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.

Should a Prospective Employer Be Able to Check Your Credit Score?

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One of the issues that has received a lot of attention lately is that of employers checking the credit of job applicants.

Supposedly, an employer can only look at your credit report — and only a version that is meant for employers to see.

Employers are supposed to get your permission before checking your credit report, and they are expected to stay away from your credit score.  (There are some anecdotes involving employers who check credit scores, but credit bureaus claim they don’t knowingly give scores out to employers.)  Many people are upset that employers are asking to see your credit report, while others contend that it is a necessity for some jobs.

What happens if employers start checking credit scores? [Read more…] about Should a Prospective Employer Be Able to Check Your Credit Score?

Credit Sesame Review – Free Credit Score and Monitor Loans and Debts

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There are no shortages of businesses that want to help you manage your debt.

Debt is something we all want to have less of and there are certainly a lot of companies out there that make a variety of claims when it comes to helping you out. 

Credit Sesame is another company that makes numerous claims but this company truly is the real deal.

In addition, Credit Sesame doesn’t just focus on band aid solutions; they take a holistic look at your financial situation and make suggestions that are long-term, not quick fixes.  See more below in this Credit Sesame review. [Read more…] about Credit Sesame Review – Free Credit Score and Monitor Loans and Debts

Should You Cancel That Credit Card?

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Ever since the financial crisis in 2008, and the resultant recession, there has been a renewed interest in canceling credit cards and getting out of debt. Additionally, the upswing in fees from many credit card issuers has prompted some to want to cancel credit cards in order to avoid those fees.  Many card issuers are instituting annual fees, leading even the most responsible and conscientious card users to feel the costs of credit card spending.

However, just because it’s tempting to cancel your credit card, doesn’t mean it’s always a good idea. Before you cancel your card, consider the effect that a cancellation could have on your credit score. [Read more…] about Should You Cancel That Credit Card?

Credit Karma Review – Get Your Credit Score and More

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If you take advantage of AnnualCreditReport.com you can pull your credit report once a year from each of the three credit bureaus for free.

Your credit report is important to see what accounts you have open, to check the status of your accounts, and to make sure there are no mistakes on your reports.

But your credit report is different from your credit score.

For the most part, you have to pay to get the score that lenders use to determine your creditworthiness.  If you intend to pull your score frequently, perhaps because you are in the market for a house and would like the highest possible credit score to get the best interest rate on your home loan, then give Credit Karma a look, where you can get a credit score and track your score over time with no fees or obligations.

Let’s take a look at what it’s all about in this Credit Karma review.

[Read more…] about Credit Karma Review – Get Your Credit Score and More

How To Prosper With Peer to Peer Lending – A review of Prosper.com

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Prosper.com is a personal loan and investing site with over one million members and over two hundred fifteen million dollars in personal loans funded since 2006. Using a unique person to person lending model, prosper.com connects borrowers and lenders and allows them to establish a mutually beneficial financial relationship.   Prosper offers borrowers rates as low as 5.9% and lender returns as high as 10.1% (this varies, of course based on your borrowing and lending situation).

What is Person to Person or Peer Lending?

[Read more…] about How To Prosper With Peer to Peer Lending – A review of Prosper.com