I can't tell you how many people I talk to every day who complain about their credit or financial situations. I often want to ask, "Have you looked in the mirror recently?" Of course, I value the opportunity to earn a paycheck and cover my own bills, so I'm more tactful.
Folks, if your credit history is horrible, if you're sending bad checks to your creditors or if you're just ignoring those bills in hopes that they'll disappear, don't expect to see additional offers for credit come your way. And don't act too surprised when I tell you, "Sorry, your request for additional credit has been declined." (And let's not kill the messenger either.)
Want an increase on your credit line or that groovy rewards card with the super low APR and all that jazz? It's simple: Ask and ye shall receive. HOWEVER, look at your own credit before you go there.
If you're in the market for a mortgage, refinance, home equity line, auto loan, or a credit card, you may want to give yourself a financial checkup. This doesn't involve a doctor's visit. Just review your own credit at the only truly free, government-endorsed website created for the purpose of the credit report mandate: http://www.annualcreditreport.com.
All Americans are now entitled to a free report from each of the three bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. You now have free access to them through this website. I recommend pulling one every four months and alternate between the three to stay on top of your credit. Put a month on your calendar.-SH
About Me
- Scott Helm
- Richmond, VA, United States
- I'm an Army brat and proud of it. My brothers and I were raised in khaki diapers and learned how to snap to attention and salute at a young age. (At ease!) My mother was a long-time volunteer with the Red Cross and American Cancer Society and instilled a sense of altruism in us. This forum is one of my methods to pay it forward. It's all about good karma.