Free From Broke

A Personal Finance Blog for Regular Folks

Credit Scores, Reporting, and Use

Your credit scores may be some of the most important financial numbers you have. Really. They can control the rates you get on loans; even determine if you get a loan, and so much more. You need to protect your credit scores and watch your credit reports like a hawk. These articles help you learn more about your credit scores and histories.

New Technology Makes Shopping With Your Credit Card Easier

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Most of us can’t remember a time when credit cards weren’t a part of our wallets.

Remember the Diner’s Club card?

Credit cards actually go back to the 1920’s when gas station attendants wanted to provide a system of payment for the increasing amount of automobiles on the roads.  The first cards were made out of card stock making them easy to counterfeit but as is the case with every good idea, evolution took over.

As of this year, of the households who have a credit card balance, the average amount of debt is $15,956 per household which equals total outstanding balances of $609.8 billion nationwide.

The evolution of the credit card is far from over.

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How to Make Your Own Pre-Paid Debit Card – And Suze Orman’s Approved Card

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There’s been a bit of a ruckus with the release Suze Orman’s pre-paid debit card — the Approved Card.

Her card joins other celebrity cards such as the Rush Card and the Kardashian Card.

The problem, many claim, is that pre-paid debit cards come with fees to use them.  With Suze’s card, people are claiming that she is just profiting from her audience.

I’d like to show you an alternative to pre-paid debit cards.  In fact, I’m going to show you how to make your own pre-paid debit card!

First though, let’s go over what a pre-paid debit card is.

What is a Pre-Paid Debit Card?

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Get Your Credit Score…For Free

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You know you need to have a great credit score.  But how can you get your credit score for free?

Having a good credit score will open all sorts of financial doors for you.  It’s fairly well-known that your credit score means a lot when you are applying for loans.  If you want to get approved for a loan, you need a good score.  If you want the best interest rates, you need a great score.

Having a good credit score will save you a ton in interest charges.

You can save hundreds, or even thousands, over the life of your loan.  Whether you are applying for a mortgage, an auto loan, or a credit card, good credit is essential if you want to be approved on the best terms.

You should also realize that your credit score can be used for other purposes as well.
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The Three Best Financial Moves You Can Make for Your Child

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My grandmother was a young bride during the Great Depression, and some of the frugality she practiced during that time never left her. When I was young, I routinely saw her washing aluminum foil and plastic bags for reuse.

She and my grandfather lived in a trailer park during retirement to minimize their monthly expenses, and when my grandpa died at 88 and later my grandma at 90, they still had a enough money left to give a small inheritance to their nine children.

That type of sacrifice and money management is seen less often nowadays.

In fact, we routinely hear about college students who graduate with thousands of dollars in both student loan and credit card debt and struggle to find a job and pay their bills.

Yet, as a parent, there are three important things you can do for your teen to put them on the financial track that will lead to a life of prosperity.

Three Best Financial Moves You Can Make for Your Child

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Are Banks Ratcheting Up Their Profiling Efforts?

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You know that your consumer profile is used by financial services providers to make a number of decisions about you. Before I could get satellite TV service, I had to submit to a credit check.  Employers increasingly want a peek at your credit report, and insurers often use your credit as one of the criteria in determining your premiums.  But your credit history isn’t the only thing that others are interested in.  Consumer behavior — and how to protect against risks — is becoming a major concern of many financial services companies. Which is why banks are increasing their efforts to learn more about you. [Read more…] about Are Banks Ratcheting Up Their Profiling Efforts?