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Credit

Importance of Credit

Think of credit as a tool to be used wisely. Good credit saves money; bad credit costs money.

It can be difficult to pay cash for your car, home and college education and that’s where credit can be helpful. It’s important to have a plan to build and maintain a good credit history.

According to the Corporation For Enterprise Development (CFED) Asset and Opportunity Scorecard released in 2015, only 46.2% of Kansas residents and 50.7% of Missouri residents have prime credit. Hundreds of thousands of Metropolitan Kansas City residents need help establishing better credit.

Your credit impacts the way you live. For instance, it can help you get a car with a low interest rate loan and even help you get a lower rate on your car insurance. But if your credit isn’t good or if you don’t have a credit score, your credit can work against you and cost you money.

Good credit saves money; bad credit costs money. It can be difficult to pay cash for your car, home and college education and that’s where credit can be helpful. It’s important to have a plan to build and maintain a good credit history. Good credit saves money; bad credit costs money.

Your credit impacts the way you live. For instance, it can help you get a car with a low interest rate loan and even help you get a lower rate on your car insurance. But if your credit isn’t good or you don’t have a credit score, your credit can work against you and cost you money.

Find out more information about What a Credit Score is? What is a Credit Report? How to Read a Credit Report? and much more HERE!

 Sneak Peek: 
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How to Improve Your Credit

  1. Check out the Do’s of Credit below for tips.
  2. Don’t pay someone to do what you can do for free. Any changes that can be made to your credit report can be done by you. If there is an error on your report, you can dispute it by directly contacting the credit bureau through its’ website, over the phone or through the mail.
  3. Beware of quick fix credit repair agencies.
  4. Here are some great debt calculators: Apprisen Calculators, Debt Calculator, Multiple Calculators.
  5. If you would like assistance building your credit, check out the local resources below.

Credit Do’s

  • DO know the power of credit. By using credit wisely, you can build a good credit history which makes it easier to get loans with low interest rates, rent an apartment, purchase a car or home, and may even help you get a job.
  • DO start small. When establishing credit, go to your local bank for a small loan or low credit limit.
  • DO shop around. Prescreened offers or pre-approved offers are based on information in your credit report. Do your own research and don’t select the first card you’re offered. DO put your full legal name on all applications and be consistent. Don’t leave out middle initials or suffixes like “Jr.”
  • DO read the fine print on the credit application. The application is a contract, so read it thoroughly before signing. Interest rates, credit limits, grace periods, annual fees, terms and conditions vary. Also, watch for terms such as “introductory rate” and “grace periods” that can change.
  • DO understand the Annual Percentage Rate or APR. Simply put, APR is the interest rate or the measure of cost for credit.
  • DO set a budget and stick to it. A realistic budget will allow you to pay down your debts while saving and keep your finances in order.
  • DO open your bills immediately and compare charges with receipts. This helps protect you from identity theft and unauthorized charges.
  • DO pay at least the minimum amount due, on time. This will help you to avoid late fees and a rising APR. To pay off your balance quicker, pay more than the minimum due.
  • DO contact your creditor if you have trouble making payments. Let creditors know your situation and they may try to work with you to create a more manageable payment plan. Take action immediately to keep your account from being turned over to a debt collector.
  • DO be wary of anyone who claims they can “fix” your credit report. No one can legally remove negative accurate information from your credit history. The only thing that can fix a credit report is time and a positive payment history. Find a non-profit credit counselor at nfcc.org.
  • DO keep your credit card in a secure place. Only carry the cards that you think you’ll use. Always have your creditor’s phone number available in case your card is lost or stolen.
  • DO order a copy of your credit report annually.  The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires each of the 3 major credit bureaus to provide you with a free copy of your credit report at your request, once annually. Your credit evaluates your performance as a borrower and needs to be accurate. To obtain a free copy of your credit report, visit www.annualcreditreport.com.

Credit Don’ts

  • DON’T feel pressure to get a credit card. If you don’t want one, you have the right to say “no” to solicitors. If you are receiving prescreened or preapproved offers and you no longer wish to receive them, you can opt out. Call toll-free 1-888-5-OPTOUT (1-888-567-8688) or visit www.optoutprescreen.com for details.
  • DON’T open a lot of credit accounts within a short period of time. This may have an adverse effect on your credit report.
  • DON’T pay your bills late. Late payments can affect your credit rating and increase your balance.
  • DON’T spend more than you can afford. It is your responsibility to manage your debts and to keep your commitment with lenders. Avoid reaching your credit limit or “maxing out” your cards.
  • DON’T ignore the warning signs of credit trouble. If you pay only the minimum balance, pay late, use cash-advances to pay daily living expenses or transferring balances you might be in the “credit” danger zone. Seek professional advice or financial counseling to regain control of your finances.
  • DON’T share your credit card number. Never give out credit card or personal information if you have not initiated the transaction. Be aware of identity theft and phishing scams that ask for credit card numbers. If you suspect that you have become a victim of identity theft, file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. Call toll-free 1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877-438-4338); TDD: 202-326-2502, or visit www.ftc.gov/idtheft.

Local Credit Counseling Organizations

Financial Opportunity Centers

Greater Kansas City LISC and United Way of Greater Kansas City partner to create Financial Opportunity Centers (FOCs) to help low- and moderate-income families achieve their financial goals.  FOCs empower people to take control of their financial futures through education and coaching, career planning and placement, and access to critical public and private benefits that increase household income. Learn more about the FOC model here.

  1. Guadalupe Centers, Inc.
    Villa de Guadalupe, West Building
    1512 Van Brunt Boulevard
    Kansas City, MO  64127
    816-561-6885
  2. Prosperity Center
    5151 Troost Avenue, Ste 100
    Kansas City, MO  64110
    816-501-4239
  3. Women’s Employment Network
    920 Main, Suite 100
    Kansas City, MO  64105
    816-822-8083
  4. Community Services League
    404 North Noland Rd.
    Independence, MO 64050
    816-254-4100
  5. Metropolitan Lutheran Ministries
    3031 Holmes Street
    Kansas City, MO 64109
    816-931-0027

CHES, Inc. Credit Restoration Program

Developed by a trusted nonprofit organization. Recognizing the need for results driven credit building and restoration services, CHES, Inc. developed an effective financial & credit counseling, education & coaching program. Participants can track their progress and communicate with their coach in person, online, or via smart phone – a program designed to fit your busy lifestyle.

Credit Counseling and Financial Coaching (by phone, internet or in person)

  • Apprisen – 1-888-867-1513 – Apprisen is a nonprofit financial coaching and credit counseling organization.  You can meet with a Certified Financial Counselor in a free, initial counseling session that sets the foundation for identifying what you want to accomplish, including solutions to credit and debt concerns.

Credit Building for Housing

  • CHES Inc. – 816-533-7417 – CHES, Inc. is a HUD Certified, 501(c)(3) nonprofit housing, financial education, and counseling organization, empowering people just like you every day.  Browse our website and discover what CHES, Inc. can do for you!
  • The Greater Kansas City Housing Information Center (HIC) – 816-931-0443 – HIC is an approved 501(c)(3) not-for-profit that has a mission to ensure that all people in the Kansas City metropolitan area have safe, decent and affordable housing on an equal opportunity basis.
  • Housing and Credit Counseling Inc. (HCCI) – 785-234-0217 or 800-383-0217 – HCCI is HUD approved and provides quality credit counseling and personal money management services.  Offices are located in Topeka, Lawrence and Manhattan.

Small Business Credit Building

  • JustinePETERSEN – 314-533-2411 – Justine PETERSEN is staffed by credit experts.  They can assist you in working to improve your credit score, create new lines of credit, and deal with old credit issues.  JustinePETERSEN’s approach emphasizes new lines of credit to positively impact your credit score.
  • KCSourceLink – 816-235-6500 or 866-870-6500 – KCSourceLink helps aspiring startups and established small businesses find the right business resource to start, scale, or accelerate.

Educational Presentation for Workplace or Organization (Apprisen)

To request education for your workplace or organization, please click here or call one of the education contacts in your area. Workplace Education Page click here.

National Credit Counseling Organizations

Resources to Access a Credit Report

Credit Building Resources

  • CFPB – Whether consumers are applying for a mortgage, choosing among credit cards, or using any number of other consumer financial products, the CFPB wants to ensure that consumers get the information they need.
  • Federal Citizens Information Center – The Federal Citizens Information Center offers important consumer information and publications to help individuals make life decisions.
  • FDIC’s Money Smart – Consumers, bankers and community service providers can use free FDIC Money Smart tools to teach or learn about basic financial topics. It is also available for different age groups and in nine languages.  The program also helps new and aspiring entrepreneurs understand business financial basics.
  • Federal Trade Commission – If you are choosing a credit card or wondering whether offers of credit and loans are on the up and up, these tips can help.
  • Learn about Credit Reports – Understanding credit reports so that you can make wise financial decisions.
  • My Money – The federal government’s website for information on handling personal finances with helpful resources from more than 20 federal agencies.
  • Consumer Action Handbook – Order a FREE Consumer Action Handbook with many tips on credit and many more financial capability subjects.

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