Take steps to protect your credit during divorce

By Mike Mastracci

Credit scores are important, more than ever. When you separate or divorce, special care needs to be taken to protect your scores. Duriing these times of chane , it might be wise to shop around.

How you deal with the related credit issues pertaining to a marital separation and divorce is important for both your short and long term financial recovery. Many credit restoration companies thrive when the divorce rates rise. In challengiong financial times, debt management can take on a whole new meaning.

There are a few basic steps you can take to help lessen the financial pain.

. Consider tearing up all your cards.

. Separate joint debt into manageable chunks.

. Do a creit check on yourself and you spouse, if he or she agrees.

Try to agree on one appraiser rather than shopping for a "buyers" appraiser or a "seller's" appraiser.

Next to housing, generally auto expenses are one of the larger monthly bills that couples have to deal with. When it comes down to prioritizing what gets paid on time and what gets paid late or not at all, the importance of a vehicle is more pronounced than ever. It sure would be a drag to see your car being towed away by Rob the Repo Guy.

Once the damage is done to your credit rating, it takes a long time and a lot of work to restore it. You may be well advised to use the services of a credit restoration service if needed. The credit repair gurus are salavating these days.

When divorce cripples the family budget, not only does the stress level rise, but so too, does the likelihood of filing for bankruptcy. Despite new laws enacted in 2005 that tightened the requirements for bankruptcy, many people still see it as an easy way out of crushing financial debt. Unfortunately, some spouses also believe bankruptcy will allow them to escape their spousal or child support obligations during or after the divorce; wrong.

Despite the changes in bankruptcy laws in the last few years, it is still pretty easy to walk away from many individual and marital obligations.

About the Author:

If you are thinking about a separation and divorce, have concerns about your finances, credit and legal rights get Free Divorce and Financial Information and Resources. It is important to avoid credit problems when you are in transition. At the Divorce Without Dishonor website you can find Free Divorce and Financial Information and Resources

Get the Scoop; Mortgage Refinancing in Phoenix

By Khevin Mackleprang

In regards to mortgage refinancing in Phoenix, some questions have been left unclear or even unanswered. How refinancing affect my credit? Will refinancing even be beneficial? Will my monthly payments be lower? In regards to these questions and similar questions about mortgage refinancing in Phoenix, please consider the information presented in this article.

A frequently proposed question by individuals wishing to learn more about mortgage refinancing in Phoenix is; will refinancing be advantageous for me? The answer to that question is not always the same and has a tendency to change based on a person's specific circumstance. In general, refinancing is done for many different reasons; obtaining a lower interest rate, decrease monthly payments, or to even change the actual terms of the loan.

Often people choose to refinance because they are looking to change to a fixed rate from an adjustable rate in order to consolidate debt. This process allows participants to refinance for a higher loan amount and use the additional money to pay off other debt. Because every situation is different, it is important to consult an expert to have your questions answered. For those wishing to take advantage of a mortgage refinancing in Phoenix, we recommend Mesa Mortgage.

People wishing to learn more about mortgage refinancing in Phoenix often are concerned about the potential costs involved. These costs can vary from situation to situation. You may have to pay an application fee or a processing fee. Additionally, you will be asked to pay closing costs. It is important to find a mortgage company with competitive rates. Mesa Mortgage in the Phoenix area always offers rates below the national average.

Regarding mortgage refinancing in Phoenix, a question that is commonly asked is; will refinancing harm my credit? Refinancing should have very little influence on your credit. But one thing that should be noted is that for every time your credit record is checked by a mortgage company your credit can be slightly affected. It is for this reason that it important to shop mortgage companies first. Mesa Mortgage always offers rates that are lower than the national average.

Questions regarding cash-out options are often asked when individuals are considering a mortgage refinancing in Phoenix. A cash-out allows individuals with enough equity to refinance with a loan that is larger than their current mortgage and keep the difference. Generally this money is used for home improvement or for other debt.

When taking advantage of mortgage refinancing in Phoenix, many people want to know if their monthly payments will decrease. Generally speaking, monthly payments will decrease as the life of the loan is increased. However there are certain things that could prevent this. Because every situation is different it is important to consult a mortgage expert for answers to specific questions.

Since Mesa Mortgage first opened its doors, it has proudly become the company that people turn to when they want to learn more about mortgage refinancing in Phoenix. Mesa Mortgage always offers lower rates than the national average. For people in the Phoenix area looking into refinancing, please consider Mesa Mortgage.

About the Author:

Looking to Save MORE MONEY on Mortgage Refinancing in Phoenix? Pick the mortgage company with rates that are CONSISTENTLY below the national average; Mesa Mortgage! Save more today!!

Credit Card Companies

By William Blake

There are very few people who do not recognize the benefit of having a credit card. If you have ever been in a situation where you need to purchase something but do not have the funds available, you know what an asset a credit card is. Having a good credit card with a good company is important. You wan to be with a company that will provide good service for their product and be there for you in all aspects of your finances.

How to Choose the Right Credit Card Services

There are thousands of credit card companies that want your business so it is important that you do your homework. There are some things that should be considered before you make the final decision on a credit card that is right for you. The terms of the credit card, credit limit, interest rate, and any fees involved, are all things you need well aware of. With this information you are in a good position to make a wise decision.

The Importance of the Interest Rate

Some people pay their credit card balances in full each month to avoid paying any interest on balances carrying to the next month. However, at times this is not possible and you may need a little more time. That is why your interest rate is very important. If you have a high interest rate you will pay a lot more for all of your purchases in the long run.

What Is an Annual Fee?

Good credit cards have no annual fee ? the amount charged annually for the privilege of having the service. Some credit cards have annual fees of up to $100, and some even higher. If at all possible you want to obtain a card that has no annual fee and save yourself that extra money.

If you do have a card that has an annual fee, you may have a lower percentage rate. You will need to take these things into consideration and decide what is best for you.

About the Author:

Are you tired of barely keeping up with your credit card debt? Learn how to deal with excessive credit card debt on the Debtopedia website. Visit http://www.debtopedia.com for a free copy of my "Secrets Of Credit Card Debt" report.

The Continuing Agony Of Identity THeft

By Darren Cason

A person that becomes a victim of identity theft is a victim for life. This is because no matter how often the law reassures you that they are trying to fix the problem, they are lying. I was a victim of identity theft. The second time this occurred, I reported the problem to the police. Their reaction was to ask a few questions and give me a report number - no further action was taken. So I reported both this and the crime to the Federal Trade Commission (this was in 2000), but I am still waiting for a response - and the perpetrator is still committing the crimes!

When I informed the credit bureaus of my dilemma, they made no attempt to remove the charges. They simply put a comment on my records to the effect that it was "resolved". I am aware of other people who have faired far worse, some of whom have been summoned to court to answer for debts that they could not possibly have incurred. These people lived on the opposite side of the world to where the perpetrator was committing the offenses. How outrageous is it that the victims of crime have to suffer again and again because so few who could make a difference decide to act.

It is the case that with most instances of identity theft that is not involving a company, but rather an individual, they will receive little or no assistance at all. These individuals are denied credit because of the ramifications of the identity theft and are often placed in financial hardship. Some states place a "freeze" on credit reports. This should be the case in all states as it prevents anyone except the rightful owner of the credit to review the reports. The majority of states will place "fraud alerts" for up to three months on a credit report, but this achieves little - nothing is removed from the report. It can actually give the wrong impression.

It appears then, that it is our responsibility to protect ourselves from identity theft. Thieves are finding it increasingly easy, with the advancements in technology, to "steal" a person's identity. Government data bases are protected by sophisticated "firewalls", but still this is not enough to prevent thieves from hacking into accounts.

The newer credit cards available have microchips in them. These are supposed to prevent identity thieves from using them. This is not the case, as most identity thieves are already aware of the technology behind the chip and are able to bypass it.

The biggest and most "convenient" place for an identity thief to work is the world wide web. Even with firewalls and anti-hacker programs, anti-virus software and spy detectors, it is still not entirely safe to use the Internet. In 2004, an estimated eleven million people fell prey to identity theft, most of which were through the Internet.

It is the case that some cases of identity theft were perpetrated by friends, neighbors, family members or colleagues. One such case involved a couple, who moved from England to the States. When they arrived, they discovered that their identity had been "stolen" and they were left to answer a summons for debts they did not incur.

Some creditors and financial lenders will go so far as to accuse a victim of identity theft of fabricating the story of increase debts on your part or to avoid any poor credit rating, even when it has been proven that they were not responsible.

About the Author:

Learn more of what Darren Cason has to share over at http://www.debtjerk.com. The more you know the better decisions you can make, like the topic of increase credit rating.

Vital Information On MLM Business

By Don Pedro

With the passage of time business and economics have evolved a lot. Innovative minds have invented new ways and policies for their business. The newest marketing policy that have spread throughout the world in the last century is home based MLM business.

How can someone start the business? There aren't much requirements. Most of the MLM based companies don't require degrees, but the job is to promote the products and the more one can work the more profit one makes. And there are no limited posts there. So anyone, literally anyone can choose to become a full time or part time MLM partner.

MLM business policy has become extremely popular in online world. If you have the potential, want to do something great out of MLM you will show success, that's almost assured. But what you need to stay aware of is that, there are also frauds who can turn your MLM experience into a nightmare. So be careful with your hard earned money before judging him enough.

Thanks to World Wide Web, this has made home based MLM business easier. There you will find many companies relying on this revolutionary form of marketing. The first and foremost of the representatives is to promote the industrial products and the more they can sell the more profit they gain. If you can stay away from those frauds and find the right link to MLM business you are sure to get to the highest level with your income.

Even though you won't be incoming much at the beginning, but with tie and patience there's scopes for almost anyone to reach a position where MLM form of business can become as much productive as a full time job. On the other hand MLM policy helps the companies to reach the heart of their buyers more quickly because of their vast representative's network.

For those who prefer working on their own or looking for a part time job without much investment or high qualification can easily make their monthly allowance with MLM business. However, you need to be aware of the problems that go along with multi level marketing.

But is it like that you are hesitating because, what others are thinking about the business? If you are confident enough and you have both long and short term goals to achieve and ready to go through the initial stages surely you will have better days in MLM.

About the Author:

Don Pedro provides interesting information about Network Marketing Companies In The World , and Multi Level Marketing Companies on the resource site at http://www.about-mlm.com

How to Dispute Equifax

By Justin Hutto

You can dispute a bad credit listing on your Equifax credit report by creating a dispute letter. In your letter you must identify the disputed listing and provide an explanation as to why it is incorrect.

There are two options to do this; you can do it yourself or hire a credit repair service to do it on your behalf. However be aware if you do it yourself that you must send a letter to each credit bureau.

This means that simply disputing an item with Equifax will not remove the item from your Transunion or Experian credit report. Instead you will have to send each of the bureaus a dispute letter.

Common reasons to dispute a bad credit item include; information is wrong, item is out of date, account paid in full and more. The Fair Credit Reporting Act passed by congress gives you the right to dispute any item on your credit report.

In addition this act says the bureaus must remove a listing from your report if it can not be verified. This act is what the dispute process is based upon.

When the bureaus receive your dispute they will investigate. During this investigation they will contact the creator of the item and request verification of the account, the dates, and the balance.

In the item is not verified then the bureau must remove it from your credit report. Frequently investigations will result in the removal of bad credit from your report. This happens because many businesses are not willing to spend the resources to verify disputed debts.

However before the bureau will investigate your dispute they must say it is valid. There is no clear cut definition of what a valid dispute is.

It is common for bureaus to respond to a dispute letter with another letter that requests more information about the dispute. This is said to be a stall tactic the bureaus use to avoid conducing and investigation.

This is because it will only cost the bureaus money to investigate disputes. The bureaus customers are businesses and only because of government law is there a dispute process.

I suggest a credit repair service if you have multiple listings you wish to dispute. However you can repair your credit yourself if you have minor damage, be patient and persistent.

In sum you can remove bad credit items before seven years. You can dispute the bureaus and have the negative item removed.

About the Author:

For a free sample dispute letter or to learn more about how to remove bad credit items such as a charge off visit us.

Saving As Much As Possible While Shopping For Shoes

By Chris Channing

What is more fashionable than saving tons of money and wearing the seasons hottest shoes? Little else. Shoe shopping is dreaded by some, and loved by many. Nothing can make a woman feel sexier than a nice pair of kitten heels, and nothing can make a man seem put together than a pair of amazing dress shoes. Shoes come in many shapes, sizes, fashions, and prices. Its easy to find what you want, and at an extraordinary value.

When shoe shopping you can save more money. Prepare in advanced, and become familiar with the stores near you that offer the best deals. Don't neglect the online versions, and other online shops. These are likely to have great offers for great shoes, so stay on your toes and keep looking for the right match for you.

If you have coupons or coupon codes, bring those along too. Some exclude clearance and sale items, but you can usually talk the manager into letting you use them anyway. Coupons can deduct an extra $1 or an extra $20 off of your total. This adds up if you buy shoes frequently.

Never forget to check many different stores for the same pair of shoes. If the shoe is an exclusive, then you will likely have to result to saving money on shoe shopping with an online purchase. Getting a great shoe price isn't difficult, it just requires patience and willingness to spend time looking for the absolute best offer out there.

Beware of those deals that seem too good to be true. Promises of a percentage off if you spend this much are not worth it. Examine your options and see what really saves you the most money. Being informed and aware of how much you can save is always important when saving money on shoes.

Sales persons that look to push things on you or force you into buying a product that you simply do not want or even like, are annoying. Its easy for them to distract you and convince you to buy something that you will never use. Do not fall into these traps, because you will end up spending entirely too much!

Closing Comments

Basic money saving skills are useful for saving money while shopping for shoes. Tiny tidbits of advice can go a long way when you need to find the perfect fashionable shoes for the lowest prices.

About the Author:

Learn more on Womens Sneakers and Mens Sneakers.

Credit Repair After Bankruptcy

By Derrick A. Clayton

There are ways to repair your credit file after a bankruptcy. Although these procedures will not help overnight, they can be used to help repair your credit over time. Taking the needed steps to remove the bankruptcy record from your report or to improve your credit after a bankruptcy can place you on the right track to prepare your credit report and score for the future.

There are steps you can take after bankruptcy to fix your credit report.

Any debts that were removed during bankruptcy will listed as either "Charge-off" or "BK Liq Reo." The bankruptcy will itself show up under the public record section as a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13.

The only way to eliminate the bankruptcy itself from your credit report is to dispute it directly with the credit reporting companies. You can usually find some error in the reporting of the bankruptcy, since the information is entered by a human being.

Look closely on your credit report for any error the person made when adding up all of the bankruptcy accounts. They often round the number to the next dollar amount and this is technically not the actual amount. Therefore, you could challenge this and in many cases the bankruptcy will be eliminated.

Often, bankruptcies are easier to extinguish than other listings on your credit report. This is because bankruptcy files contain a plethora of information, so the likelihood of human error is extremely high as items are typically entered by busy or overworked court employees.

Working with a governmental office is markedly different from working with private subscribers. Getting the government to cooperate will make it hard for the credit bureau to reply to your dispute letter within the selected time, and the government's bureaucracy can work in your favor.

This next step is important: send a letter of dispute to all three major credit bureaus, not to the court that filed the bankruptcy claim. The credit bureau will need to correct any of the incorrect information on the credit report in a specific amount of time or eradicate the information from the report. You should take advantage of this system.

Remember that bankruptcy is not the end of your credit life, and it can even be easy to resolve compared to the many minor negative items that may show on your report. Look over your bankruptcy records thoroughly, determine if there are any mistakes, and then make your claim with the bureau demanding them to remove it from your credit report so that you can have a fresh start.

About the Author:

The best credit repair solution I've discovered is Credit Repair Magic, available at CreditRepairMagic.com. It's the fastest and best value credit repair system I've seen. Don't waste your time and money with useless e-books or ridiculously overpriced monthly services. Invest in the highest quality program to dispute bad credit today.