|
Credit is an important part of building your finances. Unfortunately, most learn about credit through trial and error, which can be a costly education. CCCS can help teach you how to build healthy credit and reach important decisions regarding borrowing money. Click on the links below to understand more about your credit history:
Credit
Most people don't learn much about personal finance in school, so they learn through trial and error – not always the best method when it comes to money, especially building positive credit. You'll find our counselors
provide useful information that will help guide you whenever you need to make a financial decision.
Buying a car or home? Applying for a credit card? Borrowing money? Saving for college or retirement? Dealing with collectors? We can help you make important financial decisions, including:
-
How much you can afford
-
How much your down payment should be
-
Whether to buy or lease
-
How to get the best deal
-
Which financing option is best for you
-
Which credit card is best for you
-
What to look for in the fine print
-
Whether to refinance your mortgage
-
Whether to apply for a home equity loan, debt consolidation loan, or other loan
-
Whether to file for bankruptcy
-
How to improve your credit rating
Credit Reports
A record of your past
Your credit report is a record of how you have paid your bills in the past. This is called your credit history. This information shows your payment history for car loans, credit card accounts, equity loans and mortgage loans. Banks, department stores and mortgage companies review your credit history to determine if they will extend you additional credit. In the last several years landlords, insurance companies and employers have also been reviewing credit reports to aid in their decision to lease you an apartment, sell you insurance or offer you employment.
The credit score
A credit score is a snapshot of your credit history at any given time, and measures how well you are doing in managing your credit risk. A credit score can range somewhere between 300-850, with the higher score qualifying for better rates and terms. Understanding your credit report and how the scoring process works enables you to improve your credit worthiness.
Understand the report
It's important that you understand the information on your credit report, regardless of your financial situation. This information directly impacts your ability to obtain a credit card, buy a car or home, rent an apartment, or even get a new job. Review your credit report today to help avoid problems in the future.
If you have ever applied for a credit card, a personal loan, or insurance, there is a file about you. This file contains information on where you work and live, how you pay your bills, and whether you have been sued, arrested or have filed for bankruptcy.
Credit Report Review is a service offered by Consumer Credit Counseling Service. Certified counselors can help you understand your credit report, show you how to correct any errors and how to re-establish a good credit history if needed.
How to Review Your Credit Reports
The following central site allows you to request a free credit file disclosure, commonly called a credit report, once every 12 months from each of the nationwide consumer credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.
www.annualcreditreport.com/cra/index.jsp
Important Numbers & Addresses You May Need to Know
Opt-out of Receiving Pre-approved credit card offers:
1(888) 567-8688
Three Major Credit Reporting Agencies:
Equifax
Order Credit Report by Phone: 1 (800) 685-1111
Request Fraud Alert: 1 (888) 766-0008
Address: P O Box 105252
Atlanta, Georgia 30348-5252
www.equifax.com
Experian
Order Credit Report by Phone: 1 (800) 311-4769
Request Fraud Alert: 1 (888) 397-3742
Address: P O Box 2002
Allen, Texas 75013
www.experian.com
Trans Union LLC
Order Credit Report by Phone: 1 (800) 888-4213.
Request Fraud Alert: 1 (800) 680-7289
Address: P O Box 1000
Chester, PA 19022
www.trausunion.com
|
