How errors lower your credit score

When you check your credit, you never know just what you'll find.
Probably the most frustrating thing you'll come across when you start fixing your credit is to find mistaken entries in your report. Somebody's credit boo-boo's wind up on your credit history.
It's bad enough if you yourself have racked up bad credit. It's quite another slap in the face if you're saddled with someone else's bad credit derogatory marks!
So just why DO errors show up on your credit report?
According to MyFICO.com, errors in a person's credit report might mean that their file is incomplete, contains information about another person, or any number of reasons.
Read some of the other reasons here:
http://www.findhow2.com/credit-report-errors-affect-fico-score.html

Paying bills online can boost credit score

Want to boost your credit score?
Easy: Start paying your credit card bills online.
Timely payments are the best way to keep your credit reports clean, and keeping your credit score high.
Waiting for the U.S. post office to deliver your payment risks making your payment late, and it's much simpler and you are more in control to use credit card online payment web sites to make your credit card payment, whether you are paying off your balance in full or simply making the regular minimum monthly payment.
It's simple, it's convenient, and it's safe. These sites have implemented fantastic security systems to protect your financial privacy. Still, I wouldn't recommend using these services if you only have access to the Internet through public computers, like at your local library or coffeeshop. That's asking for trouble. In fact, I'd recommend that you not pay your online bills using a wi-fi connection if at all possible. I don't care what anyone says, it's still possible for thieves to intercept Blackberry or wireless laptop communications.
Final advice: pay your credit card bill online, from your home computer.
If you need help, simply turn your credit card over and call the toll-free number on the back and ask the company's customer service reps how to get started with making your credit card payments online.
For more details on fixing your credit score, read:
http://www.findhow2.com/repair-credit.html

Accurate negative credit info stays on report

When negative information in your report is accurate, only the passage of time can assure its removal. Accurate negative information generally can stay on your credit report for seven years. There are certain exceptions:
Bankruptcy information may be reported for 10 years. Credit information reported in response to an application for a job with a salary of more than $75,000 has no time limit.
Information about criminal convictions has no time limit. Credit information reported because of an application for more than $150,000 worth of credit or life insurance has no time limit.
Default information concerning U.S. Government insured or guaranteed student loans can be reported for seven years after certain guarantor actions.
Information about a lawsuit or an unpaid judgment against you can be reported for seven years or until the statute of limitations within your state runs out, whichever is longer.
For more detailed information read this:
http://www.findhow2.com/dispute-credit-report-errors.html

Free credit report can uncover errors

People who take the time to check their credit reports on a regular basis with this instant service, are more likely to spot and fix potentially costly errors, as well as foiling the efforts of identity thieves.
Accessing your credit information could allow the credit bureaus the opportunity to market other services when you request their free credit report, as long as such advertising does not interfere with your ability to get the report.
To request your report, go to http://www.annualcreditreport.com/
You can also request a free report by calling (877) 322-8228 or mail your request to P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.
It is best to make the request from home, where you will have privacy and the documents you may need to verify your identity.
Read "How to improve your credit score" at
http://www.findhow2.com/improve-your-credit-score.html

How you can negotiate down debts

It pays to not only challenge errors in your credit report, but also, to try and negotiate with credit card firms you deal with and with your other creditors to negotiate down what you owe them.
It takes practice, a thick skin, and organization, but the best part is that negotiating with your creditors is a skill that can be learned!
Here's free details on how to learn how you can negotiate down debts and negotiate with creditors:
http://www.findhow2.com/debt-settlement-negotiating-with-creditors.html

Credit freeze protects credit, thwarts ID thefts

Hooray for Texas!
Texas joined 34 other states this past weekend giving consumers the right to freeze their reports without first having to be victims of identity theft.
The process is simple: when you freeze your credit report, an identity thief is shut out from getting hold of your credit because the creditor can't check your credit history. It's locked up tight.
Practically no lenders I know of will lend out money without first performing even a bery basic credit check. Thus, freezing your own credit has been proclaimed one of the best ways to protect yourself from identity theft at this time.
Before this legislation became effective at the first of September 2007, Texans could not freeze their credit reports unless they were already victims of identity theft, as they had to wait for a crime to occur before they could take steps to protect themselves.
As Texans might put it: Kind of like locking the barn after the horse has gotten out.
Read the full account in the online version of the Dallas Morning News:
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/bus/columnists/pyip/stories/DN-moneytalk_03bus.ART.State.Edition1.35aa55a.html
Now, if the other 16 states will just get onboard and allow ALL consumers the right to protect their credit.