6 Lesser-Known Signs of Identity Theft
6 Lesser-Known Signs of Identity Theft Credit Monitoring by David B. Coulter Share Share Email As more of us shop online, share updates on social media and attend conferences across online platforms, scammers are enjoying a golden age. For proof, look at the 14 million victims of identity theft in 2018, which resulted in a […]
What’s a Credit Scorecard?
What’s a Credit Scorecard? Credit Monitoring by John Ulzheimer Share Share Email Within each credit scoring system there is a series of scoring models, or mini-models as some have called them. These mini-models are called scorecards. Now, let’s not confuse the issue with a bunch of techie mumbo jumbo. A scorecard is a unique scoring […]
Should You Add Your Child to Your Credit Card Account?
Should You Add Your Child to Your Credit Card Account? Credit Cards by David B. Coulter Share Share Email Good parents are continually seeking ways to improve the opportunities and security of their children. As a child enters early adulthood – beginning to drive and travel on their own – having access to a credit […]
Who’s Right About Credit Report Errors…Consumers or the Industry?
Who’s Right About Credit Report Errors…Consumers or the Industry? Credit Cards by John Ulzheimer Share Share Email I’ve written about credit report errors several times over the past 9 years and the topic is what we in the writing world refer to as being “evergreen”, meaning it’s timely regardless when it’s published. As such, here’s […]
A Brokerage Account vs. an IRA: What to Know
A Brokerage Account vs. an IRA: What to Know Credit for Beginners by David B. Coulter Share Share Email While they both hold financial assets, a brokerage account and an IRA (Individual Retirement Account) are two different types of accounts. The main difference between the two is that an IRA is an account used for […]
How to Place a Credit Freeze
How to Place a Credit Freeze Credit Monitoring by David B. Coulter Share Share Email If you have been a victim of identity theft or suspect cybercriminals are abusing your personal information, identity theft insurance is one of the best weapons you can have in your arsenal. With a credit freeze, you are able to […]
Is There An Advantage to Being an Authorized User on A Credit Card Account?
Is There An Advantage to Being an Authorized User on A Credit Card Account? Credit Cards by John Ulzheimer Share Share Email Let’s begin with a definition of an authorized user. An authorized user can use the credit card, but has no responsibility for paying it. Even though the card is issued in the authorized […]
How Often Is Your Credit Score Updated?
How Often Is Your Credit Score Updated? Credit Monitoring by David B. Coulter Share Share Email For those working on improving their credit, seeing changes is important. But, how often is a credit score updated and when should you expect to actually see that number budge? As a general rule, expect to see changes within […]
How Much Of Your Credit Card Limit Should You Use?
How Much Of Your Credit Card Limit Should You Use? Credit Cards by David B. Coulter Share Share Email It can be exciting when, signing up for a new credit card, you discover that the bank is offering you a higher borrowing limit than you first anticipated. Recognizing that, with your three credit cards, you […]
Missed House Payments and Evictions: How Do They Affect Credit Scores?
Missed House Payments and Evictions: How Do They Affect Credit Scores? Credit Score by David B. Coulter Share Share Email Many households across the nation continue to face economic uncertainty, so what are the short and long-term effects of missing a rent or mortgage payment? Can an eviction or a missed mortgage payment affect a […]