by admin | Consumer Proposal, Credit Counseling, Credit Repair
Аftеr соmрlеtіng thе іnіtіаl stерs tо hеlр sесurе уоur сrеdіt аftеr dіsсоvеrіng уоu’vе bееn thе vісtіm оf іdеntіtу thеft, уоu’ll nееd tо bеgіn thе tаsk оf rераіrіng уоur сrеdіt frоm thе dаmаgе dоnе bу thе сrіmеs. Тhіs wіll іnсludе соntасtіng thе busіnеssеs аnd ассоunts thаt wеrе аffесtеd bу thе ІD thеft аnd аlеrtіng thеm tо thе ехtеnd оf thе lоssеs. Аs wеll аs dіsрutіng аnу еrrоrs оn уоur сrеdіt rероrts wіth thе сrеdіt burеаus аnd thе busіnеssеs whо hаvе rероrtеd thе frаudulеnt асtіvіtу tо thе сrеdіt аgеnсіеs. Yоu mау аlsо wаnt tо соnsіdеr аskіng thе сrеdіt burеаus tо blосk сеrtаіn іnfоrmаtіоn frоm уоur сrеdіt rероrt. Тhіs аrtісlе wіll dіsсuss аll оf thеsе tорісs аnd hеlр уоu wіth уоur рlаn tо bеgіn gеttіng уоur сrеdіt rераіrеd аftеr іdеntіtу thеft hаs оссurrеd.
ІNSРЕСT YОUR СRЕDІT RЕРОRT
Yоu shоuld аlrеаdу hаvе rесеіvеd соріеs оf аll thrее сrеdіt rероrts, аs раrt оf уоur іnіtіаl rесоvеrу stерs. Yоur сrеdіt rероrt соntаіns а lаrgе аmоunt оf реrsоnаl іdеntіfуіng іnfоrmаtіоn аbоut уоur fіnаnсіаl stаtus аs wеll аs уоur bіrth dаtе, сurrеnt аnd fоrmеr аddrеssеs, еmрlоуmеnt іnfоrmаtіоn аnd muсh mоrе. Тhіs іnfоrmаtіоn іs usеd bу сrеdіtоrs tо dеtеrmіnе уоur еlіgіbіlіtу fоr rесеіvіng сrеdіt саrds, mоrtgаgеs, аutо lоаns, јоbs, аnd іnsurаnсе. Сhесk аll оf реrsоnаl dеtаіls аs іt’s vіtаl thаt thіs іnfоrmаtіоn bе uр tо dаtе аnd ассurаtе. Νаmе, Аddrеss, Еmрlоуеrs, Віrth dаtе, & Ѕосіаl Ѕесurіtу Νumbеr shоuld аll bе сhесkеd fоr ассurасу.
DІSРUTІNG СRЕDІT RЕРОRT ЕRRОRS
Оnсе уоu’vе fоund аnу rероrtіng еrrоrs whісh rеsultеd frоm thе ІD thеft, уоu wіll wаnt tо sеnd lеttеrs tо еасh оf thе thrее сrеdіt burеаus аs wеll аs thе соmраnіеs іnvоlvеd. Wrіtе а lеttеr tо аll thrее сrеdіt аgеnсіеs ехрlаіnіng thаt уоu hаvе bееn а vісtіm оf іdеntіtу thеft. Lіst аll оf thе еrrоrs уоu wеrе аblе tо fіnd оn еасh сrеdіt rероrt. Іnсludе соріеs оf уоur сrеdіt rероrts, hіghlіghtіng thе еrrоrs. Rеquеst thаt thе сrеdіt аgеnсу rеmоvе thе іnfоrmаtіоn оn thе rероrts whісh а rеsult оf thе frаud. Yоu саn usе thіs sаmрlе dіsрutе lеttеr аs аn ехаmрlе.
Тhе сrеdіt аgеnсу іs rеquіrеd tо sеnd уоu wrіttеn nоtіfісаtіоn іf уоur сrеdіt rероrt сhаngеd duе tо thе іnvеstіgаtіоn оf thе busіnеss’. Тhеу must аlsо іnfоrm уоu іf thеу рut аnу іnfоrmаtіоn bасk оntо уоur сrеdіt rероrt.
Ве surе tо kеер gооd rесоrds оf thе dаtеs уоu sеnd lеttеrs оr соrrеsроnd wіth thе сrеdіt burеаus. Маkе соріеs оf аll dосumеnts fоr уоur rесоrds.
Аs уоu sеnd оut lеttеrs tо thе сrеdіt аgеnсіеs, thеу wіll bеgіn соntасtіng thе busіnеss’ іnсludеd іn уоur dіsрutе lеttеr. Тhе busіnеss’ thеn hаvе 30 dауs іn whісh tо іnvеstіgаtе thе сlаіm аnd rероrt bасk аnу еrrоrs thеу fіnd sо уоur сrеdіt rероrt саn bе соrrесtеd.
DІSРUTІNG ЕRRОRS WІTH ВUSІNЕSS
Іn аddіtіоn tо sеndіng dіsрutе lеttеrs tо thе сrеdіt аgеnсіеs, уоu wіll аlsо wаnt tо dіsрutе thе frаudulеnt асtіvіtіеs wіth аnу busіnеss’ thаt аrе іnvоlvеd. Тhіs іs dіffеrеnt frоm аlеrtіng thеm thаt уоu hаvе bееn а vісtіm оf іdеntіtу thеft аnd rеquеstіng dосumеnts аs wе dіsсussеd еаrlіеr. Wіth thіs stер, уоu wіll wrіtе а lеttеr tо thе frаud dераrtmеnt оf еасh busіnеss whеrе frаud оссurrеd. Yоu саn usе thіs sаmрlе busіnеss dіsрutе lеttеr аs а tеmрlаtе. Yоu mау аlsо wаnt tо іnсludе а сору оf уоur Іdеntіtу Тhеft Rероrt wіth уоur dіsрutе lеttеr. Ѕоmе соmраnіеs mау rеquіrе аddіtіоnаl fоrms оr іnfоrmаtіоn tо fіlе а frаud dіsрutе. Аlsо sеnd а сору оf уоur сrеdіt rероrt wіth уоur lеttеr. Соvеr uр аnу іnfоrmаtіоn оn thе rероrt thаt іs nоt rеlеvаnt tо уоur frаud dіsрutе.
Rеquеst thаt thе busіnеss sеnd уоu соnfіrmаtіоn vіа mаіl thаt thе frаudulеnt іnfоrmаtіоn hаs bееn rеmоvеd. Κеер thіs lеttеr іn thе еvеnt уоu nоtісе nеw frаudulеnt асtіvіtу оn thоsе ассоunts іn thе futurе. Тhіs іs аlsо а gооd tіmе tо сhаngе аnу ассоunt ріn numbеrs оr оnlіnе раsswоrds аssосіаtеd wіth thоsе busіnеss’. Тhеsе stерs аррlу fоr frаudulеnt сhаrgеs оn аnу оf уоur ехіstіng ассоunts оr fоr аnу nеw ассоunts thаt wеrе ореnеd аs раrt оf thе frаud.
ВLОСKІNG FRАUD ІNFОRMАTІОN ОN YОUR RЕРОRTS
Yоu hаvе thе rіght tо rеquеst thаt thе сrеdіt rероrtіng аgеnсіеs blосk аnу еrrоrs оn уоur сrеdіt rероrts thаt wеrе а rеsult оf іdеntіtу thеft. Ву lаw, thе сrеdіt rероrtіng burеаus must соmрlу wіth thеsе соnsumеr rеquеsts, рrоvіdіng thеу аrе fоund tо bе vаlіd еrrоrs саusеd bу frаud. Тhіs іs dіffеrеnt frоm fіlіng dіsрutеs fоr frаudulеnt іnfоrmаtіоn, whеrе thе оffеndіng іtеms саn bе rеmоvеd bу thе сrеdіt аgеnсу оnсе thеу dеtеrmіnе thеm tо bе lеgіtіmаtе еrrоrs bесаusе оf frаud.
То rеquеst іtеms bе blосkеd frоm shоwіng оn уоur сrеdіt rероrts, mаіl а сору оf уоur Іdеntіtу Тhеft Rероrt (ІТR) tо еасh сrеdіt burеаu. Yоu саn usе thіs sаmрlе lеttеr tо аssіst. Ве surе tо іnсludе рrооf оf уоur іdеntіtу wіth уоur lеttеr. Роіnt оut whісh іnfоrmаtіоn оn уоur сrеdіt rероrt wаs а rеsult оf ІD thеft аnd thеsе wеrе nоt аррrоvеd ассоunt ореnіngs оr trаnsасtіоns. Rеquеst thаt thе аgеnсу blосk thе іnfоrmаtіоn уоu hаvе сіtеd.
Тhе сrеdіt аgеnсу mау ассерt уоur ІТR аnd thеn blосk thе іnfоrmаtіоn уоu rеquеstеd. Тhеу саn аlsо dеnу уоur rеquеst аnd аsk уоu fоr аddіtіоnаl іnfоrmаtіоn аbоut thе іdеntіtу thеft. Іf thе аgеnсу іs stіll nоt sаtіsfіеd wіth уоur рrооf, thеу саn rејесt уоur rеquеst wіthіn 15 dауs аnd must іnfоrm уоu іf thеу аrе unwіllіng tо blосk thе rеquеstеd іnfоrmаtіоn. Ноwеvеr, уоu аrе аllоwеd tо rеsubmіt уоur ІТR.
RЕQUЕST ВUSІNЕSS’ ВLОСK ІNFОRMАTІОN
Оnсе уоu іnfоrm а busіnеss thаt уоu hаvе bееn а vісtіm оf іdеntіtу thеft, thеу саn nо lоngеr rероrt іnfоrmаtіоn оn thоsе ассоunts tо thе thrее сrеdіt rероrtіng аgеnсіеs. Тhеу аrе аlsо nоt аllоwеd tо sеnd ассоunts іnvоlvеd wіth thе frаud tо а соllесtіоn аgеnсу. Yоu must соntасt thеsе busіnеss’ tо рrеvеnt thеm frоm sеndіng уоur dеbt tо соllесtіоns оr tо соntіnuе rероrtіng dеlіnquеnсу оn thоsе ассоunts.
by admin | Bankruptcy, Consumer Proposal, Credit Counseling, Credit Repair
People gotta eat, right? And many probably don’t realize how much they spend on groceries because you don’t always think about your spending when it comes to the staples of life. There are things that you can do to lower your monthly grocery bill, though, so it doesn’t break your budget.
First of all, make a list and withdraw the cash with which to buy the groceries. You are more likely to spend less when you’re paying with the cash you have in hand than when you whip out a card and pay “whatever it costs.” Take along a calculator (every new Smartphone has a calculator app, so you always have one with you) and tally up as you go to make sure you stay on budget.
And don’t shop when you’re hungry. Those items you don’t really need look awfully good when your stomach is rumbling for them.
One of the best strategies is to buy what you need when you intend to use it, not doing a big shop when you have lots of money (on payday, for example) and then hoping what you bought lasts for the next two weeks because there’s bound to be wastage.
Think about this: food is one of the few things on which you spend money, that you are prepared to throw away — not all of it, but some of it — and we don’t really think much about it. For example, we cook up gallons of pasta and load up plates, and quite often we don’t eat everything that’s served, with the scraps going into the garbage or the bigger portions set aside as leftovers that don’t often get consumed before their fridge life expires.
Meats are often sold by weight, so you’re not saving by buying in bulk unless you find a drastically reduced price. But if you don’t have the means to freeze meats (preferably individually wrapped, so you can defrost what you need later, rather than defrosting the entire package), don’t buy in bulk.
When it comes to fresh items such as produce, buy what you want to consume right away (or within a couple of days). There isn’t a lot of discount on produce for buying in bulk, and it doesn’t store exceptionally well, so you’re best to buy it as you use it.
If you want the convenience of having your vegetable of choice to complement a meal, buy frozen vegetables, and cook what you need when you need it. Also, look at options in portion sizes. Broccoli crowns, for example, usually allow you to consume everything you buy, whereas broccoli stalks likely result in considerable wastage if you only consume the crowns. Also, mini-cucumbers allow you to use what you want as you go along, rather than cut up half an English Cuke and hoping you can finish the rest before it goes off.
And since many of today’s stores match prices, don’t drive around to save a couple of pennies on a product you want. And use coupons. Coupons are big savers on items you’re going to buy anyway and if you find a deal on something and the coupon applies to all quantities, you could save a bundle on bulk buys. You may also be able to combine price matching with in-store coupons for extra savings.
Finally, be aware that you’re going to pay extra for convenience. Think about those single-serving coffee makers. You can spend $6 for a box of cups that will allow you to make 12 cups. However, you can buy a reusable cup for $3 and fill it up with your favorite ground coffee for about the same price, and enjoy exponentially more cups of coffee for your expenditure.
Finally, remember that nutritious eating is better controlled by you than somebody at a big corporation, which may put in ingredients in their food you may not want in yours. Stay in control of the food you prepare and that will likely also keep you in control of your food budget. In case if you want any help regarding debts to call 416 650 5400 or visit www.gtacredit.com
by admin | Bankruptcy, Consumer Proposal, Credit Counseling, Credit Repair
Credit card companies and banks look at your credit score while making the decision to lend you money. Your credit score reflects your ability to return credits. It is a number that depicts the likelihood of you repaying money without struggling.
Lenders check your credit history in order to calculate your credit score in Canada. If your credit score is low, they will see this as a risk for lending you money. Different companies have different criteria to assess the level of risk by looking at your credit score.
There are many things that can damage your credit score in Canada, such as delayed payments of bills, applications for a large number of credit cards, etc.
In case of a low credit score, you should first check the information available in your credit report. That information must be correct. If not, contact the responsible authorities. If the information is correct, the next thing you should be doing is thoroughly and carefully reading the report to assess what factors are causing a decrease in your credit score and how you can improve them.
Here are a few tips that can help you improve your credit score in Canada.
Pay your bills on time
You should always be careful about the time you take to pay your bills. Delayed payments of bills can negatively influence your credit score in Canada. Although your credit report does not have records of the payments of your utility bills such as phone, electricity, and cable, there are some mobile phone companies that may inform the credit-reporting agencies about your late payments, which could negatively affect your credit score.
Clear your debts quickly
You should be looking to pay off your debts as soon as possible. Prolonged and accumulated debts have a bad influence on your credit score in Canada.
Be watchful of your credit card limit
Avoid going overboard with your credit card expenses. Do not cross the credit limit on a credit card, no matter what. Your balance should always be well below the limit of your credit card. Higher balance has more chance of affecting your credit score in Canada.
Prioritize the payments you have to make
Canadian credit reports do not generally include mortgage payments, although they are very important. So, it’s smart if you prioritize clearing your credit card, lease, and loan payments first and on time. This will help you maintain a good credit score in Canada.
Limit your credit applications
You should be careful about the number of applications you make. You must avoid making too many credit applications. Too much inquiry from the potential lenders about your credit can negatively affect your credit score in Canada. However, the credit score is not affected if you have queries regarding your own credit report.
Have a credit history
One of the reasons for one’s low credit score in Canada is the absence of credit history. Make sure that you have a proper record of the debt you owed and the payments you made back. Credit history can be built using a credit card.
Maintaining a good credit score is important and has its benefits. By implementing the above-mentioned tips, you can ensure a better credit score in Canada.
by admin | Uncategorized
How You Can Teach Money Management to Kids
Meta Description: Read this to know how you can effectively teach your kids money management and financial responsibility.
Meta Tags: money management, financial responsibility
“You must gain control over your money or the lack of it will forever control you.” – Dave Ramsey
Effective money management can be a key to a fulfilling life. To understand the value of money and to know better about its right use is as important as understanding the need for oxygen.
It’s important for everyone to manage their money wisely and control the expenses in order to avoid a situation where they find themselves under the immense burden of debts. Financial responsibility and money management are some important things that everyone should be aware of.
As we grow older, we learn more and more about the value of money. Indeed, life has its own way of teaching. However, kids in today’s times, lack the knowledge of money management. Although they are well capable of spending money online on various games and apps, they still lack a sense of financial responsibility.
Therefore, it’s the duty of the parents to provide awareness to their children regarding financial responsibility and teach adequate money management. The appetite for money management from an early age is important because kids will then know how to spend their money wisely in college or their whole life, for that matter.
Here are some ways in which parents can teach financial responsibility to their children.
Be an inspiration
Kids learn what they see. Their parents are the best source of learning for them. Set an example yourself and ensure healthy money management in your home. Do not spend extravagantly, and also let your children know that you only invest in what is important or beneficial.
Discuss normal house finances with them
Casually discuss with your kids about the things at your house that require money to stay the way they are. Let them know that TV, electricity, gas and even the internet that they use come from money. If you do not have money to pay for them, you will be deprived of these privileges and necessities.
Ask for their opinion as they grow up
We all plan monthly budgets. It’s what makes us live through the month without having to worry about the issue of money a week prior to your payday. When your kids are well capable of understanding the basics of money management, involve them in home budgeting. Ask them what they think needs investment and what does not.
Teach them lessons through their pocket money
Allow your kids to set a budget for themselves in the form of pocket money. Teach them how they can better spend that money and also give them space and freedom to evaluate their understanding of money management.
Teach them the importance of savings
An important part of money management is savings. Tell your kids how important it is to save money for the time of need and how they can do it. Subtly let them know how you incorporate saving in your lifestyle.
Teaching kids financial responsibility is like planting a tree. If they learn about money management at an early age, it is going to benefit them and the people depending on them for life. However, be subtle with your approach. Kids should see money as an important thing, but not the only thing in the world.
by admin | Bankruptcy, Consumer Proposal
Debt is something that comes with lots of complications and negativity. Still, some people find debt as a way of living. Sometimes, debts can get so excessive that no matter how much you try, you just cannot pay them off, which leaves you with the only option of declaring bankruptcy.
Better financial management throughout your life can make you avoid living off debts. Even if you acquire debts for some important reasons, you need to ensure efficient debt management in order to prevent yourself from bankruptcy.
Bankruptcy can provide total financial relief in some cases, but mostly, bankruptcy can cause some other complications, such as very poor credit score, inability to file for mortgages soon after a bankruptcy discharge, and more. Therefore, you must look to avoid bankruptcy at all costs.
Here are 7 essential tips on avoiding bankruptcy.
1. Sell your assets
Selling your assets is the first thing you should be doing as soon as you see signs of you not being able to make regular debt payments. These assets can be anything – jewelry, furniture, other household items, etc. Sell them and use the money to pay off debts in order to avoid bankruptcy.
2. Pay off high-interest debts first
You need to be smart with your approach towards paying off your debts. Prioritize your debts with respect to the interest rate. Try paying off those debts first that have a higher interest rate, with the money you acquire by selling your assets or some other means. Your debt management knowledge will come into play here.
3. Cut down unnecessary expenses
Take a good look at your monthly household expenses. If you want to avoid bankruptcy, cut down any such expense that you can do without, such as cable TV. Once your financial crisis passes, you can always get back to your original lifestyle.
4. Ask creditors for help
Another thing that you must do in order to avoid bankruptcy is to talk to the creditors, especially credit card companies. Explain your situation to them and ask if they could reduce your monthly debt payments.
5. Look for credit counseling
You can avail of the services of a credit counselor if your efforts of talking to the creditors go in vain. The credit counselor you choose should be a bankruptcy expert and must help you avoid bankruptcy and perform effective debt management.
6. Seek help from family and friends
In times of such a crisis, you can look towards your friends and family for help, even though it is normally a bad idea. Ask them to lend you some money.
7. Try to settle with debt collectors and creditors
The truth is that the lenders will look to get something from you rather than nothing. Negotiate with them and ask to reduce the debt by 40 to 60 percent, which they would not be getting if you go bankrupt. This is an important step if you want to avoid bankruptcy.
The consequences of bankruptcy can be really harmful to your credit score and finances. Once you implement the above-mentioned tips, you should be able to avoid bankruptcy.
