Author: Colin Robertson

While it generally makes sense to raise credit lines periodically to increase your available credit and credit utilization, it can also backfire if you aren’t responsible. Many credit line increase requests count as hard credit inquiries, which will be documented on your credit report for two years, and count against your credit score for one […]

A couple of friends of mine moved into a new house a few years ago, and found themselves with a lot more space and not much to fill it. Their first instinct was to the upgrade the television. They had placed a 36 inch TV in the living room, but it seemed microscopic in their […]

If you generally pay off your entire credit card balance each month, but often have a tough time doing so, you may want to think about timing your credit card purchases. Credit cards have billing cycles, typically 30 days or roughly one calendar month. All purchases made during a billing cycle are due within a […]

Credit cards don’t typically fall into the category of pop-culture, nor do they usually garner much attention aside from their basic functionality. But one credit card has mystified and amazed consumers and the general public for years: “The Black American Express Card.” During the 1980s, many believed it was a hoax or simply urban legend, […]

You may have heard about companies that sell the credit history of others to consumers who have poor or limited credit. It’s referred to as “buying credit”, “renting credit”, or “adding seasoned tradelines”. These credit brokers target real estate professionals who desperately need to find qualified homebuyers, especially in today’s market where heightened credit standards […]

“We regret to inform you that after careful consideration we are unable to open an account for you at this time.” Heard that before? If so, you may be feeling down on your luck or in a panic to get another form of credit elsewhere. But before you freak out, think about why the credit […]