Trouble for Experian and How to Really Get a Free Credit Report

By christina | February 5, 2010

I don’t know about you, but I love those freecreditreport.com commercials. In fact, we’ve talked about the curse of the commercial at work. Once you hear that jingle you’re pretty much stuck with it all day. I’ve included a video in case you’ve been in a cave and haven’t yet seen one of the commercials. Beware though, if you’re planning on doing anything important afterwards, you’ll definitely be whistling or singing the jingle.

It seems though, that freecreditreport.com isn’t actually free. You do get a free credit report, but according the a class action lawsuit headed by Erica Possin, a college student in Wisconsin, you also have to pay for something, which means it’s errr, not actually free.

I’ve read different comments on different sites, and some people are saying that it’s clear if you don’t cancel, you’ll be billed $14.95 a month for a credit monitoring service. Of course if you’re expecting something free as the guy in the commercial merrily sings of, you probably don’t pay much attention to the little details that include payment of something.

Here are ways to get a free credit report that is actually free:

One Free Credit Report Per Year- The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires that each of the three credit bureaus, TransUnion, Experian and Equifax, provide one free credit report each, every 12 months. You can request your reports from each agency or you can request all three at annualcreditreport.com.

Credit Denial- If you’re denied credit, insurance or employment, you can request a free credit report within 60 days.

Other Ways to Get a Free Credit Report- If you are unemployed and plan on looking for work in 60 days, if you are on Welfare and if your report is wrong because of fraud or identity theft, you are also entitled to one free report every 12 months.

I would suggest using one of these methods if you need a copy of your credit report and you don’t want to pay the fee of at least $10.50 per report. Otherwise, make sure you read through any agreement thoroughly. Haven’t we learned that from credit card companies? Okay, maybe I didn’t. If you do agree to a service in exchange for something free, mark the date on your calendar or cell phone and make sure you call and cancel if you don’t intend on keeping the service. Also make sure you call before the final day so you aren’t risking any charges you didn’t want.

Here is the copy of the lawsuit

Have you ever signed up for something you weren’t aware of? Let me know, and Happy Super Bowl XLIV!

Posted in Credit Reports | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Making Up With Chase Bank

By christina | February 3, 2010

Dear Chase Bank:

I know things haven’t been right with us, especially after I wrote the blog post claiming I was being raped by credit card. Our relationship has resembled a crappy high school relationship in a lot of ways. You don’t like listening so I doubt you’ll get it. Well, after a long, more stressful than a boyfriend relationship, Chase Bank, you and I are friends again…kind of.

So here’s how I think it happened and granted this is through the eyes of a disgruntled cardholder. I knew we were done when I began rejecting your phone calls. It’s not like I enjoy hitting the “reject” button everytime one of your representatives calls me. I did it for your own safety, because I honestly felt like talking to one more person would result in a headline similar to “Girl Chokes Someone at Chase Bank”. I mean, when I was with Washington Mutual before you, I was the most loyal cardholder on earth. It seems that when everything changed to Chase Bank all hell broke loose. Why would you raise my interest rate to 28%? If you were resentful of my previous relationship with Washington Mutual you should’ve said something.

Then, to make matters worse, you canceled my card. Fine. I didn’t want to tell you, but because of my journey to becoming financially intelligent, I stopped using it and was planning on leaving you one day anyway. Everyone, and I mean everyone suggested that I call and work something out, (ie beg you to come back), and I did. After all, you’ve always been cool with Mom and Dad. So, I called to ask that you drop the interest rate. I called to see if there was anything I could do to fix what had happened.

Nothing.

In the meantime, you raised my monthly payments to around $170.00 which I could not pay. What kind of unfriendly crap is that? So after you kick me you want to punch me too? I don’t know if you know, but Chase Bank, I’m a girl. You’re not supposed to punch and kick girls. For years I had these cards and paid them on time. I did nothing wrong in this relationship to deserve anything you did to me.
Yet, I still hoped for the best and decided to try one…more…time.

Since I couldn’t make my payments, I continued to pay what I could every month. This was causing all kinds of additional fees which meant the total I was past due all of a sudden was around $700. After praying and rehearsing my get back together speech, I called you, dear Chase again.

“Is there any way I can get this taken care of with suitable payments?” I begged in my nicest voice. And you know me, I’m not always nice to your representatives.

“No, now you have to pay the past due amount of $700 in a month or we can’t work with you,” said the Wicked Witch of Chase Bank.

“What? I can’t pay $700. That’s insane? Are you stupid? (Okay, I didn’t ask if she was stupid. Honest, and if she said I did she’s lying.)

“Nope. As long as that past due amount is there we can’t help you,” she growled. What’s that all about?

With my heart broken in two, I told the Wicked Witch of Chase Bank “Thank you, I’ll see what I can do” and hung up the phone knowing I was lying out of my clenched teeth. I didn’t mean to lie, but geez what do you expect? To be fair, you did tell me once that I needed that wrinkle cream and I didn’t, so we’re even. Not to mention you were dishonest in multiple other ways.

I still continued to pay what I could pay. After all, you’d kicked me, punched me and spit in my face. What else could you do? Cancel my card? Hahaha…you already did, remember? And I suspect you didn’t want to turn my account over to collections because…don’t you lose money if you do that?

Anyway, fast forward two months. When I received the call from the Chase Bank representative I was a bit shocked, first of all because I thought I blocked your stinking numbers, all 4 of those strange numbers I never recognized. I must’ve been tired because my finger wasn’t so quick on the “reject” button but alas, I’m glad I took the call. Your rep asked me what the problem was. I was like “Duh, ask Mr. Big. I just called two months ago about this,” but I still repeated everything I anyway…just because you know I like hearing myself talk. Well, surprise, Chase Bank, the representative must’ve liked my new $6 haircut .

“You might qualify for an exception,” said the Good Witch of Chase Bank.

“Sure,” I replied, waiting for her to request a million bazillion dollars or something else ridiculous.

To make a long story short, I did qualify for the exception. My payments were lowered to an amount even lower than when we first began dating and my interest was lowered to 6%- a ridiculously low rate for a person in my situation and way lower than any rate I’ve had since I had the cards. Either you’re drunk or your rep doesn’t like you either.

Some will say I should’ve just let the account go to collections and let the statute of limitations run out and whatever other ways there are to not pay a bill. I’m not sneaky like you though. My intention has always been to pay the bill, I was just begging for someone to help me out with a suitable arrangement. I am nervous that this deal will somehow hurt me in the long run and I’ll regret getting so damn happy about it–and I mean practically dancing on my desk happy. Still, for now I choose to be satisfied. My bill with Chase Bank can now be paid with payments I can afford. That’s all I ever wanted. I’m still not elated about being forced into this friendship with you for as long as the cows come home (or whatever that saying is about the cows that means practically the rest of my life.) It’s nice to at least have the option now to make double payments so I can ditch your ass sooner.

My dad joked that afterwards you’ll probably offer me another card. I want to say you can kiss my you know what. I forgive but I don’t forget.

You will regret treating me badly.

You will miss me. I could’ve been the best credit cardholder you ever had. Okay, that’s probably stretching it.

Thanks for the memories and thanks for making up with me.

Sincerely (and I mean that),

Miss Bankrupt

Posted in Credit Cards and Bills, Paying Bills and Collections | Tagged , | 1 Comment

So What Do You Do With Old Toys?

By christina | February 1, 2010

Honestly, if I didn’t feel so guilty about it, I’d love to just set all of the totes of toys on the curb next to the garbage can. Easy. They’re gone. I have more room for more junk…I mean toys.

But that truly would be a waste of a lot of money and believe it or not, there are kids out there that only can only dream of the toys that our kids have forgotten about. Is it just my kid that only plays with things a handful of times? We’re talking about practically new loot here and not just old Dollar Store gizmos.

So what in the heck do you do with all of those old toys? Well, I have some suggestions. Sure they take a little more energy than el garbage-o but trust me, you’ll sleep better.

1. Save toys for unborn siblings. Okay, this isn’t the greatest suggestion because we’re trying to actually move stuff out, and if you’re like me, you can’t even fathom the thought of anymore kids. If you’re not like me and you do plan on having more, I’d save the toys. Go through and organize everything. Make sure Dora’s wearing both shoes and all of the Littlest Pet Shop animals are hanging out with the equipment they came with. Put it in a big plastic tote marked “JUNK” “TOYS” and shove the tote away into the basement.

2. Sell the toys online. Everything can be sold online. I mean everything. People sell used blenders for pete’s sake. Again, clean up the toys, which shouldn’t be a big ordeal, and make sure you have all of the pieces together. Take a picture and throw it on eBay or Craigslist. Bundle toys together and get rid of more. For instance if you have Dora, Boots, and Swiper, you’ll have better luck selling all of them together than just one. People will buy used toys, especially now that almost everything is electronic. My daughter had a mini laptop that she played games on since she was 2. Now that she’s graduated to mommy’s real laptop, she barely touches the thing.

Zwaggle.com is a website that you can join and earn Zoints (or points) which can be used instead of cash. They offer everything from Arts & Crafts to Video Games. Mykidscloset.com is another site where you can buy and sell used toys.

3. Look for consignment shops in your area. There are stores that buy and sell toys and kids clothing. In my area, Once Upon a Child not only pays you for gently used stuff but also sells some pretty sweet stuff. I have made up to $40 unloading kid’s stuff there and was able to turn around and buy something practically new for my daughter. Call the stores in advance just so you’re not dragging around a bag of toys all day.

4. Donate to Goodwill and thrift stores. This time of year everyone’s looking for tax breaks, don’t forget that your kids can help by not only being the dependents that they are, but by donating their old toys. Also check churches, daycares, children’s homes and schools to find out if there is anything particular that they can use. Don’t forget a receipt.

5. Garage sales and yard sales. I’ve been planning this for years because my town has a citywide garage sale every year and you wouldn’t believe how many toys are bought. The key, according the pros (read: my mom and aunt) is to put everything together nicely. Make sure you’re not trying to dump off dirty teddy bears and broken pieces of plastic. If you’re selling puzzles and don’t have the box, put them in ziploc bags with labels-and of course all of the pieces. Even if it’s a quarter, remember that some kid will be playing with that and deserves to have all of the pieces. A lot of kids are rewarded with a couple dollars to spend on themselves in exchange for being dragged around to stinky garage sales. And guess what, they very rarely spend their cheese on machinery or old loafers.

These suggestions do take a little work but it’s better than just tossing out the old toys. Children also like to help getting things organized and can be rewarded with a new book or sketch pad or you could just add any money made to their piggy banks.

Now does anyone wanna buy a slightly scribbled on LeapPad? Let me know…

Posted in Children, Make Extra Money | Tagged | 4 Comments

Debt Collect Phone Calls and What Not to Do

By christina | January 29, 2010

Ah…it’s Friday and it’s been a hard week so I’m just adding this video of some guy being silly on the phone and pretending he’s talking to debt collectors. Hope it gives you a little Friday laugh. Enjoy your weekend!

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

The Great Trade In at Babies R Us

By christina | January 27, 2010

I have not yet found a place that will pay me for the entire room full of toys and plastic that my daughter has stashed away in totes, but I did come across The Great Trade In by Babies R Us.

I also don’t have a baby or need any new baby stuff, but thought it would be helpful to somebody. It is still a great idea even though it’s of no use to me, and I do know a few people that have babies.

Beginning January 20th until February 20th, you can trade in old baby stuff and get 25% off of something new. Before you start thinking about all of the baby stuff you have, they are only accepting certain baby things. Cribs, strollers, playards, and high chairs are just some of the used products that qualify and there is a long list of manufacturers that are participating in the 25% discount, some of which are Carters, Graco and Eddie Bauer.

Check this list to see if your item has been recalled first, because if it has you may be eligible for a full refund (which of course trumps a 25% discount). Otherwise, according to the Babies R Us website, any old baby items on the list will qualify for the discount. If you’ve been considering an updated crib or high chair, this would be a good deal on something shiny and new, as well as if you’re planning on more children in the future.

If you need a few different items, you can take in multiple baby things, you will still only receive 25% on each new item. This just means if you bring in 3 cribs you won’t get a 75% discount, rather 25% on 3 new items.

Check out the website for more details, now on to find a place to sell all of these unused toys…

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Another Place to Sell Old Electronics

By christina | January 25, 2010

By chance, I stumbled upon yet another site to unload old electronics. Seriously, if you’re not using your old cameras, cell phones and video games than you’re missing out on at least a couple bucks. The reason, in my opinion, that people hold on to electronics that are outdated and not being used is because they don’t feel like they’ll get what they paid for it so they’d rather hold on to it…just in case.

The worst part about holding on to it though, is eventually if you hold on to it long enough, it becomes worth absolutely nothing. Think VCR tape of Top Gun. As a matter of fact, think VCR. You can’t sell these things and might not even be able to give away a lot of electronics from the 90s. You have, if anything, many sizes and shapes of paper weights. If you’re not using your electronics, make a few bucks and get rid of them while you can.

Anyway, besides Craigslist, eBay and just trying to sell your stuff at garage sales, I’ve come across another way to get some cash back. It’s a program that Target has through Nextworth. You enter your product, answer some questions, and it’ll let you know what they’ll give you for it. You then print out a prepaid shipping label and ship your product to Nextworth and in about 10 days you receive a Target gift card. Okay, not really cash, but if you shop at Target at all, it’s probably worth it.

So, I began hunting around my house for old junk…I mean electronics and this is what I’ve come up with:

Old Digital Camera: I’d have to dig up everything that came with it but I’d get $5.40 for my old digital camera that occasionally works if I did…

Old Cell Phone: With or Without the Manual is $21.90. Sweet…here I thought it would only be a good walkie talkie for my daughter.

An Even Older Cell Phone With Water Damage: Has no cash value according to the site but they will recycle it. Or it’s a good walkie talkie. (Minus the lithium battery of course).

Okay, so it’s fun to walk around the house and see how much the Target machine will give you. They even take DVDs and I could give them our Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer DVD for $5 if I were willing to take an arse kicking from my daughter. I don’t know if $5 is worth all that.

Anyway, if anything it made me realize how much junk I have around here that isn’t being used.

Next I’ll find a site that takes plastic kid’s toys that are only played with once…

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Save Money on Your Workout Part 2 of 2

By christina | January 22, 2010

I won’t spend a lot of time on the cheap workout ideas because it’s something I think most people are pretty aware of. Working out and exercising is really a lot about motivation and wanting to get in shape and it takes a bit of determination. After all, there are tons of things that are more fun that require a lot less energy to distract us.

Once you get into a routine though, exercise does become a comfortable habit. It’s the moment you deviate from the routine that will mess up the progress.

This final post about saving money on working out will cover cheap ways to get the training and actual workout program, while in your own home and not paying for a gym or activity membership. So, if you weren’t interested in my fantastic exercise ball routines, maybe one of these ideas will suit your exercise fancy.

Search Craiglist and Classifieds for Exercise Gear

If you would prefer building a small mini gym in your home, you may want to look over Craigslist or your newspaper ads for used treadmills and exercise equipment. I am currently on the hunt for a treadmill myself but I’m holding out for really cheap and really fancy. Good luck, right? I have noticed quite a bit of exercise equipment available though for way cheaper than buying new. All you need then are a couple free weights (if you like) and of course your exercise ball and you have everything you’d find in a gym…practically.

Look for Used DVDs and VHS Exercise Videos

If you still have a VCR you can find a plethora of exercise videos for practically free at garage sales and eBay. You can find quite a few DVDs as well if you happened to have dumped your VCR in the last decade. Find videos that you’re actually interested in though, if you don’t like hip hop music, I’d stay away from exercise videos by rap stars or that take place in dance clubs. Not too many people are still interested in breakdancing anymore either, so I’d skip those videos as well…no matter how cheap they are.

Exercise With the Internet

Are you interested in yoga but not willing to pay for any classes? Many activities are available online so that you can not only watch and try it out, you can do stumble around in the comfort and privacy of your own living room. After all, who wants to try bending their bodies like that among a group of strangers? Just a google search came up with www.yogajournal.com which provides basically anything you’d need to know about yoga.

Believe it or not, you can also find a lot of exercise routines on Youtube and Hulu. This video is actually a no-exercise-equipment routine which is nice if you don’t actually have any exercise equipment.

Check Your Cable Package

As Jpkittie mentioned in the last post, you may already be paying for an exercise channel or two. Check your cable or satellite package. You may also be able to call and try out some of the channels before you make a decision to add them. Either way, it’s cheaper than the gym.

Above all, make sure you are safe. Obviously you don’t want to workout in crappy shoes so you may want to invest in a good pair of tennis shoes. When looking for used exercise equipment you should also make sure it isn’t broken and falling apart or dangerous to use.

Good luck, and I’ll let you know if I find my treadmill…

Posted in Budget Shopping, Cheap Healthy | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Save Money on Your Workout Part 1

By christina | January 20, 2010

I mentioned a while back that the gym membership I used to have was one of my top “wastes of money”. Trust me, going to a fancy gym is not going to get you into any better shape than if you worked out at home, it just seems like it because it’s…fancy.

And since it’s winter and I’ve noticed my belly creeping slowly over my pants, I figure I better get back to getting into shape. Yes, if you know me you’re snickering, I am a wee bit of a lass but creeping bellies don’t look good on anyone and may even be worse on small people.

During one of my crazy get in shape phases I purchased an exercise ball at Walmart. If I remember correctly it cost me around $25.00 including the pump and has been durable enough to withstand begin kicked and dribbled by a group of small children. One of the main things I learned at the gym is that almost every exercise for almost every muscle of your body can be worked with an exercise ball.

Here are some examples of exercises to try with an exercise ball:

My Favorite Crunches: Okay, no one really has favorite crunches. We hate them, but these crunches don’t kill your neck and are so effective you can feel your abs tightening up immediately.

1. Position the ball near a wall.
2. Lean back onto the ball with your feet parked up to a wall and bent slightly.
3. With arms behind your neck or across your chest crunch up and down like regular situps.

I think these crunches are also more effective because you have to balance on the ball at the same time. It takes a second to get used to and you may fall off a couple times, but you’ll get the hang of it pretty quick. I was also told that it’s still okay to put your hands behind your neck or head as long as you aren’t pulling your neck or head up. You’ll feel it in your abs if you’re doing it right.

My Favorite Push Ups: Again, push ups aren’t a favorite anything, but I like these better than the standard ones.

1. Place the ball on a wall in front of your chest.
2. Put your hands on the ball and push back.
3. Go forward with your arms and repeat in the push up motion.

As with the sit ups, it’ll take a second to get used to balancing the ball on the wall. My first tries I thought I was going to slip and smash my face into the wall as the ball rolled away, but it didn’t ever end that tragically.

So for a one time cost of $25.00 you can easily work out your abs and arms. Some exercise balls also come with DVDs and their own workouts. Even with the health insurance bonus for attending a gym, the exercise ball is going to be cheaper.

My next post will cover other cheap ways to work out and get into shape, so stay tuned…and get working on those abs!

Posted in Cheap Healthy | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

How to Deal With Collection Agents from Hell

By christina | January 18, 2010

My friend sent me a text the other day that a collection agent almost scared her into emptying out her savings account to pay a bill. She is young(er) and the mother of an 8 month old baby and she only has this one particular bill in collections. I’m embarrassed to admit that I can barely remember the days that collection agents frightened me. For young people and people not used to dealing with collections, it can feel like the agent could quite possibly show up at your house ready to hit you over your head with a hammer and take all of your money.

Not true, of course. I don’t think they’re allowed to use hammers. Anyway, although my friend fully intends on paying her bill with the collection agency (sooner than she thought simply out of fear), I thought I’d take a look at what exactly our rights are when dealing with collection agents.

1. Debt Collectors Cannot Curse You Out

According to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), debt collectors are prohibited from harassment and cannot use obscene or threatening language. You will hear horror stories about agents doing exactly the opposite, but they’re not supposed to. Unfortunately, they are permitted to talk down to you and make you feel like a loser.

2. You Are Allowed to Negotiate

Collection agents will tell you that you have to pay a certain amount and that they won’t accept anything less or any other payment terms. You always have the right to negotiate. After all, what are they going to do, send you to collections? Isn’t it weird that the amount they request is almost always enough to starve you to death? Negotiate, set up a payment arrangement, ask for a lesser amount to pay the debt in full. You always have options.

3. Debt Collectors Cannot Put You in Jail

I’ve heard this before, especially when I was much younger and collectors were basically allowed to say anything they wanted. Debt collectors are telephone agents, not police officers. They cannot come to your house and take you to jail. They can’t arrest you for not paying your bills.

4. Debt Collectors Cannot Call Whenever They Feel Like It

If you’ve ever been contacted by a debt collector, you know that it seems like they can call 24/7. They can’t, it just seems like that when you’re avoiding phone calls. According to the FTC, debt collectors cannot call at inconvenient times or places, like before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. They are also not supposed to call you at work if you have notified them that you aren’t allowed to receive collection calls at work.

5. Collection Agencies Are Not Allowed to Contact Everyone You Know

They can’t call your family members to tell them about your debt, but they are allowed to contact them to find out if your address or phone number. They are not allowed to discuss your debt with anyone other than you, your spouse or your attorney.

If you’re having repeat problems with a collection agency, you may have to start documenting the events. Sometimes you may even need to get an attorney. Alleged violations can also be reported to your state Attorney General’s office, www.naag.org or www.ftc.gov. The Federal Trade Commission website also has more information regarding your rights when dealing with collection agents.

Of course we made the debt, we owe the money. I’m in no way saying that we shouldn’t pay our debts. I am saying that it is not okay to be bullied or frightened into paying our bills. Remember, they won’t kill you and eat you. Keep that in mind and you may come away from the conversation with a workable deal.

Posted in Paying Bills and Collections | 1 Comment

Top 5 Easy Cheap Sandwiches

By christina | January 15, 2010

I don’t know about the rest of the world but when the groceries start getting low, I resort to a number of different favorite sandwiches for dinner. And, if you know me, you know I’m not talking about fancy mustard and special bread sandwiches. Being more of a “wow, I have a packet of mustard in my fridge,” kinda girl, the sandwiches I’m talking about are easy and cheap.

Ingredients vary, but here are the Top 5 Easy Cheap Sandwiches (in case you’re looking for dinner ideas). ALL require bread, we use simple and plain wheat, if you happen to have fancy herby or seedy bread, lucky you.

1. Toasted PB&J

Of course the bread has to be toasted, if you need directions on that part we might be in trouble. PB&J is always a good go-to sandwich, but toasting the bread makes it better, IMHO.
Other variations: PB&Honey, PB&Banana, PB&Marshmallow aka Fluffernutter.

2. Fried Egg and Mayo

Fry an egg or two and throw it on toasted bread slathered with Mayo. Done. Some people like adding cheese, I don’t.

3. Chicken Salad

This sandwich may be the most complicated of the easy and cheap sandwiches, but come on, it basically involves canned chicken. Try this simple and speedy chicken salad recipe that I posted a while back. One of the great things about chicken salad is you can whip up a bowl of it and eat sandwiches the rest of the week.

4. Tuna Salad

My daughter loves tuna with mayo. That’s it. I like adding lots of onions. We’ve also made tuna melts with cheese toasted in the oven. Still, simplicity wins and she prefers plain old tuna with mayo, nothing else. If you want to try something different, grab a packet or two of the new flavored tunas (ie garlic herb tuna, sweet and spicy tuna), and add mayo and the rest of your regular tuna ingredients. Yummy…

Grilled Ham and Cheese

The ham can be replaced with any kind of lunchmeat in the fridge, although I don’t think I’ve tried to grill bologna with cheese. I have, however, fried bologna and let me tell you, if you absolutely have to eat bologna (baloney as it should be spelled) fry it and season it. Sounds complicated and ridiculous but there aren’t too many things that can’t be made better by frying.
Most people are of course familiar with grilled cheese, I’m just saying to take it a step further and throw on some meat. Again, if you’re not sure how to make a grilled cheese sandwich, let me know.

It’s a good idea to make things to go with the sandwiches, like soup if you’re working on anything larger than a snack (toasted PB&____ is a late night snack for me sometimes.)

I’d like to know if anyone else has any simple sandwich ideas. Please don’t suggest special occasion sandwiches–you know, the ones with the fancy stuff that you only make when you have company. Those aren’t simple or cheap. Still, gimme your easy sandwich ideas…can you tell what we’re having tonight?

Posted in Cheap Recipes | Tagged | Leave a comment