Fix Credit Rating
By Jayme Hanson

In most cases, your credit did not become bad overnight. It probably took several years of credit card debt that was not repaid, too much total debt or maybe you went through a foreclosure. It will take you time to rebuild your credit but with determination you can rebuild credit and have a clean credit report.

If

Dow at 4-year high, Nasdaq hits 11-year high
U.S. stocks rallied Friday, as investors cheered a much stronger-than-expected jobs report.
Stocks: Investors cheer jobs report
Investors are gearing up for a rally following a much stronger than expected report on January job growth.
Stocks stall ahead of jobs report
U.S. stocks ended mixed Thursday as investors digested a cautious economic outlook from the chairman of the Federal Reserve one day before a key report on the job market.
Facebook IPO: Morgan Stanley is big winner
If there's a crown jewel in the world of initial public offerings, it's Facebook.
S&P, Dow wrap up best January in 21st century
January offered up an apology to discouraged investors.
Wall Street pays big to influence Washington
Financial industry spending to influence Washington topped $150 million for the second year in a row, with emphasis shifting to regulators of the Dodd-Frank reform law, according to watchdog groups.
Stocks trim losses, but end in red on Greek woes
U.S. stocks recovered most of their lost ground Monday afternoon but struggled to pull out of the red as concerns over Greece continued to weigh on the market.
Is the ETF bubble about to burst?
A record number ETFs entered the market in 2011, but the number of funds struggling to survive is also at a record high, a sign that the that hip and trendy ETF market may be reaching a tipping point.
Stocks: Investors bemoan unfinished Greek deal
U.S. stocks are poised to open lower Monday, after the weekend came and went without Greek leaders reaching an agreement on a debt-relief deal.
Dow breaks 3-week winning streak
U.S. stocks ended mostly lower Friday as jittery investors digested a weaker-than-expected economic growth report and as Europe's debt crisis still loomed in the background.
JPMorgan chief's sympathy for Occupy
The chief executive of JPMorgan says he can understand some of the grievances of the Occupy movement, describing some of Wall Street's actions as "a total disgrace."
SEC to step up scrutiny of private equity firms
The private equity world is struggling to stay in the shadows.
Stocks: Bracing for a busy day
Thursday will be a busy day for markets, as investors prepare for an onslaught of U.S. economic data, debt talks continue in Greece and more than 200 companies report their quarterly results.
One-of-a-kind experiences, starting at $15
On a quiet afternoon in Manhattan's East Village, I'm having lunch inside a monastery while Rasanath Dasa, a banker-turned-monk, tells us about the moment he decided to leave Wall Street.
Stocks stumble on Greek debt fears, earnings
U.S. stocks ended mostly in the red Tuesday as investors awaited progress on Greek debt talks and waded through another batch of corporate results.
Stocks: Eyes on Greek debt and earnings
U.S. stocks are set to open in the red Tuesday, as investors await progress on Greek debt talks and wade through another batch of corporate results.
The new way to reel in income
While you needed a Costco-size supply of Dramamine to survive the stock market's choppy ride to nowhere both last year and over the past decade, you required no such relief when it came to your bonds -- or at least one type of bond.
Stocks: Greece's debt talks in focus
As investors return from the weekend, Monday is already starting off a lot like Friday did: Greece's debt talks are still in limbo, and U.S. companies continue to report earnings.
Greek debt talks in limbo
Greek debt talks are said to be progressing but officials have yet to announce a deal to scale back the nation's overwhelming debt load.
Progress made in Greek debt talks, negotiators say
Talks on restructuring Greek debt continued Saturday, with negotiators reporting some progress made toward reaching a deal with the nation's private creditors.
Stocks gain 2% for the week, despite slow Friday
U.S. investors were unwilling to place any big bets Friday, as key Greek debt talks remain unresolved.
Gold: No guaranteed returns
I invested in a gold ETF over the past three months and have suffered losses. Should I hold my positions and hope for better days ahead? Or should I cut my losses now? -- S.B.
Greek debt talks remain elusive
A deal on restructuring Greek debt remained elusive on Thursday, as the second day of talks ended with the nation's private sector creditors without an agreement.
Stocks: Cautious trading day ahead
U.S. stocks are gearing up for a cautious open Friday, as investors await the outcome of key Greek debt talks.
Big banks boost stocks
U.S. stocks advanced for a third straight session Thursday, rising to fresh six-month highs, thanks to solid gains in financial shares.
Stocks: All about bank earnings, economic reports
Before U.S. stocks begin trading Thursday, investors have a lot to chew on.
Greek debt talks drag on
Greece and its private sector creditors remain mired in deep negotiations over a deal to reduce the nation's crushing debt load.
Fix shareholder rights
Mike Mayo would be a strange sight in a drum circle. He's worked at top investment houses including UBS, Deutsche Bank and now Cr?dit Agricole Securities. The 48-year-old banking analyst looks the classic Wall Street part: starched white shirt, short-cropped hair, athletic frame.
Stocks to get boost from China report
U.S. stocks are gearing up for a positive open Tuesday, as global investors welcome data that show China's economic growth slowed, but not as much as feared.
Greek debt talks to resume
Greek debt talks are set to resume this week as the country at the heart of Europe's financial crisis struggles to get another round of bailout funds.
Hackers attack two Israeli websites
The websites of the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange and of El Al, the Israeli airline, were brought down Monday morning by an apparent hacking attack.
Asian markets slide on eurozone downgrade fears
Asian markets moved lower on Monday unable to resist the downward trend of European markets that reacted negatively to the downgrade by rating agency Standard & Poor's of nine European nations.
Stocks slump on eurozone downgrade fears
U.S. stocks finished in the red Friday as anxious investors braced for a string of credit rating downgrades for eurozone countries.
Stocks stuck in neutral
Stocks sputtered Thursday, but managed to close the day slightly higher.
Stocks set for timid open after weak reports
U.S. stock futures got an early boost Thursday after Italy and Spain's first bond auctions of the year drew solid demand, calming fears about Europe's debt crisis. But futures quickly lost momentum after the release of weak economic reports from the U.S. government.
Stocks end little changed
U.S. stocks recovered from earlier losses to end little changed Wednesday as concerns about Europe's weak economy and debt crisis weighed on the market.
The widening pay gap on Wall Street
Most people on Wall Street will be getting smaller bonus checks for 2011 -- except for the elite bankers.
Stocks end mostly lower despite upbeat jobs report
U.S. stocks ended mostly lower Friday as worries about Europe's debt crisis dampened enthusiasm over a better-than-expected report on U.S. payrolls.
Stocks: All about jobs
U.S. stocks were headed for a higher open Friday, following a stronger-than-expected jobs report.
Oil price spike from Iran sanctions seems unlikely
Despite the uptick in oil prices thanks to Iran's threats last week, experts don't foresee a major oil price spike even as evidence mounts that tougher oil sanctions against the country are beginning to bite.
Stocks: Jobs vs. Europe
Fears about Europe's debt crisis are bubbling to the top again, and are likely to keep pressure on U.S. stocks Thursday.
IPOs 2012: Friending Facebook
When it comes to IPOs, 2012 will be the year of Facebook.
Dollar vs. euro: Battle of currency chumps
In this corner, weighing in at 45 kilograms soaking wet ... he's all the rage in Paris, Milan, Brussels and Munich! The euro!
Stocks rally into the new year
U.S. stocks rallied Tuesday, kicking off the new year on a high note, as investors welcomed upbeat reports on economic activity around the world.
Year-end bets against euro hit record
Hedge funds increased their bets against the euro to a record level in the last week of 2011, increasing pressure on the embattled European common currency as it enters the most testing year of its history.
Stocks finish rocky year like it never happened
From up 8% to down 12%, stocks finished 2011 with an annual change of 0.003%...about as flat as you can get.
World markets end tough year on high note
Overseas stock markets closed a difficult year on a slightly positive note Friday, as markets in London and most of Asia closed slightly higher for the day while other European markets were also holding gains ahead of their close.
Stocks set for 2011's finish
U.S. stocks were set to open slightly higher Friday, the final trading day of 2011, as investors bid farewell to an otherwise volatile year.
Stocks: Eyes on the economy
U.S. stocks were poised to open slightly higher following a report on jobless claims that came in higher than expected but remained below a key level.
Variable annuities: What to ask before you invest
We own some mutual funds that are doing well. But our financial adviser would like us to sell them and invest the proceeds in a variable annuity. Do you think this is a good move? -- Renate M.
Stocks end mostly flat amid mixed economic reports
U.S. stocks ended a listless session little changed Tuesday as investors weighed reports on consumer confidence and home prices.
Stocks: Economy in focus
U.S. stocks were poised for a flat open Tuesday as investors continued to look for positive economic news.
Stocks end higher on positive jobs data
U.S. stocks finished a quiet session higher Thursday, after a stronger-than-expected reading on unemployment boosted investor optimism. The Dow Jones industrial average climbed 62 points, or 0.5%, the S&P 500 rose 10 points, or 0.8%, and the Nasdaq ticked up 21 points, or 0.8%.
$600 million evaporates in MF Global's final days
The $633 million that allegedly disappeared from customers' accounts at MF Global seems to have vanished just days before the company folded, according to the operator of the nation's major commodities and futures exchanges.
Stock futures fall from highs on mixed economic news
U.S. stocks were set to open higher on Thursday, as investors weighed improving jobs data with a weaker final reading on economic growth. Dow Jones industrial average, S&P 500 and Nasdaq futures were all higher ahead of the opening bell, but the indicators came off their earlier highs. Stock futures indicate the possible direction of the markets when they open at 9:30 a.m. ET.
Beware of amped-up ETFs
Given the extreme volatility in the market these days, the idea of being able to capitalize on all that whipsaw action is alluring. And the fund industry is offering that very opportunity, in the form of leveraged exchange-traded funds.
Nasdaq falls 1% but Dow and S&P inch higher
Nasdaq couldn't shake the software blues.
Stocks: Investors are sitting, waiting, wishing
U.S. stocks poised for higher open Tuesday, but investors remain cautious as they await developments in Europe.
Stocks sell off as banks tank
U.S. stocks closed sharply lower Monday as bank shares took a beating amid fresh concerns about the debt crisis in Europe.
Asian markets fall on news of Kim Jong Il's death
Shares in Asia slumped on Monday, amid fears the death of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il could lead to instability on the divided Korean peninsula.
Stocks close week down more than 2.5%
Stocks ended Friday mixed after a roller-coaster week in which all three indexes each lost more than 2.5%.
Stocks get ready to continue gains
U.S. stocks are gearing up for a higher open, but trading could be choppy Friday as investors also close out options and futures contracts that expire.
Stocks set to bounce on jobless claims
U.S. stocks pointed to a higher open Thursday, following an economic report showing that initial jobless claims hit a 3-year-low.
Stocks can't shake eurozone worries
U.S. stocks tumbled Wednesday as the European debt crisis continued to weigh on the markets and a stronger dollar dragged down commodities prices.
Project IPOVille: Michael Kors! Zynga!
Groupon, LinkedIn and Pandora may have all plunged from the prices they hit on their first day of trading.
Stocks: Investors weigh Fed's decision
U.S. stocks were trending toward a lower open Wednesday after the Federal Reserve said it would not be taking action to counter Europe's debt crisis.
Stocks pull back after Fed
U.S. stocks ended in the red Tuesday, giving up an earlier rally, after the Federal Reserve kept rates unchanged and issued a tepid outlook.
Stocks set to swing higher
U.S. stocks point to a higher open Tuesday, as investors weigh a tentative deal to fund the government into next year and await the Federal Reserve's meeting.
Stocks tumble on European worries, Intel warning
U.S. stocks tumbled in a broad sell-off Monday amid growing investor doubt that Europe's debt crisis will actually be resolved, and a sales warning from chipmaker Intel.
Stocks: European worries dominate
U.S. stocks pointed to a lower open Monday as investors remained uncertain about the debt crisis in Europe.
Stocks: the Federal Reserve, Europe dominate
Once again investors will be looking overseas for any signals out of Europe on the fate of the eurozone and the euro.
Stocks: desperately seeking EU superheroes
Once again, investors all over the world will be looking to Europe to determine how to bet on the markets.
Stocks rally on Europe's new deal
U.S. stocks rallied Friday after a majority of European leaders agreed on a new deal to try to resolve the eurozone debt crisis.
Stocks head for higher ground after Europe deal
U.S. stocks are gearing up for a higher open Friday, after a majority of European leaders agreed on a new deal to try to resolve the eurozone debt crisis.
S&P sinks 2% on EU worries
U.S. stocks slipped Thursday as anxiety was high ahead of a crucial summit aimed at resolving the European debt crisis.
You can hedge, but you can't hide
Stock market history and the prospects for global growth suggest to me that we aren't lurching toward another long bear market.
Strong jobless claims report lifts Wall Street
U.S. stocks point to a higher open Thursday, following a better-than-expected jobless claims report.
Ex-Occupier now holds Wall Street job
The occupiers of Wall Street have been portrayed by some as radicals, young kids without focus, ne'er-do-wells who'd do anything but get a job. But one woman used her time in at Zuccotti Park differently, and as a result she has gone from Occupy Wall Street to occupying an actual office on Wall Street.
Stocks gain as Europe nears moment of truth
U.S. stocks ended mostly higher Wednesday as investors bet that European leaders will produce a meaningful solution to the debt crisis at a highly anticipated summit this week.
Investors worn down by Europe's debt crisis
World markets drifted for a second day Wednesday as investors, worn down by Europe's debt crisis, take to the sidelines ahead of Friday's European summit.
OPEC: Speculators to blame for high oil prices
The head of OPEC said Wednesday that speculators are at least partly to blame for high oil prices -- not any lack of supply on world markets.
Stocks: Investors await Europe's latest move
U.S. stocks were poised for a higher open Wednesday, as the European sentiment weathervane pointed positive.
Five myths about your gasoline taxes
A perpetual deadlock in Congress has resulted in eight extensions of the national transportation bill, causing roads to crumble, bridges to fall, and transit to break down.
Dow posts gains on hopes for euro bazooka
U.S. stocks ended mostly higher Tuesday as investors remain optimistic that a lasting solution to the eurozone debt crisis will be announced this week.
Stock rally fizzles on talk of eurozone downgrade warning
U.S. stocks rose Monday but finished below their highest levels of the day, as investors turned cautious following reports that Standard and Poor's may put eurozone nations on notice for possible downgrades.
Occupy Wall Street takes on the housing crisis
Occupy Wall Street and other housing activists are heading to neighborhoods hit hard by foreclosure Tuesday to protest the mistreatment of homeowners by mortgage lenders.
Stocks: Investors cautious after S&P warning
U.S. stock futures hovered around breakeven Tuesday morning, as investors remain cautious after S&P issued a eurozone warning.
Underperforming hedge funds still raking in the bucks
Hedge funds have done a poor job living up to their name in 2011, but they still managed to rake in the big bucks.
Stocks: All eyes on Europe
U.S. stock futures were higher Monday, as investors looked to European leaders to ease debt concerns.
Stocks: Strong week despite European woes
U.S. stocks ended a stellar week with a whimper on Friday, erasing the morning's big job-related gains as concerns about Europe's debt crisis took over in the afternoon.
Stocks to get jobs boost
U.S. stocks were set for big gains Friday, after the government's closely-watched jobs report showed a bigger-than-expected boost in payrolls last month.
Market rally stalls on European markets
European stocks were unable to maintain the strong rally from the previous session on Thursday, stalling in early trading as sentiment returned to caution.
Dow closes with largest gain since March 2009
Investors around the world raced to scoop up stocks on Wednesday, after the Federal Reserve said it will work with other central banks to support the global economy.
Fed fuels commodity price spike
Commodity prices across the board moved higher Wednesday, with oil prices topping $100 per barrel for the second time in almost six months. And experts said this time they could actually keep climbing.
What to do with your 401(k) once you retire
The investment company that manages my 401(k) funds recommends I roll my money into mutual funds managed by a subsidiary of theirs when I retire next year. But I'm wondering whether I would be better off moving my assets to the funds of a different firm. What are your thoughts? -- J. Thomas
What would a publicly traded Facebook mean to users?
If Facebook and Wall Street become friends, will you like it?
World markets get lift from Fed liquidity plan
U.S. stocks were poised to rally Wednesday, after the Fed said that it will act with other central banks to boost liquidity and support the global economy. Global markets surged on the news as well.
What happens when Wall Street breaks the law? Not much
A few days before he graduated, one of my students asked me how does one keep up with public affairs (as I was advocating) when you have a demanding full-time job, a cute but fussy baby, an elderly parent who needs attending and something of a social life? I suggested that he listen to NPR, watch CNN -- and once in a while choose a particular story to follow. For example, the report of what happens when major American corporations break the law.
Stocks edge higher on hopes for Europe
U.S. stocks finished mostly higher Tuesday, with the Dow and S&P extending gains from the previous day's rally, as investors remained hopeful that leaders are making progress on addressing the eurozone debt crisis.
Wall Street pay set for big drop
Finance professionals' pay is set to drop this year to the lowest levels since 2008, the peak of the global economic crisis, according to a report released Tuesday.

there is anything on your credit report that you believe is an error, contact the report agency and file a dispute. You will want to provide a detailed explanation of the incorrect information and provide any documentation that backs up your claim such as a cancelled check showing full or partial payments.