Presentation Transcript

1. CHAPTER 6BUILDING AND MAINTAINING GOOD CREDIT

   Fin 235 Spring 2013
2. BUILDING AND MAINTAINING GOOD CREDIT LEARNING OBJECTIVES Explain reasons for and against using credit. Establish your own debt limit. Achieve a good credit reputation. Describe common sources of consumer credit. Identify signs of over-indebtedness and describe options available for debt relief.
3. BUILDING AND MAINTAINING GOOD CREDIT using credit pros and cons Positives Convenience Emergencies Making reservations Own expensive products sooner Take advantage of free credit Protections against fraud Obtain and education
4. BUILDING AND MAINTAINING GOOD CREDIT Negatives Credit reduces financial responsibility It is tempting to spend more Easy to become financially overstretched Interest is costly Potential for bankruptcy increases
5. BUILDING AND MAINTAINING GOOD CREDIT Privacy / Security Issues Offer no other personal information when using a credit card Check receipts against credit card statements (online access to account) Only give your card numbers when you initiate the contact Review your credit reports regularly Report lost or stolen cards or suspicious activity immediately ”Opt out” of account information sharing Do not respond to e-mail requests for account verification Place a security freeze on your credit bureau files
6. BUILDING AND MAINTAINING GOOD CREDIT managing debt Debt payments-to-disposable income should not exceed 14% (see Table 6-1 page 175) Debt-to-Equity ratio should not exceed 33% (see Table 6-2 page 176) You should be able to eradicate non-mortgage debt in 4 years.
7. BUILDING AND MAINTAINING GOOD CREDIT Student debt Choose the most advantageous repayment pattern allowed. Repay electronically. Make payments on-time, every time. Consolidate your student loans.
8. BUILDING AND MAINTAINING GOOD CREDIT obtaining credit Application to credit card / bank / finance company Federal law imposes new standards on creditworthiness Three Credit Bureaus (free every 4 months) Trans Union (1-800-680-7289) Equifax (1-800-525-6285) Experian (1-800-397-3742)
9. BUILDING AND MAINTAINING GOOD CREDIT Building a Good Credit History Have a checking and savings account Have telephone and utilities bill in your name Acquire and use a oil-company credit card Apply for bank credit card (at your bank is best) Get a small short-term cash loan and put it in savings account Pay-off student loans as quickly as possible Regularly monitor credit report Don’t cancel unused credit cards
10. BUILDING AND MAINTAINING GOOD CREDIT Sources of consumer loans Banks, Savings and Loan, Credit Unions (least expensive) Finance Companies (most expensive) Life Insurance companies against cash values of whole life policies
11. VI. Dealing with Excessive Indebtedness Ten Danger Signs Not knowing how much you owe Running out of cash and using credit cards for essentials Paying the minimum amount each month Exceeding you credit limits Requesting additional cards or increased debt limits Paying late or skipping payments Taking add-on loans or credit card flipping Using debt-consolidation loans (home equity lines) Having your pay garnished by creditors Experiencing repossession or foreclosure
12. VI. Dealing with Excessive Indebtedness Handling the Indebtedness Problem Determine all your account balances and required monthly payments Focus your budget on debt reduction Contact your creditors Take on no new credit Refinance, if possible, to lower interest rates Avoid bad help; especially credit counselors that charge a fee Find good help
13. VI. Dealing with Excessive Indebtedness Ultimate Measures Filing for bankruptcy Chapter 13: Regular Income plan Chapter 7: Liquidation HOMEWORK
14. VII. HOMEWORK Do the Math: 3 Personal Financial Manager: 1 (getting a free copy of your credit report), 4 Be Your Own Personal Financial Planner* 2 – Setting Debt Limits (W/S 25) 3 – List your outstanding installment loans (W/S 26) 5 – List your student loans (W/S 27) * Much of this information is confidential and should not be turned in with homework.