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Understanding Credit Reports

Family Economics & Financial EducationTake Charge of Your Finances

© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised April 2010– Credit Unit – Understanding Credit Reports – Slide 2 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona

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Credit Report Detectives

Meet Isabella, your new client: • About to graduate from college• In extreme debt• Concerned about finding a job• Doesn’t understand her credit

report

YOUR MISSION:Help Isabella understand her credit report, identify what she did to get into this situation, and decide what she can do to improve her credit report.

© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised April 2010– Credit Unit – Understanding Credit Reports – Slide 3 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona

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The Credit ProcessCredit – when goods, services, and/or money are received in exchange for a promise to pay back a

definite sum of money at a future date.

© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised April 2010– Credit Unit – Understanding Credit Reports – Slide 4 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona

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Isabella’s Story

• What is your analysis of her situation?• Does she need your help?• Why?

IN SMALL GROUPS:READ ISABELLA’S SCENARIO

© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised April 2010– Credit Unit – Understanding Credit Reports – Slide 5 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona

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Credit History Reporting

What they do

Additional Informatio

n

© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised April 2010– Credit Unit – Understanding Credit Reports – Slide 6 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona

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Credit Reporting Agencies

• Acquire information from:

© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised April 2010– Credit Unit – Understanding Credit Reports – Slide 7 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona

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Information can be divided into 4 categories:

• Personal Information• Accounts Summary• Public record items related to

credit• Credit Inquiries

Information in a Credit Report

Lenders may or may not report information to

all three credit reporting agencies.An individual’s information may be different in

each report.

Lenders may or may not report information to

all three credit reporting agencies.An individual’s information may be different in

each report.

© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised April 2010– Credit Unit – Understanding Credit Reports – Slide 8 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona

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Personal Information

Personal Information

• Name and aliases• Current and past

addresses• Social security

number• Date of birth• Employment history

Isabella’s Personal Information:

• Name – Isabella G. Langley

• Addresses – 101 Hopeful Ave. & 695 Parent Street

• Date of birth – 05/04/86• Telephone numbers –

555-354-2368 & 555-198-2358

• Employers – Lucky’s Restaurant & Jane’s Daycare

FIND ISABELLA’S PERSONAL INFORMATION

© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised April 2010– Credit Unit – Understanding Credit Reports – Slide 9 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona

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Accounts Summary• Types of accounts• Date the account

was opened• Credit limit or loan

amount• Account balance• Payment history,

including missed or late payments

Isabella’s Accounts• Sam’s Electronic World• City of Anywhere• U.S. Department of

Education• Financial Institution

School Loan• Shop ‘Til You Drop Store

Credit Card• Love to Read Store Credit

Card• The Free Money Credit

Card

Accounts Summary

WHAT LENDERSDOES ISABELLAHAVE ACCOUNTS WITH?

© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised April 2010– Credit Unit – Understanding Credit Reports – Slide 10 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona

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Isabella’s Late or Missed Payments

• Sam’s Electronic World• Past due

• Store Credit Card• Occasional late

payments

Accounts Summary

DOES ISABELLAHAVE ANY LATE OR MISSED PAYMENTS ON ACCOUNTS ?

© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised April 2010– Credit Unit – Understanding Credit Reports – Slide 11 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona

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Public Record Items

• Accounts turned over to collection agencies

• Public records• Bankruptcy• Tax liens• Legal suits• Foreclosures

Isabella’s Public Record Items• City of Anywhere

• In Collection

Public record items related to credit

IDENTIFY PUBLIC RECORD ITEMSIN ISABELLA’S REPORT

© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised April 2010– Credit Unit – Understanding Credit Reports – Slide 12 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona

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Credit Inquiries

• Requests for an individual’s credit report

• Completed by:• Insurance agencies• Potential credit companies• Financial institutions• Landlords• Potential employers, etc.

WHAT INQUIRIES DOES ISABELLA HAVE ON HER REPORT?

© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised April 2010– Credit Unit – Understanding Credit Reports – Slide 13 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona

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Credit InquiriesNot all credit inquiries are the same!

Type of inquiry

Soft check Hard check

Do they impact your credit score?

Not usually Yes

Examples •Individuals checking their credit reports•Credit card companies pre-approving individuals•Pre-employment checks

Permission given by the individual when seeking credit•Credit card•Automobile loan•Insurance

Individuals should avoid too many hard credit checks at one time!

© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised April 2010– Credit Unit – Understanding Credit Reports – Slide 14 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona

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Isabella’s ReportInquiries

Type of inquiry

Soft checks Hard checks

Examples •A Very Big Bank•Need More Credit•Keeping You Insured•The Dream Sales Job

•Shop ‘Til You Drop

© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised April 2010– Credit Unit – Understanding Credit Reports – Slide 15 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona

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Medical Information

© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised April 2010– Credit Unit – Understanding Credit Reports – Slide 16 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona

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Equal Credit Opportunity Act

• Prohibits credit discrimination on the basis of:• Race• Religion• Marital status• Nationality• Gender • Age

Creditors may ask for this information (except religion) in certain situations, but may not use it

to discriminate when deciding

whether to grant you credit

© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised April 2010– Credit Unit – Understanding Credit Reports – Slide 17 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona

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Credit ScoresMathematical tool created to help a lender evaluate the risk associated with lending a consumer money

•Based upon information in the credit report

•At a particular point in time

•Numeric “grade” of a consumer’s financial reliability

•Used by lenders to determine a consumer’s risk of defaulting on a loan

© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised April 2010– Credit Unit – Understanding Credit Reports – Slide 18 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona

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Credit Scores

• Most common scoring system is FICO

• Credit scores range from 300-850, with 850 being the best score

WHAT ISISABELLA’S SCORE?

© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised April 2010– Credit Unit – Understanding Credit Reports – Slide 19 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona

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Credit Score ImpactTHIS IS BASED UPON A 30 YEAR FIXED

MORTGAGE RATE FOR A $300,000 LOANFICO Score

Interest Rate

Monthly Payment

30 Year Amount

760 5.9% $1,787 $643,320

650 7.2% $2,047 $736,920

590 9.3% $2,500 $900,000

$256,680 saved over the lifetime of this loan because of a good credit

score!

$256,680 saved over the lifetime of this loan because of a good credit

score!

© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised April 2010– Credit Unit – Understanding Credit Reports – Slide 20 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona

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How Credit Scores are Determined

© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised April 2010– Credit Unit – Understanding Credit Reports – Slide 21 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona

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Payment History• The timely manner

in which a consumer did or did not repay debt

• Includes:• Several types of

credit accounts• Late or missed

payments• Public records and

collection items

© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised April 2010– Credit Unit – Understanding Credit Reports – Slide 22 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona

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Payment History• Found in status

column• Payment history

• Sam’s Electronic World is past due

• City of Anywhere is in collection• Shop ‘Til You Drop has

occasional late payments• Love to Read was closed and

never late• The Free Money Credit Card is

paid on time

• Credit score impact• Negative• Too many late accounts

WHAT IS ISABELLA’S PAYMENT HISTORY?

WHAT IMPACTDOES THIS HAVE ON HER CREDIT SCORE?

© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised April 2010– Credit Unit – Understanding Credit Reports – Slide 23 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona

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Outstanding Debt• The total dollar

amount of debt currently held

• Includes balances on all reported accounts

• When a high percentage of debt is used, then it negatively impacts a score

© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised April 2010– Credit Unit – Understanding Credit Reports – Slide 24 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona

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Outstanding Debt• Total debt

• Found in recent balance column

• $37,325

• Available credit• Found in credit limit

column• $37,546

• Impact• Negative• $37,546-$37,325 =

$221 she is using almost all her available credit

HOW MUCH TOTAL DEBT DOES ISABELLAHAVE?HOW MUCH AVAILABLE CREDIT ISISABELLA USING?WHAT IMPACT DOESTHIS HAVE ON HERCREDIT SCORE?

© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised April 2010– Credit Unit – Understanding Credit Reports – Slide 25 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona

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Length of Credit History• Length of time a

consumer has held credit accounts

• Includes how long ago credit accounts were established

• A longer credit history will generally increase a credit score

© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised April 2010– Credit Unit – Understanding Credit Reports – Slide 26 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona

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Length of Credit History• Credit history

• Found in date opened column

• 08/05 U.S. Dept. of Education

• Free Money Credit Card• Score will improve

WHEN DID ISABELLAFIRST BEGIN HERCREDIT HISTORY?

IF ISABELLA KEEPS HERFREE MONEY CREDITCARD OPEN FOR ANOTHER 10 YEARS AND PAYSOFF THE BALANCE, WHAT WILL HAPPEN?

© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised April 2010– Credit Unit – Understanding Credit Reports – Slide 27 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona

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Pursuit of New Credit• Assesses how many

accounts have been opened recently and the type of account

• Includes the number of recently opened accounts as well as requests for new credit

• Opening too many types of accounts in a short period of time has a negative affect

© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised April 2010– Credit Unit – Understanding Credit Reports – Slide 28 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona

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New Credit• Additional credit

• Shop ‘Til You Drop in August 2008

• Impact of seeking additional credit• Credit score will

go down

HAS ISABELLA PURSUED ANY ADDITIONAL CREDITSINCE JANUARY 2008?IF ISABELLA ACQUIREDANOTHER CREDIT CARD AND SHOPPED FORAN AUTOMOBILE LOAN, WHAT WOULD HAPPEN TO HER SCORE?

© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised April 2010– Credit Unit – Understanding Credit Reports – Slide 29 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona

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Types of Credit in Use• Analyzes the types

of credit in use• Credit cards, retail

cards, mortgages, automobile loans, etc.

• Variety is generally good to have

© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised April 2010– Credit Unit – Understanding Credit Reports – Slide 30 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona

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Credit in Use• Types

• Credit card (revolving)• School loan

(installment)• Private school loan

(installment)• Store cards (revolving)

• Additional forms• Mortgage• Automobile loan

WHAT TYPES OFCREDIT DOES ISABELLA HAVE?

WHAT ARE ADDITIONAL FORMSOF CREDIT SHE MAY SEEK?

© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised April 2010– Credit Unit – Understanding Credit Reports – Slide 31 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona

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Information not included in a FICO score

• FICO score is only based upon credit use• Information not included is:

• Personal information such as age, where you live, marital status, race, color, religion, national origin, gender

• Employment information• Interest rates charged on accounts• Overall wealth (assets an individual may

have)These variables may still be considered when a lender

reviews a loan application.

© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised April 2010– Credit Unit – Understanding Credit Reports – Slide 32 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona

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Positive vs. Negative Credit Impact

Positive• Informs the lender

a consumer is:• Financially

responsible• Less risk

• Benefits to the consumer• Lower interest rates• Access to additional

credit

Negative• Informs the lender a

consumer is:• Not financially

responsible• May be a higher risk

• Impact on the consumer• May pay higher interest

rates• May not be able to

qualify for credit• May limit employment

opportunities

IS ISABELLA A POSITIVEOR A NEGATIVE RISK?WHY?

© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised April 2010– Credit Unit – Understanding Credit Reports – Slide 33 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona

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Activity - What You Do Makes a Difference

1. Instructor will read a scenario2. Determine if the scenario will have

a positive or negative impact on an individual’s credit report

3. Move to the side of the room representing your selected answer

4. Be prepared to explain “why”

© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised April 2010– Credit Unit – Understanding Credit Reports – Slide 34 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona

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Activity

NegativeJoey owes the store the money which was agreed upon in the contractMay be responsible for additional feesHe may be referred to collections

© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised April 2010– Credit Unit – Understanding Credit Reports – Slide 35 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona

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Activity

PositiveAn excellent habit for building a positive report

© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised April 2010– Credit Unit – Understanding Credit Reports – Slide 36 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona

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Activity

NegativeFernando is responsible for the movie replacement

Could be reported to collections

© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised April 2010– Credit Unit – Understanding Credit Reports – Slide 37 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona

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Activity

NegativeCassie has probably already been referred to collectionsWill owe for the parking tickets and additional fees

© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised April 2010– Credit Unit – Understanding Credit Reports – Slide 38 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona

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Activity

PositiveDemonstrated the ability to responsibly use credit

© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised April 2010– Credit Unit – Understanding Credit Reports – Slide 39 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona

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Activity

NegativeAlthough Corey is paying his bill, he is doing so late!

© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised April 2010– Credit Unit – Understanding Credit Reports – Slide 40 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona

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Activity

PositiveAll payments were made in timeHaving automatic withdrawals with the money in the account is a good practice

© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised April 2010– Credit Unit – Understanding Credit Reports – Slide 41 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona

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Activity

NegativeThis is too many inquiries for new credit at one time from a variety of types of stores

© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised April 2010– Credit Unit – Understanding Credit Reports – Slide 42 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona

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Activity

NegativeA variety of types of credit may be good,however, Jessica’s balances are at the maximum level

© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised April 2010– Credit Unit – Understanding Credit Reports – Slide 43 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona

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Activity

NegativeJon is delinquent on the account.If he contacts the loan company, they may be able to work with him

© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised April 2010– Credit Unit – Understanding Credit Reports – Slide 44 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona

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Positive Credit Practices

PositivePractice good banking techniques, such as keeping a checkbook balanced, managing accounts online, and not bouncing any checks

Pay bills consistently and on time

Maintain reasonable amounts of unused credit

Apply for credit sparingly, thus keeping credit inquiries to a minimum

Check credit reports annually and search for errors

© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised April 2010– Credit Unit – Understanding Credit Reports – Slide 45 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona

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Negative Credit Practices

NegativeHaving non-sufficient funds (NSF) when writing checks, also known as bouncing checks

Routinely paying late on credit cards, utility, and cell-phone bills

Maxing out limits on credit cards

Numerous credit applications in a short period of time

© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised April 2010– Credit Unit – Understanding Credit Reports – Slide 46 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona

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When Credit is not established

• Although the following are all positive financial habits, no credit is established when:• Credit is never used• Accounts are not in own name• Cash is paid for all major purchases• Phone and utility bills are paid on time

• It only negatively impacts a score if payments are late

© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised April 2010– Credit Unit – Understanding Credit Reports – Slide 47 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona

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Building credit history• Important for consumers to build a

credit history to be able to purchase items on credit• For example – house, vehicle

• Having no credit history may be just as challenging to a consumer as having a negative history

© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised April 2010– Credit Unit – Understanding Credit Reports – Slide 48 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona

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2009 CARD ActChanged how young adults

receive certain types of credit

To receive a credit card:• Generally must be 21 years of

age or olderUNLESS

• Show documentation of sufficient income

• Have a co-signer

© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised April 2010– Credit Unit – Understanding Credit Reports – Slide 49 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona

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Establishing Credit• Strategies to build credit

include acquiring and positively managing small lines of credit• Co-signer• Secured Credit card

• Require a cash security deposit to ensure payment of the card

• Small loan from financial institution

If someone is a co-

signer on a an

account, they are

equally as responsibl

e and their credit

report is impacted.

If someone is a co-

signer on a an

account, they are

equally as responsibl

e and their credit

report is impacted.

DOES ISABELLA HAVE ANY CO-SIGNERS?WHAT IMPACT DOES HER ACTIONS HAVE ON THEM?

© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised April 2010– Credit Unit – Understanding Credit Reports – Slide 50 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona

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Requesting A Credit Report

• One free credit report annually from each of the three credit reporting agencies

• Credit scores are available for a small feeAccess the website: annualcreditreport.com

Calling toll free: 1-877-322-8228

Send a written request:Annual Credit Report Request Service

PO box 105281Atlanta, GA 30348-5281

© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised April 2010– Credit Unit – Understanding Credit Reports – Slide 51 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona

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Annualcreditreport.com

annualcreditreport.com - Only government sponsored Web site

Other sites may be fraudulent or charge a fee

© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised April 2010– Credit Unit – Understanding Credit Reports – Slide 52 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona

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Mistakes in Credit Reports

• Important to check each credit report annually to correct mistakes

• Two common errors• Fraud (identity theft)• Mistaken identity

• When a lender reports a transaction on the wrong person’s credit report

© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised April 2010– Credit Unit – Understanding Credit Reports – Slide 53 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona

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Fair Credit Reporting Act

• Gives consumers the right to review and correct their report

• If a person is denied credit, they have the right to request their credit report from the credit reporting agency• If within 60 days it is free of charge

© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised April 2010– Credit Unit – Understanding Credit Reports – Slide 54 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona

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Correcting Errors on Credit Reports

© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised April 2010– Credit Unit – Understanding Credit Reports – Slide 55 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona

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Correcting Errors on Credit Reports

© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised April 2010– Credit Unit – Understanding Credit Reports – Slide 56 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona

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Credit Repair Agencies

• Offer to help a consumer “fix” his/her negative credit report

• According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC):• Consumers can do just as good of a job repairing

their credit report errors as a fee based debt repair agency

• Be cautious of debt repair agencies promising instant help because there is no immediate fix for negative credit

© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised April 2010– Credit Unit – Understanding Credit Reports – Slide 57 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona

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Advice Isabella was given

From Angie• Credit ratings improve

as people get older and income increases

• Isabella’s credit score will improve when she:• Moves to a better side of

town• Gets a better interest

rate on loans• Is promoted

From George• Shopping around too

much for credit is not good because it increases inquiries

• Opening new accounts, even if not used, provides evidence of credit worthiness

• Close old accounts, including those with loans not paid on time to wipe the slate cleanWAS THE ADVICE GOOD? WHY OR WHY

NOT?

© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised April 2010– Credit Unit – Understanding Credit Reports – Slide 58 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona

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• Will Isabella receive her dream job?

• What advice would you give Isabella to improve her credit report and score?• What should she do immediately?• What recommendations would you suggest

she employ in the near future?

CREDIT REPORT DETECTIVES ADVICE

© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised April 2010– Credit Unit – Understanding Credit Reports – Slide 59 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona

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ANY QUESTIONS?