Video Credit Score

Success: One Definition

I saw Matt Cheney’s post on this subject and felt compelled to offer up my own thoughts to those looking to climb out of debt. This TED video from Alain de Botton addresses the definition of success. Here are some of his highlights. One reason the notion of success is fractured is that we are [...]

Post from: Video Credit Score

Success: One Definition

Lost Your Wallet? Here’s What to Do First

Steps to Take When Your Wallet Has Been Lost or Stolen It used to be simple. What did you do when you lost your wallet? Go to the DMV to get a new license Cancel all your credit cards. The advent of more identity theft has led to a new approach when it comes to losing your wallet. Now, [...]

Post from: Video Credit Score

Lost Your Wallet? Here’s What to Do First

FTC ad parodies FCR.com ad – a Hit and a Miss

This ad is a funny satire, especially if you are familiar with the FreeCreditReport.com ads. But, I’m going to tell you why this may not be a good use of our tax dollars–in its intent. First, it’s never a good idea to change behavior by copying another company’s advertising idea. This is why ads [...]

Post from: Video Credit Score

FTC ad parodies FCR.com ad – a Hit and a Miss

Secret Credit Scores

Not the real Beatles, like you may not have the credit score lenders use… Secret Credit Scores Could Be Making Your Task More Challenging Here’s the picture: You walk into a car dealer with your credit score and you say, “Hey, I’ve got a 750 credit score”. Your goal: you want the best rate. Right away, [...]

Post from: Video Credit Score

Secret Credit Scores

Michael Moore Takes on the Money Machine

Michael Moore’s Trailer for “Capitalism: A Love Story” opens today MetaCritic, one of my favorite non-credit web sites, scores several reviews of Capitalism: A Love Story and gives it a 60 out of 100. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince scored a 78, to give you a sense of the grading. The Rolling Stone loved [...]

Post from: Video Credit Score

Michael Moore Takes on the Money Machine

Insurance Scores based on Credit

Insurance Scores and Credit, Fair? Instead of posting a video of my own, I think a link to Prince’s hit song Controversy could best summarize the issue when it comes to insurance risk and credit scores. First a definition: Insurance scores are a credit based scoring model that is tweaked for the insurance industry. Myths: Credit-based insurance scores [...]

Post from: Video Credit Score

Insurance Scores based on Credit

Having a Baby Lowers Credit Score

This might sound a little crazy. But, I can tell you that becoming a parent certainly lowered my credit score. Sure, we’ve heard of all kinds of things that can lower your credit score. In fact, this may be the most myth filled topic in the last 10 years [acai berry is pretty close though]. [...]

Post from: Video Credit Score

Having a Baby Lowers Credit Score

BrightScope, Transparency Creates 401K Savings

BrightScope is providing 401K research free to consumers and was featured on TechCrunch earlier today. The company has a scoring system for company 401K plans which should provide transparency into employees how their plan stacks up. Not only is this a great tool for job hunters, but it’s also a great tool for employees who [...]

Post from: Video Credit Score

BrightScope, Transparency Creates 401K Savings

AmEx Under the Wire, Today the Law Changes

Ahead of today’s deadline for credit card reform, AmEx let me know they were going to be making some changes to my account. Bad news: higher rates on purchases, cash advances, balances with a penalty rate due to late payments and of course, higher late fees. Good news: no fee for going over the credit limit. What a [...]

Post from: Video Credit Score

AmEx Under the Wire, Today the Law Changes

Credit Score Update: 8/17/2009 FICO® >760•4.994% APR, FICO®

Check out the latest rates. Rates are back down below 5%. The savings difference stayed the same from last week – $109,440 in savings just from jumping from a sub-639 score to a 760+ over a 30-yr fixed. This equates to $3,648/yr. Rates have improved by 54 basis points in just one week. The [...]

Post from: Video Credit Score

Credit Score Update: 8/17/2009 FICO® >760•4.994% APR, FICO® <639•6.583%. Best FICO® saves $109,440 in interest on a $300,000 30-Yr Fixed Mortgage.