Archive for Credit

How to Get Your Free Credit Report – For Real!

By Kembala Evans on January 29, 2013

A friend of mine asked if she could really get a free credit report. I sensed the embarrassment in her voice. But it’s a great question. Yes, you can get a free credit report! And I mean completely free without any strings attached.

I don’t blame her for doubting it. Every time you turn around companies are telling you about free stuff.

Like you’ll get a free $20 gift card (BIG PRINT) when you purchase a $100 gift card (small print). Or how about Free Shipping (you’d better read the fine print because it’s only when you spend $99 or more)?

You see more “when you” attached to free offers than ever. (more…)

Comments (0)
Categories: Credit

Beware of Same as Cash, No Interest Deals…

By Kembala Evans on September 11, 2012

You can have it now – furniture, tires, appliances and electronics. Buy it today and pay no interest for 48 months. It’s the best no-interest loan out there. You’d be crazy not to take it.

We’ve all seen ‘same as cash’ deals and no interest offers. They come in all sizes. You can get 90 days same as cash. Better yet, how about paying no interest for 1 year, 2 years or more? Come on down…

These offers might sound like music to your ears. Especially when you want it now. After all, you’ll have more than enough time to pay it off.

Let’s hope so, because when you don’t it could cost you big time. And if you’re not careful you could find yourself paying extra fees that have nothing to do with interest. (more…)

Comments (0)
Categories: Credit, Credit Cards

Pull Your Free Credit Report in 5 min or less

By Kembala Evans on May 18, 2012

When’s the last time you looked at your credit report? You know the report that lists all of your accounts: who you owe, what you owe and if you’ve paid them on time. Yeah, that’s the one.

I pulled my credit report a few days ago, in 4 minutes flat. Yep, I timed it just for you. It’s easy to do, and best of all, it’s FREE!

Why bother? Because your credit matters, it’s used for credit approvals, insurance rates, and even some jobs. Don’t wait until you’ve been turned down for a loan, mortgage, or credit card to find out what’s in your credit report.

You need to know what’s being reported about you. Still not convinced? Click here to watch my video “5 Reasons to Check Your Credit Report.”

So you want to check your credit report? Great! Pulling your credit report is as easy as 1-2-3 and it won’t cost you anything. It only takes a few minutes of your time:

  1. AnnualCreditReport.comGo to AnnualCreditReport.com – This is the official site of the three credit reporting companies— Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Each company is required to give you a free copy of your credit report every 12 months.
  2. Select Your State – Start by selecting the state you live in and click “Request Report. “
  3. Provide Your Personal Information – Next, you must enter your personal information (name, address, social security number) and press “Continue.” Please note the site is secure and uses encryption for highly sensitive information. Read the site’s “Privacy Policy” and “Security and Encryption Policy” for site security information.
  4. Answer Personal Identifying Questions – Next you’ll answer several personal identifying questions to verify your identity.  For example, you may be asked for specific information regarding a previous address like a street name. (more…)
Comments (0)
Categories: Credit

New Book Shows You How to Get Your Money Right

By Kembala Evans on October 31, 2011

Money is one of the leading causes of stress. And many people feel there’s no way out. Because they think it’s too complicated, they’re afraid to ask for help or feel it’s impossible.

After reading countless personal finance books, I felt there was a need to write one for everyday people that would be— easy to understand, inspiring, and informative. The wait is over! Get Your Money Right: The 7 Keys to Unlocking a Better Financial Future is that book. And it’s now available.

I wrote this book to help you:

  • Break free from financial stress
  • Change what you’re doing to get better results
  • Achieve your financial goals

Get Your Money Right Book

It focuses on the fundamentals of personal finance to help you change your money habits and transform your life. To find out more about my new book and get your copy, visit http://kembalaevans.com.

I encourage you to get a copy, so you can start living the life you deserve. It’s my greatest hope that my book will make a positive impact on your life.

Sincerely,

Kembala

Comments (0)
Categories: Credit, Debt, Giving, Life, Money Management, News, Save Money

Beware of New Credit Reporting Practices that Go Beyond Normal

By Kembala Evans on November 9, 2010

Pay BillsAfter the subprime mortgage debacle, lenders have been reluctant to approve loans and extend credit. The days of loose lending practices (e.g. stated income mortgages) have been replaced with stricter standards to mitigate risk. Lenders have turned to credit bureaus to gather information beyond your normal credit score to determine your credit worthiness.

Credit bureaus are taking their credit reporting practices to another level – to unveil more about your financial picture. Furthermore, they are using more information than what is typically reported on your credit report, such as your bank history, utilities and rental payments.

The Wall Street Journal’s article, New Ways Bankers Are Spying on You is a great read about the new credit reporting practices.

Here are a few highlights of The New Credit Reporting Practices:

  • Rental/Utility Payments – Checking your payment history on rental properties and utilities.
  • Home Values – Lenders may consider your home value in comparison to the outstanding principal amount owed. Please read the Wall Street Journal article above for more information on this.
  • Bank Behavior – A bank behavior score is calculated based on your bank account activity (deposits, withdrawals and balance history).
  • Income Estimation – Income estimates are generated using information from your credit report like mortgage, credit lines and account history.
  • Collection – Debt collection companies may receive reports alerting them when your financial outlook improves. These reports prompt them to collect on debts owed.

This additional insight into your financial activity helps lenders decide whether to approve you for credit cards, loans and other financial products. It’s also useful to prescreen customers for special credit offers (e.g. credit cards).

What are your thoughts on the new credit reporting practices? Please share them in the comments.

Photo - meddygarnet

Comments (0)
Categories: Credit

How to Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft

By Kembala Evans on October 22, 2010

Identity TheftIdentity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes today. Every year millions of victims are faced with the frustration and anguish over the time spent (sometimes years) fighting to resolve the issue.

What can you do about identity theft? Safeguard your personal information (signature, account numbers, social security number, medical information, etc.) to protect yourself against any identity thieves that may be lurking around.

How to Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft:

  • Protect the personal information you carry with you everyday – Check your wallet and only carry the information you need. Avoid carrying your social security number with you. Commit your social security number to memory and keep it in a secure place at home (preferably under lock and key).
  • Shred important documents with your personal information before throwing them away – Identity thieves go through the trash to find personal information they can use to steal your identity. Protect yourself by shredding any materials with your personal information prior to throwing them away, such as financial documents (mortgage/car related documents), account statements, health documents or pay stubs.
  • Protect your social security number – You’d be surprised to see how many documents actually include your social security number on them. Be sure to protect yourself by securing any documents that contain your personal information and shredding them prior to throwing them away. Check your car’s glove department to make sure you do not leave documents in there with your social security number on them.

    Be careful about giving out your social security number. If someone asks for it – question the purpose. I only give out my social security number when I feel it’s absolutely needed (e.g. applying for a loan). For example, on a form at my dentist office they asked for my social security number and I left it blank. Whenever the doctor’s office questions me about this, I say they have other pertinent information (insurance card, contact info) and nothing more should be required.

  • Monitor your credit report – Check your credit report regularly to identify any fraudulent activity. Your credit report gives you more insight into any new accounts that may have been opened in your name. Read “The Free and Easy Way to Check Your Credit Report” for tips on how to monitor your credit report regularly.
  • Check your account statements for any fraudulent activity – Review your account statement to confirm your charges. If you find any charges that you did not make, then promptly raise them to your creditor‘s or financial institution’s attention.
  • Secure your personal identification number (PIN) for accounts separate from your cards – In college, a friend of mine’s roommate stole her ATM card and checks, and easily used her ATM card because she left her PIN number attached to the card.

If you become a victim of Identity Theft: (more…)

Comments (3)
Categories: Credit, Life

5 Steps to Improve Your Credit Score

By Kembala Evans on July 12, 2010

Improve Your Credit

Nationally credit scores hit a new low with 25.5% of consumers with a poor credit score of 599 or less. Historically 15% of consumers fell into this category, read MSNBC’s article Americans’ credit scores at new lows for recent credit score trends.

Improving your credit score will help you receive credit approval (mortgage, loans, credit cards) and save money (lower interest rates, insurance costs, less deposits).

Here are 5 Steps to Improve Your Credit Score:

  1. Check your credit report – The first step is to review your credit report to identify any inaccurate information (e.g. accounts, payment history, balances). If you find any errors on your credit report dispute them with the credit bureau.

    Read my post Uncover the Truth: 5 Reasons to Check Your Credit Report to find out how to get a free copy of your credit report and for more tips on what to look for on your credit report.

  2. Get your credit score – In order to fix your credit, you have to know where you stand today. If you recently applied for credit, perhaps the lender can provide you with your credit score for free. If not, there are a variety of websites that provide your credit score, but unlike your credit report it’s not free. Beware of any website that promotes your credit score for free, because there is usually a cost.
  3. Pay on time – Your payment history is the largest factor in determining your credit score, so paying your bills on time is very important. If you have any delinquent accounts, catch them up and start paying on time. To make bill paying easier, you can set up automatic payments. If you choose to use auto-pay be sure to monitor your billing statements for accuracy. (more…)
Comments (3)
Categories: Credit

Uncover the Truth: 5 Reasons to Check Your Credit Report

By Kembala Evans on May 11, 2010

According to a recent financial literacy survey, about 65% of adults have not checked their credit report in the past year. Have you seen your credit report lately? Checking your credit report helps you uncover the truth about what is being reported about you.   

Here’s a video I created to give you 5 Reasons to Check Your Credit Report. Click here if you cannot see the video.

Get Your Free Credit Report Today

To get your free credit report from the 3 credit bureaus today — read “The Free and Easy Way to Check your Credit Report.”

Please share any thoughts you have using comments.

Comments (6)
Categories: Credit

The Free and Easy Way to Check your Credit Report

By Kembala Evans on March 17, 2010

When is the last time you checked your credit report? Did you know that you can get a free copy of your credit report every year? The Fair Credit Reporting Act legally requires the three nationwide credit reporting companies (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) provide you with a free copy of your credit report every 12 months.

To receive your free credit report by law, you can request it:

  • Online - Visit AnnualCreditReport.com. This site offers additional products and services for a fee. Just say no to the additional offers to receive your free credit report.
  • Phone - Call 1-877-322-8228

Reviewing your credit report gives you an opportunity to verify the accuracy of the information reported. You also have a chance to identify and address any discrepancies. Requesting your credit report every four months from a different credit reporting company allows you to monitor your credit year round for free.

Beware of websites who promote free credit reports to lure you into purchasing other products and services. Visit the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to learn more about these imposter websites.

 In the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, check out the FTC’s video:

Comments (2)
Categories: Credit
GainMoneyControl