Newsletter Time

Well October 1st is almost here and we've been working hard on our first of many newsletters. What we are hoping for is lots of great information through personal experience and documentation about managing all kinds of consumer credit issues hopefully BEFORE its really needed. There are so many ways a consumer can mess with his/her own credit without realizing it and without sounding mercenary on the free enterprise system, we are going to attempt to make everyone aware of many financial options open to them. Granted some people let other professionals watch these things for them and still others don't really care (until they are affected by it) but the majority of consumers like you and I need to be aware of all that is around us regarding our options as consumers.

Just like people are told as they walk alone, be aware of your surroundings to prevent becoming a victim of crime, so too, the consumer needs to be aware of their finances so they don't become victims, either of their own lack of information or of others preying on that attitude and deficiency. Having young boys on their own I get feedback from them on the things they need to know as they become independent. For that reason we also have created a Young Adult/Student Corner in the newsletter which addresses many issues for those just getting started as full fledged consumers.

I think it is extremely important that we manipulate our consumer options BEFORE they manipulate us! We can only do that if we have information from which to make our own decisions. We're hoping to show you how to get what you want out of life from those who make you offers through advertising. In other words, empower yourself to be a consumer on your own terms!

With that, I hope if you are reading you will respond with information, situations, questions and experiences as a consumer. I want to know what the burning questions out there are.

For October we have highlighted a few articles that may be of interest. We are looking for more topics for November. October's topics are:

Are free credit reports actually free?

There are 4 ways to obtain a credit report. Be informed and understand them BEFORE you find yourself signing up for something you didn't know you signed up for!


How are your loan balances really being reported to the credit bureaus?

Do you think that just your principal balance is being reported on your loans? Think again! This is an important question to ask a potential lender because it can affect your credit score negatively. Your scores normally go down faster than they go up, so be aware of this practice by some financial institutions before it harms your score and your ability to be accepted for future credit terms.


The Looming Mortgage Crisis.

Congress has asked that mortgage companies assist those high risk borrowers manage their loans in trouble by working with the borrowers. Will mortgage companies bend over backwards for the mortgage holders ?

Student/Young Adult Corner: Banks or Credit Unions?

When you look for your first checking or savings account what should you look for and what questions should you ask? Are you aware of how banks and credit unions make their money? What you really should know to open your first account.

If these topics are interesting (and one reveals a practice that very few have seen yet) feel free to sign up for the newsletter. We promise there will be lots of information you can use and since we hate having spam and people selling our information we will never sell your e-mail address. We don't want it done to us and we won't do it to anyone else.