All Posts made by Good Score Guys

Good Score Guys

Everyone has three credit scores, and we hope yours look as good as the Score Guys! A credit score over 700 is considered Good or Very Good, and will help you get the lowest interest rates and best deals. Listen to what they have to say!

The opinions, findings and suggestions expressed here belong to the sole author and do not necessarily reflect the views of FreeScore.com.

Spring Training For Your Credit

March 19, 2012, by Good Score Guys

spring training for creditIt’s spring training time for Major League Baseball! Even the most talented athletes rely on practice to improve their skills. Just as these athletes are loyal to their sport, it’s important for everyone to dedicate time to good credit management. Keeping track of your credit scores and reports is just one way to make sure that we Good Score Guys are going to bat for you when you want to hit a loan or job application out of the park.

Like anything in life, preparation is key. Do you have a plan for responsible credit management? Knowing what to do in different scenarios – unexpected medical costs, car problems, etc. – can help keep your credit scores safe when life throws you a curveball. If you need some reliable credit information, we recommend visiting FreeScore.com. Whether it’s learning how your credit scores are calculated or dealing with identity theft, you’re sure to find valuable resources. As a form of batting practice, try our Credit Score PredictorSM, which enables you to determine how different actions will affect your credit scores.

If you’re applying for a credit card, mortgage or even a job, your credit scores will ultimately decide whether you hit a home run or strike out. Even if you think your credit is in great shape, all it takes is one bad score to get you thrown out at the plate. Don’t let that scrub Billy Bad Score keep you from getting the things you really want in life.

Join our team and see what good scores can do. It may not be the most stylish uniform, but then again having your credit score printed on your shirt isn’t for everyone. Even if you don’t wear the jersey, you can still be a part of the Credit All-Stars.

To find out more about your credit scores and reports, sign up for services from FreeScore. If you’re concerned about identity theft, signing up for the Power of 3 will also give you access to 24/7 credit monitoring and automatic alerts that notify you of suspicious activity on your accounts. The key to smart credit management is preparation. So start your spring training regimen by using FreeScore.

Posted in Personal Finances | No Comments »

Avoid the March Madness of Credit Mismanagement

March 9, 2012, by Good Score Guys

credit and march madnessMarch is one of our favorite months of the year. Not only does it signify the coming of spring, but also of March Madness.  Selection Sunday is almost here and that means countless people all over the country will soon enter basketball pools, make their picks and follow all the games to see if they can predict the tournament champion.

We don’t mind a friendly wager now and then, but one thing we don’t enjoy is seeing people leave their credit to chance. Here are some keys to smart credit management.

Avoid credit fouls - Committing fouls in regard to your credit can lead to some unfortunate consequences. Rather than being forced to sit on the bench, you’ll be denied requests for credit cards, mortgages, auto loans and even employment. Make your monthly debt payments on time and stay in the game!

Get a Game Plan - We know a lot about good credit scores (we’re the embodiment of them, after all!), but all of that knowledge didn’t come to us overnight. We encourage people to take the initiative and learn more about how credit scores are calculated and what to look for on a credit report. Luckily, FreeScore has a large database of credit information to help you prepare for things like disputing a credit report error or dealing with identity theft.

Outwork the other team – When it comes to good credit, the opposition is Billy Bad Score. He may not be large in stature, but this guy has blocked plenty of people’s shots at loan approvals, lower interest rates, and job opportunities. Avoid an upset and send Billy Bad Score packing by always knowing where your credit stands. When you check your credit scores and reports on a regular basis, you’ll find that getting the most out of your credit is a slam dunk.

Regardless of whether you’re a basketball fan or not, we can help you avoid the madness that can ensue when you don’t use smart credit management. By signing up for services from FreeScore, you’ll receive the equivalent of a personal scouting report that shows your three credit scores and reports from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. With the Power of 3, you’ll also receive 24/7 credit monitoring and automatic alerts that notify you of any suspicious activity on your accounts. Avoid Billy Bad Score and join the winning team by using FreeScore to see your credit scores and reports.

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Credit Confusion: What You THINK You Know Can Hurt You

February 27, 2012, by Good Score Guys

credit score confusionThanks to a recent string of appearances in FreeScore TV commercials, we’re getting more recognition than ever. When people see the numbers on our chests, they often become curious about their own credit scores. Unfortunately, many of these individuals have received false information about the dos and don’ts of credit scores. Rather than simply blame Billy Bad Score, we’re here to debunk some of these credit myths and set the record straight. Consider us your personal detectives who help you separate credit fact from credit fiction.

An article on MSN Money outlines some of these common misconceptions about credit. Here are a few we hear on a regular basis.

  • “I don’t check my credit because doing so will lower my scores.” – It’s easy to see why many people believe this popular myth. Certain types of credit checks known as “hard inquiries” will lower your credit scores, but these are only performed by lenders when you apply for a new line of credit. Simply checking your own credit scores and reports through services like FreeScore will not harm your scores. In fact, we tell people to check their scores regularly for errors and inaccuracies.
  • “I carry a balance on my credit cards to help my credit scores.” – If you carry a balance on your credit cards, this could lead to higher interest payments, increased debt and a visit from Billy Bad Score. The balance that you see on your credit reports is usually the amount of your last statement – not the amount left over after you paid the bill. Paying your monthly statement in full each month will keep you from accumulating unnecessary interest charges.
  • “Having lower credit limits shows that I don’t need to spend lots of money.” Credit bureaus don’t generally care if you have a sizable credit limit. They simply care about your debt-to-credit ratio. Having $10,000 in available credit is only a problem if you can’t say “no” to shopping sprees.

If you have a question about how credit scores work, our friends at FreeScore have compiled a number of resources on credit information.

For those of you who want to see how your credit scores stack up against ours, sign up for services from FreeScore. You can do some sleuthing of your own and check your credit reports for inaccuracies or errors. And when using the Power of 3, you’ll gain access to 24/7 credit monitoring and automatic alerts that notify you of any suspicious activity. Don’t be blindsided by that blunderer Billy Bad Score. Remember that when it comes to your credit scores, what you don’t know – or merely think you know – can hurt you.

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And the Oscar for Good Credit Scores Goes to…

February 23, 2012, by Good Score Guys

With The Academy Awards creeping up on us, we Good Score Guys have been taking cues from the celebrities. We’ve been getting red carpet ready—hitting the gym, making hair appointments and scheduling spray tans. By now, our trademark tights should be as famous as Armani, so we’re sure to be in style.

But we know that pampering expenses shouldn’t come at the expense of your credit. The credit scandals of some celebrities don’t inspire us. Take actor Wesley Snipes. It was reported that the actor allegedly owes the show-stopping amount of almost $30,000 on his credit cards.

If there were such a thing as an Oscar for credit bloopers, Billy Bad Score would win it. He may be a frequent frenemy of yours—influencing hasty purchases that negatively affect your credit. Keep hanging with him and you might be blacklisted from loan approvals, lower interest rates, and job opportunities. And last time we checked, hockey masks never show up on the best-dressed list.

Remember, though you may never become famous or win an actual gold statuette, but you can still shine as a credit score star this award season. After all, lenders, employers and insurers are more likely to roll out the red carpet for you if you have 3 good credit scores.

An easy way to make sure you have us and not Billy Bad Score at your side is to take advantage of FreeScore’s credit information and identity theft protection services. Offering you instant access to your 3 credit scores, FreeScore also gives you 24/7 credit monitoring and automatic alerts if anything changes in your accounts. Best of all, you don’t need celebrity wealth to manage your credit through FreeScore. Just sign up for a FREE credit trial.

 Do you know if your credit scores are stellar enough for lenders to award you with a low-interest loan?

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Spare the Credit Education, Spoil the Child’s Credit Scores

February 22, 2012, by Good Score Guys

If you or someone you know has difficulty managing money, chances are good that these bad behaviors were learned early in life. Unfortunately, poor financial decisions can negatively affect your credit scores and make it harder to obtain a mortgage, car loan or even a job. We want to raise everyone’s awareness of the importance of 3 good Credit Scores. Helping children become financially responsible can pay dividends as they grow up and start earning money and establishing credit of their own. Believe it or not, we weren’t born in tights with high credit scores on them. Growing up, our parents taught us the concepts of financial responsibility.

child finances and credit scoresAccording to “Making the Case for Financial Literacy – 2011,” a report on JumpStart.org, more parents and teens are starting to understand the value of financial literacy.

  • A 2010 survey by Visa revealed that 93 percent of Americans believe all high school students should be required to take a financial education class. However, only four states currently have a semester-long personal finance course in their curriculum.
  • A 2010 American Express survey showed that 91 percent of parents with children ages 6 to 16 are committed to instilling lessons of financial responsibility in them. (Hopefully this leads to a whole new generation of people helping us spread the word about benefits of good credit!)
  • A 2011 survey by the College Savings Foundation determined that 73 percent of high school students want to save money for college and 48 percent have already started putting away funds.
  • A 2010 survey by the College Savings Foundation revealed that 76 percent of respondents say they take the time to teach their children how to be financially literate.

So, think of us as tiny angels on a kid’s shoulder, urging him not to listen to that little mischief-maker Billy Bad Score on his other shoulder. If you’re looking for sources of credit information, visit FreeScore.com. You’ll be able to learn about how credit scores are determined; how to dispute errors on your credit report; how the credit bureaus affect you; and more.  There’s even a Credit Score Predictor that helps users foresee what effect various financial decisions will have on their credit scores.

If you’re curious about what your credit scores look like, it’s never too late to find out. We help people discover their credit scores every day. By signing up for The Power of 3 from FreeScore, you can gain access to your three credit scores and reports from the three major credit bureaus. You’ll also receive 27/7 credit monitoring and automatic alerts that will help protect you from identity theft. And don’t forget to teach your kids to steer clear of that credit dunce, Billy Bad Score. Tell them to look up to us Good Score Guys as examples to follow.

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Forget-Them-Nots: A Few Credit Facts for Valentine’s Day

February 14, 2012, by Good Score Guys

Score Guys on Valentine's DayValentine’s Day is here, and that means a day full of candy, flowers and romantic dinners. When you’re a Good Score Guy, finding a date isn’t too hard. Women love our high credit scores because they represent financial responsibility. Unfortunately, some of our friends always seem to find themselves staring at lengthy credit card statements during this time of year. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, dating services alone generated $928 million in revenues in 2007.

But it’s not just matchmaking services that lead to overspending. Here are some other potential dating costs from an article on MSN Money. As good guys, we enjoy treating our dates to a nice evening out. If you’re going out frequently in search of Mr. or Mrs. Right, these expenses can add up over the course of a year.

  • Restaurants: Men spend an average of $1,927; women spend an average of $1,289
  • Alcohol: Men spend an average of $518; women spend an average of $234
  • Hairstyling: $252 to $356
  • Clothing: $900 to $1000
  • Dating self-help books: $120

According to the article, someone who goes on 48 dates per year is likely to spend between $2,400 and $4,800 (with some overlap from restaurant and alcohol costs.) Other potential costs include cards, flowers, gifts and higher phone bills due to increased activity. With all of the costs associated with dating and an estimated 92 million singles in the U.S. alone, it’s no wonder people sometimes go in debt in search of love. Buying new clothes and dining at expensive restaurants might impress your date, but those expenses could also do more harm than good. When your monthly credit card statement arrives in the mail, you’ll wonder where your hard-earned money went.

Remember: Just one missed credit card payment could seriously affect your credit. If you find yourself spending beyond your means, maybe it’s time to search for some date ideas that won’t break the bank. We’re no matchmakers, but our advice to everyone is to simply be yourself.

If you’re worried about the effects of overspending on your credit scores, sign up for services from FreeScore. You’ll be able to view all three credit scores and reports from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. With the Power of 3, FreeScore will also provide 24/7 credit monitoring and automatic alerts that notify you if suspicious activity is detected on your account. Using these services may not lead to true love, but at least you won’t be paired up with an identify thief masquerading as Cupid.

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Posted in Credit Tips, Personal Finances | No Comments »

Why Bad Credit Scores Happen to Good People

January 25, 2012, by Good Score Guys

avoid credit mistakesWe love seeing people earn high credit scores by practicing good credit habits. Unfortunately, Billy Bad Score is always lurking in the shadows, just waiting for someone to slip up by missing a credit card payment. Mistakes happen and credit scores sometimes suffer because of them. But we believe that a little knowledge can go a long way toward helping people achieve the credit scores they deserve. Here are some common practices that can actually hurt your credit scores, courtesy of MSN Money.

  • Opening a department store card – In these tough economic times, there’s nothing wrong with looking for a deal. But unless you really need it, signing up for a store card just for a discount isn’t worth the risk. New card applications will initiate a hard inquiry on your credit report, which can lower your credit scores.
  • Closing a credit card account – Saying goodbye to debt can be freeing, but cutting up your credit cards in celebration isn’t wise. 15 percent of your credit score is determined by the length of your credit history, so cancelling a card (particularly an older one) can shorten your credit history and damage your scores.
  • Taking out a student loan – Because student loans are often reported as they are disbursed, a single loan may look like several smaller loans on your credit report. This may make lenders view you as someone who constantly needs to take out loans, which makes you a bigger credit risk. Consolidating student loans after graduation may help, but your credit scores may suffer in the meantime.
  • Buying a motorcycle – Even though motorcycles are technically vehicles, the loans on them are treated differently. Motorcycle loans are usually treated as revolving credit, which means it looks no different than racking up a large credit card bill to lenders. Using the majority (80 to 90 percent) of your available credit will make lenders perceive you as a high credit risk, which will lower your scores.

By avoiding many of these seemingly harmless mistakes, you can keep your good credit scores intact. If you’d like to make sure that you’re the only one using your credit, FreeScore can help. With the Power of 3, you’ll receive access to your three scores and reports from the major credit bureaus, so you can check them anytime for signs of fraud. You’ll also receive 24/7 credit monitoring and automatic alerts that notify you if suspicious activity is detected on your accounts.  And in the event your identity is stolen, we’ll connect you with licensed investigators who will guide you through the process of restoring your good name.

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Suffering From a Credit Hangover?

January 9, 2012, by Good Score Guys

The holidays are over, and everyone is settling back into a normal routine. Unfortunately, some people are still suffering the effects of a credit hangover caused by over-indulgence on gifts and New Year’s Eve celebrations.

credit hangoverAccording to research firm comScore, U.S. shoppers spent $35.3 billion online between Nov. 1 and Dec. 25. This number is a 15 percent increase over last year and doesn’t even account for everyone visiting brick-and-mortar stores. It also doesn’t account for everyone engaging in post-holiday shopping. Many people received tablets, e-readers, smartphones, gaming systems and other devices that require additional content. While the Digital Content & Subscriptions retail category averaged 2.8 percent of total e-commerce sales during this 56-day span, it accounted for a whopping 20 percent of sales on Christmas Day. People across the U.S. clearly threw caution to the wind in an attempt to fill up their new devices.

If this scenario sounds familiar, you may have a hangover that no amount of caffeine or cold showers can fix. Regaining control of your credit may seem like an ambitious New Year’s resolution, but it is possible. And it’s a lot easier once you uncover the mess that Billy Bad Score left in the wake of all your holiday revelry. Why live in fear of your credit card bill when you can use sound judgment and have us help you protect and manage your credit better? Checking your credit scores can be a sobering experience, but it’s the first step toward taking charge of your credit again.

When you use FreeScore’s Power of 3, you’ll have unlimited access to your three credit scores and reports, including monthly updates, so you can check for fraudulent activity and discrepancies that could make this a not-so-happy New Year. You’ll see the information that lenders see when evaluating your credit worthiness. You’ll also receive 24/7 credit monitoring and automatic alerts to help protect you from identity theft and save you from even bigger headaches if someone steals your personal information. There’s even a FreeScore app that allows you to check credit scores and reports on the go!

With these and other services from FreeScore, you can leave the credit hangover behind and focus on having a very happy New Year.

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The Joy of Smart Credit Management

December 28, 2011, by Good Score Guys

credit managemnet during holidaysThe holidays are all about family and spending time with loved ones. We love this season because it seems no matter where you turn, people are smiling. And if they have credit scores like we do, there’s plenty to be happy about. We love spreading holiday cheer, as well as information about getting the most out of your credit scores. We may not be able to achieve peace on Earth, but we can help you have peace of mind about your credit. Here are some of the ways we help you take control of your credit.

Credit scores – The first rule of thumb about making the most of your credit is to check your three credit scores – not just once, but regularly so you can track fluctuations. By knowing your credit scores, how they are determined, and when they change, you can decide whether you need to manage your finances more effectively or keep up the good work. We keep track of our credit scores by wearing them on our clothing, but hey, that’s just us.

Credit Monitoring – Once you know your credit scores, you need our 24/7 monitoring service to guard you against fraudulent activity. Just like leaving Billy Bad Score near a plate of cookies meant for Santa, not keeping an eye on the situation can have disastrous results. After all, it only takes one bad credit score to prevent you from getting that low-interest mortgage or auto loan that you need.

Email Alerts – We’re vigilant about our credit scores, but we know people have hectic schedules that often prevent them from checking for suspicious activity that could make their scores drop faster than Santa down a chimney. Fortunately, we alert you automatically whenever sudden changes occur on your credit files. You’ll be able to spend more time worrying about wrapping gifts (don’t forget the batteries!) and less time worrying about things like identity theft.

For access to your three credit scores, 24/7 credit monitoring and automatic alerts, sign up for the Power of 3 from FreeScore. These services will help you keep control of your credit scores throughout the holidays and beyond. It may not be that new television you’ve had your eye on, but we promise that smart, steady credit protection and management will be the gift that keeps giving for many holidays to come.

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We’re Thankful For Good Credit Scores

November 29, 2011, by Good Score Guys

thankful for good credit scoresThanksgiving may be over, but the spirit of gratitude carries through the holiday season, which are all about spending time with family and friends and reflecting on the things that you’re truly thankful for. So what are we most thankful for? Good credit scores. We’re also thankful that people are enjoying all of the wonderful benefits that come with managing credit responsibly. Here are some of the things made possible by good credit scores.

Mortgages – If you’re celebrating the holidays in a new home, you probably applied for a mortgage. We’ve been urging people with good credit to take advantage of historically low interest rates that can save you a surprising amount of money over the lifetime of the loan.

Jobs – You may not realize it, but your credit scores could be affecting your ability to land a job. Some employers, especially those in the financial sector, run credit checks on potential employees. By having good credit, you can separate yourself from the pack.

Credit cards – With the gift-giving season going into high gear, we’ve already started working on our holiday shopping lists. Because of our impeccable credit scores, credit card companies always offer us lower interest rates and other great benefits. Not only are these perks nice bonuses, but they also help us avoid high interest payments that can compound debt.

With all of the benefits that come with good credit, people with high scores have plenty to be thankful for this year. If your finances could use some holiday cheer, we can help you take control of your most important asset: your credit. One thing you want to avoid is a surprise “gift” like a bad credit score, which, unlike an ugly shirt or tie, you can’t simply return.

FreeScore’s Power of 3 helps consumers manage their credit better with unlimited access to all three credit scores. It also provides, 24/7 credit monitoring and automatic alerts at the top 3 credit bureaus, so you can rest easy knowing that your credit is protected against fraud and errors. You can be thankful that your credit is the gift that keeps on giving – provided you stay on top of it with help from us.

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Posted in Credit Tips | 1 Comment »

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