Personal Finance
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How to Deal With Debt Collectors
Dealing with debt collectors can be stressful. It's important to know your rights if you are contacted by one.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy: All You Need to Know
Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a powerful legal process that can help you escape overwhelming debt.
Best Credit Building Debit Cards in December 2024
Some debit cards allow you to build credit without applying for a loan. That’s a big deal for those with poor (or no) credit history.
How Long Do Collections Stay on Your Credit Report?
Collections are recorded on your credit report when you default on a debt, and they can last up to seven years.
How to Freeze Your Credit
A credit freeze stops unwanted credit inquiries and can help thwart identity thieves. Learn how to place a credit freeze and when you should do it.
What Are Tradelines and How Do They Work?
Credit-reporting agencies, such as Experian, use so-called “tradelines.” These are lines on your credit report that spell out each revolving and installment credit account you have and also include your name and the business or organization to which you owe money.
What Is a 609 Dispute Letter?
A 609 dispute letter is a method of requesting that a credit bureau remove erroneous information from your credit report.
Hard vs. Soft Credit Checks: How Do They Impact Your Credit?
What's the difference between a hard pull versus a soft pull credit check, and how can it impact your credit? Read on to learn more.
What Are the Different Credit Scoring Ranges?
There are four broad credit scoring ranges: Bad, fair, good, and excellent. Knowing where your score falls is important if you plan on applying for credit.
Business Credit Score: What Is It, How to Check It
A business credit score is crucial if you want your company to grow. Find out how these scores work and where they originate from.
How to Get an Apartment With Bad Credit
Securing an apartment rental with bad credit may be challenging, but you can achieve your goal with the right strategies.
Credit Utilization Ratio: All You Need to Know
Endeavor to keep your credit utilization below 30%. That’s the key to harnessing the “amounts owed” component of your credit score and keeping your credit healthy.
How to Dispute a Credit Card Charge in 5 Steps
Disputing a credit card charge helps you avoid paying for unexpected charges. Learn how to dispute a charge and what to do if your request is denied.
When’s a Good Time to Request a Credit Limit Increase?
If you’ve got a good relationship with your bank due to on-time payments and routinely low credit card balances, you’re justified in asking for a credit line increase.
What Happens When Medical Bills Go to Collection?
When an unpaid medical bill goes to a collection agency, it could cause your credit score to drop. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to bring it back up and consumer-friendly laws to help you return to firmer fiscal ground.
What Is a Soft Inquiry? All You Need To Know
A soft inquiry is a credit check (performed by you or someone else) that doesn’t affect your credit score.
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