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☆ Credit expert: You have 'dozens and dozens' of credit scores, but they should all have one thing in common
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-10 | by ( Cheyenne Devon | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

The idea that you only have one credit score isn't true. In fact, it's one of the biggest credit score myths people consistently fall for, says John Ulzheimer, a credit expert who formerly worked for FICO and Experian. "You literally have dozens and dozens and dozens of credit scores that are not all the same three-digit number," he tells CNBC Make It. Unfortunately, the difference in numbers can cause confusion or even mistrust if you're not aware that you have multiple credit scores, Ulzheimer says. "But really, they're not doing anything wrong, they're just pulling a completely different credit report."

Persons: John Ulzheimer, —, Ulzheimer, they're Organizations: FICO, CNBC

☆ Many Americans say they won't give up travel in tough economic times. Here's how they're saving on road trips.
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-02 | by ( Kelsey Vlamis | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Consumers can cut costs by choosing cheaper hotels, taking shorter trips, and planning ahead. Go to newsletter preferences Thanks for signing up! download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . "They're just looking for ways to make it more affordable, or at least reduce the costs," he told Business Insider. This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers.

Persons: —, Rod Griffin Organizations: Labor, AAA, Service, Business

☆ Internal Amazon sales guidelines spread doubt about OpenAI capabilities while bad-mouthing Microsoft and Google
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-26 | by ( Eugene Kim | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +10 min

Other talking points from the documents include OpenAI's lack of access to third-party AI models and weak enterprise-level contracts. "For generative AI workloads, AWS will compete most often w/ Microsoft's Azure OpenAI Service, OpenAI (directly), and Google Cloud's Generative AI on Vertex AI," one of the documents said. Instead, Amazon has prioritized selling AI tools like Bedrock, which gives customers access to third-party AI models. The sales guidelines also outline how AWS sales reps should respond to customers' questions about Microsoft and Google. In situations where Microsoft pitches its AI-powered analytics software, Fabric, to customers, AWS salespeople are instructed to say, "Microsoft Fabric is a new (unproven) offering."

Persons: —, It's, isn't, ChatGPT, OpenAI, OpenAI's, Sam Altman, Jason Redmond, Claude, Satya Nadella, Justin Sullivan, Maia, We're, they're, doesn't, Atle Erlingsson Organizations: Microsoft, Google, AWS, Service, Business, OpenAI, Amazon, Nvidia, Getty, Meta, Amazon's, AI, Fortune Locations: AFP

☆ Why parents may want to start locking a child's credit at a very young age
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-23 | by ( Cheryl Winokur Munk | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +7 min

While locking their credit won't solve all cybersecurity issues related to stolen Social Security numbers, it's one extra layer of protection parents can implement. Parents can take these steps proactively even if there's nothing to suggest a minor's credit has been compromised such as unexpected credit card solicitations or bills received in the minor's name. It can take some time and effort to lock a child's credit, but the outlay is minimal compared with what can be a lengthy and emotional credit restoration process. Locking a child's credit won't protect against all of these, but it's a solid step in the right direction, financial professionals said. To check to see if their child has a credit report, parents can mail a letter with their request to each of the credit bureaus.

Persons: —, Kim Cole, Loretta Roney, It's, Cole, Bruce McClary, McClary Organizations: Social, Social Security, Navicore Solutions, InCharge, Federal Trade Commission, Administration, Foundation, Credit Counseling

☆ 'Was my Social Security number stolen?' Answers to common questions on the National Public Data breach
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-23 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

Glowimages | Getty ImagesYou may have never heard of National Public Data, yet your personal information may have been compromised in the company's recent massive data breach. National Public Data did not return a request for comment by press time. Can you be affected even if you've never heard of National Public Data? Sites like National Public Data may allow for individuals to opt out of being included in their data collections. Additionally, identity theft monitoring tools will let you know if someone tries to open an account using your personal information.

Persons: James E, Lee, it's, you've, Cliff Steinhauer, Steinhauer, — Organizations: Public Data, Jerico Pictures Inc, National, Theft Resource, Finance, Social Security, National Public, Public, National Cybersecurity Alliance, Social Locations: Maine, U.S

☆ 2.9 billion people may have had Social Security numbers, other financial data compromised. What it means for you
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-15 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Sakorn Sukkasemsakorn | Istock | Getty ImagesAbout 2.9 billion people may have had their personal information hacked, a new proposed class-action lawsuit alleges. If true, reports suggest all Americans may have had valuable personal information compromised — including full names, current and past addresses, Social Security numbers and information on parents, siblings and other relatives. In 2013, a Yahoo data breach may have hit all the company's accounts, or a total of 3 billion people. "Freezing your credit is the single most important thing you can do when you get a data breach notice," Lee said. While freezing your credit will limit access to your credit reports, it won't block it completely.

Persons: Sakorn, Cliff Steinhauer, James E, Lee, Steinhauer, I'd, haven't, We've, it's, It's Organizations: Istock, Public Data, Jerico Pictures Inc, Jerico, CNBC, National Cybersecurity Alliance, Theft Resource, Social Security, Finance Locations: U.S

The connection between business credit cards and personal creditWhen you apply for a business credit card, the process largely looks the same as getting approved for a personal credit card. Failure to make payments, as well as other delinquent behavior on a business credit card, will impact your personal credit because of this personal guarantee clause. How business card usage affects personal creditBeyond the initial hard inquiry from an application, you may be curious to know whether using a business credit card will impacts your personal credit. The same rule applies to business credit cards — and the effects of business card defaults on personal credit scores can be detrimental. As with personal credit cards, applying for multiple business credit cards can impact your personal credit score.

Persons: isn't, That's, Experian, it's, that's, Stella Shon, Stella, LendingTree, you’d, Stella doesn’t, Experience Stella, Dolly, ExperienceExpertiseExperience Read Organizations: Ink, of America, Citi, Bank, Bank of America, Newsbreak, MSN, Yahoo, Aviation, Experience, University of North Locations: Wells, Wells Fargo, USA, Korea, Guatemala, Balearic, University of North Carolina, New York, North Carolina

☆ Californians are buying fewer Teslas. That could be a bad sign for Elon Musk.
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-11 | by ( Grace Kay | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Read previewTesla has a California problem — its residents aren't buying as many of Elon Musk's electric cars as they used to. And California isn't the only place where Tesla's chokehold on the EV market is beginning to slip. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has attributed lackluster sales to high interest rates and economic uncertainty in the US. But, while Tesla's sales are dropping, the EV market as a whole is expanding, including in California. Similarly, data from CNCDA shows that EV sales in California hit their second-highest quarter on record in July.

Persons: —, Tesla, Elon, Elon Musk, Gavin Newsom, Newsom, Noam Galai, Musk, Donald Trump, wouldn't, Ivan Drury, Edmunds, California there's, Brian Moody, Moody Organizations: Service, Golden State, Car Dealers, US, Business, Cox Automotive, California, Forbes, Experian Automotive, SpaceX, Democratic Party, Auto Locations: California

A score between 580 to 669 is considered a fair credit score while a score under 580 is considered a poor credit score. Free credit score check servicesWhile many of these services do charge money, some of the best credit monitoring services are free, such as Capital One CreditWise or Credit Karma. As the base on which your credit score is calculated, credit reports don't actually include your credit scores. Checking credit score frequently asked questionsWill checking my credit score lower it? Your credit reports do not show when you check your credit score, so the credit scoring algorithms have no way of knowing if you checked your credit score.

Persons: Experian, FICO, you've, they're, VantageScore VantageScore, it's, Kendall Clayborne, Clayborne, Jennifer, Read Organizations: Fair, Consumers, Business, America, CBS, MSNBC, CNBC, Forbes, Black Enterprise, USA, The Johns Hopkins University Carey School of Business, Business Journalists Locations: AnnualCreditReport.com, Chevron, TheGrio, New York City

Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card RewardsMany secured cards don't offer rewards, and the Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card is one of them. Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card Benefits and FeaturesThe Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card is fairly bare bones when it comes to additional perks, but it does offer a few handy benefits. Capital One Platinum Secured Card ComparisonCapital One Platinum Secured Card vs. Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards CardAnother secured credit card from Capital One actually offers rewards: the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card. Discover it Secured CardAnother secured card worth considering over the Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card is the Discover it® Secured Credit Card. Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card Frequently Asked QuestionsIs the Capital One Platinum a secured credit card?

Persons: it's, you'll, You'll Organizations: CreditWise, Capital, U.S, Card, Credit Card, Quicksilver Locations: Capital, Chevron

The average FICO credit score is 718, and the average VantageScore credit score is 702. Minnesota has the highest average FICO credit score, with an average FICO score of 742. Understanding credit scoresWhat a credit score meansA credit score is a number that indicates how likely a person is to repay their creditors back on time, based on payment history from their credit report. The 10 states with the lowest average VantageScore credit scores show a similar pattern, predominantly comprised of southern states. Along with exploring credit scores, credit reports, and how to build credit, Jennifer analyzes how current economic trends impact everyday people and offers her expert advice on budgeting, saving, and growing wealth in today’s economy.

Persons: you've, Experian, You'd, aren't, Jennifer, Read Organizations: Minnesota, . Vermont, Wisconsin, ., . New Hampshire, Washington, . South Dakota, . North Dakota, Hawaii, . Massachusetts, . Montana, Oregon, Vermont, . Wisconsin, Colorado, South Carolina, . Arkansas, Oklahoma, Georgia, . Texas, Alabama, Louisiana, US Census, West Virginia, . Kentucky, Business, America, CBS, MSNBC, CNBC, Forbes, Black Enterprise, USA, The Johns Hopkins University Carey School of Business, Business Journalists Locations: Minnesota, . Mississippi, Mississippi, . New, . South, . North, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, South, United States, Chevron, U.S, TheGrio, New York City

☆ Tesla is having trouble wooing new EV shoppers
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-30 | by ( Nora Naughton | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

That's bad news for Tesla, especially as a yearlong slowdown in EV demand is beginning to impact the EV leader's sales. That's off from 55% share a year ago and nearly 80% market share back in 2020, according to Experian data. AdvertisementThat leaves a potential opening for traditional automakers at a time when the EV market is getting tougher. That's already helped the brand chip away at Tesla's market share. And at Ford, EV sales were up 61% in the second quarter, trailing only Tesla in sales so far in 2023.

Persons: —, Tesla, Elon, Power, Frank Hanley, That's, Hanley Organizations: Service, JD Power, Business, Cox Automotive, EV, Chevrolet, Silverado, Ford

☆ 'The worst thing you can do' after a data breach, according to a cybersecurity expert
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-30 | by ( Ryan Ermey | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

When you get an email or see a headline telling you there has been a data breach at a company you do business with, the natural instinct may be to roll your eyes and go about your day. "People might say, 'Oh, here's another one and stick it in the drawer and don't do anything,'" says Michael Bruemmer, head of global data breach resolution at Experian. Practice good online hygieneUnless you're somehow operating off the grid, the odds are very high that a good chunk of your information is floating around on the web, cybersecurity experts say. Should a bad actor get ahold of your email address and password during a data breach, for instance, things can spiral further out of control, Skoudis says. "A password manager is a really good thing," says Bruemmer.

Persons: Michael Bruemmer, Ed Skoudis, Skoudis, you've, Skip QR, you'll Organizations: Theft, Ticketmaster, SANS Technology

But it's possible to help your child build a solid credit profile without putting your own credit health on the line. Remember, if an authorized user account is added to your child's credit reports, it has the potential to boost or damage your child's credit scores. A student credit card or a secured credit card can potentially be a good fit for young people who want to establish credit on their own. Can my child build credit without a credit card? Yes, you can build credit for your child without a credit card by using other methods like student loans and certain types of utility payments.

Persons: you'll, it's, you've, they're, It's Organizations: Social, American, Self Locations: Equifax, Chevron

The information for the following product(s) has been collected independently by Business Insider: U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card, U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card. U.S. Bank Cash Plus Secured Card Annual Fee and Other CostsThe U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card is a $0-annual-fee card. U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Secured Card ComparisonU.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Secured Card vs. U.S. Bank Secured Visa CardThe U.S. Bank Secured Visa® Card has fewer frills than the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card; you won't earn any rewards on your spending, and as far as extra benefits go, you get free access to your credit score and that's about it. Read our U.S. Bank Secured Visa Card reviewU.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Secured Card vs. U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Secured Card Frequently Asked QuestionsIs the U.S. Bank Cash Plus Visa Secured Card worth it?

Persons: You'll, That's, You've, It's, you've, you'll, —, it's Organizations: Business Insider, U.S . Bank, Bank, U.S, Rewards, EV, Bank Cash, Visa, Department, Sporting, Travel, Gas, . Bank, Card, U.S . Bank Cash, Finance Locations: U.S

It's important to review your credit reports often to check for mistakes, and to do that you need to know how to read a credit report. Because your credit matters so much, it's important to keep a close eye on your credit reports from all three major credit bureaus — Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian — and learn how to read a credit report. How to read a credit reportMost credit reports are broken down into sections that make your information easier to understand and digest. InquiriesThe final part of your credit report, known as the inquiry section, contains a list of who has accessed your credit report in the last 24 months. Editor's Rating 4.6/5 A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star Editor's Rating 4.7/5 A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star Editor's Rating 4.6/5 A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star Learn more On Aura's website Learn More Learn more On IdentityForce's websiteDisputing incorrect informationUnfortunately, errors and fraud wind up on credit reports all the time.

Persons: —, Experian —, You'll, you've, You've, they're, haven't Organizations: Visa, Card, preapproved, Credit Monitoring, Chevron, Federal Trade Commission Locations: AnnualCreditReport.com

See Business Insider's picks for the best credit repair companies >>What is an excellent credit score? Here's how VantageScore and FICO scores are determined:FICO VantageScore Payment history (35%) Credit balance (30%) Length of credit history (15%) New credit (10%) Mix of credit accounts (10%) Payment history (40%) Length & type of credit (21%) Percent of credit used (20%) Total debt/balances (11%) Recent credit behavior and inquiries (5%) Available credit (3%)With this foundation laid out, let's look at ways to improve your credit score to achieve excellent credit. Pay your bills on time — every timeAs payment history is the most important factor used to determine your credit score, having a negative mark like a delinquent payment can lower your credit score and ruin your chances of an excellent credit score for years. A survey of 100,000 LendingTree users with excellent credit scores found that the average consumer with an excellent credit score keeps a credit utilization ratio of 5.7% on a credit limit of $58,514 spread over 7.9 accounts. Excellent credit score frequently asked questionsWhat is the best credit score?

Persons: Insider's, Zer, Gen Organizations: Isaac Corp, Visa, Card, Chevron Locations: Chevron

Does breaking a lease affect my credit score? A broken lease, in itself, will not damage your credit score as it doesn't appear on your credit report. Other ways breaking a lease can financially impact youBesides damaging your credit score, breaking a lease could also financially impact you in the following ways. Any damage to your credit score will be affected by your current credit score and financial history. However, you can add your rent payments to your credit report using a rent reporting service, which can help improve your credit score.

Persons: —, Scott Neu, you've, Neu, Andrew Latham Organizations: AIF, Gray Wealth Management Locations: Chevron

When you apply for a mortgage loan, lenders will review your finances and check to make sure you meet the requirements of the loan program. The exact requirements you'll need to meet vary by loan type, though. Additional factors affecting mortgage qualificationThe above are the major mortgage loan requirements, but sometimes, other factors can play in as well. Mortgage credit score requirement FAQsWhat is the minimum credit score needed for a mortgage? There's no set amount, but your income should be sufficient to cover your debt payments and the proposed mortgage payment comfortably.

Organizations: Chevron, USDA Locations: AnnualCreditReport.com

Updating your name with the credit bureaus can prevent delays in credit applications and other credit reporting errors. Hinterhaus Productions/Getty ImagesTransgender and nonbinary people can report their legal name change to credit bureaus. One of the many steps in your legal transition is to report your legal name change to all three credit bureaus — Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion — so it'll appear on your credit report. How to report a name change with the credit bureausBefore you update your name with the credit bureaus, you first need to update your name on your driver's license, Social Security card, and utility bills first since credit bureaus ask for copies of those documents to verify your name change request. Box 4500Allen, TX 75013TransUnionUnlike the other two credit reporting bureaus, TransUnion requires you to change your legal name with every individual financial institution listed on their credit report first.

Persons: Hinterhaus, there's, —, TransUnion, Ryan Klippel, Here's, Klippel, folx, you'll, Experian Experian, Allen, it's Organizations: Social Security, Optas, Social, TransUnion, National Center for Transgender Equality, UC Berkeley, Google, Security Locations: myEquifax, Allen , TX, Chester , PA, California

☆ ‘Loophole’ may get you a $7,500 tax credit for leasing an EV, auto analysts say
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-18 | by ( Greg Iacurci | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Maskot | Maskot | Getty ImagesBuying a new electric vehicle isn't the only way consumers can access a $7,500 federal EV tax credit. Perhaps the best known of them — the "new clean vehicle" tax credit — is a $7,500 tax break for consumers who buy a new EV. But many auto dealers are also passing along a $7,500 tax break to lessees, via a different (and, experts say, lesser-known) mechanism called the "qualified commercial clean vehicles" tax credit. This EV tax credit "leasing loophole" has likely been a key driver of increased leasing uptake in 2024, Barclays auto analysts said in an equity research note published in June. The $7,500 tax credit enables dealers to charge low monthly payments for leases, thereby helping "stoke demand" for EVs, Barclays wrote.

Persons: Joe Biden, —, Dealers aren't, Ingrid Malmgren, Hyundai Kia, Brian Moody, Autotrader, Moody, Malmgren Organizations: Maskot, Barclays, U.S . Treasury Department, Plug, stoke, EVs, Foreign, Toyota, Hyundai, EV, Consumers Locations: U.S, Asian, North America

How business credit scores differ from personal credit scoresWhile business and personal credit scores share some similarities, such as their impact on your borrowing power, they don't perfectly align. Business credit scores are based on underlying business credit reports that track loans, credit lines, business credit cards, and other business borrowing activity to help lenders and business partners understand how risky the underlying business is when it comes to credit. Just like there are three credit bureaus that track consumer credit scores, there are multiple companies that track business credit scores. Free business credit scoresNav: Nav offers free business credit scores and business credit reports with a paid subscription available that includes additional reports. Keeping business credit card and line of credit balances low is good for your business credit.

Persons: Dun, Bradstreet, Experian, FICO, & Bradstreet, Dun & Bradstreet Organizations: Small Business Administration, SBA, &, Chevron Locations: Dun, Experian, Chevron, Equifax

Sign up for a credit monitoring service such as Credit Karma to keep tabs on your credit report. If you want the best interest rates on a credit card, mortgage, or personal line of credit, you'll want to ensure your credit report accurately reflects your credit history. You can dispute information on your credit report with any of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Dispute credit reports with Credit KarmaIn addition to your own vigilance in keeping tabs on your credit report throughout the year, it helps to sign up for credit monitoring services to keep you updated between credit reports. If your credit dispute is rejected, you can provide additional evidence to the credit bureau or contact the creditor directly.

Persons: Karma, you'll, Margaret Poe, Poe, you've, Allen Organizations: Equifax, Consumer Financial, Credit Karma, Experian, Consumer Locations: Atlanta , Georgia, Allen , Texas, Chester , Pennsylvania, unresponsiveness

☆ Gen Z and millennials are going into debt to travel this summer. Remote working may be partly to blame.
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-01 | by ( Mikhaila Friel | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

A Forbes Advisor survey of 1,000 Americans who plan to travel in 2024 showed the post-pandemic "revenge travel" boom is in full force, despite rising inflation. The stats weren't surprising to Thomas, who told BI that this new trend could be partly attributed to the rise of remote work. Revenge travel and other loansIt's not just remote and hybrid working that may have contributed to a rise in travel spending. Travel experts previously told BI they had noticed an uptick in clients opting for luxury air travel experiences, from private jets to first-class and premium-class plane tickets. Thomas and financial expert Julie Beckham told BI that young people are likely to be influenced by peers who are showcasing their travel experiences online.

Persons: —, millennials, Zers, Credit Karma, Johannes Thomas, Thomas, Ivan Saprov, Saprov, Oliver Bell, Julie Beckham, Beckham Organizations: Service, Forbes, Business, Credit, Bank of America, BI, KPMG US, Financial Education Development, Rockland Trust Locations: Rockland

☆ These are the least difficult areas in U.S. to buy a home: NBC News Home Buyer Index
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-23 | by ( Ana Teresa Solá | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

10'000 Hours | Digitalvision | Getty ImagesThere are areas in the U.S. that are considered to be the least difficult places to buy a home, according to a new real estate indicator. When the counties are sorted by index rank, Iroquois County, Illinois is the least difficult market to buy a home, according to the NBC News Home Buyer Index. Economic Instability: Macon County, Tennessee has the most stable local economy among measured areas. And finally, economic instability considers an area's market volatility, unemployment levels and interest rates. The NBC News Home Buyer Index was developed by NBC News alongside housing experts, such as a real estate industry analyst and a bank economist from the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta.

Persons: Joe Murphy, —, Murphy, Danielle Hale, Jacob Channel, Hale Organizations: NBC, U.S ., Finance, NBC News, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, U.S . Department of Housing, Urban Development, . Census, Federal, Fed, who've Locations: U.S, Iroquois County , Illinois, Somervell County , Texas, Imperial County , California, Macon County , Tennessee

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