Free helpful financial information on credit cards, debts, loans, credit scores and repairing bad credit. http://www.consumerbadcreditguide.com http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Mon, 17 Dec 2007 08:29:28 -0800 Mon, 17 Dec 2007 08:28:35 -0800 FeedForAll v2.0 (2.0.2.9) unlicensed version http://www.feedforall.com http://www.consumerbadcreditguide.com/creditcards.gif http://www.consumerbadcreditguide.com Free helpful financial information on credit cards, debts, loans, credit scores and repairing bad credit. 144 102 Advance fee loan sharks are preying on unwary consumers, taking their money for the promise of a loan or credit, and leaving them in hot water. The scam artists often impersonate legitimate lenders to entice consumers into falling for their bogus offer. http://www.consumerbadcreditguide.com/loanscamsupfrontfees.html 1A46ABCD-117E-4917-8FG1-16HIJ93AG139 Mon, 10 Mar 2008 09:23:21 -0800 When a mortgage company closes or files for bankruptcy, its customers may be left wondering about the impact on their own loans. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) says consumers should continue to make their mortgage payments as usual. http://www.consumerbadcreditguide.com/mortgagelenderbankrupt.html 1A46EXYW-117E-4917-8FD1-16EFQ73AG139 Sun, 09 Mar 2008 08:23:21 -0800 Reputable credit counseling organizations employ counselors who are certified and trained in consumer credit, money and debt management, and budgeting. Those organizations that are nonprofit have a legal obligation to provide education and counseling. http://www.consumerbadcreditguide.com/debtmanagementplans.html 3A46EXYZ-117E-4917-8FD1-19ZZC73AQ123 Wed, 05 Mar 2008 08:16:26 -0800 Most credit counselors offer services through local offices, the Internet, or on the telephone. If possible, find an organization that offers in-person counseling. Many universities, military bases, credit unions, housing authorities, and branches of the U.S. Cooperative Extension Service operate nonprofit credit counseling programs. http://www.consumerbadcreditguide.com/howtochooseacreditcounselor.html 3A46EXYZ-117E-4917-8FD1-16EFC73AQ169 Tue, 26 Feb 2008 08:23:26 -0800 The Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 launched a new era: With limited exceptions, people who plan to file for bankruptcy protection must get credit counseling from a government approved organization within 180 days before they file. They also must complete a debtor education course to have their debts discharged. http://www.consumerbadcreditguide.com/personalbankruptcycreditcounselingdebtoreducation.html 3A46EFDF-117E-4917-8FD1-16EFC73AQ123 Mon, 25 Feb 2008 09:23:21 -0800 The wage garnishment provisions of the Consumer Credit Protection Act protect employees from discharge by their employers because their wages have been garnished for any one debt, and it limits the amount of an employee's earnings that may be garnished in any one week. http://www.consumerbadcreditguide.com/wagegarnishmentlaws.html 3A46EFDF-117E-4917-8FD1-16EFC73AH002 Sat, 23 Feb 2008 10:23:21 -0800 If you write a bad check, you should be aware that writing fraudulent checks can come with both civil and criminal penalties. http://www.consumerbadcreditguide.com/badchecklaws.html 3A46EFDF-117E-4917-8FD1-16EDC73AA000 Fri, 10 Jan 2008 11:59:28 -0800 Explains the different types of FHA Home loans available for good and bad credit. http://www.consumerbadcreditguide.com/fhahomeloansavailablebadcredit.html 3A46EFDF-117E-4917-8FD1-16EDC73AA330 Fri, 17 Dec 2007 09:59:28 -0800 There are lots of good reasons to choose an FHA bad credit mortgage loan, especially if one or more of the following apply to you: You're a first-time homebuyer. You don't have a lot of money to put down on a house. You want to keep your monthly payments as low as possible. You are worried about your monthly payments going up. You are worried about qualifying for a loan. You don't have perfect credit. You are worried about what will happen if you fall behind on your payments. http://www.consumerbadcreditguide.com/benefitsofabadcreditfhamortgageloan.html 3A46EFDF-117E-4917-8FD1-16EDC73AD216 Mon, 17 Dec 2007 08:59:28 -0800 To protect consumers from illegal mortgage referral fees, RESPA was enacted by Congress. They felt that consumers needed protection from unnecessarily high settlement charges caused by certain abusive practices that have developed in some areas of the country. http://www.consumerbadcreditguide.com/illegalmortgagereferralfees.html 3A46EFDF-117E-4917-8FD1-46EDC73AD216 Sun, 16 Dec 2007 17:59:28 -0800 Reservists, Guardsmen and Other Military Personnel should be aware that there is mortgage payment relief and protection from foreclosure provided by the Service members Civil Relief Act. http://www.consumerbadcreditguide.com/foreclosuremortgagereliefmilitary.html 3A46EFDF-117E-4917-8FD1-46EDC73AD706 Sun, 16 Dec 2007 17:45:28 -0800 If you have a bad credit history, a FHA mortgage might be the way to go for your home loan and get a low fixed interest rate. Every year FHA helps thousands of first-time home buyers just like you move into the house of their dreams. A home is an investment, it can save you money and it's a place to live and raise children. http://www.consumerbadcreditguide.com/fhamortgageloanwithbadcredit.html 3A46EFDF-117E-4917-8FD1-46EDC73AD396 Sun, 16 Dec 2007 17:15:28 -0800 Under the ECOA, a creditor cannot automatically close or change the terms of a joint account solely because of the death of your spouse. A creditor may ask you to update your application or reapply. http://www.consumerbadcreditguide.com/creditifyourspousedies.html 3A46EFDF-117E-4917-8FD1-46EDC73AD996 Tue, 11 Dec 2007 17:55:28 -0800 Credit is a very important money management tool for both young and older consumers. Yet the elderly, particularly older women, may find it difficult to get credit. If you are a older consumer who has paid with cash all your life, you may find it difficult to open a credit account. http://www.consumerbadcreditguide.com/creditforpeopleoverageof62.html 3A46EFDF-117E-4917-8FD1-46EDC73AD679 Tue, 11 Dec 2007 17:49:28 -0800 When you write a check, withdraw money from an ATM, use your debit card to make a purchase, or make an automatic bill payment or other electronic payment for more than the amount in your checking account, you overdraw your account. Your bank has the choice to either pay the amount or not. If it pays even though you do not have the money in your account, you may be charged an overdraft fee. If your bank returns your check without paying it, you may be charged a bounced check or non sufficient funds fee. In addition to the fee your bank charges you, the person or company that you wrote the check to may charge you a returned check fee. http://www.consumerbadcreditguide.com/overdraftsbouncedcheckfees.html 3A46EFDF-117E-4917-8FD1-46EDC73AD997 Mon, 10 Dec 2007 17:49:28 -0800 If a friend or relative asked you to cosign on a loan, make sure you understand what cosigning involves. Chances are that you are being asked to cosign for someone with bad credit. Using you good credit history to cosign and not knowing what is involved, can lead to a negative credit impact. http://www.consumerbadcreditguide.com/cosignerobligations.html 3A46EFDF-117E-4917-8FD1-46EDC73AD998 Mon, 03 Dec 2007 17:59:28 -0800 If you have a current mortgage and are in default on your loan or it is about to reset, then is important to know that the Federal Housing Administration is now offering to help Americans with a program called FHASecure. http://www.consumerbadcreditguide.com/refinancemortgagedefault.html 3A46EFDF-117E-4917-8FD1-46EDC73AD999 Wed, 28 Nov 2007 17:49:31 -0800 There is a credit repair scheme targeted to people with bad credit called file segregation, in which a consumer is promised a chance to hide bad credit information by establishing a new credit identification. This may sound good if you have been denied credit because of a past bankruptcy or past credit problems, but file segregation is illegal. If you use it, you could face fines or even a prison sentence. http://www.consumerbadcreditguide.com/newidentificationbadidea.html 3A46EFDF-117E-4917-8FD1-46EDC73AD399 Sun, 26 Nov 2007 17:49:28 -0800 Tips and advice on protecting yourself from predatory lending practices. http://www.consumerbadcreditguide.com/predatorylenders.html 3A46EFDF-117E-4917-8FD1-46EDC73AD299 Sun, 25 Nov 2007 17:49:28 -0800 If you receive an offer in the mail for a new credit card that says you have been pre screened or pre qualified, then you may be wondering how they came across your credit information and whether or not your credit has been effected. http://www.consumerbadcreditguide.com/prescreenedcreditofferseffectcredit.html 3A46EFDF-117E-4917-8FD1-46EDC73AD099 Sun, 18 Nov 2007 17:49:28 -0800 A list of 28 tips a consumer can use to save money. http://www.consumerbadcreditguide.com/tipstosavemoney.html 3A46EFDF-117E-4917-8FD1-46EDC73AD019 Sat, 17 Nov 2007 17:40:23 -0800 If you are in the process of getting a divorce or separation, it will be important to pay special attention to the status of your credit accounts and credit card debt. If you have joint accounts with your spouse, it's important to make regular payments so you don't end up with bad credit. As long as there is a outstanding balance on a joint account, you and your spouse are responsible for paying it. http://www.consumerbadcreditguide.com/creditcarddebtanddivorce.html 5DD76131-F776-487B-B017-44417D0B1B08 Thu, 15 Nov 2007 17:28:35 -0800 Whether you have good or bad credit, shopping around for a home loan or mortgage will help you to get the best mortgage interest rates. You will want to compare all the costs associated with obtaining a mortgage loan. Shopping, comparing, and negotiating can save you thousands of dollars. http://www.consumerbadcreditguide.com/badcreditmortgageinterestrates.html 42F22F59-6703-4B80-86F9-830E6A1BA183 Thu, 15 Nov 2007 14:51:16 -0800 Beware of free foreclosure help scams, because scam artists follow the news headlines. They are aware of homeowners falling behind on their mortgage payments or at risk for foreclosure. They have very catchy pitches that may sound like a way for you to get out from under, but their intentions are much different. They are preying on consumers in need of financial help in attempt to take their money. http://www.consumerbadcreditguide.com/freeforeclosurehelpscams.html DC8B6690-40F3-4A66-87EC-EB8047EA3AB9 Tue, 13 Nov 2007 13:17:40 -0800 A foreclosure will be a damaging mark on your credit score for years, especially if you are in the market to buy another home. However, if you have a bad credit score because of a past foreclosure, it doesn't mean that you can't take some essential steps to help improve your credit now so you will be able to purchase a home again in the future. http://www.consumerbadcreditguide.com/creditrepairafterforeclosure.html 30C189C4-E8DD-46B3-BD11-7642E6F8967F Tue, 13 Nov 2007 11:29:47 -0800 Consumers rights in a automobile repossession are established by the loan contract you signed and by the law of your state. If you fail to make payments on your automobile, your creditor will then have the right to repossess your car without going to court or without warning you in advance. http://www.consumerbadcreditguide.com/consumersrightsautomobilerepossession.html 7BF3ABFC-2B22-4F70-8287-747AEDFF35FD Mon, 12 Nov 2007 17:52:39 -0800 A consumer should think long and hard before using a voluntary repossession of cars or homes to help straighten out their finances. A voluntary repossession by the debtor can result in bad credit and the consumer can still be obligated to pay the deficiency balance. http://www.consumerbadcreditguide.com/voluntaryrepossessionandcredit.html 64F52B20-6700-402F-9B78-9BDF07E60493 Mon, 12 Nov 2007 13:02:49 -0800 You don't want your car repossessed and is the last option a credit wants to use in order to recover their money. A repossession will give you a bad credit rating along with being responsible for the repossession cost and for the difference of the car loan and the amount the credit receives after the car is sold at auction. http://www.consumerbadcreditguide.com/howdoistopmycarfrombeingrepossessed.html 3788A7A7-357E-4298-A402-10D43BB6B6EA Sun, 11 Nov 2007 18:03:44 -0800 Even in a sub-prime crisis, credit has never been more easily obtained than it is today. If you only have fair credit, credit card companies can flood your mailbox with pre-approved credit card applications. You can also get credit card approvals almost instantly over the Internet. Before you know it, you could have five or more credit cards. So if your asking yourself "How many credit cards do we need?", then the answer depends how much you spend and how much you can afford to pay off. http://www.consumerbadcreditguide.com/howmanycreditcardsdoweneed.html 48168712-5A0E-4278-BFE6-0F66216D7958 Wed, 7 Nov 2007 19:50:32 -0800 Creditor harassment may not be a concern for some, but for others who have had past due bill, know it can be common practice. While harassment may sound like a harsh word to use, you will be surprised by what many creditors will say to collect on a debt. http://www.consumerbadcreditguide.com/stoppingcreditorharassment.html 33A4975B-2F03-4261-A543-7A1A816DF054 Tue, 6 Nov 2007 15:39:43 -0800 If you are a victim of identity theft it is recommended by the Federal Trade Commission to take the following four steps as soon as possible to restore your credit rating, and keep a record with the details of your conversations and copies of all correspondence. http://www.consumerbadcreditguide.com/repairingcreditafteridentitytheft.html 41407B86-1988-4A51-BC75-1CD525F5F302 Mon, 5 Nov 2007 16:08:19 -0800 It can become easy to become dependent on using credit cards for much wanted items and everyday expenses. However, if your credit card debt is on the rise, it may be time to stop the bad habit of using credit cards before high monthly credit card payments takes control of your life. http://www.consumerbadcreditguide.com/badhabitofusingcreditcards.html C074B4B6-E216-42F5-A323-62082733AD2B Sun, 4 Nov 2007 07:59:06 -0800 Getting out of credit card debt can be a difficult task to accomplish. It will take a well developed plan and self-control. If you stick with your plan and accomplishing this task, it will reward you with the freedom from credit card debt and a better life. http://www.consumerbadcreditguide.com/gettingoutofcreditcarddebt.html 27A8DC68-8EFB-4FB2-AE23-6E5795B9C70F Thu, 1 Nov 2007 17:08:43 -0800 With the weakening national economy and low unemployment rate, some Americans are dealing with mortgage lenders wanting to foreclose on their homes because of unpaid monthly payments. Homeowners can stop foreclosures on their properties, especially with falling home values, but they need to act the moment they start to experience financial difficulties. http://www.consumerbadcreditguide.com/foreclosurehome.html 019EC275-A3C0-4A3F-90A0-C44D76420EA9 Wed, 31 Oct 2007 16:25:08 -0800 A important qualification for a mortgage loan is your credit. Mortgage lenders want to see that you have good to excellent credit. However, with bad credit, there are still options available to you. http://www.consumerbadcreditguide.com/qualifyingformortgagebadcredit.html 33E74D75-C0C8-4171-BC13-1A3F0771C463 Sun, 28 Oct 2007 17:26:31 -0800 If you have a bad credit history, then financing a car will be challenging. Financial institutions can charge you a high rate of interest leaving you with high monthly car payments. These high monthly payments with high interest rates can end up making your credit history worse if you can't afford the monthly payments. http://www.consumerbadcreditguide.com/financingcarbadcredit.html 49ED473F-374A-4295-B1FB-388C94461801 Sun, 28 Oct 2007 14:45:06 -0800 Immigrants to a new country usually don't realize that their credit history does not follow them into their new country. This can benefit a individual with bad credit history, but for someone who had excellent credit, it would be frustrating. http://www.consumerbadcreditguide.com/buildingcreditnewimmigrant.html 42727DB4-C396-4D48-A8B4-E6E1D5996B06 Wed, 24 Oct 2007 13:52:18 -0700 Achieving a perfect credit score would be great, but not necessary. The FICO credit scoring model ranges from 300 (bad credit) to 850 (perfect credit). If your credit score is in the mid 700's, there is no advantage having a higher score because you're still going to get the same interest rates either way. However, if your credit score is not in the mid 700's, there is room for improvement. http://www.consumerbadcreditguide.com/perfectcreditscore.html 7C500267-C855-4E3C-9711-3BC7A7F32794 Tue, 23 Oct 2007 10:37:03 -0700 If you are seeking home loans with a bankruptcy, you may be able to get approved for financing one to two years after your bankruptcy discharge date. http://www.consumerbadcreditguide.com/homeloanswithabankruptcy.html C101D73D-C093-4A30-ACDF-6422AFA5177E Fri, 19 Oct 2007 17:09:16 -0700 If you have good or bad credit, there is one source of financing that is not a scam, comes interest free and almost everyone will be approved. Sounds to good to be true in today's world. Believe it or not, it is real and many consumers overlook this smart way to finance much wanted merchandise everyday. http://www.consumerbadcreditguide.com/smartfinancingalternative.html 7841BFCF-11E6-4801-A573-A57AD32AE607 Thu, 18 Oct 2007 11:42:33 -0700 Before filing for bankruptcy, make sure that you have considered all other alternatives, because a bankruptcy filing will remain on your credit file for ten years. Filing bankruptcy is can vary differently from state to state but there are some basic steps that usually must be followed in all states. http://www.consumerbadcreditguide.com/howtofileforbankruptcy.html 80E65F87-E784-41C1-B033-1B219F054B6E Wed, 17 Oct 2007 18:48:32 -0700 Bankruptcy is one option to relieve yourself from credit card debt but should only be used as a last resort. Many people have filed for bankruptcy because they were not informed of the alternatives to eliminate credit card debt without bankruptcy. If you have credit card bills that are far beyond what you can pay out each month, then you should look into alternative options such as refinancing loans,debt consolidation loans or enroll in a debt management plan. http://www.consumerbadcreditguide.com/eliminatecreditcarddebtwithoutbankruptcy.html 092D1B20-E0B4-4371-92B5-2C56BB89257D Wed, 17 Oct 2007 16:41:05 -0700 Identity theft is an act of using a individual's personal information, such as their name, account number, driver's license, health insurance card, or Social Security number, without their permission to use the assumed identity to commit fraud or theft. This stolen identity is then usually used to obtain loans or credit card accounts. This can lead identity theft victims left with bad credit and destroyed reputations. http://www.consumerbadcreditguide.com/preventingidentitytheft.html 43614E56-6641-43D6-B7C1-CEA64DC6E821 Tue, 16 Oct 2007 11:38:14 -0700 If you have good or bad credit, and your credit score needs a little boost to obtain favorable terms for new lines of credit, there is one thing you can do to raise your credit score quickly. http://www.consumerbadcreditguide.com/raisecreditscoresquickly.html CABC0E34-890D-4A9C-B4C3-29239FC18163 Tue, 16 Oct 2007 11:33:23 -0700 If you are a individual seeking credit cards for people who have filed bankruptcy, you may not have to look far. Credit card companies are not always concerned to whom they issue credit cards. This means that even with a bankruptcy and bad credit history, you will still be able to get approved for a credit card. http://www.consumerbadcreditguide.com/creditcardsforpeoplewhohavefiledbankruptcy.html 3A46EFDF-117E-4917-8FD1-46EDC73AD018 Tue, 16 Oct 2007 05:40:23 -0700