Stephen Snyder

Why Your Credit Report Will Never Be Right

You're getting ready to make a major purchase on credit and want to get the lowest interest rate possible. You know that paying down your credit cards will increase your credit scores. So that's what you do. You collect all your recent credit card statements. Verify each balance owed. And grab your checkbook. But then you think, "I want these payments to post as soon as possible." So you look at your... (posted by Stephen 5 years 54 days ago.)

Renting an Apartment After Bankruptcy

OK, so if you're bankrupt and you absolutely need to rent an apartment here's what I would do: • Purchase your FICO credit scores. You'll see why in a minute. • Make a list of all the apartments you're interested in renting. • Call each apartment complex and interview the apartment manager. Here are some credit questions to ask: Have you previously rented apartments to... (posted by Stephen 5 years 65 days ago.)

Is it Better to Buy or Lease a Car After Bankruptcy?

If you want to get approved at the best possible terms when buying a car, it's important you know a car lender's credit guidelines before you apply for credit...especially if you're bankrupt. It will save you time and frustration—but more importantly, it will help you avoid credit inquiries that may lower your FICO credit scores up to 12 points per inquiry. Step 1 in making a lease or... (posted by Stephen 5 years 87 days ago.)

To Co-sign or Not to Co-sign...That Is the Question

Those of you who recently filed bankruptcy (and those bad credit scores) may be tempted, like I was, to ask a friend, parent or relative to co-sign on a loan with you. Don't do it. It weakens your position with lenders. Once a lender sees a co-signer on one of your loans—the lender will question your stability and move into “cover their butt" mode. And the way lenders cover their butts, is by forcing... (posted by Stephen 5 years 89 days ago.)

Can a Personal Bankruptcy Prevent You From Getting a Job?

Personal bankruptcy? Kiss your dream job good bye... For quite some time, it's been standard for financial, gaming and government employees to have their credit reports checked by their employers. After all, we don't want criminals working in the government (insert your favorite joke here). But now, the "Credit Police" are infiltrating other industries as well. And what really irks me... (posted by Stephen 5 years 93 days ago.)

The Best Way to Improve Credit Scores

Less than 6% of the population in the United States can brag about having FICO credit scores above 800. It's an elite club. The benefit of having a score above 800 is that you're guaranteed credit approval with the best terms from the best lenders. No hassles. Only the red carpet treatment. But do you really need to have FICO credit scores that are 800 or higher to accomplish... (posted by Stephen 5 years 103 days ago.)