It’s hard to get by today without accumulating at least some form of credit. When you apply for a loan, negotiate the terms for a new car, or sign a lease for your apartment, your credit is checked. But while a good credit score makes it easier to be pre-approved for loans with lower rates, a bad credit score means you’ll have fewer loan options and may be forced to take out loans with less-than-ideal rates.
That’s why it’s so important that you become familiar with your credit. Keeping an eye on your credit score, understanding how credit card debt works and knowing what to do if you think your credit has been compromised will help you have a better picture of your credit standing.
Your credit is calculated through a credit report, which is made up of a variety of different factors. It’s an in-depth look at your finances and is what creditors use to determine whether you’re approved for a loan.
Your credit score is broken down into five parts:
Though each aspect is scored differently, they all have an impact on your overall score. Because lenders often check your credit score before offering you a particular loan, a low credit score lets lenders know that you may be a high-risk borrower and therefore may limit the types of loans you’ll be offered. That’s why it’s so important to keep track of your credit score.
With most credit cards today touting interest rates that range anywhere between 10 to 30 percent, it’s no wonder more and more people are having trouble making ends meet.
The first step in successfully paying off your credit card debt is knowing which cards to pay off first. Your credit cards that have the highest interest rates are the ones you’re going to want to target first, as these are costing you the most. After you’ve paid off these debts, it’s safe to move lower down the funnel.
Because credit scams are becoming increasingly harder to detect, it’s important that you never give your private information over the phone or via email to a company you didn’t initially contact. There are a variety of different credit scams, but according to the FBI, below are the most common:
1. Telemarketing Fraud: When someone calls you asking for money or saying your account is “in danger” and needs immediate funds. Always be suspicious of any credit company that contacts you first. A reputable credit agency should only contact you after you’ve called, emailed or asked for help first.
2. Advanced Fee Schemes: When someone asks you to pay up front in return for a larger payout later on. These types of schemes can range from anything relating to a long-lost relative to a stranger in another country asking for money in return for a “big payout” over time. The best way to avoid these schemes is to remain skeptical, and to always check the legitimacy of a person or business beforehand.
3. Phishing: Never give out your credit information online unless you know the site is both reputable and secure. And check with the Better Business Bureau before making a purchase, especially if you’ve never purchased from the site before.
If you’re currently living with a debt situation that doesn’t seem to be getting better, CreditGUARD can help. Call one of our certified credit counselors today to learn more about our credit counseling and debt management programs that can help you save money and get out of debt faster without acquiring any new debt. Call [cga-phone] today!
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CreditGuard has been providing Debt Management, Debt Counseling and Financial Education for consumers for the past 31 years. We help consumers lower or eliminate their interest by up to 50%, stop late fees and re-age their accounts to bring them current. We help consolidate the debt into one low affordable monthly payment.
Reputable and established Debt Counseling Company operating since 1991, licensed in all 50 states. Currently located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
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