Credit Reports

Knowing your credit score and monitoring your credit report are crucial aspects of good financial planning. The three major credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, use several factors to determine your credit score, including your amount of total debt and the number of credit cards you own. The higher your credit, or FICO, score, the more benefits you can participate in, such as being granted a loan with a lower interest rate. A lower credit score can result in higher interest rates on loans or loan denial. If you are interested in applying for a loan or obtaining a mortgage in the near future, start by viewing our full listing of credit reporting services.

Banking

When comparing banks, it is important to first determine your banking needs, and then decide which banks best meet those needs. Consider the following: Which banks offer you the best interest rates and lowest fees on money market, savings and checking accounts? Do you prefer the personal attention that smaller banks offer? Or do you prefer larger banks with nationwide branches and ATMs? If going into a banking branch is not important to you, consider using online banks, such as Ally Bank and Bank of Internet. With so many banks to choose from, be sure to research all of your banking options before making a final decision. View our full listing of banks.

Loans

When it comes to personal loans, home loans, payday loans, auto loans and student loans, there are many lending options out there, such as PayDay One and Lending Club. A loan is an amount of money given to a borrower with the agreement that the total amount will be repaid at a predetermined date with interest. There are several types of lenders, including banks, savings and loans, credit unions, and finance companies. Shop around, and compare interest rates, repayment terms and origination fees offered before deciding on a lender. View all loan options.

Identity Theft

Identity theft, the fasted growing crime in the United States, occurs when personal information, such as your name or social security number, is used without your consent to commit fraud or other crimes. There are several types of identity theft, including credit card fraud, bank fraud and loan fraud. Correcting identity theft can be costly and time consuming, and many people do not even realize that their identity has been compromised until they are denied a loan or a credit card approval. Identity theft solutions agencies, such as Intelius and LifeLock, can be used to safeguard your credit. View our full listing of identity theft solutions.