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Credit card knowledge is financial power
Do's
and don'ts for establishing credit -- Here's how to build
a good credit history. Key
credit card questions -- Get answers to these questions
before you sign up for a credit card. Understanding
secured cards -- If you have never had credit or are trying
to build it, you can buy your way to a better credit rating by responsibly handling
a secured card. Reading
credit card offer fine print -- The big letters on the
envelope may say "You've been approved!" but make sure you know what
you're agreeing to. Reading
a credit card statement -- Not knowing how to read it can
cost you money.
PLUS: Figuring
finance charges How
to cancel a credit card -- Be careful when closing an account,
or it may come back to haunt you. Good
debt vs. bad debt -- A mortgage is usually good debt. Buying
more clothes you don't need on credit is not. Making
a money-smart spending plan -- Do you fail every time you
try to budget? Then don't say the "B" word, which reeks of self-deprivation.
Say "spending plan" instead, and use it to help you get what you want.
Understand
credit reports and scores
Why
you should check your credit report -- If you are applying
for a loan or credit, records of your previous dealings with some else's money
are vital. Contacting
the credit bureaus -- Here are the addresses and Web sites
for the big three credit reporting agencies. Can
you read your credit report? -- OK, you got your credit
report just as everyone says you should. Here's how to read it. 13
myths about credit reports -- When it comes to credit information,
what you think you know that isn't true can really hurt you. Correcting
errors on your credit report -- Follow these steps to get
errors removed from your credit reports. The
future of FICO -- A little three-digit number, practically
unknown a few years ago, keeps growing in importance for your finances.
Protecting
your identity
8
steps to take if your identity is stolen -- This step-by-step
guide will help you clear your good name. Monitoring
the credit monitoring services -- Can they protect your
credit, or do they just cost you money?
Credit
management home | 
