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Debt and Your Credit

Debt-Defying Moves: Getting Smart with the Money You Don't Have!

By Suze Orman

I find it amazing and somewhat ridiculous that many of you think the only way to make money is to find a job that pays you more, or to invest those wages of yours in stocks, bonds, mutual funds and real estate. When you think like this you tend to put all your energy into finding the highest paying job even if you hate what you do, or finding the best pundit, newsletter, advisor or banker to help you make your financial dreams come true.

My friends, you're ignoring an important part of your personal balance sheet: How you handle your debt will have as big an impact on your net worth 20 years from now as picking the right stock. Don't believe me? That's fine ... but I guarantee you that after reading the Debt Series that will be appearing here over the next few months, you'll see how right I am.

We are going to start our Debt Series off by focusing on the most important piece of your financial DNA: Your FICO score. I bet right now a bunch of you are saying "FICO score? I've never heard of that Suze. I don't have one." Oh yes you do, and I am going to show you how making the right moves with your FICO score can save you tens of thousands of dollars.


Do You Know the Score?

Have you ever wondered why you pay 18 percent on your credit card debt yet your friend pays only 5.9 percent? Or why every time you try to refinance your home the interest rate you are quoted is so much higher than what you read about in the paper? Most likely the culprit that is keeping you from getting those great rates is your FICO SCORE. more...

Article also contains:

  • How Low Can You Go?
  • Who, What and Why?
  • How Much Money Does a Good FICO Score Save Me Versus a Bad One?

Credit Reports: Check Them Now!

So let's get honest: when is the last time that you checked one of your credit reports, let alone checked all three? I’m betting a lot of you have never done this. Big mistake. Since your FICO scores are made up of the information that is on your credit reports, bad information can be very bad news. more...

Article also contains:

  • Be on the Lookout For...
  • Avoid the Biggest FICO Blunder
  • Till Debt Do We Part

How to Master the FICO Game

Here are my top FICO tips. more...

Article also contains:

  • Know Your Partner's Score
  • Keep Loan Shopping to Two Weeks
  • Pay Off Balances Before You Apply for a Loan

Debt-Defying Moves

Here are three smart steps to help you reduce debt. more...

Article also contains:

  • Play Your Cards Right
  • How Not to Mortgage Your Future
  • Beware of Debt Consolidators
Debt-Defying Checklist
To keep yourself on track to healthier personal finances, start here by printing out this checklist of important debt and credit management to-do's.

Start Now!

Suze Orman has been called “a force in the world of personal finance” and a “one-woman financial advice powerhouse” by USA Today. She is the author of four consecutive New York Times bestsellers, including The Road to Wealth. Suze Orman, a Certified Financial Planner Professional®, directed the Suze Orman Financial Group from 1987-1997, served as Vice President of Investments for Prudential Bache Securities from 1983-87, and from 1980-83, was an Account Executive at Merrill Lynch.

Watch Suze every Saturday night on CNBC. Check www.suzeorman.com for TV listings.

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