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 [...]

You have a tri-merged credit report and gathered any collection letters in your hand. You are now on your way to the easiest part of regaining control of your personal finances. First, we need to understand what percentage of your income (take home pay after taxes and deductions) is owed out each month. [...]

Credit card companies are full of surprises this year. With new consumer protection – credit card laws starting this year, many credit card companies are already changing fee policies to make up for the consumer protections the banking industry perceives as revenue decreasing. Don’t be tempted by lower rate offer without reading the entire [...]

An important rule to becoming financially literate, don’t ignore your finances. This coming new year, new laws will take effect on the time limit and notification policies placed on credit card companies providing information on any changes to terms or rates to your account. Many of these notifications will require the card holder [...]

If you are like millons of Americans you are seeing the glimmers of evidence that the economy is turning around. The three years the nation has suffered under the failing economy has tested the financial planning abilites of most households. However, as you face your future and decide upon financial directions to travel, [...]

No time of the year can be more detrimental to one’s personal finances than the next 6 weeks of holiday celebrating and shopping. Between, shopping for gifts, preparing large meals, entertaining and friendly gatherings, a household budget can become strained and cause people to rely on credit cards, savings and even expensive payday (or auto [...]

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 [...]