Here are some things to consider if you want to apply for a new credit card while your trying to improve your credit score:

Getting a new credit card will make your credit score go down, but only for a short time.
Whenever you apply for credit, the creditor does a credit check on you. This kind of credit check is one small component of your credit score. The more credit inquiries you have on your file, the lower your score. These purge off rather quickly, however, and as long as you’re not applying for several credit cards all at once you should probably be all right.

Longevity of your credit accounts
Around 15 percent of your credit score is determined by the age of your credit accounts. If you’re closing old accounts to open new ones, your score will go down. Likewise, an account that you’ve opened just recently doesn’t have as much weight as an account that’s several years old.

Your behavior after you get the card
The largest percentage of your credit score (35%) is determined by your bill paying history. Whether you get a new credit card or not, make sure you pay your bills on time, every time. If you get a new card and don’t pay your bill, your credit score will suffer.

Credit ratio is important
The amount of your credit limits compared to the balance on your cards is a significant part of your credit score. If you open a new card and then don’t add much of a balance to it, you’re lowering that ratio, which will most definitely improve your credit score over the long haul, even if you take a temporary dip after the application process.

Did you know that for every 1% in interest on a 30 year mortgage is equivalent to 25% of the amount financed.
Example:
$100,000 loan at 7% will cost you $25,000 more over 20 years than 6%.

When your credit scores are higher, you qualify for lower interest rates.

Trinity Credit Services was founded with the sole purpose of assisting individuals who are being adversely affected because of inaccurate or unverifiable information on their credit reports.

Do you want to pay more because of mistakes on your credit report? If not, pick up the phone and call Trinity Credit Services at 1-888-669-7372 for your FREE Credit Report Consultation.

1. Avoid Opening Unnecessary Credit Cards and Lines of Credit
I’m sure you have heard it before? “Would you like to save 15% on your purchase today?” Nearly every time you shop you are offered a store credit card. Store credit cards offer poor credit and the credit scoring system frowns upon them. It may seem like you are saving a lot of money, but the interest rates are very high and to open a card requires a credit inquiry which can cost you in the long run. Plus, if you have lots of credit cards, you may be tempted to spend more money.

2. Avoid Overspending.
The amounts you spend affects your credit. 30% of your credit score is based on how you manage your debt. When your credit card balances exceed 30% of available limit, the credit scoring system lowers your score. If you max out your credit cards, it appears that you are in financial trouble and sends a red flag to the credit reporting bureaus.

3. Pay Bills On Time.
Payment history makes up 35% of your credit score. One late payment can cost you 50 points or more on your credit score. This time of year is very busy and you can misplace or forget to make a payment. Be extra careful in paying your bills on time and your credit will improve.

4. Plan and Budget Your Gift Giving
You know the drill, you walk into a store with the intent to buy a specific item and you wind up with a shopping cart worth of items you don’t need. It is wise you have a list and budget and stick to it. Consider making your gifts for a personal touch that is easy on the bank account.

5. Manage Credit Wisely.
Keep track of your spending and keep your credit card balances as low as possible. Studies show that as consumers increase their credit card balances, they become increasingly apathetic about their balances and even about adding new debt. By tracking balances, a person will maintain a sense of control over their credit score and their finances.

Trinity Credit Services offers a FREE Credit Report Consultation and would love to help you learn more about your credit.

MYTH: Stop Using Credit Cards to Get a Score Boost
The only time not using a credit card aids your credit score is when you are tempted to spend too much. Your score is based on how you use the credit available to you. If you have cards that aren’t being used, it won’t help your score. It is better to use your cards regularly for small purchases and pay off the balance in full on time.

You Can Erase Old Collection Debts Easily
It is true that paying off debts will boost your score over time. However, if you have had accounts that have been turned over to collections or a judgment filed against you, it will be more difficult to get those marks removed from your credit report. If you have judgments on your credit reports, it is wise to contact a credit repair company like Trinity Credit Services for help.

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This 40 point difference in your credit score can cost you thousands of dollars in interest on a typical loan. For example, someone with a credit score of 719 is in the same bracket of borrowers with credit scores as low as 690. On a 36 month car loan, a borrower with a credit score of 719 will pay about $600 more over the life of the loan than someone with a 720 credit score. The amount of extra money in interest on a home loan is even more costly.

How to Obtain a 720 Credit Score

If your current credit score is below 720, it will pay off to call a reputable credit repair company like Trinity Credit Services for a FREE credit repair consultation. Your credit consultant will go over your credit report with you to see if there are any incorrect and derogatory items on there that they can help you get removed. Another smart move is to keep balances on credit cards low and pay all of your bills on time.

How Credit Scores Work
Three national credit bureaus, Experian, TransUnion and Equifax, keep tabs on your credit history, issuing three different credit reports that show how well you pay your bills each month, how much credit card debt you have and how many open credit card accounts you have. If you miss monthly payments or run up too much debt, your credit scores will fall. If you have bankruptcies or housing foreclosures in your past, your credit score will plummet, too. In general, credit scores over 620 are considered acceptable. Those of 720 or higher are considered excellent, and will guarantee borrowers the lowest interest rates. Higher credit scores will also mean lower insurance premiums, in many cases, and a better chance to land that high-paying job.

Critics say that neither employers nor auto-insurance providers should use consumer credit scores. High or low credit scores say nothing about how people drive or how well they would perform on a job. Supporters of the practice, though, argue that credit scores tell them about a person’s judgment and integrity. Auto insurers say that drivers with low credit scores tend to have more traffic accidents and violations. No matter where you stand on this argument, one thing is certain: It’s more important to focus on credit repair than it ever has been.

If you have negative items on your credit report, contact Trinity Credit Services today at 1-888-669-7372 for a FREE credit report evaluation.

While most of us will never reach the perfect credit score, it doesn’t necessarily mean all is lost. Typically a good credit score will help you attain what you need in life. Those who have scored a 760 or higher are generally eligible for the same perks as those few who have achieved a perfect score. This is not to say you shouldn’t strive for greatness. It just confirms that achieving a ‘perfect score’ is not easy.

There are several things people who have reached great credit scores have in common that helped them reach their goal.
-Diversity in Accounts

People with great credit have several kinds of credit accounts. You want to have some revolving accounts like a credit card and some installment accounts like a car loan or mortgage. In theory, your credit score would get a boost if you had a credit card, mortgage and a personal loan active and paid on time.

-Long Credit Histories

If you have never established credit until recently, you will likely have a difficult time increasing your credit score. If you started young with a credit card or other loan and kept things paid as required, your credit score is probably higher. That is why it is imperative that you never close out your oldest credit card accounts. You don’t want to erase that positive credit history.

-Lack of Inquiries

Whenever you apply for any type of credit, it triggers an inquiry on your credit report. For creditors, too many inquiries is a sign you may not manage your credit as effectively as you should be. People with great credit scores are very selective about the credit applications they submit and the time period in which they submit them. You should only apply for credit when you truly need it and not to receive discounts or other incentives.

While you may never see a ‘perfect’ score on your own credit record, it is still essential you do what it takes to get the best credit score you possibly can. Credit scores are no longer just for financing purposes. Your credit score can now affect your car insurance premiums, your ability to secure employment, and your capability of renting an apartment or home.

If you would like a Free Credit Report Consultation to see where your credit score could use improvement, call Trinity Credit Services at 1-888-669-7372 today!

Here are your options for getting a mortgage with bad credit:

1. Search for and try to find the best offer with your current credit situation

2. Find a reputable credit repair company like Trinity Credit Services and begin the credit restoration process

There are a number of companies and organizations that will approve you for a home loan no matter what your credit score you have, but that comes with major consequences. You’re likely to pay outrageous fees and the interest you’ll pay on the loan will be two to three times the average rate.

As a result, not only will it cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars more to live in your home every month, but by the time you pay off your mortgage it could cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars more. You end up paying more in interest each month than towards your home.

Whether you need a mortgage for bad credit to purchase a new home, refinance your current home, or buy a second home, you’ll end up paying more with these plans – and not just in mortgage payments. Because of your bad credit, your closing costs could be higher and you may end up paying private mortgage insurance (PMI), which is nothing more than a fee because of your bad credit score.

This can all be entirely eliminated by simply planning 30 – 90 days before you purchase your home. By putting a little effort in restoring your credit, you can erase any worries about getting approved for a mortgage. In doing so you’ll save thousands of dollars in the process and reduce your closing costs.

call Trinity Credit Services at 1-888-669-7372 today to get your free Credit Report Consultation.

Delinquent Accounts
This includes accounts that were inaccurately reported as delinquent as well as those that were actually delinquent.
A couple of 30-day late payments, when you actually were late, won’t affect your credit score much. However, if you’ve been more than 90 days late on any account, it has seriously impacted your credit standing.

Credit card charge-offs happen when you’re more than 180 days late on your credit card payments. This is the most serious type of delinquency for a credit card next to bankruptcy.

Debt collections are delinquent accounts that have been sent to a third-party debt collector for payment. Some businesses don’t send your account to a collector until it’s 180 days old. Others, most often medical bills, wind up on your credit report within as few as two months.

Repossession and foreclosure are similar. Repossession happens when you’ve become delinquent on your auto loan payments and the lender takes back the vehicle. Foreclosure happens after several delinquent mortgage payments and results in the loss of your home. Both are public records that remain on file with your local courthouse.

A judgment comes after a creditor or lender sues you in court and wins. Anyone to whom you owe money has the right to sue you for what you owe. If the judge declares that you must pay the money, a judgment goes on file with the courthouse. If you don’t show up for the court date, you can defend yourself, and the judge will often enter a default judgment in the amount you were sued for.

Bankruptcy is one of the worst things that can happen to your credit report. It’s also on file with the court and can remain on your credit report for up to seven years.

Debt Levels
Having credit cards and loans with too high balance compared to the credit limit or loan amount hurts your credit. These items are easier to fix than delinquencies because all you have to do is reduce the balance.

Inquiries
Excessive credit report inquiries are the result of you applying for too much credit or shopping around for a loan. The good thing about inquiries is that they only remain on your credit report for two years.

It’s no wonder that payment history counts for 35% of your credit score – there are so many ways you can mess up in that area. If you have any of these things on your credit report, these are the things to focus on during credit repair.

If you would like a FREE Credit Report Evaluation, please contact Trinity Credit Services at 1-888-669-7372. Our expert credit consultants will go over your credit report with you so that you know what items are negative and how we can help get them removed so that your credit score improves!

Check Your FICO Scores
Your mortgage lender will underwrite your loan application using the average of your three FICO scores. It is a good idea to know your scores in advance, so there won’t be any surprises.

Check Your Revolving Balances
Your revolving balances have a dramatic impact on your credit scores. Many people in credit repair programs assume incorrectly that if they make their payments on time their scores will be fine. Later they wonder why their scores are languishing. A high balance on a credit card may cause a drop of over one hundred points your scores. You cannot afford for this to happen. When it comes to your mortgage, every point counts.

Bring Your Balances Down
Plan in advance and bring your balances down as much as possible before your make your mortgage application. The FICO scoring model recognizes five levels of credit card usage: 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 percent; the lower the balance the higher the score. If you have the ability you should reduce your balance below 20 percent of your credit limit.

Proofread Your Reports
Credit repair requires a bit of healthy skepticism. There are many types of errors possible; not all errors are obvious.
Spend a couple of hours examining your reports. It may be the best investment of time you ever made.

Fix the Derogatory Information
Look carefully at the derogatory information on your reports. Common errors include duplicate accounts and accounts that are reporting beyond the seven year reporting period limit. Keep in mind that the reporting period for a collection starts with the first missed payment in the sequence that led to the collection status. You should also know that when a collector sells a debt, or returns it to the original creditor, they are supposed to cease reporting, but rarely do. This is a great credit repair opportunity.

Fix the Positive Information
Some of the errors that commonly go unnoticed include under-reported credit limits and misreported account opening dates. Under-reported credit limits can make it look like your credit card is maxed-out and your score will reflect this. Misreported account opening dates can make it look like your account is newer than it really is and you will lose points.

If you are looking to buy a home in the next six months, it is in your best interest to call Trinity Credit Services for your free Credit Report consultation. We can help remove negative items from your credit report so that you will qualify for a better home loan!

The changes to the Credit CARD law are beneficial if you are aware of your exact rights and privileges as a credit cardholder. Knowing the provisions of the Credit CARD law is only the initial step. In order to truly benefit, a cardholder must act accordingly to protect him/herself against sudden rate increases or changes in your credit card’s terms and conditions.

The 45 Days Notice
Some consumers may get the wrong notion that their interest rates will never increase. But under the new law, credit card issuers can still increase interest rates on future purchases provided that they send notice 45 days prior to the increase. In order to benefit from this provision, a credit cardholder must regularly check notices or mails sent by the issuer. Otherwise, you could miss the alert and may get surprised about the unexpected increase in your rate.

If you do not agree with the proposed new rate, you can negotiate with your credit card issuer to retain the present rate. Nevertheless, if your issuer refuses to give in, you have the opportunity to “opt out” and cancel your account before the actual increase takes effect. But watch out! Before you cancel your card, make sure that you can pay off all your existing balances to avoid damaging your credit history.

Interest Rate Hikes Without Notice
Other circumstances where an issuer can raise your credit card interest with no advance notice include the following conditions:
- When the introductory rate expires
- When your card has a variable rate When you have fallen behind your payments for more than 60 days

To protect yourself against unpleasant surprises, be sure to read and understand your credit card Agreement before submitting your application. Remember that if your card has a variable rate, increases are to be expected because your interest is directly dependent on the market’s Index Rate.

If your credit card offers a low introductory APR, be sure that you understand what the regular rate would be when the introductory period ends. Also, you need to be aware of the exact length of the introductory period so you can complete your payments before the regular rate is applied.

Last but not least, submit your payments on time to avoid the risk of bad credit. In case your issuer increases your rate because of a 60-day delinquency, you should know that your issuer must give back your original rate after 6 months of consistent payments.

McKinney, Texas – Today, the RE/MAX Integrity Team received a grant from the Texas Association of Realtors Housing Opportunity Foundation to host a home buyer workshop to educate local residents about housing assistance programs available, and how to take advantage of them.

The workshop, on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2010, is part of a new statewide initiative that aims to expand homeownership opportunities for Texans.

“We all hear a lot about ‘housing assistance,’ but few consumers know whether they qualify for these programs or how they work,” said C.J. Winchester of Service First Mortgage. “Through this initiative, we’re informing consumers about programs that can help them start on their own path to responsible, sustainable homeownership.”

Tammy Faubion continued, “As Texas Realtors, it is our responsibility to be a resource for consumers and educate them on the incentives available to them. By offering this educational workshop, we will be bringing real solutions to those who protect and care for our communities. There is so much bad information out there about home buying today. We want to help consumers learn the truth and dispel some of the myths about lending and home buying in today’s market.”

Your credit score affects many aspects of your financial life. Bob Hatfield of Trinity Credit Restoration will be on hand to answer questions about what credit scores mean and how they affect you. He will also give ideas on how to build good credit and how to repair bad credit.

The free homebuyer workshop will be at Holiday Inn in McKinney, from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m., and the public is invited. Refreshments will be provided and there will be a drawing for door prizes at the event. For more information, contact Tammy Faubion at 972-679-0946 (tfaubion@remax.net).

To support local efforts, the Texas Association of Realtors has launched TxHomePrograms.org, an online searchable database of housing assistance programs in Texas. In addition, Texas Realtors are partnering with local lenders, housing counselors and others throughout the state to host educational events for consumers. At these events, attendees will learn about housing issues, consumer needs for workforce housing and Texas-specific programs available to make homeownership more affordable.

David Blattner, Karen Miller and Tammy Faubion, with the RE/MAX Town & Country Integrity Team, C.J. Winchester with Service First Mortgage, and Bob Hatfield with Trinity Credit Services will be on hand to answer your questions.

Open New Accounts
The FICO scoring model will give you bonus points for opening new accounts after a period of bad credit. Don’t close your old accounts, credit history is also very important. The idea is to pay on time and keep your balances low. Here are some cards we recommend for rebuilding credit:
Apply for credit.

The Balance-Limit Connection
A small change in balances can send your credit scores flying or diving. Have you maxed out a credit card and then checked your scores? This can work for or against you. The best bet is to use less than 20 percent of your credit limit.

Say No to Store Cards
When retailers ask you if you would like to save 10% by opening a store card, say no. That small savings could cost you. These cards yield the smallest credit repair benefit, have high interest rates and get you to spend money on things you may not need.

Got a Few Bucks?
If you have any collections, now is the time to try to negotiate a deal. Here we are in 2010, and collectors are hungry. Plan your call in advance. Have the money to send right on the spot if you strike a good deal, and let them know you can. It is a great credit repair tip. You may even be able to get them to knock the collection off your report. The last Friday of the month can be a great time to try this. Good luck!

Don’t Pay Your Bills
The most important part of your credit score is your repayment history, so if you want to have terrible credit, don’t pay your bills. By refusing to pay even the minimum monthly payment, the repayment history on your credit report will look terrible, showing that you have bills you haven’t paid for 90-plus days. Eventually, your account will go to collections, making your score plummet further.

Better yet, throw your unopened credit card bill in the trash. That way, a thief might be able to acquire enough information about you to steal your identity, leaving you with a gigantic financial mess to clean up and completely trashing your credit score.

While you’re at it, don’t open your monthly mortgage statement, either. Keep doing this month after month. Eventually, you’ll lose your home to foreclosure. Between the unpaid mortgage and the credit card bills, you may even have to declare bankruptcy. Bankruptcies and foreclosures are a great way to ruin your credit not just in the short term, but for years to come.

Charge It!
The second most important factor of your credit score is how much you owe. So if you want to ruin your credit score, make sure to max out all of your credit cards. Better yet, try to spend past the limit! Then, don’t pay the bill — ever.

Apply For Credit Multiple Times
Ten percent of your credit score is based on how many new credit accounts you have applied for recently. If you want to wreck your credit, say yes every time a retailer offers you 10% savings when you open a store card. Plus, the more cards you have, the more likely you are to dig yourself in a deeper hole.

Have Only One Type of Credit
Your credit score tends to be higher if you use a mix of different types of credit, such as credit cards, store accounts, an auto loan and a mortgage. Of course, to get approved for a mix of credit in the first place, you’d have to be responsible with your money. If you want to look bad, don’t mix it up – stick with credit cards. These are one of the easiest types of credit to get.

Assume There is Nothing You Can Do
Once you’ve destroyed your credit, there is no sense in hoping things will get better one day. A bankruptcy can stay on your credit report for up to 10 years. If you want bad credit, don’t visit a credit counseling service for help. Don’t work on a budge to manage your money better. Don’t cut up your credit cards. Don’t take small steps to paying off your debts.

Now that you know lots of ways to ruin your credit, why don’t you call Trinity Credit Services at 1-888-669-7372 to get your credit score back on track. It will be the best decision you have made about your financial health!

It is very helpful to have an expert on your side fighting for you. Each person is unique and so is everyone’s credit report. Professionals in the field have the expertise to know what steps to take and what approaches work best. Only Trinity Credit Services guarantees that any results we achieve are permanent. If you decided to repair your credit yourself, the items you get removed could come back and then you are back where you started from.

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Creditor
The person or organization to whom the debtor owes money or some other form of legal obligation.

Debtor
The person liable for debts and could therefore be the subject of a bankruptcy case.

Assets
A form of property owned by a debtor.

Personal Property
Assets, cars, stock furniture, not real estate, not affixed to real property.

Bankruptcy Code
Title 11 of the United States Code has governed bankruptcy proceedings since October of 2005. Bankruptcy is a matter of federal law. When it conflicts with state law, federal law presides.

Chapter 7
The most common form of bankruptcy known as a liquidation proceeding.

Chapter 11
A reorganization proceeding. The debtor may continue in business or in possession of its property as a fiduciary.
The plan to pay back creditors in whole or in part.

Chapter 12
A simpler reorganization plan for family farmers whose debts fall within certain limits.

Chapter 13
A repayment plan for individuals with debts falling below statutory levels which provides repayment of some or all of the debts out of future income over 3-5 years.

Conversion
Cases in the Code may be converted from one chapter to another chapter.

Trustee
The court appoints a trustee in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 case to review the debtor’s schedules and represent the interests of the creditors in the bankruptcy case.

Proof of Claim
The form filed with the court establishing the creditors claim against the debtor.

Priority Claims
Certain debts such as unpaid wages, spousal or child support and taxes are elevated in the payment hierarchy under the Code.

Confirmed
A plan of reorganization in chapter 11, 12 13 as approved by the court binding all parties.

Lien
An interest in real or personal property which secures a debt; the lien may be voluntary, such as a mortgage in real property, or involuntary such as a judgment or tax lien.

Collateral
The property which is subject to lien.

Liquidated
A debt for a known number of dollars is liquidated.

Unliquidated Debt
The debtor has liability but the exact monetary measure of that liability is unknown.

Discharge
The legal elimination of debt through a bankruptcy case. When a debt is discharged, it is no longer legally enforceable against a debtor.

Non-dis-chargeable
A debt that can not be eliminated in bankruptcy. The debt is legally enforceable regardless of the bankruptcy discharge.

Indemnify
To guarantee against any loss which another might suffer. A spouse in a divorce assumes certain debts of the marriage that the other spouse does not have to pay.

Exempt
An exempt property is removed from the bankruptcy estate and is not available to pay the claims of the creditors. The debtor keeps the exempt property for use after bankruptcy.

Exemptions
A list of the kinds and values of property that is legally beyond the reach of creditors that the debtor in bankruptcy gets to keep.

Fiduciary
One who is entrusted with duties on behalf of another.

You Aren’t Alone
There are millions of Americans who suffer from bad credit. The current economy hasn’t helped much. With the housing bubble, increasing interest rates and fewer jobs, there are many people who are in similar situations. When you decided to take control of your financial situation, you are one step closer to having the credit scores you want and need.

It Takes Two to Tango
Think of it this way: Bonds are a form of lending. When an investor buys bonds, he is lending his money to the company that issued the bonds. If the company is later unable to repay the investor, who is to blame? They both are. The company that went bankrupt is obviously responsible, but the investor who lent the company money weighed the risks and decided to buy the bonds, he made a risky choice in buying those bonds.

Of course you don’t want to think of yourself as a “bad loan,” but if you realize that lenders share the responsibility with the debtors, you will feel better about your situation. The U.S. financial system is structured with this in mind.

Use Credit Responsibly
Of course this doesn’t mean that you bear no responsibility, you just don’t bear 100% of it. Unless you committed fraud or took out loans that you had no intention of paying back, you haven’t done anything morally wrong. Creditors can sense your guilt and will use it against you it you let them.

It is much better to take the matter into your own hands and work with a trusted credit repair company that can give you the advice you need to move forward towards financial success.

Risky Moves
Sometimes you take risks with your money. Nothing ventured, nothing gained is your motto. For every great idea that survives and thrives, there are many more that struggle. Many entrepreneurs have poor credit due to the risks they take with their investments. In many cases it makes sense for business owners to seek help repairing their credit.

Environment
Sometimes there are events such as a recession that affects our jobs and income, and as a result, our credit. Even those who spend wisely and budget can be hit hard. When your credit is affected, it is good to know there are companies out there such as Trinity Credit Services that can repair your credit.

Fix Your Credit
Credit repair can help you get back on your feet if you find yourself in any of these difficult situations. If you have credit problems you owe it to yourself to open your mind to the possibilities. Time can be your friend or your enemy. If you give up and do nothing to meet the challenges time is not your friend. But if you consult a credit repair professional and explore all of your credit repair options you will be on your feet again before you know it.

Bankruptcy will have a large negative impact on your credit report and credit score, and will stay on the report for up to 10 years. This may make it harder to get loan or credit card for even longer, since some applications ask if you have ever filed for bankruptcy.

Once you decide to file, and the proper documents are filed with the court, a trustee will be appointed to collect other necessary information and make sure it is accurate. You should then notify all creditors that you have filed for bankruptcy, since they are legally obligated to stop trying to collect debts during this period. You may be required to meet with certain creditors and their lawyers, to determine what portion of your assets they are able to claim. The bankruptcy court judge will make the final decisions on which assets you are able to keep and which are liquidated, based on state law.

If you have a bankruptcy on your credit report, call Trinity Credit Services. We can remove negative items from your credit report to help you get back on your feet.

Build a Solid Foundation
If you want to repair your credit, you need to make sure you have a solid foundation. There is little point in investing the time and money towards credit repair services if you are just going to make the same mistakes again

Credit Education
Unless you have already gone through credit repair, it is not likely that you truly know about your financial life. In many occasions you spend the money you earn and have a fuzzy picture of where it all went. A big step in this process is becoming clear on your finances.

Track Spending
Before you can reap the rewards of good credit, you first have to work. Gather your receipts and credit card statements and write down everything you spend money on from the afternoon lattes to your rent.

Do the Math
Write down everything and categorize it. If you pay your insurance quarterly, multiply by four and divide by twelve to arrive at a monthly number. If you take an annual vacation, estimate the number and divide by twelve. Now it is time to add it up. How does it look?

Personal Self-Knowledge
The goal is to look at the flow of your money. Personal self knowledge and credit repair are best of friends. Beyond credit repair there are wonderful emotional consequences of knowing where you stand. Living within your means can eliminate enormous stress from your life.

Have Fun Saving Money
Now that know where your money goes, how about keeping more of it for yourself? You can eat at home more often and bring your lunch to work, you can spend a night in and watch movies or play games, you can take a “stay-cation” and explore the city you live in, you can make your own coffee beverage, and you can trade in your gas-guzzling vehicle for a more fuel-efficient car.

Credit Repair Saves Money
You will be amazed at the amount of money you can save without putting a dent in the quality of your life. In fact, many credit repair candidates report back that they have never been so happy with the money-saving changes they have made. Not only have they protected their long term credit repair results, but they have learned a few new tricks. Nothing warms the heart like a balanced budget. Good luck!

How Are Car Insurance Rates Determined?
The amount you pay for car insurance is determined by several different factors. The main factor is your driving record and the type of car you drive. Next is your age, gender, marital status and your credit. Insurance actuaries have been able to show that people with bad credit get into more accidents and file more insurance claims, so they can justify charging them higher rates. Car insurance is mandatory, so while you can choose to pay in cash or rent or use you land line instead of a cell phone, you cannot choose to go without car insurance. If you go without it you are breaking the law!

How Much Can My Bad Credit Cost Me?
A study by Consumers Reports found that people with bad credit can be charged as much as 47% more for their car insurance than people with average credit. This means that if someone with good credit were charged $2,000 a year for car insurance, a driver with bad credit would pay as much as $2,940, all other things being equal. That’s over $78 per month!

The good news is that regulators in many states are looking at banning the practice of using credit to determine insurance rates – or should I say, that’s good news for people with bad credit. People with good credit stand to lose when laws forbidding the practice are passed.

If you have bad credit, call Trinity Credit Services. We have an average score increase of 80 to 200 points.

Identification Information
Information such as the name of the individual, current and previous addresses, and Social Security number.

Trade Line Information
Detailed information reported by creditors on each current and past loan, lease, or other debt (such as utility and medical debts).

Public Record Information
Information derived from financial-related public records, such as records of bankruptcies, foreclosures, tax liens, garnishments, and other civil judgments.

Collection Account Information
Information reported by collection agencies regarding credit accounts and other debts.

Inquiry Information
Identities of individuals or companies that have requested information from an individual’s credit file; the date of inquiry; and an indication of whether the inquiry was by the consumer, for the review of an existing account, or to help the inquirer decide on a potential future account or relationship.

Unfortunately, an alarming number of these credit reports contain serious errors and could cause the denial of credit, a loan, or a job, so monitor your credit report and minimize or eliminate future credit problems. If you think that some incorrect items may be on your credit report, call Trinity Credit Services and we will work to get those items removed.

- Operating under the guidelines of the FTC (Federal Trade Commission).

- 6 month program only, best results will typically be seen in the first 90 days.

- Multi-step process (certified mail sent to original creditors, all 3 credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion), collection companies, and courthouses (if necessary). We send certified, not 41 cent stamped letters!

- 100% money back guarantee.

- Guaranteed Permanent Results.

- Average score increase of 80 to over 200 points.

- Average deletion rate of 80-85%; as high as 100%.

- 24/7 Online Update System (enables you to monitor the progress of your file).

- Response Based Program – Our investigation correspondences are tailored to your specific credit issues, we do not send generic letters.

- We challenge ALL derogatory items on your credit report, including inquiries.

- Receive emails, immediately, to notify you of updates to your file.

- Our Client Service Department enables you to talk to a live person about your file, and answer any questions that you may have.

MYTH: Closing Your Credit Cards will Increase Your Credit Scores
This move can DESTROY your credit. There are several equations used to determine your credit worthiness. Revolving utilization is one of the factors and it is the percentage of available credit you are utilizing. If you have five credit cards with a credit limit of $5,000 then your cumulative balance is $25,000 (five cards times $5,000). If you managed to max out two of those cards, you will have a cumulative balance of $10,000. This will make your revolving utilization 40%.

So let’s say the other three cards are in good standing and you want to rid your life of them by closing the accounts. What would happen? In actuality, those three credit cards were keeping your revolving utilization’s head above water. Being that the two other cards are maxed out, your utilization just skyrocketed from 40% to 100%.

MYTH: You Only Have One Credit Score and Report
There are three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Each bureau has their own way of collecting information on your finances. Some of your accounts may appear on one credit report and not the others. Make sure you check all three of your credit reports to ensure there are no errors.

MYTH: Paying for Everything in Cash will Help Your Credit
When lenders look at your credit report they look for the ability to pay back lines of credit in a timely manner. If you pay everything in cash, you are not building credit. If you have no credit history or not very much credit history, lenders may be hesitant to give you a loan. You may think that you don’t need credit, but try buying a home or car without credit. Even renting a car or signing up for utilities requires credit.

MYTH: Getting Divorced Gets Rid of Credit Responsibilities
Divorce is never easy and it often has some unwanted effects on your finances. Once you divorce, the judge splits up debt between the spouses. When the assets and debts are divided, you may think you are off the hook with the mortgage and car payments. What the judge says in the divorce proceedings does not overrule the contract you signed with the lenders. If the mortgage is in both of your names and your spouse fails to make a payment, you both suffer.

MYTH: Poor Credit will Affect Your Credit Score for Seven Years
The credit scoring system is based on the information relative to the present. This means that you have the opportunity to improve your credit. Remember that credit is an on-going process that follows you for the rest of your lift. If you can correct and learn from your mistakes, your credit score will improve.

MYTH: Checking Your Credit will Lower Your Credit Score
You can check your credit score as often as you like without it affecting your credit. Your credit score is affected by the number of times lenders check your score, so you want to keep those inquiries to a minimum.

MYTH: When you Get Married Your Credit Scores are Merged
When you get married, your credit is yours and will always be yours. If you and your spouse jointly open an account or take out a loan then both of your credit reports will be affected.

In order to qualify for a mortgage, your credit score needs to be 620 and above. For anything below 740, there are price implications. People who have a lower debt-to-income ratio, might be able to get a Federal Housing Authority-backed mortgage with a credit score as low as 580. People with really poor credit are better off renting to avoid the high interest rates.

If you have a low credit score, it really makes sense to call a reputable credit repair company such as Trinity Credit Services. We can help remove derogatory items from your credit report that will likely increase your credit scores and those scores will help you get better interest rates. Normally the fees associated with fixing your credit, are made up quickly with reduced interest rates.

Visa was originally called BankAmericard.

Mastercard was the first company to use holograms to prevent fraud.

American Express started off as a shipping company in 1850.

Visa stands for Visa International Service Association.

Discover Card was introduced by Sears in 1985 and offered no annual fee.

Fun fact: If you could double your money every year for 20 years in a row, one dollar would turn into more than one million. ($1,048,576)

Fun fact: If you invested your money at 8% from age 25 to age 65, just $3,900 per year would turn into more than one million ($1,010,320) meaning it only takes about $325 a month to become a millionaire.

Fun fact: It is illegal to put coins in your ears in Hawaii.

Fun fact: If you drive 10 miles to buy a lottery ticket, you are more likely to die in a car accident than to win the lottery.

Fun fact: If you leave an unpaid balance on a credit card charging 18% interest, the amount you owe will double in just four years and three months.

Fun fact: People leave bigger tips at restaurants on sunny days than on cloudy days.

Fun fact: Starting in 2006, it cost the U.S. Mint more than one cent to produce each penny and more than five cents to produce each nickel, due to rising commodity prices.

Fun fact: Portraits on coins are profile view because they’re easier to stamp into coins. The coin is a 3D portrait so there isn’t enough room to add the nose onto a frontal portrait.

Credit Fact: An estimated 25% of the US adult population (about 50 million individuals) lack enough traditional credit data to generate a FICO score.

Credit Report
U.S. citizens have a credit report documenting their financial history beginning at age 18. Everyone starts out with a clean slate at this time and it is a good to learn about how to establish good credit.

Credit Scoring
Credit scores are based on a letter and/or number system that analyzes your debt payment history to determine your worth and credibility.

Credit History
Tracks all loan and credit card accounts as you borrow and pay back money.

Credit Rating
calculated worthiness of an individual or company

Debt
Debt is money owed and the arrangement to pay the money back.

Creditor
A creditor is also known as a lender and fronts the money for your loan.

Debtor
A debtor is also knows as a borrower and has entered into a loan agreement with a lender.

Interest
Interest is the percentage or rate at which the original amount borrowed will increase upon paying the lender back.

Asset
An asset is a financial resource, something that produces value

Bankruptcy
The legal declaration of the inability to pay a debt.

FICO
FICO is the formula /calculation which lenders use to evaluate a borrowers risk. Fico is just one scoring system to determine credibility.

Liquidation
Liquidation is the process of converting assets into cash to pay off creditors.

Repossession
If a borrower fails to pay a debt, the purchased item can be taken back from the borrower.

Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
APR is the yearly rate lenders charge borrowers while the debt is outstanding.

Amortization
Evidence debt is decreasing by regular payments of principal and interest.

Minimum payment
The lowest amount required to pay monthly on a credit card in order to keep it in good standing.

Credit Line
The maximum amount of money that can be charged to a credit card.

Types of Mortgages


There are many different types of mortgages, and deciding which type is right for you can be a daunting task. All mortgages must be paid back in monthly installments. Your income and credit history will determine your loan, interest rate and monthly payment. If you have poor credit scores you may not get a good interest rate or you may even get rejected for the loan entirely.

Hard Credit Checks


Mortgages include a hard credit check; too many of these can knock points off of your credit score. There are no credit tricks when applying for a mortgage. However it is necessary your credit report is accurate and gives you a foundation to build useful credit. Do not wait until the application process to discover your credit report potential. If you have mistakes on your credit report, contact us today. Our credit repair professionals understand home ownership is affected by your credit report.

Your credit report indicates to a landlord your reliability and credibility. The better your credit, the less risk you pose to the landlord.

If you have bad credit, you are more likely to get approved for a rental agreement than a home mortgage. If you need to rent and you have bad credit, the leasing manager may ask for a higher security deposit to off-set the potential for a broken lease or ask you to pay your first and last months rent in advance.

If you would like to avoid the extra cost, you should consider credit repair. If there are mistakes or discrepancies on your credit report, a credit repair specialist from Trinity Credit Services can help. Our credit repair professionals can take you through the necessary steps to clean up your credit report, as well as give you further education on how to keep your finances in order.

An auto loan is a type of secure loan in the amount of the car. It is paid back in monthly installments. The payment terms are often negotiated by the “useful” life of the vehicle or its estimated future blue book value. Auto loans are either direct or indirect. A direct auto loan is one that you get directly from a financial institution. An indirect auto loan is one that you get through the dealer from another financial institution.

Your interest rate that is determined by the scores on your credit report. It is a good idea to review your credit report before you apply for a loan. If there are mistakes or discrepancies on your report, you should consider hiring a company like Trinity Credit Services to get those items removed from your credit report.

When credit repair is done correctly by a trusted credit repair company such as Trinity Credit Services, your credit report and score can change dramatically. It is possible to have major changes within 40-120 days. Be patient, it does take time to get items removed from your credit report, but in most cases it is worthwhile.

Call Trinity Credit Services today for your FREE credit report consultation. Your credit consultant will go over your credit report to see what items may be causing problems such as duplicate accounts, under reported credit lines, paid off accounts, collections and charge-offs. When we see what is on your report, we can come up with a plan to remove those negative items.

You may be wondering is the time period for reporting. A disparaging item on your report can only show for a certain period of time. Usually it is 7 years. There is a stature of limitations on how long a company can try to collect a debt.

The credit bureaus are required to process the disputes that are received, however, this is not the money making proposition for them. They may decline your dispute and you would have to continue to write more letters. That is why it is best to use a reliable credit repair company that uses a systematic approach to getting items removed from your report.

After your credit is repaired, you will want to ensure that your credit score remains high. Continue to pay your bills on time and to use credit wisely.