Most people finance their homes with mortgages and pay for their cars with loans. Young people often obtain loans to pay for college. And, of course, lots of people make purchases with credit cards.

You can't expect to receive credit as a matter of course, however. You must apply for it. And just as you would hesitate to lend money to a stranger, banks, retailers, or finance companies will not grant you credit without knowing something about you.

It used to be that a retailer or bank would have to call each creditor you listed on an application form before they would decide to extend credit to you. Today, they rely on credit reports, so it's important for you to know what is in yours.

What Is a Credit Report?

A credit report is a record of your credit activities. It lists any credit-card accounts or loans you may have, the balances, and how regularly you make your payments. It also shows if any action has been taken against you because of unpaid bills.

Where Do Credit Reports Come from?

A company that gathers and sells credit information is called a consumer reporting agency (CRA). These types of companies collect information about your credit activities, store it in giant databases, and charge a fee for supplying the information. The most common type of CRA is the credit bureau.

There are three major credit bureaus that operate nationwide, plus many smaller companies serving local markets.

What Is a Credit Rating?

Your credit rating is drawn from your credit report, which outlines your borrowing, charging, and repayment activities. A good rating helps you reach financial goals; a poor rating limits your financial opportunities.

Since your credit report influences whether you are able to buy a home and get a job, it is extremely important to protect your credit rating by making loan and bill payments on time and by not taking on more debt than you can handle.

Who Is Allowed to See Your Credit Report?

Credit bureaus can provide information only to the following requestors: (1) creditors who are considering granting or have granted you credit; (2) employers considering you for employment, promotion, reassignment, or retention; (3) insurers considering you for an insurance policy or reviewing an existing policy; (4) government agencies reviewing your financial status or government benefits; and (5) anyone else with a legitimate business need for the information, such as a potential landlord.

Credit bureaus also furnish reports if required by court orders or federal jury subpoenas. They will also issue your report to a third party if you request this in writing.

What Type of Information Is on Your Credit Report?

There are usually four types of information:

1. Identifying Information: Your full name, any known aliases, current and previous addresses, social security number, year of birth, current and past employers, and, if applicable, similar information about your spouse.
   
   
2. Credit Information: The accounts you have with banks, retailers, credit-card issuers, utility companies, and other lenders (accounts are listed by type of loan, such as mortgage, student loan, revolving credit, or installment loan; the date you opened the account; your credit limit or the loan amount; any co-signers of the loan; and your payment pattern over the past two years).
   
   
3. Public Record Information: State and county court records on bankruptcy, tax liens, or monetary judgments (some consumer reporting agencies list non-monetary judgments as well).
   
   
4. Recent Inquiries: The names of those who have obtained copies of your credit report within the past year (two years for employment purposes).

Where Do the Consumer Reporting Agencies Get Their Information?

Credit bureaus collect information from parties that have previously extended credit to you, such as a department store that issued you a credit card or a bank that granted you a personal loan.

Who Decides whether or not to Grant You a Loan?

The lenders themselves make the decision about whether or not to grant you credit. The credit-reporting companies only supply the information about your credit history.

Why Should You Obtain a Copy of Your Credit Report?

To avoid any unwelcome surprises, it's important to see a copy of your credit report before you apply for credit such as car loans, mortgages, or credit cards. Errors in credit reports can be common. Keep in mind, however, that they are not part of a conspiracy against you. They are simply the result of human error.

How Do Errors in Reports Happen?

Think about how often your mail has a misspelling of your name or a mistake in your street address. Then, imagine the possibility for error in a report that contains much more information about you. Cases of mistaken identity, out-of-date information, and outright errors can easily occur.

How Do You Correct an Error on Your Credit Report?

Contact the consumer credit reporting agency immediately. The company is then responsible for researching and changing or removing incorrect data. This process may take as long as 45 days. At your request, a corrected report will be sent to those parties that you specify who have received your report within the past six months, or employers who have received it within the last two years.

What if the Consumer Reporting Agency Stands by Its Report?

You have the right to present your side of the story in a brief statement (100 words or less), which the credit bureau must attach to your credit file. Your statement should be used to clarify inaccuracies, not explain reasons for delinquency. Anyone requesting a copy of your credit report would also automatically receive your statement (or a summary of it), unless the credit bureau decides that it is irrelevant or frivolous.

What Should You Do if You Are Denied Credit because of Something in Your Credit Report?

The lender who denied you credit must give you the name and address of the credit bureau that produced the credit report. Then, you have up to 30 days to request a free copy of your report.

The credit bureau must tell you the nature and substance of all information contained in your report. It must also tell you the sources of the information and who has received your report for the previous six months (two years for reports furnished for employment purposes).

How Long Does Information Stay on Your Credit Report?

Generally, all your credit history information, good or bad, remains on your report for seven years. If you file for personal bankruptcy, that fact remains on your credit report for 10 years.

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A diagram showing the front side of a typical credit/debit card.

• (1) is the bank logo.
• (2) is the EMV chip (commonly referred to as 'Chip And Pin')
• (3) is the Hologram
• (4) is the 16 digit card number
• (5) is the logo of the card type
• (6) is the expiry date
• (7) is the name of the cardholder

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The plastic credit card with a magnetic strip many people carry in their wallets or purses is the end result of a complex banking process. Holders of a valid credit card have the authorization to purchase goods and services up to a predetermined amount, called a credit limit. The vendor receives essential credit card information from the cardholder, the bank issuing the card actually reimburses the vendor, and eventually the cardholder repays the bank through regular monthly payments. If the entire balance is not paid in full, the credit card issuer can legally charge interest fees on the unpaid portion.

Individual banking institutions have their own policies when it comes to credit card applications. Customers may seek either a secured or unsecured credit card, depending on their individual repayment histories. A secured credit card requires the applicant to deposit an amount of cash equivalent to the credit limit desired. A deposit of $1500 USD, for example, should be enough to be issued a credit card with a $1000 to $1500 spending limit. If the customer fails to make sufficient payments, the deposited money will be used to satisfy the credit card debt.

An unsecured credit card, on the other hand, is generally issued to those who have a good and have demonstrated an ability to repay the accrued debt on time. Credit limits are determined on an individual basis, and may be raised or lowered based on performance. An unsecured credit card is essentially a pre-approved loan, with higher than a similar personal bank loan. The main benefit of any credit card is instant access to more cash than you may have on hand. A recent college graduate, for example, may have to purchase a business suit for employment purposes. Earning the $200+ USD needed for an average suit could take weeks, and he or she needs the suit in order to earn the income. Putting the suit on a credit card would be the ideal solution; the borrower could repay the balance with his or her first paycheck and few interest charges would accrue.

Credit card use often becomes problematic when the holder accrues more debt than a regular monthly payment can cover. The issuing bank does allow credit card users to carry over balances every month (revolving credit), but significant interest rates may also accrue on those balances. Missing a scheduled payment can also prompt the bank to raise interest rates on a delinquent account. If a credit card holder can only afford to pay the minimal amount due every month, he or she will not be reducing the actual debt incurred. The minimal payments may only apply to the accrued interest. This is a financial spiral many credit card users may experience if they don't use proper spending restraint.

A credit card does give the holder an immediate credibility for services such as hotel reservations, car rentals and airline ticket reservations. Those without a credit card often have to guarantee their reservations with cash deposits or several forms of identification. Many credit card plans also include insurance coverage for theft fraud . If a credit card is reported stolen and then used illegally, the cardholder would not be held responsible for unauthorized charges. A credit card holder can authorize other people to use the card for purchases or services, however. Ultimately, the primary cardholder is responsible for all charges placed on his or her account.

A credit card is not a requirement for successful living, but even those who only pay for goods or services with available cash often find a credit card to be a convenient form of identification and instant credibility. In order to avoid excessive credit card debt, the holder must decide if the goods or services are worth the added expenses.

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When looking for consolidation of private student loans program, first of all one must know all the costs in exchange for the loan borrowed. The most important cost is the fixed cost or likewise known as origination fees. Such costs are supposedly to cover whatever paper works needed in order to process the loan. This fees as the name implies are fixed and so whatever amount of loan that you might borrow, the fees that you need to pay will be the same.

Origination fees are actually a percentage of the total amount of loan. When you are able to acquire low rates of interest for your consolidated student loans, you will however have to deal with higher origination fees.

Because of the current competitive nature of the services on consolidation of private student loans, many lending companies are willing to discount the fixed costs. Some are even afraid not to get loan clients that they completely slash these costs off. This means with just a little more effort in online research, you can actually find a lending company that will change you such costs when availing of their student loan consolidation services.

Imagine the savings that you can enjoy if you obtain a program on consolidation of private student loans with no fees to worry about. Just make sure before you sign a contract with your choice of lender, this clause of non-payment of origination fees is present on the terms and conditions. Great move on lenders to disregard such costs as this entices prospective borrowers to employ their services. On the other, the students further enjoy having less financial responsibility to worry about, which is why they are getting loan consolidation program in the first place.

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A college student knows how expensive it is to stay as one until the time comes when he is finally able to receive his degree. And for some, the only option that they have to take is getting college loans in order to pursue their studies. Tuition fees, books, board and lodging, and other incidental expenses - these are the necessities that one has deal with and pay via many loans in order to maintain good academic standing. However, when the time comes when the repayment of such loans must be faced by the student, he realizes that great burden of doing so. And because of this, student debt consolidation loans can be availed to ease up the financial burden and stress being experienced by the student borrower.


What are student debt consolidation loans? These are the type of loans that are meant to replace the multiple loans initially gotten by the student; it is the consolidation of private student loans as well as government debts. In other words, they are new loans in place of all the burdensome studebt loans that you have obtained during your early years as student. They also help by providing you with a payment plan that are easier and more convenient for you; they can be in a form of smaller, more realistic monthly payments.

Student debt consolidation loans offer smaller payment amount because they have lower rates of interest. With lower rates and payment, you are now given the chance to pay your new debt on time - without fail. Consequently it help you make significant improvement on your credit standing. Of course, as you were able to do away with your previous lenders because of the new loan, it also helps in the improvement of your credit.

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Refinancing is when you apply for a secured loan in order to pay off another different loan secured against the same assets, property etc. If this original loan had a fixed interest rate mortgage which has now declined considerably, then you would like to avail of a new loan at a more favorable interest rate.

When is Refinancing an Option

Typically home refinancing is done when you have a mortgage on your home and apply for a second loan to pay off the first one. While taking the decision to go for the home refinancing option, it is important to first determine whether the amount you save on interests balances the amount of fees payable during refinancing.

Benefits of Home Refinancing

Imagine a scenario where you can have access to extra cash, while simultaneously lowering your monthly mortgage payment. This dream can become a reality through mortgage refinancing.

A house is the largest asset you may ever own. Likewise, your mortgage payment may be the largest expense you'll have in your monthly budget. Wouldn't it be great to use this asset to reduce your monthly payment and put extra cash in your pocket? When you refinance your mortgage, you can take advantage of the equity in your home and enable this to take place.

Lower Refinance Rate, Lower Payments

When you purchased your dream home, the financial environment dictated interest rates. While certain factors, like your credit rating and the amount of the down payment that you were able to afford, influenced your interest rate, the single most important factor was the prevailing rates at that moment. However, interest rates fluctuate. When the Federal Reserve enters a rate-cutting period, the prevailing rates may become significantly lower than when you originally purchased your home.

By refinancing your mortgage when interest rates are lower, you can exchange a higher interest rate for a lower one, which, in turn, will lower your monthly payment.

Shorten the Length of Your Mortgage when Refinancing

Another advantage of home refinancing is that you can shorten the term of your mortgage. Let's say, for example, that you originally had a 30-year mortgage and have been paying it for eight years. Thanks to mortgage refinancing, you can switch to a shorter term of either 10, 15 or 20 years. This can save you thousands of dollars of interest. Also, if the refinance rate is lower, but you maintain the same monthly payment, you will build up equity in your home more quickly, because more of your payment will be going towards principal.

Exchange an Adjustable Rate for a Fixed Refinance Rate

When interest rates are low,adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) are the housing market's darlings. However, as interest rates increase, that adjustable rate may not look as sweet. It's also possible that you opted for an ARM because your financial future was less secure, or you weren't sure how long you'd stay in your home. If, however, you've become financially stable and know that you'll be staying in your home for several years, it may be beneficial to swap that fluctuating adjustable rate for a fixed one. You'll have more security knowing that your monthly payment will remain steady, regardless of the current market environment.

Access to Extra Cash - Cash-out refinancing

One way to put more money in your pocket is to tap into the equity you've built in your home and do a "cash-out" refinancing. In this scenario, you can refinance for an amount higher than your current principal balance and take the extra funds as cash. This can provide money for remodeling your home, paying off high-interest rate bills, or sending your kids to college.

Bye, Bye PMI

If you were unable to make a down payment of 20 percent when you purchased your home, you may have been required to purchase Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI). If your house has appreciated since then, and you've steadily paid down your mortgage, your equity may now be more than 20 percent. If you refinance, you will no longer need PMI.

In many ways, your house is like a cash cow. If you have discipline and knowledge of the benefits of refinancing, you can tap into its milk for years to come.

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Debt consolidation involves taking high-interest balances on a multitude of credit card bills and combining them into a single balance. It can involve a variety of different options, including debt consolidation loans, transferring balances to a zero percent credit card, or a home equity loan or home equity line of credit. Interestingly enough, however, some experts say individuals who take out a home equity loan to pay off credit card debt accumulate similar debt in a two-year period.

The reason for this is simple, accumulating debt is a habit and it is an exceedingly tough habit to break. If your tendency is to overspend, chances are you will continue to do so, even after you've taken out a home equity loan. In addition, if you need debt consolidation, it is likely that you will not qualify for the lowest possible interest rates. Those are reserved for people with the best credit ratings.

Debt Consolidation - What Are The Options?
Having a lot of debt is not uncommon today, and for many, it seems that knowing how to get
out of debt is just about as uncommon, too. If you have a lot of debt and want to find some
relief, there are a number of options that may be available to you.

Still, if you are determined to undergo debt consolidation, there are a few key things you need to know. To begin with, a home equity loan is a fast, simple way to dig yourself out of debt. However, if you have difficulty paying the loan back, you could end up losing your house. In addition, although interest on home equity loans is generally tax deductible, such a tax break could be limited. You may also be tempted to borrow more than you need just because the bank says that you can.

Another possible option is a zero-percent credit card, but you need to be careful about using it. For instance, the zero-percent interest rate may just be an incentive for you to switch cards. At the end of a certain period of time, say 12 months, you'll be back to paying sky-high interest rates. Also, you will only be able to hang onto the low introductory rate as long as you pay your bill on time. If you're late with a single payment, you'll end up paying a much higher interest rate. Additional fees and charges may cause the cost of the credit to soar. In addition, if you end up paying the bare minimum on your credit cards, it will be difficult for you to pay them off any time soon.

What about the conventional debt consolidation loan?
Such a loan can be quite convenient and a real time-saver, enabling you to pay your debt with one single payment each month. You may find that you can get the best rate at a local credit union rather than at a bank. By doing some comparison shopping, you may be able to save quite a bit of money in the long run.

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Homeownership is a large commitment, so the risks associated with homeownership are important to weigh in when deciding whether to become a homeowner now or at some other time in the future.

What are the risks? While every situation is different, here is a list of risks that all homeowners should consider:

• Monthly housing expenses may be more than rental expenses. The amount you commit to paying for housing each month may be more if you're paying a mortgage versus paying rent. In addition to paying for the home itself, you also will be expected to pay for property taxes, insurance and other expenses you probably did not have to pay for while renting. Thus, even if your monthly mortgage payment would be the same amount as your current monthly rent payment, buying a home may be more expensive than continuing to rent.
• You are the landlord. When you commit to owning a home, you become the landlord. That means, if something breaks or needs to be repaired, you pay for it. In addition, you are now responsible for other expenses as part of owning a home, such as paying property taxes, association fees, utility bills, and insurance, the costs of which may increase each year.
• You may need to sell your home to move. If you decide to move, you may need to sell your home. Depending upon market conditions in your neighborhood or state, your home may not sell as quickly as homes in other areas.. In addition, you may need to incur the expense of hiring a real estate agent to assist you in selling your property.
• Property values can remain flat or decline. The value of your home, starting from the price you paid for your property, may remain flat or fall over time. A property can lose its value for a number of reasons, such as changes in the local or national economy, if your home is not well maintained, your neighbors' homes are not well maintained, etc. If and when you decide to sell your home, you may not obtain the same amount you paid for it, and you may owe more than what the property is currently worth. As a result, you may be unable to move or may have to use savings to pay off the difference between the amount you receive from the sale of your home and the balance of your mortgage loan.

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Personally i did not know about equity until i did some research over the internet.Hope it helps you!!please comment:)

Equity is simply the amount of ownership value a homeowner has in the property. Equity is computed by subtracting the total of the unpaid mortgage balance and any outstanding liens or other debts against the property from the property's fair market value.A homeowner's equity increases as he or she pays off the principal balance of the mortgage and/or as the property appreciates in value.When a mortgage and all other debts against the property are paid in full, the homeowner has 100 percent equity in the property.

Equity exists in conjunction with the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio.The LTV ratio is an expression of the value of your property compared to the amount of your loan.You can determine your LTV by dividing your loan amount by your property's value or selling/purchase price, whichever is lower.

For example, let's say you buy a $200,000 home and make a $40,000 down payment with your own money, and cover the remaining $160,000 with a mortgage.Dividing $160,000 by $200,000 gives you a loan-to-value ratio of 80 percent and equity of 20 percent, or $40,000.

If you decide to sell your home at a later date, your equity will be determined based on the fair market value of the home less the amount you still owe on the home. So, continuing with the example above, let's say you live in your home for five years after purchasing it.During that time, you make monthly mortgage payments that reduce the outstanding balance of your mortgage loan by $5,000, from $160,000 to $155,000.In addition, during that five years the value of your house increases, and you are able to sell the house for $220,000.Because you still owe $155,000 on the mortgage, your equity would be determined by subtracting $155,000 from $220,000, which would be $65,000.After you subtract other costs, including the commission paid to a real estate agent to help you sell your home, you could use this equity to make a down payment on your next home.

Conversely, your equity may decrease if the value of your home decreases after you purchase the home.If, for example, instead of increasing to $220,000, the value of the home in the example above decreases to $180,000, your equity would be only $25,000 ($180,000 less $155,000 owed on the mortgage loan).The possibility that your home's value may decrease is discussed below.

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