Credit
Most people don't learn much about personal finance in school,
so they learn through trial and error – not always the best method when it
comes to money, especially building positive credit. You'll find our counselors
provide useful information that will help guide you whenever you need to make
a financial decision.
Buying a car or home? Applying for a credit card? Borrowing money?
Saving for college or retirement? Dealing with collectors? We can help
you make important financial decisions, including:
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How much you can afford
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How much your down payment should be
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Whether to buy or lease
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How to get the best deal
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Which financing option is best for you
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Which credit card is best for you
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What to look for in the fine print
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Whether to refinance your mortgage
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Whether to apply for a home equity loan, debt consolidation loan, or other loan
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Whether to file for bankruptcy
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How to improve your credit rating
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Credit Reports
A record of your past
Your credit report is a record of how you have paid your bills in the past.
This is called your credit history. This information shows your payment history
for car loans, credit card accounts, equity loans and mortgage loans. Banks,
department stores and mortgage companies review your credit history to
determine if they will extend you additional credit. In the last several years
landlords, insurance companies and employers have also been reviewing
credit reports to aid in their decision to lease you an apartment, sell you
insurance or offer you employment.
The credit score
A credit score is a snapshot of your credit history at any given time, and
measures how well you are doing in managing your credit risk. A credit score
can range somewhere between 300-850, with the higher score qualifying for
better rates and terms. Understanding your credit report and how the scoring
process works enables you to improve your credit worthiness.
Understand the report
It's important that you understand the information on your credit report,
regardless of your financial situation. This information directly impacts your
ability to obtain a credit card, buy a car or home, rent an apartment, or even get
a new job. Review your credit report today to help avoid problems in the future.
If you have ever applied for a credit card, a personal loan, or insurance,
there is a file about you. This file contains information on where you work
and live, how you pay your bills, and whether you have been sued, arrested
or have filed for bankruptcy.
Credit Report Review is a service offered by Consumer Credit Counseling Service.
Certified counselors can help you understand your credit report, show you how to
correct any errors and how to re-establish a good credit history if needed.
How to Review Your Credit Reports
This following central site allows you to request a free credit file disclosure, commonly
called a credit report, once every 12 months from each of the nationwide consumer
credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.
www.annualcreditreport.com/cra/index.jsp
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Important Numbers & Addresses You May Need to Know
Opt—out of Receiving Pre-approved credit card offers:
1(888) 567-8688
Three Major Credit Reporting Agencies:
Equifax
Consumer Phone Numbers
Order Credit Report by Phone: 1(800)685-1111
Fraud 1(888)766-0008
1(800)997-2493
Address:
P 0 Box 105252
Atlanta, Georgia 30348-5252
www.equifax.com
Experian
Consumer Phone Numbers
Order Credit Report by Phone: 1(800)311-4769
Fraud 1(888)397-3742
Address:
P0 Box 2002
Allen, Texas 75013
www.experian.com
Trans Union LLC
Consumer Phone Numbers
Order Credit Report by Phone: 1(800)888-4213.
Fraud 1(800)680-7289
Address:
Consumer Disclosure Center
P 0 Box 1000
Chester, PA 19022
www.trausunion.com
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