You’ve seen the ads, “Get your credit score now” “Instantly get your credit score” and so on.  Buyer beware! Not all credit scores are created equal.  Fair Issac and Company set the standard for the credit scoring model that we use in the United States.  Most lenders will use the FICO score to determine your credit worthiness.

In an attempt to compete with FICO the big three credit reporting agencies, TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian have come up with their own scores. On the surface this does not sound like a bad idea.  But, here’s the rub.  Many lenders only use the true FICO score.  So, the score most consumers buy is worthless.

I have many clients come to me not understanding why when they pull their credit they have a different score than what the lender has. Typically this is because the client bought the wrong score.  True FICO scores can be purchased from myfico.com .

I urge my clients to concentrate not on their credit score, but on managing their credit. I urge them to pay their bills on time, keep revolving credit balances  low or at  zero dollars, and do not open unnecessary lines of credit.  Unless you are looking to purchase a home, auto, or need to take out additional credit,  you do not need your credit score.

Tags: banking, budget, credit, Credit Education, credit score, Credit Scoring, credit tip, debt collection, dominate your destiny, Empowerment, FICO, FICO.credit, finance, savings, Wealth

According to FICO the creator of our current credit scoring model, maxing out credit cards can reduce you credit score by as much as 45 points.

Tags: credit, Credit Education, Credit Scoring, credit tip, Empowerment, Fair Credit Reporting Act, Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, FICO, FICO score, finance, home purchase, money, Money Tips, Wealth

We all make them – MONEY MISTAKES. It’s easy to fall into the traps and snares that credit card companies, banks, and other lending sources are so good at enticing consumers with. We are inundated with special offers, cash back, rebates, guarantees, rewards and so on. Buyer Beware! These tactics and offers are designed to keep you in debt. We recently did an episode on The Credit and Finance Show about common money mistakes.

These mistakes include:

• Paying on minimums on your credit cards. This can cost you thousands of additional dollars in interest and fees.
• Buying a brand new car. AAA auto in a study states that concluded that the average new car depreciates $3,392 per year.
• Smoking. This is a costly habit that costs an average of $2000 per year. The health costs are immeasurable.
• Keeping a drafty attic. You can often find low cost services that can help with insulation if you cannot do it yourself.  Beware of spending too much on high dollar energy savings items.  Weigh the costs against the savings.
• Ignoring your student loan. Student loans do not go away. If you are unable to make your payments call the lender and let them know.

Other resources:

12 Obscure Websites That Can Save You Money

Avoid These 7 Cash Back & Credit Card Traps

Many of us make common money mistakes that can not only cost us thousands of dollars, but can also affect our credit rating rating. If you have made financial mistakes, like many of us have, we can help. Call us today and start changing your life from fear and frustration to happiness and relaxation.

Tags: budget, business, collections, Credit Education, credit score, credit tip, debt collection, finance, money, saving, Wealth

Tune into The Credit and Finance Show on Blog Talk Radio on 5/03 at 10:00am eastern standard time. Listen LIVE and join the conversation by calling (646) 727-3092 or join our chat room. http://www.blogtalkradio.com/victoriafinch

Tags: business, Credit Education, finance, Inspiration, Life, marketing, Money Tips, small business, Wealth

On Monday, Jeff and I was joined by Businesswoman Extraordinaire Lorraine Ball of Roundpeg.   The initial intent of the show was to discuss small business strategies in a down economy. However, with her wealth of knowledge, Lorraine provided us with several golden nuggets ranging from surrounding yourself with the right people, to focusing on a niche to grow from. Below is a sampling of what Lorraine graciously shared with Jeff & I.

• Define your niche.
• Define your target market. Determine who are the best clients for your business.
• Continue to spend and invest in your company. You may have to make adjustments but continue to invest.
• Be prepared when the economy turns around.
• Look at priorities. Separate the nice to dos from the must to dos.

You may download or listen to the show by clicking here.

Tags: business, business plan, Credit Education, credit tip, finance, Inspiration, marketing, money, small business

Today Victoria and Jeff was joined by Author, Motivator, Divine Inspirational Speaker, Dr. CJ Koen.  Today’s scripture is: “For I know the plans I have for you, “declares the LORD,” plans to prosper you, and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

We had a blessed wonderful time today with Ms CJ Koen on BlogTalkRadio,  Below are a few nuggets from today’s show.

• Prosperity  is not your economic situation but your heart situation.
• God wants us to prosper.
• God does not give us spirit of fear, but of power, love , and of sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7
• God knows what is coming down the road.
• When God gives you something he gives you peace with it. (Psalm 29:11)
• God knows what is best for us. People want to buy a home, but may not be financially, or emotionally ready to purchase that home.
• Seek God’s wisdom before making major decisions.
• God wants us to have plenty of  joy.
• Money is not evil. The LOVE of money is evil. (1 Timothy 6:10) Listen to how Ms CJ breaks down the truth.

Click here to download today’s show and get all of the golden nuggets from today’s show.

For more information about Ms. CJ Koen visit her on the web at mscjandyou. Follow her on twitter @mscjandyou. Join her on facebook,   Listen to Ms CJ Koen on BlogTalkRadio, Her show is uplifting and inspirational.

Tags: credit, Credit Education, Empowerment, finance, Inspiration, Life, Money Tips, Wealth

On April 26, 2010 at 10:00am on BlogTalkRadio on The Credit and Finance Show Credit Expert Victoria Finch and Financial Coach Jeff Dalverny will be joined by Businesswoman Extraordinaire Lorraine Ball of Roundpeg, Inc. Lorraine will lend her expertise in working extensively with small businesses to inform and educate small business owners on what they need to know to survive this down economy. Click here for details.

Tags: business, business plan, Credit Education, credit tip, finance, marketing, money, Money Tips, small business

On April 12, 2010 at 10:00am on BlogTalkRadio on The Credit and Finance Show Credit Expert Victoria Finch and Finance Coach Jeff Dalverny will be joined by special guest Chuck Bricker of Bank of America.Chuck has been in the banking industry for over a decade and will provide insights into home ownership, lending changes, and information for those facing possible foreclosure. For more information click here.

Tags: banking, budget, business, credit, Credit Education, credit tip, finance, Home Buying, home purchase, low downpayment, money, Money Tips, Real estate, saving

Today on  the Transform Your Credit From Good to Great show, Co-Host Jeff Dalverny and I spoke with special guest Scott Doerhman of  The Finance Coach in a episode called Taking Control of Your Money.

There were several nuggets from the show that I thought were very important.

1. Families need to budget monthly not yearly and divide by 12. Each month your needs change. For example, some months children are out of school and usually requires more food to be brought into the home.
2. Put your budget on paper. By writing down your budget, adjustments can be made if necessary.
3. Look at your cash flow. Many people do not know how much they actually make and/or  bring home monthly.
4. Have a goal. Studies show that when we have set goals and we write down our goals we are more likely to achieve them.

I also promised the link regarding Parents’ 5 other card choices for college-age children. Click here to read the article in full posted on creditcards.com.

For more information contact The Finance Coach at 317-858-7270 or call Integrated Credit Specialists LLC at 317-527-1440.

Tags: budget, business, credit, Credit Education, debt collection, finance, money, Money Tips, saving, savings, small business

It is not wise to make credit decisions based upon your credit score. Base any credit decision on the following:

1. Your overall financial situation
2. Your need for the account
3. Your ability to repay the debt

If you make the right decision based upon the above criteria, your credit score will take care of itself.

Tags: banking, budget, business, credit, Credit Education, Credit Scoring, credit tip, finance, money, Money Tips, savings