Finance

Recently the CARD act took effect, which means that cardholders will be able to get relief from double cycle billing and arbitrary rate increases. In addition, the CARD act promises that credit card bills will be much easier to read. However, with the new act comes a new series of rules and regulations that savvy consumers should know about.

Exactly who is trying to get me to pay up? The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act was created in the 1970s and provided a good amount of protections for consumers. There are strict rules and regulations that a debt collector must abide by, and if any of these regulations are violated, there’s a good chance that you could sue that agency. But what about that friend of yours who owes you five dollars? Do you have to grant them thirty days to refute the claim? Clearly, you do not.

Your credit score is like your criminal record. Both follow you around for a very long time, and both are supposed reflections of the person you are. Only you and perhaps your lawyer know your criminal record. But your credit score can be pulled when you apply for a credit card, or go to get a new car, or even try to move in to a new place.