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Is there such a thing as a free credit report?
You've seen TV commercials and pop-up ads promising free credit reports. But are these offers legit? And if credit reports are free, why don't more people request them?
CREDIT & DEBT MANAGEMENT
There are many ways to keep debt down and your credit score up. In Credit & Debt Management, topics include credit reports, bankruptcy, how credit cards work and new technology.
What's the real story?
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10 Healthy Ways to Build CreditFor something so relatively easy to obtain, credit can easily cause a careless borrower lots of stress. Here are 10 simple ways to build credit -- and keep it. See more »
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Does it hurt my credit score when I pull my credit report?
It's a piece of advice you've probably heard: Don't pull your credit report too often, or you'll hurt your score. But what's a soul to do when you're shopping around for the best interest rates on a new house or car? How often can you look at your re See more »
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Dollars and Sense: Credit Score Challenge
Your credit score plays a large part in whether you can buy a house or car. In certain circumstances, it even affects whether you can get a job. But where does the number come from? See more »
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Eye On the Money: Test Your Debt Knowledge
Debt can be a complex problem, between managing your interest rates, knowing your rights and sticking to your payment plans. Take the debt quiz to see just how much you know about paying off that debt. See more »
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How 3-in-1 Credit Reports Work
When it comes to credit, a little discipline and diligence go a long way. You could call each of the three credit bureaus and compare their reports side by side, or you can order a 3-in-1 credit report and save some time. See more »
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How Amortization Works
The word "mortgage" comes from an old French phrase meaning "death pledge" and the concept of amortization comes from the same etymological root. Contrary to popular belief, the latter phrase isn't scary -- in fact, it makes paying your mortgage easier. See more »
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How Bankruptcy Works
It's bad enough when an individual has to file for bankruptcy, but filings by high-profile companies like Adelphia can have a big impact on the economy. What exactly does it mean to file for bankruptcy? See more »
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How Blink Technology Works
Tired of all that time-consuming swiping at the register? Credit cards using contactless technology allow you to pay for stuff by holding the card near a special reader instead of handing it to a clerk or wondering if you slide it with the stripe facing up or down. See more »
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How Consumer Credit Counseling Works
If you're trying to work your way out of debt, consumer credit counseling might be a good step to take. What happens during, and after, the counseling session? See more »
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How Credit Cards Work
These days, more people buy with credit than with cash, and most of them have the credit card debt to show for it. Learn all about credit cards, from the magnetic stripe to how you can get rid of that high-interest balance. See more »
