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5 Easy Things You Can Do To Limit Your Exposure to Identity Theft

Saturday Feb 21, 2009

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Today everyone should all be worried about ID theft, so we all need to be taking the appropriate precautions to secure our identities. Only you are truly troubled with making your identity safe, so make sure you are making use of common sense to make sure you don’t become identity thefts next victim. You may also consider using an identity protection service.

Because it is up to you to make sure your identity is safe, you should consider following the following suggestions. You should also consider making use of a identity theft solutions service.

1. Personal information in mail: A lot of personal information is found in your daily mail. This includes bank statements and credit card applications which can be used to steal your identity. You should think about opting out of receiving credit card applications and start getting your bank statements online, so that you eliminate a lot of your personal information from the postal service.

2. Using a debit card: Every time your debit card is used as a charge card, you are opening yourself up to have your banking account information get into the hands of a criminal. Consider that purchases made with your debit card cause funds to come out of your bank account very quickly, so if your card number is stolen, your money could be gone very quickly. Use a regular credit card instead since the money isn’t taken directly from your savings or checking account.

3. Check writing: When you use checks to buy something, you are putting out your checking account number and routing number for anybody to see. This is sometimes all a criminal needs to steal your money. Stop writing checks and use a credit card or pay electronically.

4. Virtual credit cards: These days many banks and financial institutions are offering temporary credit card numbers. These are issued as a temporary use credit card number that is then used to make purchases like a normal credit card. Using a temporary number keeps your real credit card information away from criminals.

5. Copy records: Keep a record of all of your banking account numbers, including credit card numbers. Also, you need to keep copies of important personal documents like your drivers license and anything else of importance. You will need these copies if you ever find that any of these documents are lost, or if you ever become a victim of identity theft.

By following the above suggestions, you will have taken steps to ensure you are protecting your identity. Another step you should consider is to make use of a protect your identity solution. Doing so will help with making sure your identity is secure so that you never become a victim of identity theft.


Sound Credit Care : The Importance Of Keeping Up Your Respectable Credit

Thursday Feb 19, 2009

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If your credit rating is respectable and you don’t even want to find yourself in need of a repair or consolidation service, keep track of your record and stay up to date with the action on your report. Some individuals have unfavorable credit because they didn’t watch out for modifications or anomalies in their credit reports.

Credit history plays a fundamental role in regulating whether you are well-qualified for a loan or not. Good credit rating is really worth a thousand words and it says a good deal about the consumer. Not only can it bear on your finance but some other facets of your life too. Assorted counselors and services agree upon one thing: preserving a sound credit report is crucial in leading a fit financial life.

Most individuals do not realize that landlords, employers and companies checks credit reports before producing a determination on whether or not they can grant a contract or a job. The scores and credit report can aid companies determine whether you pay back your accounts on time or if you have filed for bankruptcies. By doing so, they can use the info on your credit report as a coming marker of your credit worthiness.

Although maintaining a good credit report can be {quite a challenge rather challenging}, there is no sounder way to keep you safe from debt than by cautiously following your spending and always staying on a budget. Budgets are significant as they can help you in controlling your finances, tapering your debt and constructing a sound credit history.

If you are in need of debt management, the previous scenario will work to shrink debt if you are earnest about cutting back on spending and remaining on a relatively demanding budget. Make certain you include all your debt (exact figures are required– no estimates), then construct your budget from there. Trim uncalled-for expenditure wherever manageable and stay with theplan.

Be certain to pay your accounts on or before the day they’re expected to avert late fees and if manageable, strive to pay back more than the minimal required payment.( In full would be ideal) And never skip payments, ever. These, with your budget plan will help you keep or preserve you accounts in sound standing.

You should likewise be careful to never go past your credit limit. In fact, if you hold what you owe on the credit cards to around 50% of your limit point, it appears more pleasing on your record than maxed out cards, thus amending your rating another way.

In summary, take hold of your funds. Construct that budget, control spending, produce prompt payments, drastically cut back or stop using credit cards completely until you are in the black and resolve to stick with the plan. Follow through to completion and you’ll observe you’ve constructed a good credit history.


How To Increase Your Credit Score

Tuesday Feb 17, 2009

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Gone are the days when a 700 or 720 FICO guaranteed you the best interest rates.  Now, with the current economy and credit crunch, a 700 FICO credit score will not guarantee that.  You need to improve your credit score so you can get the best rates on your loans and pay the least amount of interest.  If you can get a better rate on your loans with a little bit of effort then you should make every attempt to get that lower rate.  In this article, you will get some tips to help you improve your credit score.

Get free help with credit score.  The first step to improving your credit score is to get out of debt.  If you have maxed out credit cards, you cannot get a high credit score.  One of the best debt elimination methods you can use is called a debt snowball.  You start with the smallest balance credit card and pay that off first and then use that money to pay off the next one until you are debt free.  You will pay a little bit more in interest overall but you will become debt free.  I used this method to eliminate over $12,000 in credit card debt in 2008.Use it, it works.

More free help with your credit score. Try and increase your credit lines.This may seem contrary to the previous advice but let me explain.  If you have maxed out credit cards because you have reached your limit, you will have a low credit score.When you increase your credit lines, your ratio of how much credit you have used will go down and your FICO will go up.  Just make sure you don't charge more to reach the increased credit lines. 

The last free help with credit score is to pay all your bills on time.This is the most often heard advice but it usually takes several times of hearing something before it sinks in.Your payment history makes up 35% of your FICO credit score.  Late payments will affect your credit score more than anything else.  So if you want to improve your credit score the most, make all your payments on time. 

Improving your credit score is not hard.  It just takes some effort.  Nothing worth doing is easy.  Make the extra effort and enjoy the benefits a high credit score has to offer.


Reaping The Benefits Of A Low Interest Credit Card Application

Tuesday Feb 17, 2009

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Credit Card Application

There are many advantages a high credit score can give and these will definitely prove useful when the time comes for you to apply for credit card or perhaps when you decide to apply for a housing or auto loan. There are some circumstances however, when the credit card issuers require you to pay higher interest rates. This tens to happen when you start to default on payments and not pay back on time. By continuously failing to meet the payment obligations you have, then you will end up with burdening yourself with more debt which you will find harder to repay.

It is therefore recommended that you think about making a low interest credit card application. A worrying aspect to interest rates is that when the rates are on the high side, it can lead to accruing so much debt that people will not be able to make payments for anything but the interest amount.

The Zero Interest Rate Plan

If you also do not have a proper plan to repay your interest amounts you would end up in a dead-end unless you think about making a low interest credit card application. The plain truth is that a
low interest credit card application, if approved can provide you with many benefits. Many of these types of credit cards carry zero interest rate for the first half to a whole year and in fact, this feature will also help you tremendously in succeeding with sorting out your financial problems.

You have to of course, ensure that your credit score is high enough to be approve before you even make your low interest credit card application. The fact is, the only way to ensure that your application for a low interest credit card is approved would be to have a good credit rating. However once your application is approved by the credit card company, there will be ample opportunities for you to improve your financial woes such as having the opportunity to have minimal APR, when making higher value purchases or for balance transfers.

There are other reasons for making a low credit card application, and one reason is that you may want to extend your debt for a longer period of time. Since the interest rates are cheap then it will allow you to be in a position where in you will be able to take control of your unmanageable credit card debts without having to worry about being financially crushed by high interest rates.

People that like to roll their balances over will also do well to consider making a low interest credit card application. What’s more, the practice of carrying over balances to the next payment period has become very common these days and is being used by more and more credit card users. These people are in fact the ones that will benefit the most by making a low interest credit card application.


How Important Is It To Understand Your Credit Report?

Tuesday Feb 17, 2009

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You perhaps know all too well that the information that is contained in your personal credit report is used by the credit card and loan companies when considering whether to extend credit to you, but are you aware of just what is actually in your personal credit report? Did you know for instance that the details which are contained in your credit report could influence whether or not you are able to purchase a new house or are going to need to continue to live in your current ’shoebox’?

A lot ofIn a lot of cases people think that when a company looks at your credit report that company is simply looking to see your credit score and, although this is without doubt one of the things that they do look at, they are looking at much more. Above all, lenders are looking to see how much debt you have compared to your income and even reasonably small accounts, such as those with a mail order catalogue company, will be treated as an income deduction when it comes to considering a request for a loan.

If a credit card company or other lender comes to the conclusion that you have got less money coming in than you have going out then your loan application will automatically be reject. Indeed, the law requires that a specified percentage of your income has got to be available to meet loan payments before the lender is allowed to approve it, regardless of the reason for the loan.

Lenders are also looking at your credit history for the last seven years to see how well you have managed any loans during that period. In particular, they are looking at whether you have made your payments on time and will play close attention to any payments that were more than thirty days late. It may not have appeared especially important to you when you ran into a few problems and were late with your payments for a few months on an account, but a lender will certainly take this into account when assessing the risk of lending to you now.

A lender is also going to see if any of your accounts have run into debt over the last seven years and whether these debts have now been paid off. If you have outstanding payments on a current loan agreement credit card companies and other lenders will be very wary when it comes to extending you additional credit until these are cleared.

Finally, your personal credit report will also show whether you have filed for bankruptcy, in most cases in the previous ten years. Some people believe that a company is much more likely to advance you credit if you have filed for bankruptcy as they have the added protection of knowing that you cannot file again for several years. This however is not the case and filing for personal bankruptcy is viewed by lenders as a warning flag showing that you have already shown a tendency for getting yourself in over your head when handling your money.

Your credit report is a very important document which you should not only understand but which you ought to review occasionally for your own protection and peace of mind. Happily, the law states that you must be provided with a copy of your credit report once every year if you ask for it and so the first thing which yu ought to acquaint yourself with is how to obtain your free annual credit report. Once you have got your report you then need to look through it carefully to ensure that it is accurate and then to request that it be amended if it is not. In addition, there are some circumstances in which you can ask for alterations to your credit report, even if it is accurate, and here you will have to have the answers to hand for such questions as how can I remove a judgment from my credit report?


Improving Your Credit

Tuesday Feb 17, 2009

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Until recently many people were not aware of just how important it was to have a decent credit history and rating, but since the onset of the global credit crunch, which has resulted in tighter credit conditions and increased difficulties in the financial markets, more and more people have realised that having damaged credit can make life extremely difficult in terms of finances. If your credit is damaged your chances of getting any form of finance are very slim, and even if you do get finance you will pay a very high rate of interest compared to those with good credit

Whenever you apply for finance the lender will run a check on your credit to assess whether you are a low or high risk. If your credit is good then you are considered a low risk, and you stand a good chance of getting the credit that you are looking for. However, if your credit is damaged and your rating is low then you will be considered a high risk, and the chances of getting the finance you need – especially in the current climate – are very slim, which could create difficulties for those looking for finance such as car loans, mortgages, loans, and credit cards.

Anyone that is looking to maintain their good credit rating just needs to follow a few simple rules. This includes not missing bill payment and debt repayments, making payments and repayment on time and for the requested amounts, and not applying for too much finance in a short space of time. It is also worth checking your credit report on a regular basis to monitor your rating and ensure that it is on track, as well as to ensure that your credit does not get affected by inaccurate information or due to suspicious activity

There are lenders that offer finance specifically for those with bad credit, such as credit cards and loans. If you are able to get one of these and you then make responsible and timely repayments on it you can slowly improve your credit. For example, you can get a bad credit credit card, use it on a regular basis throughout the month, and then repay the balance in full each month, which means that you can also avoid paying interest, which can be high on a credit card for those with damaged credit

{Another thing that you should do is check your credit report regularly, and you can easily do this by ordering it online or via the post or apply online for a copy of your


Avoiding Identity Theft with TrustedID

Tuesday Feb 17, 2009

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With the incredible growth of identity theft, there have been several businesses that have been created with the express objective of making it easy for you to fight back. By putting a fraud alert on your credit report, these ID theft prevention solutions require banks to get ahold of you before opening up new accounts with your information. These companies also check multiple sources to see if your personal information is being used for criminal purposes.

If you need identity protection theft, then you really need to take a look at the leading company, TrustedID. With personal plans starting at less than $9 monthly, TrustedID gives you the best protection against identity theft of any of the identity theft prevention companies.

When you use TrustedID, you get credit fraud alerts put on the three major credit bureaus, which means you are notified before any new financial accounts can be created in your name. TrustedID also gives you with yearly credit bureau reports from all three credit bureaus, so that you can make sure that the credit report is showing only what it is supposed to be. Combine this with their constant observing of the black market and other sources to ensure your sensitive data is not being sold amongst thieves, TrustedID is an outstanding ID theft prevention solution.

Their customer support is available during all hours of every day, and with a service plan to assist with protect identity for everyone in your household costing less than $15 per month, TrustedID is truly your one-stop for identity theft protection. With a risk-free 2-month trial membership, there is plenty of time to make sure that TrustedID is the best solution for you.

While TrustedID is usually right for most people, you do have other services to pick from. For a very good alternative in identity theft protection, you can read about Life Lock reviews.

Increase your identity protection today by choosing an ID theft protection company. The feeling of security that comes with such a solution provider is worth more than what the service will charge you. Don’t become identity theft’s next victim. Invest in your financial security right now.


Fast Credit Repair Secrets

Friday Feb 13, 2009

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I got told to always pay off my cards etc in full every month when I started to investigate credit repair This was one of the best credit repair secrets I was given. A lot of different sources told me the same thing. This is not the truth. The more important aspect I discover was my debt to credit ratio and then a simple way to repair your credit score.

So, you need to fully grasp your debt to credit ratio as most people ignore it completely. In simple terms it is what you have spent put agains what you have in total available.

For example:
Your available credit = $10000
Your current debt = $2500
Your debt/credit ratio = 25%

Why is it lenders prefer you don’t pay off your bills in full? For one they make a bigger profit from interest, and by keeping a balance you also show you are a payer.

So let me give you just one fast credit repair secret making use of the debt to credit ratio and maintaining a balance.

The single most cost-effective tool is the use of a sub-prime store merchandise card which reports to one of the major credit bureaus. The way these cards are marketed by email etc, makes them extremely misunderstood. The public often don’t trust the claims they make but some of them are genuine.

How does it work?

You need to apply for a card that is good for purchases from just one place, like a catalogue or online store.

Anyone gets approval and you will get a line of credit of $5000 to be used only at that place. When you buy something you are required to put down a deposit and the rest is financed. So, for example you buy $1000 of stuff, put $300 down and make payments on the $700 balance.

The fast credit repair secret is that the credit bureau sees it like any other credit card. So, overnight you have increased your credit limit and you are holding a balance. You will then receive pre-approved offers from other lenders who have got your details from the credit bureau. So you can do credit repair yourself.


Travel Credit Cards

Friday Feb 13, 2009

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If you are a frequent traveler then you should be carrying a card that gets you to the places you want to go cheaply and in style.Many travel cards exist from airline specific cards to general rewards programs. Chances are you probably have a credit card or seven right now. They're better than using cash because you get many rewards and freebies. Travel credit cards provide a great opportunity to earn free points that can be redeemed for airfare, hotels or cold hard cash. But not all cards are created equally.

No matter what the card, you need on that offers the following things: First, a large sign up bonus. Most travel credit cards offer joining bonuses of 20,000 or more rewards/miles/points. Don't pick one a credit card that does not include this otherwise it will take a long time to get any rewards.

Moreover, be sure to chose a card that lets you earn bonus points. Most of the time you just get one point for every dollar spent. However, the good credit cards give you extra points when you shop at special retailers or, if it is a brand card, with that one brand. This will help you get more points.

Finally, don’t forget to read the fine print. Are there are reward blackout dates, a fee structure, taxes, or other things the credit card company might try to sneak in there.Companies don’t give away anything for free so for most cards they will try to have a service charge for everything.  Compare the cards to make sure you pick one that doesn’t.

Remember that all good reward cards have fees. Most fees range from $45-$80 dollars. For those who travel a lot and fly a lot, it is worth getting a fee based card. Fee cards give you a better rewards scheme. You can accumulate rewards faster, you get better access to services and special offers, and better protection.

So which card should you get? A hotel card? A general rewards card? An airline card?To find that answer, think about how you travel.  Are you loyal to one airline? If that is the case, you should get a card that is for one airline. You will accrue miles quicker as well as elite qualifying miles that will get you access to lounges and upgrades. Not only that, you specialty status will transfer over to other airlines.

If you are on the road for business a lot, then getting a hotel card, like the Starwood card, would be perfect for you. You would get a lot of hotel points, free nights stays, discounts at other retailers, and you could also transfer those points to airlines for free flights.

For those who only care about price and not brand loyalty, a general card would be best. You will still get points for free flights and discounts as well as cash back but you wouldn’t get any of the elite benefits. However, by getting a general travel rewards card you would have access to a wider range of brands and companies than if you had a brand specific card.

No matter what card you pick, get a card that should work for you. Do your research first and then choose the right travel card so you can start earning points now and flying and traveling the world sooner.


Are Credit Agencies Judging You by Someone Else's Errors?

Friday Feb 13, 2009

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In a credit driven society such as the one we live in today, having good credit is absolutely essential. Purchasing a new vehicle, requesting financing for a home or applying for a conventional loan often requires the need for agencies to pull your credit report in efforts to determine your qualifications. But what’s on your credit report may not always be an accurate assessment of your actual credit history. You may find yourself in need of credit restoration.

There are three major reporting agencies that provide credit information - Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion - and by law, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, also referred to as the FCRA, requires each of these agencies to make your credit report available to you - at no cost - once every twelve months. By obtaining these free reports and evaluating them for yourself, you can assess their accuracy and assure that there are no discrepancies in the information contained within, requiring the need for credit restoration.

Often time’s identity theft, fraudulent charges or even an unintentional misprinted digit on a social security number can place someone else’s misfortunes into your credit profile. This can cause a major set back in your credit qualification efforts and put you at risk of having your applications denied.

In addition to faulty information on credit reports, many families have been suffering from the economic instability that we’ve been experiencing in recent times. We are now seeing an overwhelming need for credit fixing throughout our nation.

If you are unsure of where your credit rating stands, be sure to obtain the free credit reports that are made available to you by the aforementioned. It’s a responsibility that is often times overlooked, but of great importance. As probably you know, your credit future is in the balance. Take the necessary steps to help avoid financial pitfalls created by inaccurate credit information.

To sum up, it is highly recommendable to be proactive cleaning your bad credit records, in order to get your credit report back to order, while this might be done by yourself in some circumstances, it is advisable specialized advise in others.

By researching and comparing different credit restoration agencies, you will be able to determine, the one offering a highly rated credit restoration service at a reasonable price. However, it is in your best interest going with a trusted and reputable credit repair company, this way you will save time and money by getting fast results and excellent return on your investment.

Hector Milla runs the Bad Credit Repair Services website, where you can see his best rated credit repair companies recommendation, and the My Free Credit Report resources center.

Find out how to get your credit report fixed in no time at a reasonable price and how to get a 3 in 1 free credit report respectively. Visit for further information.