1.      What is the importance of credit scores?

a.      Simply put to obtain the best interest rates for mortgage, auto, retail, credit cards, and business loans for small business owners utilizing personal credit to expand their operation or start a new business.

2.      Can I dispute my own credit report?

a.      Yes, the credit dispute process is available to all.  If you have the time, patience, understand the complexity of each dispute, credit laws, and endurance; you can successfully dispute inaccurate adverse information.  However, some tactics and strategies employed may make the dispute process burdensome.

3.      Should I pay off accounts?

a.      Everyone’s situation is unique.  Your analyst will develop the best plan tailored to your individual needs.

4.      “Soft” inquiries vs. “hard” inquiries? 

a.      Soft inquiries are initiated by the consumer, when the consumer requests a personal credit report.  These inquiries do NOT affect your credit score.  You can view your credit reports as often as you like without any adverse effects to your score.

b.      Hard inquiries are initiated by employers, potential creditors, or businesses.  These inquiries do affect your score.  That is why we highly recommend you pull your credit report and forward it to us.

5.      What makes up my credit score?

6.      What are the national credit scores?

7.      What is NOT included in your credit score? 

a.       Marital status, religion, sex, national origin, color, or race.

b.      Age

c.       Salary, occupation, title, employer, date employed, or employment history.

d.      Interest charged on credit cards or other accounts.

e.      Where you live.

f.        Certain types of inquiries:

                                                                          i.      Consumer initiated

                                                                        ii.      Promotional for pre-approved offers

                                                                      iii.      Administrative, to review account with current lender    

8.      Do my credit scores drop if I apply for new credit?                         

a.      If it does, not by much.  Auto and mortgage loan requests over a short period of time may not affect your score.  They are typically treated as one inquiry and will have little to no impact on your score.  However, multiple requests for your credit report will appear on your report.