Sunday, February 2, 2014

Checked Your Credit Score lately?

Checking, knowing, understanding and building your Credit is just as important as getting up to go to work! You know you have a job, and if you don’t wake up and show up, there will be some serious consequences! We all know we have a Credit Score, but how many of us actually know it, keep track or monitor one of the most important factors of our financial future!  

Yes, life can get busy with things to do, places to be and people to see, but If you avoid taking the steps towards building, protecting or ensuring you have good credit, the impact and consequences can affect every aspect of your life!  This might sound absurd or exaggerated, but if you think about it, your Credit can determine how much access to resources or control you have over your quality of life.  Not being able to get a loan, have access to credit or paying high interest rates = less money, more stress, no security, no stability, depression, relationship problems, divorce, anxiety and physical or mental health problems. 


Take control of your financial future, knowledge is power! Knowing, understanding and building your Credit can be one of the best decisions you can make for a brighter financial future!  Remember, avoiding a situation or waiting seven years for negative information to fall off your report will not make it better.  It takes hard work, sacrifice, self-control and discipline to take control of your financial future!!  If you would like some professional advice or assistance, call us at 1-800-288-4833 or visit our website www.conquestcredit.org

To read more blogs like this or if you would like any advise or help in any of these areas feel free to visit our website and sign up for our for our Newsletter. Like us onFacebook page and we will send you a free ebook on "Understanding Your Fico Score"

 No matter where you're at in the US we can help. 

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

“3 Common Mistakes Most People Make That Negatively Impact Their Finances and Credit Score”


Let’s say you decide you want to start working on your finances, and building or fixing your credit.  Like most Americans, you were never really taught the ins and outs of how Credit works. In fact, most people today make financial decisions based on what they have heard or learned from their parents, relatives, friends, the internet, television, etc., but how many of us have actually sat down with a professional financial consultant to learn how to have a zero based budget, manage expenses, save, or build and maintain good credit? 


Below are three common mistakes most people make that negatively impact their finances and credit score.  Always ask or research before you make any kind of financial decision, sometimes you may have good intentions and think you are making a wise decision, only to latter find out  you have made things worse. 

Mistake #1- CLOSING YOUR CREDIT CARD ACCOUNTS
Depending on your situation, you may need to look at your options first before making a haste decision to close an account.  Never close an account with a creditor because they did something to upset you. If you have missed a couple of payments or a payment got lost in the mail, try to work it out and get back on track rather than just ignoring the situation and letting it go.  Also, never close an account that is paid off, especially if you have had it for several years.  One of the components of the FICO score is the length of credit history and the credit to debt ratio.  Often times, it may seem logical to close a paid off account, but closing it could actually lower your credit score. 

Mistake #2- TRADING IN YOUR VEHICLE FOR A NEWER ONE
Car Dealerships are well known for their advertising strategies that draw in previous customers to trade in their current car for a newer one.  You have probably received these offers in the mail and thought about doing it yourself.  Well, depending on your situation, these deals can be detrimental to your finances.  For example, if you’re current car loan is NOT paid off and you have NO savings for a down payment (we typically recommend between $3000-$5000), it probably wouldn’t be wise to trade in your car. Also, if your credit score is below 700, we recommend you begin working on raising your credit score so you can benefit from lower interest rates as well. Our recommendation is to hold off trading in your vehicle until your car is paid off, you have a down payment, and your credit score is good.   


Mistake #3- APPLYING FOR MULTIPLE CREDIT CARDS OR LOANS WITHIN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME


You decide you want to start building your credit, or that you need a loan to get something you need or want. You begin by applying in person or online to multiple banks or going to multiple retail stores in hopes of getting approved for a credit card or car loan.  Unfortunately, you were unaware that one of the components of your FICO credit score is the number of HARD inquiries on your credit report.  Whenever you apply for a loan or credit card, the creditors run a credit check to verify your credit worthiness, and how likely you will be able to pay them back.  These inquiries stay on your credit report for 2 years. On average you want to have no more than two inquiries within a 12 month period.


To read more blogs like this or if you would like any advise or help in any of these areas feel free to visit our website and sign up for our for our Newsletter. Like us onFacebook page and we will send you a free ebook on "Understanding Your Fico Score"

 No matter where you're at in the US we can help. 


To Read more blogs like this, Like us on Facebook or sign up for our Newsletter 

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Make Fixing Your Credit and Finances Your New Year’s Resolution for 2014!

We have all heard the saying “Out with the Old, In with the New”.  Well, it’s time to say goodbye to 2013 and start the New Year with a fresh, new perspective on your Finances and Credit!  No more looking back and dwelling on the financial choices you made last year, now it’s time to take action, make some changes and start out the New Year on the right path!
Make a list of goals and dreams you want to reach this 2014, and figure out what you need to do to start making things happen!  Maybe it’s taking control of your finances, fixing your credit, building a savings, buying a home or car, paying off debt and student loans, or learning to budget.  Your financial future is extremely important, I would recommend to start off with a 3 month goal, if it means start fixing your credit so you can take advantage of great interest rates or start off with a zero based budget so you can save hundreds of dollars in 2014! 

We are here to help you achieve your goals, let us know how we can help! We wish you the best in 2014!

To read more blogs like this or if you would like any advise or help in any of these areas feel free to visit our website and sign up for our for our Newsletter. Like us onFacebook page and we will send you a free ebook on "Understanding Your Fico Score"

 No matter where you're at in the US we can help. 

To Read more blogs like this, Like us on Facebook or sign up for our Newsletter 

Friday, December 13, 2013

3 Reasons Why Most People Don’t Take Control of Their Finances and Credit

By Conquest Credit

Is your state of mind preventing you from taking control of your finances and rebuilding your credit?  Are you fearful, ashamed or feeling hopeless about your situation?  If yes, then you are not alone.  Finances and Credit can be a touchy subject, especially when there are thoughts and emotions attached to them.  These thoughts and emotions can paralyze you, and keep you from making the changes that are needed to improve your financial situation. 
Many of us at some point in our lives have made mistakes with managing our money and keeping good credit.  Our educational system has failed us, and It’s unfortunate that so many of us were not taught how to manage money, create a zero-based budget, save or about how credit works.  The educational system in our country does not place a high emphasis on teaching our youth the importance of managing money, budgeting, saving or how credit really works.  This lack of education in finances has caused many problems, and the consequences are hurting our county and our people in so many ways.  For example, many marriages have ended in divorce due to financial problems, and the cause of many suicides has been contributed to feelings of hopelessness or feeling there is no way out of their financial situation.
Every day we are bombarded with advertisements and commercials that use psychological messages aimed at convincing us to buy things we don’t necessarily need.  Our society runs and survives on consumption/consumerism, and our children learn at a very young age to spend, spend, and spend.  All this spending and a lack of education in money management and credit can leave many people feeling discouraged, hopeless, fearful, ashamed, and depressed.
At Conquest Credit and Debt Consulting, we have found a few reasons why some people don’t take control of their finances and credit.  We are sharing this information with you to let you know that we understand what you may be going through, and we are here to help you.  Please read below to find out some of the reasons why−


 1)    FEAR− is a powerful emotion that comes from thoughts or stories we create in our minds.  When we allow thoughts relating to failure, the unknown, exposure, judgment, loneliness and unhappiness to consume us, it can lead us to believe that the stories we create in our minds are real and factual.  Eventually this will create a lot of fear; it will paralyze you; and it will prevent you from taking the steps you need to improve your financial situation. 

For example, someone living off credit cards for years and living beyond their means can find it very scary to change their habits and lifestyle.  They have come to believe they will not be able to survive without their credit cards.  By letting go of the fear and seeking out help, this person can take control of their finances, and change how they view credit.  The only way to overcome your fear is to face it, change your negative thoughts to positive thoughts, take positive action or seek out help or information on how to take the necessary steps.

2)      SHAME− is another powerful emotion that comes from fear of being teased, mocked, scorned, rebuked, ridiculed, humiliated and rejected.  We all want to feel accepted, whether it’s by our family, friends, peers, colleagues or coworkers, and, for some of us that can mean “keeping up with the joneses”.  Getting that car, house, iPad or iPod, Android or video game can add up, leaving you with a huge amount of debt.  The debt can pile up and become a dark cloud hanging over you everywhere you go.  It may seem easier to ignore it or figure out ways to avoid defaulting, but in the end, if your habits and actions don’t change, your situation will get worse and worse.  Find someone you can trust that will not judge you for your past mistakes.  At Conquest Credit and Debt Consulting we can provide you with the financial knowledge and tools to help you start moving towards a brighter financial future, we are not here to judge or condemn, but to help you.     

3)      HOPELESSNESS− unmet dreams, expectations, and desires can leave us feeling hopeless, sad and alone.  It can also lead to feeling trapped, with no solution or way out, or like you have hit a brick wall.  At this point you have abandoned or given up on your dreams and aspirations and the future appears bleak and purposeless.  


In the past five years many of us have lost our job, home, or damaged our credit during the financial mortgage crisis.   Losing something of value that you have worked so hard for can be very devastating and upsetting.  Thoughts of failure and disappointment can overtake our mind and lead to feelings of depression, despair, and hopelessness.  If you allow these thoughts and feelings to control your actions, you will never take the steps you need to rebuild and start dreaming again.  Anything is possible if you set your mind to it!  Many families have had to start from scratch and rebuild their credit so they could have the home of their dreams again.  It may take time, but nothing is impossible and you are definitely not alone.  There are so many resources and support available to help you get back on track, start dreaming again, and taking the necessary steps to rebuild and reach your dreams and goals again. 

 To read more blogs like this or if you would like any advise or help in any of these areas feel free to visit our website and sign up for our for our Newsletter. Like us onFacebook page and we will send you a free ebook on "Understanding Your Fico Score"

 No matter where you're at in the US we can help. 

To Read more blogs like this, Like us on Facebook or sign up for our Newsletter 

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Conquest Credit & Debt Consulting: Black Friday Beware of Department Credit Store Off...

Conquest Credit & Debt Consulting: Black Friday Beware of Department Credit Store Off...: Avoid Making This Mistake on Black Friday! Every year after Thanksgiving it can be so easy to get caught up in the Black Friday shopping ...

Black Friday Beware of Department Credit Store Offers!

Avoid Making This Mistake on Black Friday!
Every year after Thanksgiving it can be so easy to get caught up in the Black Friday shopping frenzy.  There are so many great deals and special offers available and companies are quick to let us know all about them.  We all want a great deal and it feels good to know you saved some money. Unfortunately, we can unknowingly make a huge mistake that can end up hurting our credit score and our bank account....


Signing up for retail store credit cards-
Eager to get that one-time discount that is sometimes offered with a brand new retail store credit card can be very tempting. Our advice? Don't ever agree to a retail store credit card. You won't save money in the long run, and you might hurt your credit score.

Let me explain...
  

Imagine that you are doing some Christmas shopping, and you approach the cashier with a few nice tops for your sisters, toys for your kids, and a wallet for your husband. The total is about $163. The cashier immediately makes you an offer:

"Do you want to apply for a retail store credit card? You'll save 15 percent on today's purchases."

No matter how tempting it is to save that $25, don't say yes.

Think about it: The banks and the retail stores that promote these store-specific credit cards offer these promotional savings because they know they are going to recoup the discount... and then some.

Consider all the ways the banks and the retail stores can make money off you:

1) First, you will pay interest on whatever you buy on the day you open the card. Most retail store credit cards have a high interest rate-usually in the range of 20 to 30 percent. So unless you pay your balance in full right away, you are going to pay more than you saved.

2) Have you ever bought something just to take advantage of a coupon? A lot of people have. By signing up for that retail store credit card, you will be put on the store's mailing list, and you will receive coupons that are just for cardholders. They are intended to entice you to the store.

3) In the future, you will be more likely to engage in a little "retail therapy" if you have store-specific credit cards in your wallet. Using credit cards is always easier than using cash; it's also an easy way to get into debt.

4) If you are given a one-time offer to save on today's purchase, you just might pile a few more items into your shopping cart.

Suddenly, that $25 savings doesn't seem worth it, does it?

Keep in mind, your credit score could also suffer if you use retail store credit cards. Here are three reasons...

1) Keeping these cards active can be tough. Credit-scoring bureaus want to know that you can responsibly manage your credit cards. If you let your credit cards go inactive, the bureaus have no idea whether you are able to manage balances and debt. In other words, inactive credit cards do nothing for your credit score.

But keeping a retail store credit card active can be tough. Are you going to buy a dishwasher from Sears each and every month just to keep your Sears card active? Are you sure you need a new pair of jeans from the Gap twelve times a year?

Most likely, you will either keep the card active by making unnecessary purchases (which costs you money), or the card will go inactive. Either way, it's bad news.

2) Let's talk about the second reason I'm opposed to retail store credit cards: You might end up with too many credit cards. The credit-scoring bureaus are the happiest if you have the right number of credit cards (between three and five). If you do not have at least three credit cards, they don't have the information they need to make a judgment about whether you are responsible. If you have more than five credit cards, they know that you are in danger of getting in over your head.

Three to five is the sweet spot. So if you are limited to just three to five credit cards, why waste one on a card that will only be accepted by one merchant? You cannot reserve a car using your Macy's card, but you can purchase a suit from Macy's using a Visa.

Too often, people apply for retail cards each time they are offered a discount. These people must also carry American Express, MasterCard, and Visas for everyday expenses, traveling, and business needs. And they quickly find themselves carrying a lot more than five cards.

3) Finally, let's talk about the third reason a retail card could hurt your credit score: You will definitely add a credit inquiry to your score. Ten percent of your credit score is based on the number of credit inquiries you have on your credit report in the past year. If you apply for a retail store credit card, your score could drop a few points, and this could cost you a lot of money in interest on future loans and credit cards.

So come Black Friday when the holiday-shopping-season officially starts, be a smart shopper and SAY NO to retail store credit cards. 

To learn more about your Credit or how to create and maintain a solid budget, feel free to email or call us anytime.

To Read more blogs like this, Like us on Facebook or sign up for our Newsletter 

Monday, November 25, 2013

Staggering Statistics Reveal a Huge Lack of Financial Literacy and Consumer Credit Education in the United States.

Staggering Statistics Reveal a Huge Lack of Financial Literacy and Consumer Credit Education in the United States.

Financial Literacy and Education:
        93 percent want Financial Literacy taught in high school, but currently only FOUR states require high school students to take a semester-long course in personal finance.
(Visa, Back to School Survey Shows Americans Want Personal Finance Taught in the Classroom, July 20, 2010,http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/about/press/releases_2010/0720.php)

         41 percent of U.S. adults, or more than 92 million people living in America, gave themselves a grade of C, D, or F on their knowledge of personal finance, suggesting there is considerable room for improvement. This number is highest among Gen Y adults at 47 percent. 80 percent of adults agree that they would benefit from advice and answers to everyday financial questions from a professional, and more than one-third (35 percent) strongly agree.
(The 2009 Consumer Financial Literacy Survey Topline Report and Data Sheet, The National Foundation For Credit Counseling, http://www.nfcc.org/NewsRoom/FinancialLiteracy/files/2009FinancialLiteracySurvey.pdf)

·         Almost one-third of college students, when reflecting back on their freshman year, admit that they were not very well prepared for personal money management on campus.
(KeyBank and conducted by Harris Interactive)

·         41 percent of the young adults in Generation Y (ages eighteen to twenty-none) do not pay their bills on time every month.
 (2008 Financial Literacy Survey National Foundation for Credit Counseling, Inc. and MSN Money)

·         A poll from Gallup shows that 32 percent of Americans put together a budget each month to track income and expenditures, and just 30 percent have a long-term financial plan laying out savings and investment goals.

Credit Score:
·         In spite of it being free, nearly two-thirds (64 percent), or 144 million people have not ordered a copy of their credit report in the past year, this number grows to three quarters (72 percent) among Hispanic Americans. Additionally, more than one-third (37 percent) admit that they do not know their Credit Score.
(The 2009 Consumer Financial Literacy Survey Topline Report and Data Sheet, The National Foundation For Credit Counseling)

Housing:
·         42 percent of adults, or more than 94 million people, currently have a home mortgage and, of those, 28 percent say that the terms of their mortgage somehow turned out to be different than they expected, including: either payment or terms of loan were different than expected, the interest rate or its duration were different, or they had no knowledge of PMI.
·
(The 2009 Consumer Financial Literacy Survey Topline Report and Data Sheet, The National Foundation For Credit Counseling)

Debt and Credit Cards:
·         26 percent, or more than 58 million adults, admit to not paying all of their bills on time. Among African-Americans, this number is at 51 percent. In the last 12 months, 15 percent of adults, or nearly 34 million people, have been late making a credit card payment and 8 percent (18 million people) have missed a payment entirely. More than 13 million adults (6 percent) report that their household carries credit card debt of $10,000 or more from month to month, and the same number have debts in collection, are seriously considering filing for bankruptcy, or have already done so within the past three years.
(The 2009 Consumer Financial Literacy Survey Topline Report and Data Sheet, The National Foundation For Credit Counseling, http://www.nfcc.org/NewsRoom/FinancialLiteracy/files/2009FinancialLiteracySurvey.pdf)

Budgeting:
·         Only 42 percent of adults keep close track of their spending. Nearly 16 million adults (7 percent) don’t know how much they spend on food, housing, and entertainment, do not monitor their spending.
(The 2009 Consumer Financial Literacy Survey Topline Report and Data Sheet, The National Foundation For Credit Counseling)

Savings:
·         One-third of adults (32 percent), or 72 million people, report that they have no savings. Nearly half (48 percent) of Gen Y adults- more than any other age group- report having no savings. Of those with no savings, more than one in four report that, if faced with an emergency, they would charge that expense to a credit card (29 percent) or take out a loan (26 percent), thus adding to their debt load.
(The 2009 Consumer Financial Literacy Survey Topline Report and Data Sheet, The National Foundation For Credit Counseling)

Retirement:
·         One-third of adults (33 percent), or more than 74 million people, do not put any part of their annual household income toward retirement.

(The 2009 Consumer Financial Literacy Survey Topline Report and Data Sheet, The National Foundation For Credit Counseling)