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How to dispute a credit report error

Interview by

Feb 15, 2013

The Federal Trade Commission released a report saying that 42 million consumers have at least one "potentially material error" in their credit reports.

Posted In: credit agencies, credit report

Bark or bite: Credit reporting agencies get watchdog

Interview by

Tess Vigeland

Jul 20, 2012

Around 40 percent of credit reports have mistakes on them -- and it is a pain to get them fixed. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau announced that it will start scrutinizing credit reporting agencies.

Posted In: Richard Cordray, credit report, credit score, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Choosing a credit card

Chris Farrell

Jun 7, 2012

I am a graduate student in my mid-20s who has never had a credit card. While I have been able to get by without one, I have finally reached a stage in my personal and professional life where not having one has become a real inconvenience (when trying to reserve a rental car, for example). I would be grateful for advice on the cards, or kinds of cards, that I should seek or avoid for a first credit card -- as well as whether I'm likely to receive one, and (if not) what I can do to make myself a better candidate. Stephanie, Minneapolis, MN

Posted In: Credit Cards, credit card interest rates, credit report, Credit report, credit score

Getting back to our old (good) credit score

Chris Farrell

May 23, 2012

My husband and I gave our daughter $40,000 for a down payment on a condo. She defaulted on the loan and went into foreclosure. Consequently, our credit score has tanked. How can we get our old great credit back? Nobody cares that we were not the ones who defaulted. Please help. Cathy, Redmond, OR

Posted In: credit score, credit report, Credit Cards, family finances

Advice on getting a credit card

Chris Farrell

Apr 24, 2012

My friend is 24 and a young mother. She has never had a credit card and she wants to build her credit. Her income is somewhat limited at the moment because she has a new baby and only works part-time, but she wants to be able to pay for small daily expenses with a card that she can pay off in full every month. She is not seeking a large credit line. Even $100 would be sufficient. Can you provide some advice on what kind of card and where to start for someone looking to build good credit? Should she try prepaid credit cards? Any advice would be most sincerely appreciated. Esmeralda, Marlborough, MA

Posted In: Credit Cards, secured credit cards, credit report, credit score

Good habits and a credit score

Chris Farrell

Feb 1, 2012

We use a credit card to pay for all monthly expenses and then pay it off at the end of each month. My credit score fluctuates every quarter, depending on when the accounts are checked. My question is how can we convince the credit rating company that we do not carry any credit card debt from one month to the next? My score is currently at 749 but has been as high as 815. Thanks, I really enjoy your program. Randy, Macomb, IL

Posted In: Credit Cards, credit score, credit report