Can I not just pay a one-time charge to get my credit score?
January 13th, 2009 - Posted by Joe
The following post in our Reader Question series is an actual user submitted question. To maintain the integrity of the original question, we do not edit or change reader questions in any way.
Q: Can I not just pay a one-time charge to get my credit score? If so, how would I do this?
A: Yes. It is possible to purchase your credit score one time for a fee, although it is important to remember that your credit file is constantly changing. This means your credit score is always changing as well. As such, we recommend that consumers check their credit report and credit scores at least once per quarter and more frequently if you are actively shopping for a loan. We also reccomend that you receive your credit reports at the same time as your scores because the information on your credit report is what is used to determine your credit score in the first place.
It is also important to note that there is no one way to calculate a credit score. The FICO score is most commonly used by lenders and is the best score to purchase if you want to get an idea of how lenders view your credit file. You can buy all three of your FICO scores (one from each bureau) directly from myFICO (the company that creates FICO scores) with FICO Credit Complete. The cost is $47.85. This includes not just all three FICO scores, but also all three credit reports, an explanation of each credit score, and the FICO Simulator, which estimates what your FICO score would be if you took different actions such as paying down credit card debt.
If you only want to buy one credit score, you can get FICO Standard instead for $15.95. You can pick the bureau you want the score and report from and get all the other features of FICO Credit Complete, but just for the one bureau.
Do I need another credit report?
January 12th, 2009 - Posted by Joe
The following post in our Reader Question series is an actual user submitted question. To maintain the integrity of the original question, we do not edit or change reader questions in any way.
Q: I ran my credit and scores in October 2008. Do I need to run another one now. I am fixing to apply for a mortgage, I have been pre-approved through one lender, but I have my doubts about him.
A: We recommend checking your credit report and score at least once per quarter and potentially more frequently if you are shopping for a loan since new information is constantly being reported to the three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax and TransUnion). Keeping on top of the information in your credit report can literally save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars on a loan.
The easiest way to stay on top of your credit file is to sign up for a credit report monitoring service that will alert you to any changes in your credit report. Our top rated credit report monitoring service, Identity Guard, gives you free credit reports and scores from all three bureaus when you sign up for a thirty day free trial of credit monitoring plus quarterly reports and scores from all three bureaus thereafter.
What is your rating of Chase Identity Protection?
January 12th, 2009 - Posted by Joe
The following post in our Reader Question series is an actual user submitted question. To maintain the integrity of the original question, we do not edit or change reader questions in any way.
Q: What is the rating for Chase Credit Card's program or, do they use one of the programs you have identified?
A: We gave Chase Identity Protection five stars when we first reviewed the service in 2008. However, we found at that time that Chase's service is really more of a credit report monitoring service than an identity theft protection service. Like other credit report monitoring services, Chase gives you access to your credit reports and scores from all three credit bureaus and sends email alerts when any changes are posted to your credit file.
If you are concerned primarily with identity theft, we would recommend Trusted ID or LifeLock. Both services offer plans which will help protect you and your family from financial identity theft. If you would prefer an identity theft protection service that also gives you access to your credit reports and scores, we would recommend Identity Guard.
How do I cancel FreeCreditReport.com?
January 10th, 2009 - Posted by Joe
The following post in our Reader Question series is an actual user submitted question. To maintain the integrity of the original question, we do not edit or change reader questions in any way.
Q: How do I cancel [FreeCreditReport.com] after report?
A: FreeCreditReport.com offers a free Experian credit report and credit score when you sign up for a seven day free trial of three bureau credit report monitoring service. FreeCreditReport.com offers simple instructions on the website on how to cancel your account at anytime:
How do I cancel my membership?
If for any reason you are not satisfied, you can cancel anytime to discontinue your membership to Triple Advantage Credit Monitoring and stop the monthly billing. However, you will not be eligible for a prorated refund of any portion of your current month's paid membership fee. To cancel, please contact Customer Care at 1-888-829-6560.
Just because FreeCreditReport.com makes it easy to cancel your subscription doesn't necessarily mean you should cancel after you have received your free credit report and score. Subscribing to a credit report monitoring service is the most cost effective way we know of to keep tabs on your financial health and, just as importantly, save you money. Your credit file is constantly changing and negative items on your credit report can literally cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars per year.
Please visit our comparison and reviews of credit report monitoring services to learn more.
Why was ooma not reviewed?
January 10th, 2009 - Posted by Joe
The following post in our Reader Question series is an actual user submitted question. To maintain the integrity of the original question, we do not edit or change reader questions in any way.
Q: In reviewing the Voip services listed I see OOMA is not included. Can you tell my why?
A: We reviewed the ooma service back in late 2007. While we liked the ooma service at that time, we ultimately removed the review from our comparison. We believe that services like Vonage are a better option for consumers that are looking for a true land line replacement. However, ooma may be a good fit for consumers that are looking for an unconventional alternative to land line phone service.
You can read our current comparison and reviews of VoIP services to learn more.
Can I get my credit score(s) without signing up for any other services?
January 10th, 2009 - Posted by Erik
The following post in our Reader Question series is an actual user submitted question. To maintain the integrity of the original question, we do not edit or change reader questions in any way.
Q: Can I get my credit score(s) without signing up for any other services? If so, what would the charge be?
A: Yes, you can get your credit score or scores without signing up for a credit monitoring service, but unlike credit reports, you cannot get your score for free unless you sign up for a credit monitoring service. If you are going to buy your credit score, we recommend buying FICO scores, since those are the type of credit scores more lenders use. You can buy all three of your FICO scores (one from each bureau) directly from myFICO (the company that creates FICO scores) with FICO Credit Complete. The cost is $47.85. This includes not just all three FICO scores, but also all three credit reports, an explanation of each credit score, and the FICO Simulator, which estimates what your FICO score would be if you took different actions such as paying down credit card debt. If you only want to buy one credit score, you can get FICO Standard instead for $15.95. You can pick the bureau you want the score and report from and get all the other features of FICO Credit Complete, but just for the one bureau. Of course, you can still get all three credit scores for free by signing up for a credit monitoring service. Our top pick, Identity Guard Total Protection, gives you a 30-day free trial where you get all three reports and scores for free, in addition to 3-bureau credit monitoring and a laundry list of other features including free internet security software and public record monitoring. You can cancel during the free trial period and you'll have received the scores for free, or don't cancel and you'll pay $14.95 per month for a combination of credit, internet security and identity theft protection services you'd have to pay much, much for anywhere else.
Exclusive 20% discount coupon code on Norton Internet Security 2009
January 9th, 2009 - Posted by Joe
Symantec, the company behind the well known Norton Internet Security Software, is offering an exclusive 20% discount to NextAdvisor.com readers. To take advantage of this discount on Norton Internet Security 2009, simply use the coupon code NEXT when prompted during the check out process.
You can learn more about Norton and other Internet security software providers by visiting our Internet security software reviews and comparison.
Can you use VoIP service with a wireless Internet connection?
January 9th, 2009 - Posted by Joe
The following post in our Reader Question series is an actual user submitted question. To maintain the integrity of the original question, we do not edit or change reader questions in any way.
Q: Can you use VoIP services if use wireless internet connection such as cricket for example?
A: The speed of your broadband Internet connection is the biggest factor in the voice quality of of the calls you make sing a VoIP service. In general, we would strongly suggest that VoIP subscribers use a standard wired broadband connection. But, if your wireless broadband connection is fast and reliable, then it may be sufficient.
The easiest way to check the strength and speed of your broadband Internet connection is to visit TestYourVoIP.com, which will test your Internet connection and let you know what kind of voice quality you could expect to various calling destinations around the world.
You can learn more by visiting our VoIP Service reviews and comparison.
Can I receive collect calls with VoIP?
January 8th, 2009 - Posted by Joe
The following post in our Reader Question series is an actual user submitted question. To maintain the integrity of the original question, we do not edit or change reader questions in any way.
Q: Can I receive collect calls with VoIP service?
A: Since Vonage is one of the largest and most well known VoIP services, we decided to consult Vonage customer support to get an answer on whether or not collect calls can be received through VoIP service. In Vonage's case, subscribers are not able to receive collect calls.
However, Vonage does offer a unique and low cost solution for those subscribers that want to offer callers a toll free way to reach them. For just $4.99 per month Vonage subscribers can purchase an 800 number that is free to the calling party. This includes up to 100 minutes of calling time per month and the cost is about $0.05 per minute thereafter.
You can learn more about VoIP by visiting our comparison and reviews of VoIP services.
Will online backup services also backup a virus or spyware?
January 8th, 2009 - Posted by Joe
The following post in our Reader Question series is an actual user submitted question. To maintain the integrity of the original question, we do not edit or change reader questions in any way.
Q: My question about on-line backup is, if you somehow get a virus, or spyware, is this passed along w/ the regular backups and can they contaminate previous entries that make backups worthless?
A: This is an excellent question and one that we have seen come up very frequently. The short answer is- no, you will not contaminate previous backups if your computer is attacked by a virus or spyware. Here is the long answer:
Online backup services typically only backup files and program data and not the associated programs. For example, online backup services like Carbonite and Mozy will backup your Microsoft Office documents and settings, but not the actual Microsoft programs. So, spyware and virus programs will not be backed up by most online backup services.
It is possible that a document that you backup could include a virus, but viruses in documents are typically only activated when the file is opened. This is where having an Internet security software program, including anti-virus protection, on your computer is important. Most security software programs will scan files as you open them and alert you to any potential threats.
If your computer does become contaminated by a virus, we recommend following these steps provided by Len from Carbonite's customer support team:
When recovering from a virus infection, my recommendation would be to reinstall your operating system and applications, and in particular a good anti-virus program. Be sure to get the latest virus definition files from the manufacturer of the anti-virus program. (This is usually included as part of your subscription, and the latest definition files can be downloaded via the Internet.) After reinstalling your operating system and anti-virus program, restore your backup, but be careful not to open your restored documents until after scanning them for viruses.
You can learn more about online backup services by visiting our comparison and reviews of online backup services.
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