From the category archives:

Credit Score

Checking My Credit Report

by mapgirl on July 8, 2009

First off, you want to use the free service at AnnualCreditReport.com. (Yes, that is the right link. No, I don’t make any money if you click it.)
During my credit counseling sessions we advise our clients not to use TransUnion because they force you to sign up and create an account. Because we are in a [...]

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Flushing a Balance Transfer Offer

by mapgirl on June 30, 2009

When my sibling asked me for a bridge loan last week, the only way for me to help was to take out a balance transfer for a low APR. But then my sibling emails me and lets me know it’s not needed anymore.
Well I’m now wigging out about a large balance transfer request in process. [...]

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Credit Limit Cut!

by mapgirl on May 13, 2009

Well whaddya know. Bank of America cut my credit limit from $13+K to $7.5K.
It took me 5 months to notice because I carry zero balance on that card so I don’t get a paper statement for it. I needed to change the address on the account when I realized that the limit was lower. It’s [...]

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Recommended Free DIY Credit Fixing Website

by mapgirl on December 29, 2008

My friend, Dean, has a website on how to fix your own credit. It’s pretty detailed because it’s what he did himself, for free, to fix his own credit. No joke, it’s the real thing. It’s not flashy and he’s not out to make tons of money by having the site. He has a real [...]

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Credit Score Checkup

by mapgirl on December 11, 2008

Earlier this year I checked my credit report and score with one of the big three reporting bureaus. My score at the time was a 696. I recently checked it again and it’s now 702. I have broken the 700 barrier!
The primary thing pulling my score down was a medical bill I never received. The [...]

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Big Credit Card Debt Moves

by mapgirl on October 21, 2008

Alrighty, with this fabulous new credit limit increase on one of my cards, I decided to shop around a bit. There’s a few things I’ve been doing lately and observations I wanted to share.
1. I have a few other credit cards, but I never charge them up. Lately I’ve been spreading things around to get [...]

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Reader Question on Unused Credit Accounts

by mapgirl on June 12, 2008

First off, I don’t give out financial advice because I’m not an advisor. If you need that, ask someone who is certified and pledges to do business ethically. I’m not that person. I’m here to *entertain* you.
That being said, someone asked this question:
I did recently check my credit report and found that I have five [...]

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2008 Goals: SMART Style!

by mapgirl on December 28, 2007

SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-Bound
Goal #1
Specific – Contribute to my 401k plan
Measurable – X% of my total salary
Achievable – With each paycheck
Relevant – Yes. Because it will help my retirement funds grow
Time-Bound – All of 2008
I will not get a corporate match for my first 12 months, but my new company will match [...]

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True Confession About My Credit Card & Update

by mapgirl on October 4, 2007

First, the update. I forgot to tell you. I gave away the pet birdie. I found someone off of Craigslist who is really going to enjoy having her. She now lives in a house full of kids and pets. I admit, the stray kitten they found looked a little in need of veterinary care, but [...]

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DC EVENT: Financial and Credit Literacy Day

by mapgirl on September 21, 2007

I love the Washington City Paper. I was at the Yarn Harlot book signing event last night. As I waited for my friends to get their books signed, and deliver her a beer, I flipped through the paper and found a lovely ad on page 49.
Financial and Credit Literacy Day
Hosted by the Washington Area Community [...]

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