Identity theft is a distressing experience. Having your identity stolen is an attack on your financial security and creates anxiety over your financial future. When someone steals your identity, they can accrue debt in your name, leaving you to have to prove your...

Dynamic Guidance And Advocacy Throughout Northern Virginia
Credit Cards
Being a joint credit-card accountholder may harm your credit score
It seemed like a good idea when you jointly opened a credit-card account with your loved one – spouse, partner, child, parent, roommate, business partner or another trusted person in your life. It just seemed appropriate for a married or committed couple. Or to help...
Building good credit provides financial flexibility and stability
Most individuals and families use credit as a regular financial tool to manage expenses and facilitate major purchases. “Credit” broadly is a transaction between a lender or creditor and a consumer-borrower where the lender allows the consumer to make a purchase or...
Credit-report correction: What does credit protection really mean?
You may hear credit firms advertising their “credit protection” services, but it is a misnomer to say that they protect consumer credit in a preventative way. While there are smart choices that YOU can make about your own behavior in the marketplace, a credit firm is...
What to know about your credit score
Credit scores tell a story about a consumer's financial picture to creditors. That tale told regarding your score can be about a pristine three-digit number or a low score that results in automatic rejections. Upon an application for credit, lenders request credit...
‘Tis the season for credit card fraud
Credit cards have created countless conveniences when it comes to shopping. Swipes and taps particularly increase in the time between Black Friday and Christmas Eve for shoppers who prefer onsite purchases. Those who choose online shopping – particularly popular...
Virginians should be on high alert for signs of identity theft
In this fast-paced, digital world it gets easier and easier for people with bad motives to steal your personal identifying information and use it for their own, illegal activities to your financial detriment. Identity theft is no joke – your life can feel ruined when...
Ways for Virginians to resolve debt short of bankruptcy
While some think the only way out of serious debt is through bankruptcy, several other options may be available that could bring enough financial relief to get through it to a healthier financial place. While consumer or reorganization bankruptcy is a good option...
Are credit report errors weighing down your credit score?
If you’re considering a major purchase like a new home or vehicle, you should look at your credit report first. Many people are surprised to find errors on their report and these errors can lower your credit score and in turn, lower your credit score. ...
How to prevent a divorce from leading to bankruptcy
Divorce is one of the leading causes of bankruptcy, but there are ways to avoid the financial turmoil.Divorce and bankruptcy, as Divorce Magazine notes, often seem to go hand in hand. Financial problems are one of the leading causes of divorce and divorce itself can...