August 11, 2017 Shawn Lane Consumer Credit Expert Unless you have been living on a deserted island for the last few decades, you have probably heard the term “credit repair” at least once or twice. If you are facing credit problems of your own, you may even find yourself wondering if professional credit repair services might be able to help …
Credit score confusion….Why are all my credit scores different?
June 25, 2017 Shawn Lane Consumer Credit Expert Why your lender’s credit scores look so different from the scores you pulled online The credit world is positively full of myths and misconceptions. One such misconception is the idea that you have only one credit score (or even one credit score from each of the 3 credit bureaus). In reality, nothing …
Why Millions of Tax Liens and Judgments are Disappearing from Credit Reports
July 6, 2017 Shawn Lane Consumer Credit Expert Have you ever heard of NCAP (the National Consumer Assistance Plan)? If not, it’s an acronym you should probably learn more about. NCAP is responsible for the introduction of a number of new consumer friendly practices at the 3 major credit reporting agencies – Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian – including the forthcoming …
4 Common Credit Mistakes to Avoid
June 14, 2017 Shawn Lane Consumer Credit Expert Knowing what not to do can be just as important as knowing what you need to do when it comes to your credit. Even if you have worked hard to establish good credit, the wrong slip-up has the ability to undo much of your hard work. Thankfully you have the opportunity to …
Getting Your Credit in Shape to Buy a Home
June 8, 2017 Shawn Lane Consumer Credit Expert Dreaming about buying the perfect home? If so, then you may have already picked out your favorite neighborhoods and floor plans. You might have imagined exactly how you will decorate each room in your new home or you may have plans for a beautiful outdoor retreat in your back yard. However, if …
4 Costly Credit Mistakes to Avoid
Having a good credit score is so important today. Good credit scores get you lower interest rates, higher borrowing limits, lower insurance premiums, better quality rental properties, and even the American dream of home ownership! Good credit does not just happen – you have to earn it!
Credit Monitoring – What it is and why we need it!
August 10, 2016 Shawn Lane Consumer Credit Expert Credit monitoring is a service that keeps watch over our credit reports and scores so we know where we stand each and everyday. It is very important to know our credit situation BEFORE we apply for any new credit! We have all heard the stories. Your car dies so you go to …
Credit Scores and How They are Calculated
June 9, 2016 Shawn Lane Consumer Credit Expert In today’s world, it seems we are all defined by a 3-digit number, our credit score! If we have a high credit score, life is easier. We’re able to qualify for lower interest rates, higher borrowing limits, lower insurance premiums, better quality rental properties, and even the American dream of home ownership! …
Will paying off a collection account improve my credit score?
May 23, 2016 Shawn Lane Consumer Credit Expert I get this question a lot. Although I would never suggest NOT paying your debts, you need to be very careful when paying a collection account. If you are 100% sure you owe it, then maybe you should pay it (more on this later). However, if your goal is to improve your …