On a recent credit profile review with a client, the client noticed a credit line entry for a credit card of which their balance was paid and the account closed. However, on the credit profile, the credit card showed a $93 balance and a perfect payment history leading up until the time in which [...]

Obtaining a credit card is a great way to work at improving and strengthening your credit profile as long as you have the discipline and ability to make payments on time each month. However, building the necessary credit profile to be approved for one of these cards may be more of a challenge than its [...]

I have a friend that has counseled with me several times on improving his credit profile. He has obtained all three credit reports directly from the bureaus. He’s identified the erroneous entries on his credit report, typed letters disputing those incorrect credit line items and has even created a feasible repayment plan to [...]

Well, it beginning of the 3rd month of the year and droves of people that promised to hit the gym and start a savings plan have decided to revert back to their old habits and abandon their New year’s resolutions until… next year. However, if you are reading this then you are still in [...]

Thinking like a creditor and understanding why they think the way they do, can be a real asset when improving one’s financial literacy. And when trying to improve a credit profile its important to know at what creditors are focusing. When creditors receive a credit report for a credit applicant, the first thing [...]

Most people believe that paying their credit cards on time will prevent them from paying extra charges. However, card holders should double and thrice check their statements as many banks including Citibank are charging extra fees in the form of supplemental annual fees for instances such as a lack of transaction activity. (Remember if [...]

Any unplanned and/or unaccounted for holiday can leave a month feeling a little “longer” for anyone living on a “month to month” budget. Particular attention should be given to the holiday months and the high expenditure amount associated with this time of the year. Typically, the time spanning from Thanksgiving to New Years place [...]

The current unemployment rate is 9.8% And as the rate sits at its highest level in 25 years, economists expect the unemployment rate to surpass the 10% mark this year even as the economy improves. This essentially means that 10% of all non-military employed persons or persons actively seeking employment are out of work. [...]

Kids have returned to school and between supplies, clothes and books needed to help those little darlings learn as much as possible, now is also the perfect opportunity to educate your youth on some sound principles of personal finance.
Allow kids to view and tabulate receipts for some or all of the goods purchased [...]

Each summer millions of people rush to the gym to improve their health and physical image in preparation for fun times in the sun. However, what’s a great outer appearance if your financial stress is eating cutting years off your life expectancy? However, don’t [...]