| Bills.com CEO Suggests Steps to Build Good Credit in Tight Credit Market
6 ways individuals can establish a positive credit history. San Mateo, CA (PRWEB) November 7, 2007 -- In today's tight credit market, the idea of having no credit history seems almost as bad as having skeletons in a consumer's credit report closet -- but Brad Stroh, co-founder and co-CEO of free online consumer portal Bills.com (www.bills.com), reassures consumers that it is possible to establish a solid credit history. "Most creditors look at an individual's credit (or FICO) score, which typically ranges between 300 and 850, to help determine the likelihood that the person will repay debts," Stroh said. "If you do not have a credit score because you have not established credit yet, the good news is that you probably are not haunted by an array of unpaid debt.
Former water employee sentenced for credit card theft
BLOOMINGTON -- A former city employee convicted of using a city-issued credit card for personal expenses was sentenced Friday to jail and probation and ordered to repay the city of Bloomington.Lawanda Giles, 40, pleaded guilty in September to misusing a credit card issued to her as an employee of the city water department.Judge Robert Freitag sentenced her to 60 days in jail and ordered her serve 30 months of probation and pay the city $3,710.03 in restitution.Giles will be eligible for credit on her jail sentence for good behavior and she will receive credit for 12 days already serving, so she is expected to spend 18 more days in jail.The judge granted Giles's request to be allowed to return to her home in Texas. She will report to the jail in Bloomington on Dec. 1.In a plea agreement with the state, Giles admitted to using a city-issued credit card to obtain more than $3,000 in cash advances and pay personal hotel and rental car expenses.She pleaded guilty to theft of city funds over $300.
Credit freezes let consumers padlock their data
Given the choice between installing a burglar alarm or an impenetrable deadbolt, most of us would choose the deadbolt. A burglar alarm might help the police catch the crooks while they're rifling through your drawers, but the deadbolt would prevent them from getting into your bedroom in the first place. For people who worry about identity theft, a credit freeze is a lot like the impenetrable deadbolt. Once a freeze has been placed on your credit reports, credit card issuers, lenders and others can't review the summary of loans and payments that makes up your credit history. Without that information, lenders won't issue credit. And that means criminals can't set up fraudulent accounts in your name. .
Credit union gets high rating
MEXICO - Community service is a way of life for the 40 employees who work at Oxford Federal Credit Union. Whether it's preparing Thanksgiving baskets, participating in the annual March of Dimes or Relay for Life walks, or giving toys and new children's clothing to Santa's Helpers, community service is something the credit union has been doing for much of its 70-year history. "It's in our nature to help people," said Cindy Giroux, vice president for marketing and human resources. "It is an extension of what a credit union is." And she's certain the support employees give to others in the community was one of the reasons why the credit union was chosen as one of the best places to work in Maine by Mainebiz magazine in its annual report last month. The Employees Helping Hands Fund, where employees donate a minimum of $1 per week, plus silent auctions, food sales, jeans' days, and other fund-raising activities, brings in more than $10,000 a year to benefit the community, Giroux said.
Today Tonight panned
THE Seven Network's Today Tonight again attracted the most complaints of any TV program, with 83 viewers writing in to complain about it in the year to June. The current affairs flagship, chosen by John Howard and Peter Costello for a rare joint interview on Monday night, also sparked the most complaints last year, with 95, and the second most in 2005, with 46. Most of last year's viewer gripes concerned perceived bias and/or inaccuracy in reporting; showing material considered to be inappropriate for the time slot; and perceived discrimination in reporting. Seven news and current affairs director Peter Meakin said he stood by the quality of the show. "Lots of viewers, lots of complaints: that's the rule in this business," Meakin said. "When you're dealing with contentious issues, you will get complaints." Ten Network talent show Australian Idol received 51 complaints, mostly concerning perceived discrimination, sexual references and language considered to be inappropriate.
Credit card users hurt by squeeze
Nearly half of all shoppers seeking new credit cards are being refused, as a money squeeze begins to hit ordinary borrowers. The number of applications refused by card providers has risen by 17 per cent to an estimated 3.27 million in the past six months, figures released yesterday showed, while those who are granted a card are being forced to pay higher interest rates and charges. There have been 125 separate fee and rate increases over the past two months. Young people aged between 25 and 34 are most likely to be refused a card, according to Moneyexpert.com, the price comparison website. But financial experts said that people already struggling with debt would be hardest hit by the clampdown. Esther James, credit card analyst at Moneyfacts.co.uk, another financial website, said: "It seems as if the credit crunch is beginning to cause credit card chaos.
Celtic's foreign failings spur fans' familiar contempt
IN THE Champions league, burglary is not only legitimate, but universally recognised as a valuable talent. Even a point by larcenous means in Lisbon the other night, for example, would have significantly advanced Celtic's cause in Group D. As it transpired, the late goal from Oscar Cardozo that brought Benfica a 1-0 victory has left the Scottish champions' prospects of repeating last season's progress to the last 16 of the tournament reduced almost to floor level. .
|
