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5 Step Guide to Get Out of Debt

December 19, 2004
Are you one of the millions of Americans that are deep in debt and need help getting out? If you are, you are not alone. We understand your situation, and want to provide you the guidance you need to help you get on the right track.

New Non-traditional Credit Scoring Model Helps First-Time Homebuyers

May 26, 2005
Finding it difficult to shop for a home with little or no credit history? First America's Anthem Score may be your ticket to homeownership.

One Step to a Better Credit Score

May 17, 2005
Is your credit score lower than it should be? Paying down your balances could provide a much-needed boost to your credit score.

Is the History Worth the Price?

May 15, 2005
It's best for your credit score that you not close old accounts. But what do you do when the old accounts hit you with large annual fees?

Have you ordered your free credit report?

May 13, 2005
The new Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act entitles you to one free credit report every year, no strings attached. Be sure to take advantage of this opportunity!

Save More, Earn More

May 12, 2005
Take advantage of rising interest rates by opening an ING Direct online savings account today. Make your money work for you.

Payday Loans = Costly Cash

May 11, 2005
The ads are on the radio, television, the Internet, even in the mail. They refer to payday loans - which come at a very high price.

Why Your Signature Won't Save You

May 11, 2005
Think your signing the back of your card will keep thieves from using your card? Think again.

Minimum Payment Rising

May 10, 2005
Credit card companies have been asked to increase the monthly minimum payment to a greater portion of the balance. The change may hurt in the short-term, but will benefit you in the long term.

Credit Card Penalty Fees: Large and In Charge

February 17, 2005
Credit cards are tools that should be handled with the upmost respect. Like most tools, credit cards are useful, but come with many associated dangers.

Cash Advance Follies

January 26, 2005
Paying extra interest has never been easier. The "convenience checks" your credit card company bombards you with are a wonderfully convenient way for your credit card company to milk you for more money.

Debt Free Living

January 26, 2005
No one starts life planning for financial chaos. So why is it that many Americans find themselves in the death grip of credit card debt?

What's In Your Credit Report?

January 26, 2005
Keep your credit report healthy with regular check-ups. Review your credit history often for errors that could be hurting your credit.

Talk Down Your Debt

January 22, 2005
A fifteen-minute phone call could save you thousands. No, I'm not talking about car insurance. You can talk your way out of debt by negotiating with your credit card company over the phone.

Bank of America Increases Minimum Payment Requirement

January 21, 2005
The new Bank of America minimum payment policy forces customers to get out of debt sooner. Higher minimum payments save customers money in the long run, but those already teetering on the edge of disaster may be in trouble.

Auto Refinance FAQ

January 20, 2005
Refinancing your car loan could lower your payments and save you money. Learn the ins and outs of auto refinance programs.

Credit Card Dos and Don'ts

January 13, 2005
Don't let your credit card get you into trouble. Learn about some practices that you can follow to keep your credit under control.

What to Do If You Have Bad Credit

January 11, 2005
A bad credit record isn't the end of the world. Learn how you can revive your credit with patience and determination.

Consumer Credit Card Debt Declines

January 10, 2005
Americans set a new record in November 2004 for the largest one-month consumer debt reduction since the Federal Reserve began tabulating data in 1943. Unfortunately, there may be more to the story than what meets the eye.

8 Warning Signs of Debt

January 07, 2005
Do you have debt issues? If one or more of these eight warning signals apply to you, you may have a debt problem.

Consumers Prefer Airline Credit Cards, Study Says

January 06, 2005
A recent market research study indicates that consumer preference for airline (travel rewards) credit cards increased 73% between 2000 and 2003.

Temporary Card Numbers Increase Security, Save Time

January 03, 2005
Sure, your credit card protects you from unauthorized charges and limits your liability when your card number is stolen. But what about the time you must spend straightening out card theft? Read how single-use temporary credit card numbers increase security and save you time.

Pay Credit Card Bills Online to Avoid Hassles

January 03, 2005
If you make a late payment just once, your credit card company may double or even triple your interest rate to the default rate. Consider paying your credit card bill online to avoid costly payment delays.

Anatomy of a Good Credit Score

January 02, 2005
The importance of having a good credit score continues to grow. Although the exact credit scoring formulas are secret, here are some general tips for building and maintaining a good credit score.

The Gift Card Trap

January 01, 2005
Hidden surcharges and fees plague prepaid gift cards. Read this important information if you plan to give or are the recipient of a gift card.

Capital One Sued Over Alleged "No Hassle" Hassles

December 31, 2004
Minnesota Attorney General Mike Hatch filed a lawsuit yesterday against Capital One, alleging that the company engaged in false and deceptive advertising of its "No Hassle" fixed rate credit card. We believe this lawsuit is ridiculous, and that it demonstrates the need for greater consumer credit education and awareness.

Tips for Getting Out of Holiday Debt

December 30, 2004
Did you spend too much for Christmas? You're not alone. Studies show consumers charged $108 billion over the Holidays in 2004, a 13% increase over 2003. Here are four New Year's Resolutions to help you deal with your holiday debt hangover.

Snowball Your Payments

December 30, 2004
Paying more than the minimum is only half the battle. Find out how you can pay off your debts quickly and cheaply with the snowball method.

Beware of Credit Repair

December 28, 2004
Credit repair services promise the impossible: to improve credit ratings instantly for individuals with poor or bad credit. Learn how to avoid falling victim to credit repair fraud and scam tactics.

Secured Credit Cards

December 27, 2004
If you have no credit or bad credit, your only credit card option may be a secured credit card. Learn more about secured credit cards and what to watch out for.

Debit Card Cash Back Rewards

December 27, 2004
Earning cash back on your purchases doesn't require a credit card. Learn about a debit card that allows you to earn 1.5% cash back without the risk of debt.

Applying for a Credit Card?

December 26, 2004
Shopping for a new credit card? Follow these simple tips to select the best credit card for your situation.

Choosing a Credit Counseling Service

December 26, 2004
Are you way over your head in debt? For many struggling to pay off their debts, self-help sometimes is not a viable option. Here are some pointers for choosing the best credit counseling service.

5 Holiday Shopping Tips

December 24, 2004
Overflowing parking lots, traffic jams, and crowded shopping malls - they all tell us that Christmas is near. Here are five Holiday shopping tips that will assure you a safe, affordable and enjoyable shopping experience.

FACT Act Facts

December 23, 2004
Federal law now allows you to request a free credit report from each of the credit reporting agencies each year. Learn how you can take advantage of this privilege to improve your credit rating.

Freeze Your Minimum

December 23, 2004
Want to know how to pay off your credit cards quickly, without increasing your payments one cent? It's a dirty little secret that your credit card companies don't want you to know. Intrigued? Read on.

Rewards for Everyone

December 21, 2004
Do you pay your credit card balance in full every month? If you do, you should consider making your next credit card a rewards card.

Credit Report FAQ

December 21, 2004
Read answers to frequently-asked questions about credit history, credit report, credit score, credit rating, and building credit.

Payday Loans - Legalized Loan Sharks?

December 20, 2004
Thinking of getting a short term "payday" loan? You better think twice. The payday loan industry is the fastest growing segment of the entire U.S. financial services industry. Its growth is fueled largely by consumer ignorance.

Savings Matching: Double the Price

December 20, 2004
Are you the type of person that has trouble living within a budget? Do you find yourself constantly making impulse purchases? Here's a technique that has kept me from overspending.

Credit Card FAQ

December 20, 2004
Understanding credit cards can be intimidating. Learn the ins and outs of credit cards by reading answers to frequently-asked questions about credit cards, choosing a credit card, and applying for credit.

Building Credit in College

December 20, 2004
When used responsibly, student credits cards are one of the best ways to establish credit history. Find out why waiting until you're out of college to build credit can be a mistake.

Credit Cards vs. Debit Cards vs. Check Cards

December 20, 2004
Credit cards, debit cards and check cards all make your payments more convenient. But they are not created equal. Learn about the benefits of each and potential security hazards.

How Many Credit Cards Should I Have?

December 19, 2004
A variety of factors influence your credit score, including the number of credit card accounts you have. Learn how many credit cards you should hold to maximize your credit score.

Don't Be Late

December 19, 2004
Credit card companies are looking for more excuses to raise your interest rates. One late payment to just one of your credit cards could raise the interest rates of all your credit cards. Surprised? Read on.

Building an Emergency Fund

December 19, 2004
An emergency fund is a short-term cash reserve for rainy days. We recommend that you have at least three to six months of living expenses socked away in a savings account to get you through financial misfortunes.

What is Debt Consolidation?

December 19, 2004
Many companies promote debt consolidation as a way to eliminate your debts. Read this article to learn what debt consolidation is, how it works, and when to use it.

5 Ways to Prevent Identity Theft

December 19, 2004
Identity theft is the fastest growing type of non-violent crime and costs its victims lots of time & money to correct. Find out how you can reduce your risk of identity theft.

A Penny Saved is More Than a Penny Earned

December 19, 2004
Thanks to ING DIRECT, Ben Franklin's advice is even more true today. Find out how you can open a free savings account that pays about 4x more interest than a regular bank.

Use That Grace Period

December 19, 2004
Did you know that most credit cards give you almost a month of interest-free loans? Learn about one of the many benefits of paying off your credit card balance in full every month.

Stop Credit Card Junk Mail in Its Tracks

December 19, 2004
Is your mailbox overflowing with unwanted credit card applications and solicitations? It doesn't have to be that way. Find out how to tell credit card marketers to leave you alone.