How To Repair Bad Credit
Do you have bad credit? Is your credit so poor, no lender will give you a second glance? Are you attempting to repair your bad credit, but don’t know where to start? Are you tempted to call one of those 800 numbers on TV, in hopes of getting a quick fix?
The repair of poor credit doesn’t happen overnight. It probably took you awhile to get go far into debt, you don’t see a way out, therefore, taking the steps to improve your credit, will also take time. Short of winning the lottery, there is no easy fix.
Yesterday I wrote an article about where you can obtain the official free annual credit reports (see Free Annual Credit Report). These are the credit reports which are available to you, based on federal law.
While reading the website of Annual Credit Report.com, I came across a fantastic article, about repairing bad credit (It was in the Frequently Asked Questions section). It’s published by the Federal government, and is filled with tons of valuable information. To quote part of the article,
* “Credit problems? No problem!”
* “We can erase your bad credit — 100% guaranteed.”
* “Create a new credit identity — legally.”
* “We can remove bankruptcies, judgments, liens, and bad loans from your credit file forever!”Do yourself a favor and save some money, too. Don’t believe these statements. Only time, a conscious effort, and a personal debt repayment plan will improve your credit report.
This brochure explains how you can improve your creditworthiness and gives legitimate resources for low or no-cost help.
Following is the link to the governmental brochure. It’s a great article to read, bookmark, and/or print. This should answer lots of your questions, and get you started on the road to better credit. FTC Publication on Credit Repair
Free Annual Credit Report
Are you looking for an absolutely free credit report? A free credit report that doesn’t require an enrollment? Is the credit report you’re looking for, the one mandated by the government? Do you want a copy of your credit report, and not have to use a credit card?
Did you know you can obtain a totally free credit report from each of the three credit reporting agencies annually?
By federal law, (and by some state laws), you are entitled to a free credit report, from each of the credit reporting bureaus, on an annual basis. In order to provide consumers with their free credit report(s), the official site which was created is: www.annualcreditreport.com (By clicking on this link, a new browser window will open, and you will be taken to the secure website for Annual Credit Report)
The free credit report(s) you’ll receive, contains all of the information relative to your credit history (past and present). It will list your name and address. It may also contain current and/or former employers. Your credit report will list all of your open accounts, such as mortgages, loans, and credits cards. It will show your outstanding balance (as of a certain date), and it will also show accounts you have, with zero balances. A credit report also show any derogatory entries on your credit history, i.e. garnishments, judgments, bankruptcies…
The process you’ll go through at the Annual Credit Report’s website, entails first entering the name of your state.
After entering the name of your state, click “Request Report”.
At this point (step 2), you will be directed to a page which requires you to fill in your personal information. This information includes your name, address, birth date, social security number. If you’ve lived at your current address for less than two years, you must fill in your previous address.
During the process, you’ll also be asked two “security” questions-questions that only you know the answer to.
Following this step, you will decide which credit bureau (Equifax, Transunion, or Experian), you would like to receive your free credit report from. You can get a free credit report from each credit reporting bureau, so it’s up to you whether you want all three at once (so you can compare them), or obtain a credit report from the remaining credit bureau(s), at a later date.
I began with Experian, and was directed to their site. Once on their site, the information I had typed in on step 2, was already entered on their form. I confirmed it was correct, and continued on.
During this process, I was asked if I wanted to purchase my credit score, plus other credit information. I opted not to buy any other credit information at this time.
I got to my credit report, and on the left side of the page, were links to click on. I clicked on each one, reviewed my credit information, and continued on.
At this point, you can also choose to view your credit report online for the next 30 days, or not. You can also print each page of your credit report.
The Annual Credit Report website has a section for “Frequently Asked Questions”, “Fraud Alert” and “About Us”. These sections are worth reading, before filling out your information. This insures that you’re an informed “consumer”.
When studying your credit report, this is the time to check if there are any discrepancies in the information. Credit reports can reveal if you’ve been a subject of identity theft. If you’re in the process of applying for a loan, this is the same information the lender will be looking at. A lender also looks at your credit “score”.
Note: Your free annual credit report does not contain your “credit score”. In order to get your credit score, you will have to dish out a few dollars. To read more about credit scores, check out a previous article of mine “FICO Scores, How Are Yours?”
And, if you’re in the market to refinance your home, I wrote the following article: “Refinancing Your Home”
Take advantage of these three, free, annual credit reports.
Remember, each person has their own credit report and credit score. This includes husbands and wives.
Get your free annual credit report at:www.annualcreditreport.com
Annual Credit Report does not ask for a credit card. When obtaining your free credit report(s) at Annual Credit Report.com, the only time you will be asked to provide your credit card information, is if you opt to purchase additional credit information. However, you are under no obligation to purchase any additional information.
Annual Credit Report also provides free annual credit reports, either by telephone, or by mail. For more information on receiving your free annual credit reports by mail or telephone, read the section: “Frequently Asked Questions”.
No tags for this post.Difficulty Reading Web Pages
Filed under: Archives, At Home, At Work, Web Surfing
Are you having difficulty reading pages online, because the print is too small? Are you getting eye strain from viewing web pages? Are you having to get closer and closer to your monitor, in order to read what’s written?
Here’s an easy answer for you.
On your keyboard, you’ll see a key on the bottom of the keyboard that reads “Ctrl” (that’s short for “Control”, and you’ll find one on each side of your keyboard). If you press the “Ctrl” key and the “+/=” key (plus sign, equals key, which you’ll find on the same row as the numbers), at the same time, you can increase the size of the text and graphics of the web page you’re trying to read. Every time you hit “Ctrl +”, the page, will increase in size.
Keep in mind, this may distort the format of the page, however, you’ll be able to read the text a lot easier.
To return your screen to the original size text, hit the “Ctr;” key and the ” -/_” (minus sign, dash key), at the same time, until your page is back to it’s original size.
Just like that, you’ve made for easier web browsing.
If you’re using the Internet Explorer browser, in the bottom right hand corner, you may see “100%”. If you click on that, it will produce a “drop down menu” (but it will actually go up), of different percentages. These percentages are your choices for how small or large you want the text to be. Just click on the appropriate percentage, and the text on the screen will change in size. To revert back to “100%”, just repeat the above process and click on 100%. You can also use the “Ctrl +”, if you’re using the Internet Explorer browser.
See how easy that is? No more back aches and strained eyes when surfing the web. This is also a great technique to use, if someone you know has impaired vision, who wants to surf online.
Want to know more about how to do an online search, read my previous article titled, How To Search Online
No tags for this post.Product Review – Kellogg’s All-Bran Crackers
Filed under: Archives, Food Items, Product Reviews, Shopping
Recently, Kellogg came out with a new cracker. It’s called “All-Bran Crackers, Multi-Grain”. These are bite-size baked snack crackers.
I checked the list of ingredients before purchasing the crackers. The first ingredient is “whole wheat flour”, and the second, is “soybean oil”.
Eighteen crackers equals one serving of these Multi-Grain bite-size snacks. The caloric count per serving is 130, with 50 of those calories from fat (or 6 grams). The crackers do not contain any trans fats or cholesterol. There are 270 mg of sodium, and 5 grams of fiber per serving. Obviously, crackers contain carbohydrates, and these contain 19 grams.
The All-Bran Multi-Grain crackers are very flavorful. They’re a perfect snack if you’re looking for something crunchy, with a little bit of salt.
Kellogg’s also offers these crackers in a Garlic-Herb flavor.
By going to www.kelloggs.com, you can check Kellogg’s current promotions, get some great recipes, and review their FAQ (frequently asked questions), etc.
No tags for this post.Product Review – Bear Naked Organic Trail Mix
Filed under: Archives, Diet & Health, Product Reviews
Bear Naked Organic Trail Mix is named “Bear Naked”, due to the fact the ingredients are all organic, don’t contain any trans fats, high fructose corn syrup, refined sugars, or cholesterol.
I recently purchased the Bear Naked “high sierra blend” organic trail mix. It contains cashews, walnuts, almonds, cranberries, raisins, pumpkin seeds and dark chocolate chips.
The blend of ingredients makes for a perfect match of flavors.
One quarter cup of the Bear Naked Trail Mix (high sierra blend), contains 140 calories. Eighty of the calories are from fat. There are no trans fats or sodium in the high sierra blend. Each quarter cup contains 3 grams of protein, and 2 grams of fiber.
I first heard about the Bear Naked brand while watching “The Big Idea”, with Donny Deutsch. He was showcasing new businesses, and interviewed Brendan and Kelly (the individuals behind the Bear Naked brand). Theirs is another great story of how a simple idea, has brought them fame and notoriety. (See…. for links to other great stories, of individuals who are on the road, to make millions with their ideas.)
If you’re looking for an organic trail mix that doesn’t contain any trans fats, sodium, or preservatives, Bear Naked Organic Trail Mix, is a great choice.
Our local Costco carries the 26 oz. bag of Bear Naked Organic Trail Mix, however, you may also be able to find this product at your local health food store.
Want more information about the Bear Naked brand, and see the complete list of their products? Go to: www.bearnamedgranola.com/trailmix/.
No tags for this post.Product Review – Fiber One Chewy Bars
Filed under: Archives, Diet & Health, Product Reviews
Adding fiber to your daily food intake is very important. Dr. Oz, spoke of adding fiber, on Oprah (see….Dr. Oz on Oprah), and most nutritionists will agree. fiber aids in digestion, helps to keep blood sugar level in check, and fiber also wards off hunger, by decreasing your appetite.
I love Fiber One cereal (see….Add Fiber To Your Diet With Fiber One Cereal), so when I saw the General Mills came out with a Fiber One bar, I had to try it.
I found the Fiber One bars in two flavors, oats and peanut butter, and oats and chocolate. Each bar provides 35% of the daily value of fiber, and have between 4-4.5 grams of fat per serving. The oats and chocolate bar has 135 calories, and the oats and peanut butter, has 140 calories. Neither one contains any trans fats, and they’re low in sodium (90-105 mg per serving). Each box contains five bars. I recently found them on sale at my local grocery store (in the snack bar/cereal section), 3 boxes for $6.99.
Both of the Fiber One bars are high in flavor, and are a great snack to take with you if you’re on the go. After trying both flavors, I personally prefer the oats and peanut butter. However, if I’m craving chocolate, the oats and chocolate bar, satisfies my craving.
As with any product high in fiber, remember to slowly increase your intake of fiber, in order to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal discomfort.
Tags: oprahSending Flowers With 1-800-Flowers.com
Filed under: Archives, At Home, At Work, Shopping
Everyone loves to receive flowers. And 1-800-Flowers.com has flowers (and gift baskets) for anyone on your list.
Flowers are great for birthdays, anniversaries, get well, holiday centerpieces, graduation, sympathy, the arrival of a new baby, or “just because”.
Currently 1-800-Flowers.com is offering a floral arrangement for the fall season. Soon the leaves will be changing colors, and the air will become a little more crisp. Wouldn’t a fall floral arrangement, brighten up the day for a friend or family member?
1-800-Flowers.com offers may options to choose from. If you prefer not to send flowers, shop their large array of gift baskets, which include spa items, as well as gifts of food items.
Send a gift from 1-800-Flowers.com to that special someone on your list. You’ll make their day. 
Linens- N -Things Features Nate Berkus
Did you know that Linens N Things, has a the Nate Berkus line? Do you know who Nate Berkus is?
Nate is one of Oprah’s favorite interior designers. Nate takes rooms that are in dire need of help, and transforms them into beautiful living spaces. Now, Linen’s N Things, has the Nate Berkus collection.
If you haven’t been to a Linens N Things store, you can check them out online. Just click on the following link, and shop to your heart’s content.
Also, take the time to read Nate Berkus’s bio, on the Linens N Things website.
Back To School Specials
It’s back to school, and time to find some great deals on all of those necessities. Here’s some great bargains worth checking out.
Liz Claiborne has great products. Now until 8/26/07, you can get great discounts. Buy more, save more.
Looking for beauty products? Check this out….
Look your best for this school year and save nearly 50% by purchasing Proactiv® Solution!
Looking for great deals from Dell? Here are some….
Saving on shoes is always great.
Shop Shoes.com for an Additional 20% off Clearance items!
Do you have travel plans, now that the children are off to school? Check out Orbitz
Free upgrades & savings on Norwegian Cruises: Book by Sept. 28 on ORBITZ!
Toshiba’s offering some great deals also. But hurry, they end at on 8/31/07
Kids off to college? Time to redo that bedroom? Check out Charles Keath.
Here’s the bimonthly coupon from Overstock. It expires 8/31/07, so make your selections today
Refinancing Your Home
Filed under: Archives, At Home, Finances, Saving Money
Refinancing your home, or getting an equity line of credit, means you need a decent credit rating.
Credit ratings are based on your credit score (FICO). Some of the items your credit score is based on are:
1) Your ability to repay a loan (your income and how long you’ve been on a job)
2) The amount of credit you have outstanding on credit cards, and other loans
3) Your credit history (i.e. how long you’ve had credit, and how timely you’ve paid your debts in the past)
4) The number of late payments your credit report is showing
5) Liens and/or judgments you may have against you
6) If you’ve ever filed bankruptcy
To refinance your home, you may need a current appraisal on your home. The appraisal will show what your home’s current market value. The cost of an appraisal can vary between different parts of the country. Normally you can expect to pay around $400 or more, for an appraisal.
Some of your choices for refinancing, can include:
1) Getting a completely new mortgage, which replaces your previous mortgage(s)
2) Keeping your current mortgage, and getting a “second” mortage
3) Keeping your current mortgage, and getting an equity line of credit
When refinancing your home, you may decide to pay off credit cards, student loans, car loans, or other outstanding debts you may have incurred.
These debts are something you need to take a good look at. If you have a car loan that will be paid off shortly, you may be better off, not paying off that loan in your refinance. Keep in mind, when you refinance, you are basically starting with a “clean slate”, and all of your payments will be wrapped into one. If you choose a 30 year mortgage, you are “technically” paying on that car loan, or credit card balances, for 30 years.
If you can financially afford to keep some of your debts out of your refinance, you may be better off in the long run. However, if finances are tight, you may not have any other option than to include all of your debt into the refinance.
Talking to an experience mortgage lender and your financial adviser (if you have one), should be your first step in determining the best way to proceed with a home refinance. Some loan officers can get very creative. It could be to your advantage to “shop around” for the best loan package that fits your needs.
Once your home refinance is complete, and your old debts are paid off, it’s important to look at your financial situation and determine what may have gotten you further in debt than you had planned.
Now may be the time to cut up some of your credit cards, and prepare a budget that you can stick to.
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