Frequently Asked Questions

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Credit Score FAQs

Credit Report FAQs

Credit Report Inaccuracies / Fraud FAQs
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Free Advice From A Non-Profit Credit Counseling Company

Alliance Credit Counseling has developed numerous articles on a wide variety of topics that should be helpful in your efforts to improve your personal financial situation.

The Credit Report data used to compile the Community Empower loan preparedness/analysis tool is being furnished to you and Community Empower under an agreement with Alliance Credit Counseling, Inc., ("ACCI") a non-profit educational charity. There is no other relationship between Community Empower and ACCI. By your acceptance of the terms of this agreement, you authorize ACCI to provide a credit report from one or more repositories for the purpose of creating your loan analysis tool. You also agree that ACCI shall have all the benefits made available under the User Agreement with Community Empower, and that ACCI shall not be liable to you in any way related to services you receive under the User Agreement, other than those liabilities imposed by law. You will not be charged a separately-stated fee for any services provided to you by ACCI, including for your credit report. ACCI receives no referral fees from third parties. ACCI makes no warranties or guarantees to improve or change your credit report or history. ACCI is not engaged in the business of Credit Repair and does not lend or borrow money, originate loans, or approve you for credit. You are entitled to educational credit counseling and materials from ACCI. For credit counseling assistance or credit-related educational materials or more information regarding your personal financial circumstances, please contact ACCI directly at www.knowdebt.org , or call 1866-655-7122....” You may also contact ACCI at 15720 John J. Delaney Dr., Suite 100, Charlotte, NC 28277. The following is a list of financial education publications. Electronic document titles are available for viewing or downloading.  A brief description follows each title.  To open a title, click on it.


 

Spending

The Spending Plan: Simple Steps To Financial Wellness [ACC pdf]
A complete budgeting packet: important facts, clear worksheets, and simple step-by-step directions for creating a successful spending plan.
Checks Have Changed: Living With Check 21 [ACC pdf]
Check management tips in light of the recent law allowing your checks to be replaced with electronic copies.
66 Ways To Save Money [FTC pdf]
Practical ways to cut everyday costs on transportation, insurance, banking, credit, housing, utilities, food, and more.
   
 

Credit & Debt

How To Check Your Credit Reports [ACC pdf]
Critical information on how to obtain and understand your credit reports.
How To Dispute Errors On Your Credit Reports [ACC pdf]
Clear directions for disputing errors on your credit reports.
Raising Your Credit Scores [ACC pdf]
Information on how your score is calculated and 21 tips for raising your scores.
Your Rights In Fair Debt Collection [ACC pdf]
Answers to commonly asked questions about your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.  FTC text.
The Biting Price Of Payday Loans [ACC pdf]
The truth about the real cost of these quick loans as well as a list of better options.
Choosing A Credit Counselor [ACC pdf]
Defines debt repayment plans, explains the differences between secured and unsecured debt, and offers questions to ask credit counseling agencies if you consider using their services.  FTC text.
Credit And Your Consumer Rights [FTC pdf]
Practical ways to cut everyday costs on transportation, insurance, banking, credit, housing, utilities, food, and more.
Getting Credit: What You Need To Know About Your Credit [FTC pdf]
Provides tips on shopping for credit cards, using cards carefully, and keeping your credit record clean. Also explains credit reports and credit scores, how to protect your identity, improve your credit record, and what to do if you are a victim of identity theft.  A good source of information for people learning about credit.
Knee Deep In Debt [FTC pdf]
If you or someone you know is in financial hot water, consider these options: realistic budgeting, credit counseling from a reputable organization, debt consolidation, or bankruptcy. Tips on getting back in the black.
   
 

Privacy & Fraud

Identity Theft: What You Don't Know Can Hurt You [ACC pdf]
Clear definitions and facts about identity theft along with warning signs, tips for protecting yourself, and what to do if you become a victim.
How Not To Get Hooked By A ‘Phishing Scam [FTC pdf]
Tips to help you avoid becoming a victim of this type of fraud.
Getting Purse-onal: What To Do If Your Wallet Or Purse Is Stolen [FTC pdf]
Steps to take if your wallet or purse is stolen.
Avoiding Credit And Charge Card Fraud [FTC pdf]
Tips for guarding against this type of fraud and for reporting losses.
   
 

Home Ownership

Looking For The Best Mortgage? Shop, Compare, Negotiate [FTC pdf]
Use these three steps to save money on a mortgage or home loan. Includes a mortgage shopping worksheet.
Home Equity Loans: Borrowers Beware [FTC pdf]
Explains common abusive lending practices and how to avoid becoming a victim, and possibly losing your home.
Reverse Mortgages [FTC pdf]
Explains how reverse mortgages (RMs) work and how they can help older homeowners who are “house-rich but cash-poor” remain in their homes and still meet their financial obligations.
   
 

Responding to Life Events

Credit And Divorce [FTC pdf]
Practical ways to cut everyday costs on transportation, insurance, banking, credit, housing, utilities, food, and more. Please click on a selected topic to the left for a list of documents that may be of interest to you.

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