Job hunting can be a strenuous endeavor, not to mention humbling. It leaves you open to scrutiny and makes you feel vulnerable even if you have nothing to hide. For some, the act of looking for employment opportunities can be a soul-crushing experience. Regular background checks, while annoying, are at best tolerable. But when a prospective employer starts asking if they can check your credit score? That’s where things become a little contentious. Companies can request an employer credit report from one of three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. The use of credit reports in screening job…

Do I Really Have to Show My Credit Report? So you’ve finally decided to move out of your Mom’s basement and rent an apartment. After poring over prospects, you’ve set your sights on this cozy condo located near a major park surrounded by harbor villages and a few upscale restaurants. Better yet, the view of the sunset outside the bedroom window is to die for. You’re getting a new lease (no pun intended) on life and you couldn’t be more excited. And then just as when negotiations are going smoothly, the landlord suddenly asks you to authorize a credit check. Oh…

A bad credit score can affect different aspects of your life. It becomes an obstacle in any major transaction or deal you wish to close. There are many people — from insurers to lenders to employers to landlords — who’ll take an interest in your credit score.  Your credit history contains reports about how you to deal with cash, the extent to which you can be relied on especially when paying your monthly installments, and even the kind of risk you pose. If you don’t have a good credit history, you could end up paying more cash over time and…

When it comes to getting a good credit score, your credit cards can either affect you negatively or positively. There are three main things that can damage your credit report; having too many credit cards, going over the limit of credit cards and having long overdue credit card debts. Let’s examine them one after the other to make sure you aren’t hurting your credit score. Having too many credit cards Opening more than one credit card account within a short timeframe can negatively affect your credit score. It won’t only bring about a drop in your credit score, but card…

It doesn’t matter how much money you have, the credit score is all about staying up to date with different payments. Debt is a lifestyle for people in the USA, with an increase in overall American household debt by 11% in the previous decade. At present, the credit card debt balances for the average U.S household is $16,883 in total, and an average U.S household with any other kind of debt (including mortgages) owes a total of $137,063. The reason for this large increase in debt is because a lot of people don’t know how to smartly handle their debts,…