Posted by
admin – October 21, 2009
Many people have been left in dire straits as a result of the credit crunch. It is very confusing and frustrating because through no fault of our own, and because of nothing that we have actually physically done, we realize that we will suffer for the mistakes of the big financial corporations. We also now realize that these same corporations are finally clamping down. With less money in everyone’s pockets, it might be time to try to get a bank loan.
When times are so hard, people often turn to avenues they would normally never dream of. Pawn shops start to spring up where small retailers used to be, and money lenders abound everywhere you turn. Many people find that there is a short term fix to be had by pawning their precious possessions, but these kinds of sticking plaster never last long.
Especially in the case of the unemployed, if you pawn something you have, and with no money coming in, then what happens next month and the month after? A situation like this can lead to really serious problems in the long term and could end up with court summons or some other worse consequences.
It does look like things are getting better. Financiers are starting to make comments about ‘the green shoots of recovery’. With this turning point, some of the banks are starting to loosen up their terms. A lot of them have loans available for people with bad credit albeit at much higher interest rates than for the normal loans. These types of loans can fill a bigger hole than going to a pawn shop can.
These loans are also a great way to redeem a bad credit score. You never know, it could be a turning point for you as well as the economy.
Posted by
admin – March 20, 2009
While improving your credit can be a slow process there are several things you can do, in addition to the obvious basics, that will help you improve your credit score and establish you as a credit worthy individual a little bit faster. Steady bill paying and paying down debt should be your top priority, but it is true that where there is a will, there is a way, even when it comes to credit. Here are a few ideas to help you re-establish your credit faster that might take a little more digging, but are available even to those with lower credit scores.
While it might not seem like the most obvious things to do, it is sometimes necessary to open a new line of credit which will help establish you as someone who is creditworthy and improve your overall FICO score in the future. Anyone with bad credit knows it is almost impossible to be approved for a credit card though, so apply for a secured credit card that will help you begin to build a better credit history. There are several small banks throughout the nation that will extend these secure loans with a bank account to account as security for the credit line.
Another simple way to show that you are creditworthy and a reliable lender is to apply for lines of credit from stores and businesses. This is harder to do when your credit score is really low as far as national chains go, but if you look for lending opportunities on a local level you might find some businesses that are willing to work for you. Of course, once you have gained a line of credit or a secure credit card it is important that you stay on top of the payments so that you are able to use them later as proof of your credit growth.
One of the most damaging things that can happen to your credit is for a lender to sell off your bills to a collection agency. If at all possible, swallow your pride and answer the phone calls that are coming from your creditors to see if there is any way you can work with them to get your bill paid in a way that is more manageable to you. Creditors are not always as unwilling to listen as you may think and reaching a new payment plan or schedule with them is sometimes all they need to be convinced that you are still committed to paying off the debt you owe them. The same thing goes for collection agencies if your debts have already been handed over. Many people do not realize that collection agencies can enter a judgment against them in court to attempt to gain payment and those judgments then remain on your credit report for seven years.
Above all, it is important to request and review your credit report as often as possible. Not only will tell you where you stand, but it allows you to catch items that may be damaging sooner rather than later. With time and a little perseverance you can bring your score up to a level that you were once used to.