Take Charge of Your Finances
7/19/2010 5:25:04 PM
New figures released last week by FICO, Inc. show that 25.5% percent of consumers now have a credit score of 599 or below, according to the Associated Press — marking them as "poor risks" for lenders and potentially affecting their ability to get credit cards, mortgages and auto loans. At the same time, the Wall Street Journal Sunday reports that credit card issuers have begun to increase their marketing efforts, offering more new credit cards to consumers.
Obtaining credit — and using it wisely — is an important part of building and maintaining financial security. But too many consumers today aren’t aware of how their credit score can either help or hurt them. It’s my goal to change that.
Next Wednesday, July 28, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Kelley Gazzero VFW Post at 1418 Plainfield St. in Cranston, I’ll be offering my first "Money School" event. This free workshop will help Rhode Islanders learn how to set financial goals, create a budget and calculate their own net worth, as well as to understand and obtain credit.
If you or someone you know would like to attend, please call my campaign headquarters at (401) 921-5748 — or just show up that night. I hope to see you there!