CREDIT CONSIDERATIONS - Part 3

Continued from 5/17/13 post . . .

Here are some tips for dealing with credit card woes:

Have all information handy - When you call the credit card issuer, make sure you know how long you've been their customer, your current and past rates, and your credit score.

Be polite - Tell the representative that you would like to continue the relationship and be willing to negotiate.

Go up the ladder - If you don't receive satisfaction from the first person who takes your call, politely ask to speak to a supervisor or customer retention representative.

Keep records - Hold on to copies of all payments and correspondence.  If you think that the card issuer is doing something unjust or illegal, notify the Federal Trade Commission as well as your state attorney general and consumer affairs office.

Search for a better card - Compare cards at sites such as www.CardRatings.com.  But watch out for cards targeted to people with bad or little credit history.  Look in to credit cards from federal credit unions that have capped default rates.

Seek help - If you can't handle your bills or are having no luck getting charges reduced, speak with a nonprofit credit counselor.  Find one at www.NFCC.org.  Avoid offers from debt consolidators or companies claiming to settle your debt for less than you owe; most are scams.
Source: Consumer Reports



CELEBRATING MY 25th YEAR AS A PHYSICAL THERAPIST . . . THANK YOU FOR YOUR REFERRALS!