http://blog.familycredit.org Your Source For Objective Financial Advice Thu, 03 Jul 2008 21:40:18 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en If you are like most Americans you probably use an automatic teller machine (ATM) or your debit card quite often. Credit Counselors warn that there are many ways that thieves can steal cash or your personal information from you and now they are doing it directly at the ATM machine. ... http://blog.familycredit.org/credit-counseling/beware-atm-users/ As you are likely aware, household costs have increased tremendously since last year. Gas is up 21%, food 5%, and home energy 9%. Credit counseling agencies have been giving their clients some tips for saving on those daily living expenses. Make a shopping list. Researchers find that making a shopping ... http://blog.familycredit.org/money-saving-tips/helpful-saving-tips-to-help-battle-rising-living-costs/ First of all, reverse mortgages are not meant for everyone and according to Housing Counselors, should not be used unless it’s a necessity. Essentially, this loan is borrowed against your home’s equity and is paid out in a lump sum or in monthly installments to the homeowners. The amount of ... http://blog.familycredit.org/home/what-you-need-to-know-before-considering-a-reverse-mortgage/ Gas prices are high and consumers are feeling the pinch at the pump. With gas prices nearing $4.00 per gallon, credit counselors are urging you to save gas whenever possible. You can try the following methods to maximize a tank of gas: • Consolidate your errands and do whatever possible to limit ... http://blog.familycredit.org/uncategorized/quick-tips-on-reducing-gasoline-usage/ During hard times, you may find yourself in a position where you may have to face possibly foreclosing on your home. Foreclosure prevention counselors advise that this has become a very common situation for many Americans these days and unfortunately, it has caused a new trend among scam-artists. Beware ... http://blog.familycredit.org/credit-counseling/avoid-falling-victim-to-foreclosure-scams/ When it comes to budgeting, credit counselors often advise to plan ahead. There are many costs that are not necessarily considered monthly expenses that you may be forgetting to include in your monthly budget such as car maintenance (including city and plate license), car insurance, school clothes, school supplies, insurance premiums ... http://blog.familycredit.org/budget/does-your-budget-allow-for-unexpected-expenses/ It is still possible to obtain a credit card, even with bad credit. If your are in this situation, you will most likely have to pay more and your card’s terms may be more inflexible than those of the average credit card owner. If you still owe bad debts, call ... http://blog.familycredit.org/credit-cards/bad-credit-no-credit-here%e2%80%99s-what-you-can-do/ Are you planning to apply for credit? Consider checking your credit report first. Know that when applying for a credit card or a major purchase like a mortgage, the contents of your credit report will determine how much it will cost you if approved. When considering your application, your lender will ... http://blog.familycredit.org/credit-reports/pulling-your-credit-report/ Why is my credit score so important? Credit scores are used for so many things like applying for credit cards, mortgages, loans, and can even be considered by certain employers while screening their applicants for employment. While there is no absolute answer to what a lender will consider a ... http://blog.familycredit.org/credit-reports/whats-in-your-credit-score/ It's official! Our government has approved tax rebates that we can expect to start seeing around late May to early June. Those who are single, with no children, can expect around $600.00 and married couples with children can expect about $1,200.00 plus an additional $300.00 per child. Credit counseling agencies ... http://blog.familycredit.org/finance/what-will-you-do-with-your-tax-rebate/