Understanding the Function of Credit
What is Credit?
Credit is the backbone and the engine behind the workings of the economy. Credit simply allows individuals and companies to borrow funds in good faith and pay it back over a specified time frame. Lenders base their decisions on who they should lend to by using your credit rating.
Your credit rating is a numerical score that is based on your payment history. From your credit cards and loans right down to your phone bill, you will find a recording of each payment. It reports whether you pay your bills on time or if you are constantly late. And if you are frequently late, it records the amount of time taken to make that particular payment. Your credit report is pulled (viewed) every time you apply for a loan, credit card and even to have a phone line installed.
Good Credit vs. Bad Credit
How important is it to have clean or good credit? It's very important because the worse off your credit is the harder it will be for you to secure a loan of any sort. It is important to keep on top of your credit finances and make sure that every payment is made on time and always make sure that you pay at least the minimum amount but always try and pay more if you can.
If you currently have bad credit, you shouldn't worry too much as there are ways to still secure a loan such as having a cosigner. If you choose to go this route, remember that you are both responsible for the loan as it will be taken out in your names. Also, there are many institutions that work with people with bad credit and they will assist you with the repair of your credit file. Here's a list of a few companies to assist you:
CreditAxis.com, DebtAdvocates.cc, Lexington Law Firm and more. Simply go to your favourite search engine and type in "Credit Repair" and see how many companies show up in your search. Warning: Be wary of those companies that promise to repair your credit promptly - ie "3 months or less". Credit repair takes time, so do your homework before you commit to one company to assist you.
Your Credit File
If you have bad credit, the first step to repairing it is to pay off all of your bad debts. This is debt that is overdue and not up to date. You may not know this, but this information may stay on your file for up to 7 years. To assist you in this, I suggest that you get a copy of your credit report from one of the credit reporting agencies such as Equifax. Look it over thoroughly because you may find some mistakes which can be easily corrected with either a simple phone call or with supporting documentation.
Sheldon C. Smith is the owner of http://www.sheldoncsmith.com, a site dedicated to keeping the public informed and educated about the mortgage and credit process.
MORE RESOURCES:
 Boston Globe | US August consumer credit falls by $7.88 billion, first decline in ... Forbes, NY - WASHINGTON (Thomson Financial) - Americans unexpectedly decreased their credit borrowing for the first time in more than ten years, mostly cutting back on ... Video: Bernanke: More Economic Pain Ahead Stocks down despite government moves to free up credit Consumers Trim Their Borrowing |
US consumer credit posts worst drop ever National Post, Canada - US consumer credit plummeted by US$7.9-billion dollars in August - its sharpest drop on record, US Federal Reserve figures showed Tuesday. ... US consumer credit declines for first time in over decade Consumer Credit Drops for First Time in 10 Years US Consumer Credit Dropped by the Most on Record (Update1) |
 AFP | Credit cards next in line for tightening Atlanta Journal Constitution, USA - By MARK GONGLOFF As consumers watch their wealth disappear in the markets, some are also at risk of losing one of their last spending lifelines: credit ... Down drops additional 508 points as investors wait to see if ... Consumer debt shrinks for the first time in 10 years US August Consumer Credit Falls at Fastest Pace in Over a Decade |
 Reuters | With Credit Drying Up, Car Buyers Bring Cash New York Times, United States - Tighter credit was a crucial factor in the stunning 26.6-percent drop in September vehicle sales in the United States. In September, sales fell below 1 ... Credit crunch hits auto market's weak link 700 US dealerships could close this year, says head of dealer group Auto dealers looking for the end of the credit crisis tunnel |
 Reuters | Former AIG CEOs back credit default swap regulation Reuters - N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) said they would back regulation of the credit default swaps market in testimony at the US House Oversight and ... Unregulated swaps hastened Wall Street collapse New York insurance regulator calls for regulation of credit ... Greenberg Says Federal Loan to AIG Is Bad Deal |
 The Associated Press | Fear gripping Wall Street Minneapolis Star Tribune, MN - With the flow of credit still tight, investors have fixated on the threat of a serious recession despite increasingly urgent attempts by policymakers to ... Business Highlights A 5-year low Stocks fluctuate after Fed corporate debt plan |
 Thanh Nien Daily | Credit gears of commerce are still jammed Houston Chronicle, United States - By MADLEN READ AP NEW YORK — The jammed credit markets barely budged Monday as governments around the world scrambled to prop up their failing banks and ... The Bailout, and a Keen Eye on Fixed Income Credit woes: More than home loans Credit still tight after House OK's bailout |
 RTE.ie | Crude Oil Falls as Demand Slumps, Credit Market Turmoil Worsens Bloomberg - Global stock markets have plunged as banks freeze credit lines to investors and companies. ``Demand destruction is prevalent in developed countries with ... Canada energy stocks slump on credit woes, outlook Crude Oil Falls as Worsening Credit Crisis May Curb Fuel Demand |
Corporate America Credit Union and FIMAC Reach Agreement to Offer ... MarketWatch - Based in Birmingham, Alabama, CACU has over $1.4 billion in assets, and serves the financial needs of 174 member credit unions. ... |
 Voice of America | Small US Businesses Feel Pinch of Tightened Credit Voice of America - By Mike O'Sullivan As the US Federal Reserve System announced measures to ease the credit crisis Tuesday, small business owners around the United States say ... |
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