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Free credit reports

Posted By: sm on 2007-08-04
In Reply to: Money woes - Credit counseling service and what I did

A lot of people don't know this, but you can get FREE annual printed copies of your credit reports online in seconds from the 3 major credit companies.

There are a lot of online companies out there saying you can only get this information if you pay for it and try to get you to sign up for some type of credit services. Not true.

''This central site allows you to request a free credit file disclosure, commonly called a credit report, once every 12 months from each of the nationwide consumer credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion''.

www.annualcreditreport.com
is the official site to help consumers to obtain their free credit report.

Hope this helps others : )



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I LOVE THE FREE CREDIT GUY!!
and the songs are so catchy. bite your tongue, woman!!
free credit checks.

Is there a way to obtain your credit report for free?  I have never checked it.  I have always been afraid to, but now I would like to check it now matter how bad and figure on a way to make it better.  I have looked on line and found several sites offering "free" credit checks, but then pay a monthly fee for something.  I don't want any monthly fees as that is my problem now.  I have too many straws in my bank account.  I was wondering if my bank would do it or maybe an 800.  If I ask, would I get laughed out of the building imaging something for free? TIA. 


free credit report.com commercial....it
xx
Cancel them now...rather be free of temptation. Credit score
xx
Just got my yearly free credit report this week and -
Every one of my closed accounts from the last couple of years is listed under my positive credit file as having been paid on time/never late/closed by subscriber.

It does still count as good credit.
There is a free version of Efax that does not require a credit card. sm
Are you needing to fax out, in, or both? You didn't clearly state, but said you needed a number. I receive faxes for free through efax, but haven't sent any that way. Never have I given them credit card info. Check out myfax.com.
Why does closing a credit card account negatively affect your credit report

Especially when I never use it anyway, and really never wanted it?


With all the bank rearranging going on in the past few months, one of my accounts was tranferred to Bank of America. I was sent new cards and a new agreement, new interest rate etc...


So I called them up and cancelled but before they did, I had to listen to a spiel about how this would negatively affect my credit report.


Huh?? Why is that?


You're free to pray, but not free to discriminate
It's as simple as that.
You could ask them for your reports and
upon reading them make a decision as to whether you think it is "more" on a benign side. I ask for copies of all lab work, path reports, MRIs, whatever and I keep up with them to know for myself about diagnosis, are my labs in range, etc. Maybe seeing the report and reading it will help you make a better decision.
Sad reports sm
I have worked on many cases which were extremely sad. I was always a very caring person and when I started transcribing some of these sad cases, I wanted to quit. My supervisor said, "You can't get involved." I thought she was a horrible person. After many years and many sad stories, I found I got hardened but not without telling myself that I was actually helping the patient by giving them an accurate, caring record to accompany them on whatever journey they took.After becoming an independent contractor, I also worked on oncology for years when pick up and delivery were part of the scenario. I saw beautiful people disintegrate before my eyes and die. One was a beautiful young woman who got married during her treatment and died. When my own younger sister was diagnosed with lung cancer, I was able to answer some of her questions to the best of my ability, talk about her funeral, etc., as she only had 18 months. Years ago, I would probably have had a breakdown just at the news. Did I become, "hard hearted?" No! But I matured in some strange way. My hubby in later years took over some of my deliveries to the oncologist and could not tolerate seeing patients in the waiting room. It was only then that I realized how I had grown and matured. I am sure some of my family wondered why I did not turn into a crying machine at family funerals, etc. What I did do was have the ability to go to the funeral home, arrange for burials, funerals, etc., in a professional manner. I do not understand it myself, as I was always a crier. I just have to tell myself that I have graduated, matured and have gotten to the point where I can help others without falling apart. Who knew?? I think I have been given a gift and my responsibility is to carry on with grace and dignity. I call it "grace in the bank." Never thought I would see the day when I could handle my own bad news, i.e., "You have cancer, you have breast cancer and that breast has to come off!" (My answer: "When?" Doc: "Last week.") My action - 2nd and 3rd opinions. Outcome - I kept my breast, was told by 2nd and 3rd opinions that after tumor board consults, there was only a question of cancer, DCIS changed to atypical cells. Seven years later, I am still here, no sign of cancer, no mastectomy,no drugs or radiation -- just atypia. Since then, watchful waiting and 6 month visits. How did all this come about? Maturity, just mature decisions and a clear head. So hang in there. Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger (and wiser). True story. DO NOT ignore your breasts or any other part of your body, but be a consumer in health care. You would not buy the first car you see on the lot. The maturity and wisdom you will gain will help you and your family in the future. You will be stronger, wiser and a help to everyone if you can overcome the emotion. One of my saddest cases - a psychiatrist had to testify in writing her decision to recommend taking away custody of a child from two retarded people who had married and conceived a child. They were not taking proper care of her through no fault of their own. She was crying while she dictated and so was I. Life is not easy. Just remember you are in the "helping profession" and if you don't pat yourself on the back for doing a great job, I will! Don't take it personally, just do your best job ever and the patient will benefit from your perfect medical record. Manage that stress now; it will pay you back in the future. Hang in there.
I do op reports - sm
I had only been with this account for two weeks or so, and I wish now I had known how to save it for myself. The doc was describing, I think, a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Somehow, he says, the CO2 line got hooked up to helium and after insufflating the patient's abdomen, the patient began to rise up off of the operating table, and they eventually had to have step stools brought in to be able to reach the patient to complete the operation (I was wondering why they didn't just tie the patient down!). Anyway, the operation finished, the abdomen was deflated, the patient sank back down to the table and the surgeon closed and the patient went to the recovery room in stable condition. Something seemed a little hinky about the whole thing and I notified the transcription supervisor. The date on the report? April 1, 2003.
It was Consumer Reports who said it, actually, LOL
I'm not a bagless fan because I don't want to go outside every time I dump my vacuum cleaner. I don't see how to control loose dry material when you remove it from the cannister. I don't want to reach in there, and it seems like just dumping it into a trash can would cause clouds of dust to rise. Just my thoughts on it, but it was Consumer Reports who didn't think Dyson or any other bagless was the best for pet hair.
yes, they might charge you a bit for reports...sm
but is always worth it to have them.........*S*.....my friend in Florida just had a cardiac catheterization and wanted his reports, and they charged him $11 for them DIRECTLY after the procedure...*sheesh* - cannot believe it......
Not what the reports are saying. They're
saying the highest numbers are in 'healthy' young adults and that's one of the signs of a pandemic.
Been watching reports on TV all day on this.

Sounds really scary.  The worst and most alarming report as the worry about spread through the folks traveling to work on the subway systems and public transportation.  The last report by Dr. OZ was that they would know more by Friday and be updating things then.  Have a local hospital here in town reporting one case and waiting for test results. 


One report said if things get really severe, they will close businesses and doggone it all - we work from home, will still be working, and bet the ERs and hospitals will have more reports than ever. 


I used to type ER reports.
They were quite, um, interesting. Lots of strange occurrences that increased around the time of the full moon each month. I had one doctor trying to dictate a drunk/drugged patient with foreign object removal, but he couldn't stop giggling through the entire report. He even apologized for giggling.
You should read what some of the VR/ASR reports
come up with. On the other board someone mentioned that ASR came up with a diagnosis that the patient had HIV, which was never even dictated, and she did not know where it came from. Can you imagine if she had not caught that and deleted it.
I have heard you can put explanation on some reports, ie,
x
But they can say I need xx reports/lines in 24 hours.
x
Whatever HP printer you can get for your money. Try Consumer Reports for some
s
The company writing the 1099 reports that
They have to report the 1099s they distribute.

I personally have great disdain for tax evaders, which is what you are if you don't report your income.

I pay my taxes and report all of my income fairly and accurately. Those who don't are commiting a criminal act against me as a taxpayer and against the government.

Sending your 1099 in a black envelope would be a protective measure, prevening others from easily viewing information through the envelope. Not quite as underhanded as you seem to want to believe. :)


Poll: short reports or long ones?

which do you prefer?


 


I like short ones myself, I get bored with the long ones.


Funny, the majority of reports I type

Sure are a bunch of them being born with congenital abnormalities that require a lot of surgery and long stays in intensive care!  But of course, let's drive up our own health care costs by pulling out all stops to keep them healthy from birth!  Glad to know MY smoking and eating is causing the crisis (although I pay MY taxes and health care premiums), not free health care to thousands of new illegal aliens every day!


I type pediatric reports all the time, and from what
I've been reading, it can easily happen as early as 8, or as late as 14-15. (I was 13, myself). 10 is a tad young, but certainly not abnormal. If I had a daughter going starting her menses, I'd get her something like "Always", the pads that have sticky wings on them that attach them to underpants. No annoying, visible, uncomfortable belts! She may be a tad young for tampons, but maybe when she's a little older that could be an option too. I just wish they had those stick-on pads when I was a teenager!
I type reports of women in their 40's delivering all the time.
111
Scary reports on Eladil possible side effects, though. (sm)
From FDA website:

Possible risk of cancer: As noted in the Elidel Cream label and patient Medication Guide, although a link has not been made, rare cases of cancer (for example, skin and lymphoma) have been reported in patients who use Elidel Cream. The manufacturer is conducting studies to examine the risk of cancer. These studies may take many years to complete.


I am sure when the clients get professionally transcribed reports and the doctors find our
reports accurate nobody is thinking of pajamas or sweats. The home environment just allows us to be a little more relaxed and take showers, etc. on our own schedule. What in the world does that do to undermine what we know and do?  As far as what others think of our job in a home environment walk a mile in our shoes, or slippers, whatever the case may be.
I think Consumer Reports mentions cameras in the gift issue. See if
s
credit
My girlfriend did use the service. It worked great for them. It also put all their payments in one. The only thing is you need to watch what "items" you put under the service because it will keep you from purchasing items for so many years.
credit
I have used Consumer's Credit Counseling Services locally. They were wonderful to me. Put me on a generous budget, put all my bills under one payment (had to cut up all credit cards - which was a blessing and freedom after I got used to it), cut the credit card interests way-way-down or to none, and finally got everything paid. At first there was no charge from them, but later I paid $5 a visit, but I imagine they have surely put a low charge now. They were pretty strict with me (which I needed), but it worked. They were always accessible to talk with, which I really liked too. Also it was nice to refer callers to them, saying, "I am a client of CCCS and they are helping me" and not have to deal with the callers any more. In fact, after they were notified of intent to pay by CCCS they never called again.

Good luck. It meant freedom to me.
credit
I did hear that credit counseling is reported to the credit bureaus, but so are late payments, over-limits, missed payments, etc., etc. so ultimately I don't imagine it could ding your credit score any worse.
credit
I don't know the answer to that. We have only bought cars and a house on credit since then. Be sure to talk to the credit counselor before signing up and find out. They will know.
Credit card (SM)
There was information about credit cards and interest rates going around late last year/early this year.  Basically, from what I understand with the new bankruptcy law this was attached to it.  The credit card companies can and will charge you and me whatever interest rate they want to, and the only thing we can do is cancel the card and pay off the balance.  There were these little inserts with your statements that many of us just throw away and never think about it.  But I did read the ones that were sent with several of my statements, and I kindly told them to keep my rate where it was and I canceled the card.  Sad but true. 
NO more credit cards

I had a credit card with a high balance. I got a second mortage to pay it off. I called the credit card and got the payoff balance and my bank sent a check to them. I kept watching on line to make sure they got it and when they did I noticed that there was a $95 credit. So, I called and said how do I get my money back. They sent me a check and when I got it, I called and closed the account. This was about two weeks ago. Today I get a statement from them with a balance due of $45! Huh??? I called and they keep telling me it is a finance charge. I got pretty steamed and finally ended up saying that I would pay it, but no more. Well, I wrote out the check and put in in the mailbox, but I'm still stewing about this. If I still owed them money, why did they send me a credit?? What is the finance charge on if I had a credit balance? I suppose I will just pay it because they will only keep tacking on even more charges, but it is really bugging me. Has anyone else had any experience with this??


I will say one thing - NO MORE CREDIT CARDS EVER EVER EVER. REALLY. I mean it this time.


About my credit card
I owed close to $10,000.00 about 2 months ago on my credit card and called to make sure I sent the right amount as paying it off. After I paid in full, they also sent a "finance charge" for around 35 to 40 dollars. I paid that but have discontinued using that card. I have another card, used during Christmas, interest about half of the other one and getting that paid off before long also, just sent $500.00 towards that yesterday. I on the first had asked for payoff amount but the finance not there when I asked.
Our credit was very shakey (sm)
when we bought our house 6 years ago and we have now (both husband and I) been ICs in this biz for 11 years.  As an IC you are supposed to work for different companies according to the IRS so you could really jam yourself up if you got a letter like that from your current company.  Personally - I would refuse and find another mortgage company.  I had a very young and inexperienced mortgage person when we refinanced our house through a credit union - it was literally a nightmare - I don't have the time anymore!  If you have good credit move on and find someone who appreciates your business
ruined credit????
Went to work for a company about five years ago.  The pay was EXCELLENT, however, they paid me "when they got around to it."  Now my credit is so terrible I can hardly qualify for a home loan!!!  Has anyone else experienced this problem????  Still suffering after having quit four years ago!!!!!
Sorry to say, but you have proven yourself a bad credit
x
Not the only way, my credit just restored on its own
after years of not having as posted below, went and had a clean slate just as if no credit at all in my life, went from bankruptcy to nothing bad about me, nothing! I did learn how to be responsible after that time though, now have excellent credit rating.
Credit for your daughter
As DW stated, federal loans are given to students - have her go to financial aid office/web site of school and see what she needs to do to apply for them.

Does your daughter have a credit card? Yeah, I know, scary thought, but the sooner they can establish good credit, the better off you all are. My son has a card for college students from Citi Bank. He's had it since senior year of high school and I tell him to use it for EVERYTHING. Gas, pizza, books at school, etc. He keeps track (amazingly) and pays the card off every month so he never gets charged interest. His bill is usually for under $50.

He's been having problems with his cell phone, it's already been fixed once, yet the same problem keeps happening. The contract for the phone was up last week which means he could get a new phone for next to nothing provided he renew for another two years. I told him I'd buy him he new phone for a Christmas present. I've been paying his cell bill of $45/month for years. He wanted text messaging added to his plan. I told him I will only pay the $45, he can pay the difference if he wants to text his friends because NWIHAIPFI so he can ask his BFF what time they can meet for lunch when he could just call the dude and leave a message if he isn't there! Well, a two-year commitment with the phone company would bring us to 6 months AFTER he graduates from college and he could be in Madagascar by then for all I know with the cell bill still coming to me. I asked the cell phone company if the contract can go in my son's name. They told me no, because his credit rating as a student wouldn't qualify him. I asked them to check anyway. They did, the woman was shocked, he was approved, and now he has a new contract with text messaging for $10 more and the bill goes to him! I'll deposit $45 in his checking acct every month and he can write the check.

This is partial payback for the night I had to spend in a battleship with 400+ other Cub Scouts and their fathers when my son was little. Hot dogs and beans was the dinner. Need I say more? Bunks stacked 5 high with me on the top bunk and hot air rises. He will owe me for that for many years to come.


I think its credit cards...
The newspaper had an article the day after Christmas how people are defaulting on their credit cards all over the place. This added to the mortgage companies having problems with people unable to pay their balloon payments and the bad housing market, price of gas is sure to lead (the article said) to a recession.
When I was shopping I saw all the people with tons of things in their carts, DVD players, computers, etc. on Christmas eve. This was regular people at Walmart. I saw a lot of credit cards flashed around. Paying minimum payment will cause Christmas to cost tons more and they will be paying beyond the item's life which they purchased.
We went through this. We tried to sell our house, rented to own another and went broke in 3 months. After we had 2 house, fell back on credit cards the interest piled up and it was terrible! We moved back and are on a budget. So, I shopped without credit this year, and you know what? I had more fun. And I have 3 kids. Their things were simpler than the fancy things they got last year. The most expensive things we got were bikes because they are growing and we got those on sale. The rest were creative items. I am not saying that what we did is so great. What I am saying is that peeople are not looking at the big picture these days and if they do not use cash (as we had not in the past), they may not be able to pay their debt if hard times fall. In the meantime, grandpa sent my son 100 bucks, which I let him spend on a train set (I should not have let him do that he is 7) and he cried that his money was all gone and he did not want the train set anymore. I bet if I had him save some of it and had him buy simpler things, well I bet he would not have been crying. At least at age 7 he is learning that money is not easy to come by. And he is learning the hard way because I will not give him more money to replace what he spent. Sorry such a long message. It is just that we did not even afford an XBox, and I wanted a Wii myself, but we avoided all of that because in the end we learned that Christmas is not about credit cards, the junk it buys. I think the end of the cartoon the Grinch where the Who people did not even care about the presents was correct. Maybe we'd be happy with less things and more love. I don't know. This was not meant to be a sermon forgive me. We all have to learn what Christmas means to us and I say let people do what they want, consequences are always result of actions anyway. Just IMO. Happy New Year everyone!
Can't take credit for the idea.
When I was in my late teens I nannied for a very wealthy family who bought a truck load of stuff from a children's hospital as well as made a huge donation and I spent WEEKS handwriting "A donation has been made in your name" to this hospital and then including a sweatshirt, t-shirt, mug or whatever else they bought.
credit counseling
I did use one, but in retrosepct I don't think I would do it again. It ends up lowering your payments or your interest a little, but they also charge you a monthly fee - mine was 35.00. All they basically do is pay your bills for you with what you send them. It takes a good 2-3 months to get set up and working and by that time your bills are even more overdue. I think your best solution is to talk to all your creditors and be disclipined about paying to the exclusion of having a life until you are caught up. I finally got out of the hole, but it was hard and seemed like it would never happen. Good luck to you. You can do it.
which could damage your credit
x
they can be put on your credit report...
I know for sure b/c I have one on mine. :(

credit card
I've not had personal experience, but I know to be wary of some of those companies that advertise. I saw a financial advisor on the Today Show and she said to make sure you go with Consumer Credit Counseling; maybe there's a link on the Today Show website. Good luck!
credit debt
Wow thanks for all the good tips.

As this got off the subject and onto other things, I just wanted to say I have heard Al-Anon is excellent for people dealing with alcoholism in a spouse or other loved one. It might be a great place for support for you and your kids. Just a thought.
Pay off our credit card
And with the little we'd have left just put it in the bank
Credit Check
For several years now almost all employers have been running background and credit checks on all employees before they are hired. It has nothing to do with "your son". It is now common practice. Most likely if he is behind on his child support as soon as he gets a job they will attach his wages for payment. Alot of employers do not want to deal with the paperwork involved with that kind of stuff. The stigma of not paying your bills may soon change with the state of the economy and employers may start taking a different look at it. Did your son go to court and file to get his child support adjusted given his unemployment status? That would have helped him at least not be so far behind and may keep him from wage attachment when he does get a job.

At any rate don't get so upset, it is common practice for employers to do credit and background checks on every employee now (in fact your son probably signed the paperwork authorizing them to do so) and they use the results to make their hiring decisions.
credit card debt
Not sure what will happen, but I do wish you luck. Credit card debt is an unsecured type of debt. I don't know what more they can do to you other than a judgement. Not sure you can put that under a bankruptcy either once the judgement has been placed. I know a lawyer that handles a lot of bankruptcies -- did some work for him. He always asked his clients if late payments had gone to judgements. If they had not gone that far he was pleased about it. I guess it made things easier legally. Not really sure.
Your credit is ruined because you didnt do anything about it
x