Credit Reporting 101

Let's take on the fundamentals of the credit reporting system. From the big three credit bureaus, TransUnion, Equifax and Experian, to your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, this article will help you navigate the credit report maze.

The credit reporting agencies - TransUnion, Equifax and Experian (formerly TRW) are the three national credit reporting agencies that keep records on consumers. The reporting agencies work with lenders, creditors, insurers and employers to update and distribute your information to the appropriate institutions. Here's an example of how the system works:

1. When you apply for a new credit card the creditor requests a copy of your financial history from the reporting agencies. This causes a "hard inquiry" to be recorded on your credit report.

2. The creditor uses your credit reports and scores along with income and debt information to determine what rates to offer.

3. You start to use the new credit card and the creditor reports your activities to the credit reporting agencies about every 30 days.

4. The credit reporting agencies update your credit report as they receive new information from creditors or lenders.

5. Your credit profile changes based on your financial activity. The next time you apply for a credit card or loan, the process repeats.

Your credit report - Your credit report is divided into six main sections: consumer information (address, birthday and employment), consumer statement, account histories, public records, inquiries and creditor contacts. When you open a new account, miss a payment or move, these sections are updated with new information. Old negative records will stay on your credit report for 7-10 years. Positive records can remain on your credit report longer. Not all creditors report to all three agencies and the agencies obtain their data independently so your reports from TransUnion, Equifax and Experian could be substantially different from each other. That's why it's important to check your three credit reports every 6-12 months to ensure that the information is accurate and up-to-date.

Correcting inaccuracies - Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, consumers are protected from having inaccurate information on their credit reports. If you find an inaccurate record on your report, try contacting the creditor or lender associated with the mark first. These companies can usually correct the mistake and send an update to the credit reporting agencies. If you can't make progress this way, you can also dispute the inaccuracy directly with the credit reporting agencies.

Working the system - Managing your credit and maintaing a good credit history can lead to better rates on major purchases. We recommend that you check your credit reports every 6-12 months or at least 3 months before a major purchase in order to guard against damaging inaccuracies and identity theft. Routine check-ups along with paying your bills on time, keeping your credit card balances below 35% of their limits and correcting any negative inaccuracies will help you maintain a healthy credit profile.

Financial Education Services (FES) and FES Protection Plan

VR Tech announces name change to Financial Education Services

At the first annual National Convention in Atlanta, GA in February 2010, VR Tech Marketing Group announced the name change to Financial Education Services (FES) to better identify the mission of the company and related product line.

Coral Springs, Florida (PRWEB) March 5, 2010 -- VR Tech Marketing Group, in order to better identify it mission, products and services, announced a name change to Financial Education Services (FES).

VR Tech Marketing Group, now Financial Education Services (FES) has been in successful operation for over 7 years. FES has worked with consumers since 2003 to help educate consumers about the importance of credit as well as providing resources to help consumers improve and maintain there credit rating.

Financial Education Services over the years has continued to build it's product line by adding products that enhance the credit restoration process. FES recognizes that the key to helping someone that has credit issues requires more then just deleting derogatory items from the credit report.

Some on the enhancements include the VR Tech Prepaid MasterCard as well as the UltraScore program. The prepaid MC offers an unsecured minimum line of credit that is acquired by applying a direct deposit from an employer to the consumers card. This ensures the repayment of the unsecured line as well as building good payment history.

UltraScore provides a comprehensive credit analysis for the consumer as well as an "Action Plan" to help the consumer understand all the components of there credit profile and what they need to do in order to maximize there credit in the most efficient manner.

Another major announcement that was made a the National Convention was the creation of the YFLF (Youth Financial Literacy Foundation) and the YFL (Youth Financial League) designed to help teach youth the importance of being financially literate. This program is geared toward youth ages between 8 to 18. This program will provide interactive web based teaching modules. Youth that complete the financial curriculum will be eligible for educational scholarships.

As well introduced was the launch of the FES Protection Plan. The FES Protection Plan is holistic approach to help consumers protect all areas of their finances and includes: Positive Credit Builder, Identity Theft Protection, Estate Planning, FES Debtzero.

FES Debtzero is a web based application that helps consumers to establish a clear and precise method of eliminating personal debt, secured or unsecured, in the most effective way. This tool will show the consumer how to repay there debt while creating discretionary income for savings.

Financial Education Services (FES) with it's long history of success as a company and very high valued products is positioning it self to be a major player in the revitalization of the economy by address the issue of financial illiteracy in communities all across the country.

For additional information about how you can on Financial Education Services (FES) please contact Mark Bustamonte at 954-707-2932 or visit https://www.myfinancialeducationservices.com.

About Financial Education Services (FES):

Financial Education Services, Inc. ("FES") is primarily engaged in providing financial education services and products for the benefit of a federal credit union, its members, the members of other credit unions contracting with FES, and to prospective credit union members.

For more information contact:

Mark Bustamonte, Sales Director Financial Education Services 954-707-2932

Financial Education Services and Prime Financial Credit Services Financial Empowerment Network Team