Millions of people are struggling with the burden of debt. What to do about it can be a daunting question. If you are seeking information on options, I have an overview of debt consolidation loans and debt management plans. Is there an impact to your credit score and credit profile if you use either of these options? Listen in to learn, and if this is you, seeking a way out from under your debt and simply tackling balances is not a possibility to get out from under the debt load, please contact a non-profit credit counseling agency near you to talk with a counselor and get personalized advise and plan created. 

If you are looking to borrow money for a purchase of a car or home, you NEED a good credit score to not have to overpay in higher interest rates and unnecessary finance charges. It's THAT important! I have many people I speak with saying they have a great job history, money in the bank but they have a terrible credit score. I need you to hear this- we need to have a credit score that at least meets the minimum requirements before any of those other (important) factors matter. They do matter, but only AFTER you have the proper score. So let's commit, let's get into action and get those scores up so we can save you a ton of money over the life of that next loan.

***Please forgive the qualify- my computer picked up the wrong microphone and sometimes, it just doesn't make sense to re-record! 

If you have recently applied for credit, you know that about a week later there is something in the mail indicating the credit score that was used and the many reasons why your score "is what it is." if you have great credit, these reasons are going to make you mad! Because every one listed sounds derogatory! You could have a nearly perfect credit rating and have had great credit established for dozens of years... you will still read "risk factors" listed about your credit score. Rude! I am not sure why the bureaus go about it this way, but if you are looking for a compliment, it's not coming in these remarks- NO MATTER WHAT! Listen in to hear some of the remarks listed under nearly perfect credit and maybe you won't feel bad when you see your own!

Ever wonder what Credit Karma really....is? Many people have asked me, so I have answered! Listen in to learn what Credit Karma is up to and although they provide several of your "scores" for free... they have a motive!

Ever wonder the impact one late payment can have on your credit? I know we have all been there- you get busy and forgot about that credit card payment that was due or thought something was set up on auto pay only to learn it didn't really "take" and now... you are late on your payment and it's being reported on your credit report. Let's dive in to what kind of impact that has on your credit score and credit profile in today's episode.

When discussing credit, I often hear people that have negative marks on their credit report say they are going to dispute those marks. All fine and well if it is actually not accurate. But if you truly forgot to pay that last utility bill when you moved last (and ended up with a collection) or you really did forget to make that credit card payment (and ended up with a 30-day late payment) then a dispute is only a temporary help to your credit score. When that dispute is investigated and proven to be valid, the dispute is removed and your score is impacted negatively. But there is a potential BIGGER problem when you have disputes and are applying for a mortgage. Listen in for more!

There is so much misunderstanding when it comes to credit and what is reported, what is not, what matters and what does not. Listen in as I demystify a few myths out there when it comes to what is reported or important on your credit. 

What happens when 2 Loan Officers get together to talk about credit? A fun, informative, helpful conversation that just happened to get recorded happens, that's what! Here's the YouTube link if you would like to watch AND listen in: https://youtu.be/8n5tb-L_huA

Dustin sets up the questions, and we banter about some of the most important aspects of credit. This information matters when you go to get approved for a loan, so listen in and learn as we discuss why credit scores are different from your Credit Karma scores when we pull for a mortgage, what affects your scores the most, and what to avoid doing that hurts your credit scores.

Interview with Dustin Owen: The Loan Officer Podcast and with Regional Manager and LO with Waterstone Mortgage, Orlando, FL

Let's say you are applying for a loan and your score is lower than you thought, than you desire, and than what is needed for the best interest rate possible. There is a term that is important for you to know, it's called a Rapid Rescore and it can save you a LOT of money in interest fees over time if you know about it.  Listen in to learn this term and how it might apply to your situation if you are applying for debt (loans)  in the future.