Set goals high, debt low to improve credit score

A recent report shows the proportion of Americans who have FICO credit scores below 600 - a level that makes it nearly impossible to get loans - has risen to 25.5 percent, up from 24.1 percent two years ago. The likely cause: rising unemployment and bad... Credit score - FICO - Business - Financial Services - United States

The 5 Biggest Factors That Affect Your Credit

Credit companies rely on these factors to determine whether to lend to you and at what rate.

Secrets to keeping credit score high

A happy consequence of this Great Recession is that Americans are widely expected to be better consumers.

Consumer credit card debt shrinks again in July

Consumer credit card debt fell by more than $4 billion in July, a record 22nd straight monthly drop, according to the latest Federal Reserve data.

Consider your FICO score before closing credit card accounts

Guido Krzikowski/Bloomberg News Q. I’m really angry with my three credit cards, all from different banks. They’ve all lowered my available credit and one added a new annual fee. I have great credit and I’m thinking about canceling these cards...

Quest for the perfect credit score

A major league pitcher dreams of throwing a perfect game. High schoolers eyeing the Ivy League study furiously in hopes of earning 2400 on the SAT. Meanwhile, Chris Peplinski is pursuing his own brand of flawlessness: an 850 credit score.

Bad FICO score? Here's how to boost it

If you're thinking about buying a home, you know it's more important than ever to have a high FICO score.The pie at the right shows all the components that make up your score. What steps would you take to bump it up? How would you even know where to...

District 34 'AA' bond rating to save $250K

Antioch Elementary District 34 has been awarded a "AA" issuer credit rating and an "AA-" rating on the district's 2010 debt certificates by Standard & Poor's Ratings Services, a move that is expected to save the district roughly $250,000 in interest on its recent debt extension to fund the purchase of a new administration building.

Upside-down mortgages get refinancing help in new Obama administration program

With more than half the homes in Inland Southern California worth less than their mortgages, the region could benefit from a federal refinancing program launched this week that aims to lower mortgages.

Chrysler Ties Up With U.S. Bank To Expand Leases

Chrysler has just inked a new partnership with U.S. Bank to expand leasing options. Starting this month, a new leasing deal will be offered on new Chrysler 300, Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Charger, Dodge Grand Caravan, Dodge Journey, Dodge Nitro, Jeep Wrangler, and Jeep Liberty models. While Ally Bank remains Chrysler's preferred lender...