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Getting back to our old (good) credit score

Wednesday, 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

Tuesday, April 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

Sound, simple money advice

Thursday, March 22, 2012
I am 32 years old and would consider myself financially illiterate! I briefly held a credit card, but after a series of rather poor decisions at the age of 20, I got spooked by the idea of credit altogether. When I last checked my score several years ago, it was not surprisingly in the toilet. In deciding to try and repair my finances, I checked my score today and found that it was (surprise!) 775! So after years of neglect, illiteracy and general incompetence, how do I maintain this incredible turn? Desperately in need of some sound, simple advice! Ryan, Cincinnati, OH
Posted In: Savings, credit, credit score, borrowing
4

What to do if your credit history is 'thin'

Friday, March 9, 2012
Living debt-free is a good thing, right? Those with little or no credit history are finding out you really can be "too thin."
Posted In: credit agencies, credit score, FICO, debt, credit

Good habits and a credit score

Wednesday, February 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

Patience scores!

Friday, January 20, 2012
Columbia Business School's Stephan Meier discusses his new study, which says that the more patient you are, the better your credit score is likely to be.
Posted In: credit score, FICO, Savings, Money, patience
14

Suze debuts new show, new card

Friday, January 13, 2012
Financial adviser Suze Orman rolled out a new TV show and debit card this week. She discusses the controversial new card and why it could be her swan song.
Posted In: debt, debit card, Suze Orman, credit score

A dream and a credit score

Friday, January 6, 2012
''m curious about safe ways to establish credit. I have ambitions to run my own cafe and coffee roastery one day. Having a good credit history is going to be key. But, I hate the idea of spending money that I don't have and keeping track of interest rates. Are there any cards or plans I should look into, with this in mind? Charlie, Philadelphia, PA
Posted In: Credit card, credit score, Small Business, entrepreneurs

To close or not to close

Thursday, December 8, 2011
I recently "moved my money" and I'd like to get rid of my old credit cards linked to the old bank accounts. Assuming there are no fees for keeping the old cards, should I save one and not use it, or occasionally use it in case it needs to remain active? Or can I simplify my life, cut loose the dormant accounts and just move on to my new cards? Any advice appreciated. Charlie, San Francisco, CA
Posted In: Credit Cards, credit score

How's my ratio?

Monday, December 5, 2011
I understand that your credit score is affected by the percentage of your available credit that you use. However, does this reflect the total percentage of the total available, or is it specific to each line of credit? Gabriel, Somerville, MA
Posted In: credit score, Credit Cards

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