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.

‘Tis the Season To Save More With Good Credit Scores

November 17, 2011, by Good Score Guys

good credit scoresWe love the holiday season, with the songs and lights and gift-giving – but what we don’t love is when credit scores start to drop because of reckless spending. We want everybody’s credit scores to be as strong as us so they can take advantage of the most generous credit card rewards of the season. With so much money to save and so many incentives to enjoy, the higher the credit scores, the happier the holidays. The halls are decked with credit card deals if you have scores like us on your side.

CNN Money recently rolled out a list of the best credit cards to shop with this holiday season.

The Chase Freedom card is offering 5 percent cash-back on purchases up to $1,500 in certain categories, including department stores, dining and charities. If you spend $500 in the first three months the card is open, you can receive $200 cash back.

The Capital One Cash Rewards card offers 1 percent cash back an all categories as well as a 50 percent anniversary bonus on cash earned on the previous year’s purchases. This card also offers a bonus of $100 cash back if $500 is spent in the first three months.

Visit CNN Money to see all of the other cards, but first check your credit scores at FreeScore.com to determine if your scores are good enough to qualify for such deals. FreeScore gives you all three scores from the major credit bureaus – TransUnion, Equifax and Experian. Since opening and closing accounts can affect your credit scores, be sure to choose a card you want to use year-round.

Do you plan to use credit card rewards this holiday season?

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Don’t Let an Identity Thief Masquerade as You This Halloween

October 24, 2011, by Good Score Guys

identity thief

On Halloween, little ghouls, goblins, princesses and superheroes will wander the neighborhoods, knocking on your door for candy, but they aren’t the only ones wearing masks. Every day, identity thieves masquerade as their victims, ruining credit scores and wreaking havoc.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2010, 250,854 Americans reported themselves as victims of identity theft . Texas had the highest number of complaints, with 71,164. Social Security number use, online shopping, mail interception, and card skimmers at restaurants, gas stations or ATMs are just a few common risk factors of identity theft. The electronic transfer and availability of confidential information can even result in children’s identities being stolen before they utter their first words.

While you can take steps to keep your information secure, monitoring your credit is the best way to spot identity theft and immediately take action. With FreeScore, you’re protected by the Power of 3: You can check your TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax credit scores at any time, as well as rest easy knowing that you can count on 24/7 credit monitoring and automatic credit alerts. If a thief is masquerading as you, opening new accounts in your name, you’ll be notified.

Cleaning up after identity theft isn’t easy and the FTC offers a guide of what to do if your identity has been stolen. FreeScore also offers an Identity Theft Restoration Service that provides access to licensed investigators who will help you restore your identity if it’s stolen.

We can’t think of anything nearly as nightmarish this Halloween as identity theft. Has an identity thief masquerading as you ever caught you off guard?

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Posted in Identity Theft | No Comments »

Keep Your Credit Scores Jolly This Holiday Season

October 10, 2011, by Good Score Guys

holiday spendingEven though the economy has continued its rollercoaster ride of ups and downs this year, retailers are optimistic about the holiday season. ShopperTrak, a shopping measurement and analytics company, forecasts that while foot traffic will decrease 2.2 percent, overall spending will increase 3 percent this season. So how can you spend this season while keeping your wallet – and credit scores – as jolly as ‘ole Saint Nick?

Ideally, you’ll have saved all year for your gift shopping. Designating a certain amount to set aside each month means you can shop without relying on credit.

Another credit-free option is layaway, which several retailers have reintroduced after doing away with the service in previous years. Many large retailers such as Walmart, Sears and Toys “R” Usâ offer layaway with certain restrictions. There is an initiation charge to set up the layaway, usually coupled with a down payment. Then payments are made over the course of the next couple months, and you pick up your items after the last payment is completed.

If you find yourself short on cash, you may want to consider a seasonal job. An estimated 620,000 positions are expected to be added across the country, including 45,000 jobs at Toys R Us and 78,000 at Macy’s In addition to extra cash, you may even qualify for an employee discount at the retailer that hires you. These jobs are snagged quickly, so start looking now.

It’s possible to do your holiday shopping without ever swiping a credit card, though you may want to open a card to take advantage of special retailer discounts and interest rates reserved for applicants with good credit scores. If you shop on the Web, you may be concerned with the security of your online transactions. With FreeScore‘s Power of 3, you can stay on top of your three credit scores, as well as gain the protection of  24/7 credit monitoring and automatic alerts, which notify you of suspicious activity, like a new account opened in your name. Arm yourself and your wallet with the tools to have a happy holiday season.

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Posted in General Economy | 1 Comment »

Move into a Mansion for Cheap with Good Credit Scores

September 29, 2011, by Good Score Guys

cheap mansion with good creditIf there’s one thing the Good Score Guys love, it’s… well, a good credit score. But another thing we love is a great deal. CNN Money recently shared some very affordable mansions that cost less than condo living in a big city.

One example is a nine bedroom, five and a half baths, 8,381 square foot home in Toledo, Ohio listed at $289,777. Another steal is a ten bedroom, ten bathroom 11,000 square foot gated home in Detroit for less than $500,000.

These homes are all victims of the nation’s housing crisis, but present an incredible opportunity for investors or those looking for a great deal on a home. Are you in the market for a mansion, or perhaps just a modest home you can call your castle? Before you start applying for mortgages, you’ll want to check your credit scores. If you have healthy and strong scores like us, you’ll be in the best position to secure the most favorable interest rate possible on your loan. Remember that historically low interest rates continue to be available to applicants with scores like us on their side.

What’s the best way to check your credit scores? FreeScore presents all three credit scores from the major bureaus – Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. With the Power of 3, it also offers credit monitoring and alerts, so you’ll be aware if something changes in your credit files, such as a new account opened in your name.

Making sure your credit scores are up to par before you try to negotiate a mortgage can help you secure the home of your dreams, whether it’s a mansion in the suburbs, loft in the city or charming bungalow. Of course, if you have Billy Bad Score lurking in your credit profile – well, let’s just say you can avoid unpleasant surprises if you check your scores at FreeScore.com now.

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Get High Marks for Protecting Your Credit Scores at College

September 20, 2011, by Good Score Guys

identity protection in collegeCollege is an exciting time. You’re experiencing independence you’ve only previously dreamed of and staying out later than any curfew you’ve ever complained about.

With all this new found freedom, you’ll need to shoulder some extra responsibility – especially when it comes to protecting your identity. If you live in a dorm or apartment with roommates, you can never be 100 percent sure who is in your home and potentially looking through your things.

The Better Business Bureau estimates that 14 percent of all identity theft crimes are a result of “friendly fraud,” from sources like new roommates or acquaintances. Even if they don’t know you personally, identity thieves can dig through your trash or your unlocked mailbox.

If you want strong scores like us, the BBB offers some tips to prevent identity theft:

  • Store personal records in a locked box or password-protected file. Shred sensitive documents before disposing.
  • If you are on the phone with your bank or other financial institution asking you for sensitive information, like an account number or last four digits of your social security number, be sure there are not people in earshot you wouldn’t want to give that information.
  • Avoid providing your full social security number if possible.
  • Don’t publish identifying information on social networking sites, including your birth date or email address, which may be used to access your finances.

There are many more tips to help keep your identity secure. Visit the BBB website for all of them.

According to the BBB, repairing your identity can cost around 33 hours of your time and more than $600. With The Power of 3 — three Credit Scores, 24/7 Credit Monitoring, and Automatic Credit Alerts – FreeScore makes it super easy to manage and protecting your credit. With a few clicks of your mouse, you’ll be able to access your scores at any time. And if somebody has opened a new account in your name, you’ll be notified automatically as soon as it is reported to a credit bureau. If only keeping your GPA up was that simple.

What are you doing to keep your identity safe at school?

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Posted in Identity Theft | No Comments »

What Will Happen To Your Credit Scores If You Hit Your Debt Ceiling?

August 1, 2011, by Good Score Guys

credit scores impacted by debt ceilingWe’ve watched the news carefully these past few weeks as the debates have raged on about the current debt ceiling. Since we respect responsible debt that leads to healthy credit scores like us, we decided to share with you what may happen to your scores if you are nearing your own debt ceiling.

Whether from large purchases or emergency medical expenses, you may suddenly find yourself out of available credit. You’ve hit your debt ceiling. There are a number of bad things that can affect your credit score, and overextended credit is one of them. Ideally balances should be limited to 25 percent or less of the total credit limit to keep your scores strong.

Sometimes, things happen and you have to use all of your available credit. What happens if there’s another emergency? If you need to apply for more credit cards or take out loans, be aware that credit inquiries and newly opened accounts can cause lasting damage to your credit scores.

If you’ve tapped out your credit and you can’t afford to pay your debts, bankruptcy may be the only option you see. But before you file bankruptcy, know that your credit score will take a serious hit. Billy BadScore will be lurking around all of your financial dealings, job interviews and lease applications for years.

But you can avoid such a crisis. Responsible monitoring and use of credit can go a long way to help you prevent a debt debacle that could drag down your credit scores. When you sign up at FreeScore.com, you can stay abreast of your three credit scores and rest easy knowing that your credit is being monitored 24/7 for fraud and errors. In fact, you’ll receive an email alert whenever changes appear in your credit data. Taking charge of your financial situation now will help you avoid hitting your own personal version of the infamous debt ceiling.

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Posted in Credit Tips, Economy, Personal Finances | No Comments »

Could A Thief Buy Gucci Glasses With Your Credit or Debit Card?

July 18, 2011, by Good Score Guys

identity theft can affect creditRight now, somebody else could be using your hard-earned money to buy a pair of Gucci sunglasses; except you have no idea. That’s what happened to one man whose tax refund debit card was stolen. The Naples News reports that the perpetrator was charged with 19 counts of identity theft for having numerous credit and debit cards that were not in his name.

While we love to see an alleged criminal come to justice, this thief was only caught because of a store clerk asking for identification. He had already spent thousands of dollars on miscellaneous merchandise – thousands of dollars that did not belong to him.

Identity theft is a serious problem, and one that can cause trouble for your credit scores. Being proactive is one of the best ways to keep Billy BadScore at bay when somebody has their hands on your financial information. Keep the phone numbers you need to cancel cards in a safe place so you can easily access them if your wallet is misplaced or stolen. The number on the back of the card won’t help very much if you don’t have the card. Also be sure to review all of your monthly financial statements for anything out of the ordinary. When you sign up with FreeScore.com, you’ll receive automatic email alerts anytime something in your credit profile changes, such as a new account opened in your name. Instead of facing potential financial ruin, you’ll be notified in a timely manner so you can resolve any issues with creditors.

Has identity theft impacted your finances or the finances of your family and friends?

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Posted in Credit Problems, Identity Theft | No Comments »

Good Credit Scores: If You’ve Got ‘Em, Flaunt ‘Em

July 5, 2011, by Good Score Guys

excellent credit scores get low interest rateGood credit scores like us are attractive, especially to lenders. If you’re looking for a credit card or loan and your credit scores are excellent (750 or above), flaunt ‘em! Just bear in mind that you have 3 scores, so you need to make sure that you don’t have a bad one lurking at any of the three credit bureaus – TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax. You can access all 3 scores instantly at FreeScore.com. It’s an easy way to make sure you qualify for the best possible rates.  Otherwise, you could learn the hard way that one bad credit score can ruin everything.

Money Magazine shares some scenarios where you may benefit if you flash a high credit score. (But you can thank us for the tip that lenders tend to check not just one but all 3 of your scores!)

Credit Cards

Not only can you slash APRs by half with high credit scores; you may also qualify for 0 percent introductory rates and the best reward cards out there. Do you have a card you like, but you feel the interest rate is too high or you don’t like the annual fee? Good credit scores can be a powerful bargaining tool. Contact the credit card company’s customer service department and ask for a reduction in APR or to have your fee waived. Credit card competition is fierce, and they just may be willing to make a concession.

Cars

If you proudly flaunt your high credit scores, you could save on financing and insurance for a new set of wheels. If you are buying or leasing a car, those sterling scores can get you the best finance rates. Or they could even help you get money off the price of the car if you accept dealer financing. When it comes to insuring your car, agents in 46 states use credit scores as a rate-deciding factor. To get the lowest rates, you’ll need high scores. If your scores have recently increased, be sure to ask for a better rate when it’s time to renew your car insurance.

We’re so proud of our scores, they’re displayed on our chests. (Sure, Billy Bad Score shows his score on his chest, too, but of course he wears a mask to hide his face.) While we stop short of suggesting that you wear score-emblazoned tights, if you’ve got good scores, be sure to flaunt ‘em when you negotiate deals on financial products.

What category do your credit scores fall into? If you don’t know, you may not be getting the best available rates. Visit FreeScore.com to see all three of your credit scores from the major credit bureaus, before you look at financing. Remember: All it takes is one bad apple like Billy Bad Score to ruin everything.

Has the red carpet been rolled out for you once lenders discovered your stellar credit scores? Or have they ever pulled the rug out from under you when they uncovered a bad score?

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3 Good Credit Scores Can Seal Your Wedding Day Bliss

June 28, 2011, by Good Score Guys

Good Credit Scores get low interest ratesLadies, if you’ve been shopping for wedding gowns, you know that perfect dress can be more expensive than you initially thought. And guys, when it comes time to pay for the DJ, band, or wedding officiant, you definitely don’t want to come up short.

If you have good credit scores like us on your side, you won’t need to worry about paying for all the elements that add up to your perfect wedding.

Your wedding gown can be a significant purchase. The show “Say Yes to the Dress” on Bravo shows women, sometimes in tears, because they cannot afford their dream dress. While it’s important to manage your finances and not overspend so you can keep your credit scores strong, if you need to finance that fairytale dress it may cost you less in the long run with us on your side. 

When the big day arrives and it’s time to say your vows, one of the last things you want to worry about is how to pay those last few vendors. If you take good care of your credit scores, the Good Score Guys will take care of you. With 3 high credit scores, you won’t have to take out high-interest loans or pay your vendors with a high-interest credit card. Instead, you’ll be able to take advantage of the lowest available rates, which will save you money in the long run. But watch out: One bad credit score can ruin everything. Imagine what a nightmare it would be if Billy BadScore shows up unexpectedly when you’re trying to negotiate financing for your dream wedding. And you thought a rip in your wedding dress would be embarrassing!

Can your credit hang with the Good Score Guys, or does it bum around with Billy BadScore? It’s easy to find out: simply sign up at FreeScore.com. FreeScore gives you all 3 of your credit scores, plus 24/7 credit monitoring and alerts, so you’ll never be caught off guard by a bad score lurking in the shadows.

After all, we are much better wedding guests than Billy BadScore.

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Posted in Personal Finances | No Comments »

Don’t Let One Bad Score Prevent Your Spring Credit Scores From Blooming

May 16, 2011, by Good Score Guys

blooming credit scoresSpring is the season of green thumbs. But did you know you can save a lot of green on interest rates if you tend to your credit scores as carefully as some people tend their gardens? Credit scores are like gardens: if you don’t give them care and attention, a nasty bad score can show up and ruin everything. If you want to get to the root of your credit scores, FreeScore will help you do the digging.

Know Before You Grow

Before you try to cultivate favor with lenders, insurers and employers, you need to know your 3 credit scores. FreeScore lets you know if your credit scores are flourishing or wilting. And that’s important, because you can’t negotiate the best interest rates without knowing what each of the three national credit bureaus –TransUnion, Experian and Equifax — has to say about your credit scores.

Monitor New Accounts

Have you ever started a garden, only to find a pervasive weed has snuck in? If you don’t monitor newly opened accounts in your name, you could fall prey to identity theft and not realize it until you receive collection calls for debt you didn’t charge. But with FreeScore, you don’t have to monitor your credit for suspicious activity; we do it for you, and let you rest easy knowing that a thief won’t sow seeds that will lead to bad credit scores.

Be On The Alert

If only there were some way for a garden to tell you it needs water, or that a new type of bug has been feasting on its leaves. Fortunately, FreeScore protects your credit with instant alerts, letting you know when there’s a change in your credit profile.

Signing up for FreeScore.com is like hiring an overseer for your garden. You can get all 3 credit scores, 24/7 credit monitoring, and credit alerts from all three bureaus. Only FreeScore gives you the power of these 3 features, so you know if your scores are blooming while avoiding potential weeds like Billy Bad Score, year after year. When it comes to planting the seeds of a fertile financial future, one bad score can ruin everything.

Posted in Credit Tips, Personal Finances | No Comments »

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