you feel because I’ve been there myself. That’s the main reason I started my credit site. Yes, we offer cards, but we also offer something else, debt consolidation and credit repair information. I feel this is probably the most important issue facing Americans today. Bad money handling, and complete miss use of credit. Follow me and in the next several weeks I’ll be writing and hopefully helping some of you out of this mess."

February « 2009 « Credithelper’s Blog

2009-06-09T15:17:00.000-07:00

February « 2009 « Credithelper’s Blog: "We have exciting news!
February 14, 2009

Guess what happened to us..we got our first approval last night! We were so excited that we went, and celebrated with wings and pizza. We got an approval on something we haven’t even started advertising yet…guess what it is? It is one of the those pay as you go debit cards which is offered on our site www.creditcardissuer.us. It’s a great little card because you put as much money on it as you want and there are several different types. That’s the great thing about our website because we offer so many types of credit and financial options for you guys. Hope you guys have a great Valentine’s day weekend. Talk with you soon."

February « 2009 « Credithelper’s Blog

2009-06-09T15:15:00.000-07:00

February « 2009 « Credithelper’s Blog: "Finally a credit/debt advice site thats easy to understand
February 11, 2009

Hi everyone, this is my first blog ever. So I figured I’d talk about my new website I set up. Its pretty user friendly. I wanted to offer help in an area we could all use these days. Help with our credit situation. As much as we dont want to admit it, credit is how other people, especially business judge our character. I mean without credit, you cant get a loan for a new home or car, hell you cant even rent a car, or make hotel reservations without a credit card. Thats why I set up this great site, to help other people who were like me, clueless on what to do about their credit situation. So check it out and let me know what you think! http://www.creditcardissuer.us"