activity 1………….…………the abcs of credit activity...

• Activity 1………….…………The ABCs of Credit• Activity 2……………….……………Credit Scores• Activity 3………….…………Establishing Credit• Activity 4………….…Maintaining Good Credit• Activity 5………….………………….Credit Cards• Activity 6……….Managing Credit Challenges• Activity 7……………..…………….Identity Theft• Activity 8………Prime and Subprime Lending• Activity 9……………………..Predatory Lending• Activity 10……………………………..Bankruptcy

Credit - Activity 1

ACTIVITY 1The ABCs of Credit

Overview

• What is credit?• The five Cs of credit• Pros and cons of using credit• The big decision—Should I use credit?

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CREDIT DEFINITIONS

CreditTrust given to another person for future payment of a loan, credit card balance, etc.

CreditorA person or company to whom a debt is owed.

Slide 1 – Credit Definitions Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 1 – Handout 1 3

The Five Cs of Credit Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 1 – Overhead 1

THE FIVE Cs OF CREDIT

C = CapacityC = CapitalC = CollateralC = ConditionsC = Character

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WHEN TO USE CREDIT

Can you describe a situation when it is a good time to use credit and when it is NOT a good time to use credit?

Slide 3 – When to Use Credit Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 1 – Handout 25

QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE USING CREDIT

1.2.3.4.5.6.7.

Slide 4 – Questions to Ask Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 1 – Handout 36

Credit - Activity 2

ACTIVITY 2Credit Scores

Overview

• Credit scores and their impact• The factors that make up a credit score• Strategies to improve your credit score

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WHAT IS A CREDIT SCORE?• A credit score is a number that helps a lender

predict how likely an individual is to repay a loan, or make credit payments on time.

• A credit score is a number that changes as the elements in a credit report change.

• A credit score has broad use and impact. Your credit past is your credit future.

• FICO® scores, one of the most common credit scoring systems, vary between 350 and 850.

• VantageScoreSM, a new credit scoring system developed by the three credit bureaus, ranges from 501-990.

Slide 1 – What Is a Credit Score? Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 2 – Overhead 18

WHAT MAKES UP A

TYPICAL CREDIT SCORE?

Slide 2 – What Makes Up a Typical Credit Score? Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 2 – Overhead 29

Source: Fair Isaac and Consumer Federation of America, 2005

IMPROVING YOUR CREDIT SCORE

• Pay bills on time.• Get current and stay current.• Don’t open a lot of new accounts too

rapidly.• Correct mistakes.• Shop for loan rates within a focused

period of time.• Keep balances low on revolving credit.• Pay off debt.• Check your credit report.

Slide 3 – Improving Your Credit Score Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 2 – Handout 210

Credit - Activity 3

ACTIVITY 3Establishing Credit

Overview

• Types and sources of credit• Credit safeguards• Applying for credit• Questions to ask when applying for credit

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Types of Credit Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 3 – Handout 1

TYPES OF CREDIT Cash CreditSales CreditSecured CreditRevolving Credit

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I.O.U.Single Payment Credit

Installment CreditOther Types of Credit

Sources of Credit Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 3 – Overhead 1

SOURCES OF CREDIT

What are other sources of credit?

What sources of credit should be avoided? Why?

Banks

CreditUnion

s

RetailStores

FinanceCompani

es

Savings & Loan

Associations

InternetStores

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STEPS TO TAKE TO AVOID ABUSIVE LENDING

1. Have you shopped around for the best deal?

2. Do you feel the lender pressured you to take the loan?

3. Do you understand the terms of the loan?

Slide 3 – Avoiding Abusive Lending Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 3 – Handout 214

Parts of a Credit Application Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 3 – Handout 3

COMMON PARTS OF A CREDIT APPLICATION

• Reason for Loan• Personal Identification Information• Employment Information• Mortgage/Rental Information• Documentation Required (for some

applications)• Current Debts• Credit References• Collateral (for some applications)• Bank References• Signature and Date

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SAMPLE CREDIT APPLICATION

16 Slide 5 – Sample Credit Application Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 3 – Handout 3

QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN APPLYING FOR CREDIT

1. What is the annual fee?2. What is the annual percentage rate (APR)?3. When are payments due?4. What is the minimum payment required each

month?5. Is there a grace period?6. Are there other fees associated with the credit,

such as minimum finance charges?7. What is the credit limit?8. What are the penalties for late or missed

payments?9. What are the terms and conditions of the

credit? What else is included in the fine print? Slide 6 – Questions to Ask Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 3 – Handout 517

Credit - Activity 4

ACTIVITY 4MaintainingGood Credit

Overview• Debt to income thermometer• Credit process • Credit reporting agencies• Credit safeguards for consumers• Credit reports, ratings and scores• Establishing a credit history

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Debt-to-Income Thermometer Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 4 – Overhead 1

DEBT-TO-INCOME THERMOMETER

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The Credit Process Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 4 – Overhead 2

THE CREDIT PROCESS

CREDIT HISTORY•

CREDIT BUREAU•

CREDIT REPORT•

CREDIT SCORE•

CREDIT RATING

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SAMPLE CREDIT REPORT

21 Slide 3 – Sample Credit Report Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 4 – Handout 2

Credit Safeguards for Consumers Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 4 – Handout 3

CREDIT SAFEGUARDS FOR CONSUMERS

Truth In Lending Act

Fair Credit Reporting Act

Equal Credit Opportunity Act

Fair Credit Billing Act

Fair Debt Collection Practices Act

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FACT Act Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 4 – Handout 4

THE FAIR AND ACCURATE CREDIT TRANSACTION ACT

One of the primary objectives behind the Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act (the FACT Act) is to help consumers fight the growing crime of identity theft. The following are some highlights of the Act.

• Free credit reports• Fraud alerts and Active Duty alerts• Truncation: credit cards, debit cards, Social Security Number• Red flags• Disposal of consumer reports• Credit scores23

Things to Establish Good Credit Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 4 – Overhead 3

THINGS TO DO TO ESTABLISHAND MAINTAIN GOOD CREDIT

What can everyone do to establish and maintain good credit?1. Pay all bills on time.2. Avoid late fees.3.4.5.6.

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Credit - Activity 5

ACTIVITY 5Credit Cards

Overview

• Types of credit cards• Shopping for a credit card• Costs of credit

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Types of Credit Cards Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 5 – Overhead 1

TYPES OF CREDIT CARDSPrivate Label• Issued by a single source• Can only be used at a single source• Examples: Department Stores,

Gasoline Companies

General Label• Issued by a single source• Can be used in many places• Examples: Bank Card, Major Credit

Card26

Shopping for a Credit Card Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 5 – Overhead 2

SHOPPING FOR A CREDIT CARDDECISIONS, DECISIONS...

ANNUAL FEE?APR?

COMPUTATION METHOD?GRACE

PERIOD?FINANCE CHARGE?

CREDIT LIMIT?CARD INCENTIVES?27

QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN SHOPPING FOR A CREDIT CARD• Annual fee• Annual percentage rate (APR)• Minimum payment• Computation method• Grace period• Finance charges• Card incentives

Slide 3 – Questions to Ask Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 5 – Handout 128

Costs of Credit Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 5 – Handout 229

COSTS OF CREDITHow much can credit cost? If you make only the minimum payment for an item, here are some examples of what you might actually pay and how long it will take you to pay it.

Credit - Activity 6

ACTIVITY 6Managing Credit

ChallengesOverview

• Warning signs of credit abuse• Credit card reductions• Correcting credit errors• Resources and assistance

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Rating Trouble Signs Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 6 – Handout 1

MEASURING THE SERIOUSNESS OF CREDIT TROUBLE SIGNS

Rate how serious you think each of the following trouble signs is.

1 = Not Serious 4 = Very Serious

Trouble Signs

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• Delinquent Payments• Default Notices• Repossessions• Collection Agencies

• Lien• Garnishment• Others?

Warning Signs Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 6 – Handout 2

WARNING SIGNS OF DEBT PROBLEMS

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1. Delinquent Payments2. Default Notices3. Repossessions4. Collection Agencies5. Judgment Lien6. Garnishment

Credit Card Reductions Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 6 – Handout 3

CREDIT CARD REDUCTIONS Paying only the minimum payments on your credit card may seem appealing, but if only minimum payments are made, it can take years, and sometimes decades, to achieve full repayment.

Paying the minimum amount due keeps your credit history clean, but it also costs you more.

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CORRECTING CREDIT ERRORS1. Circle the incorrect items on your credit

report.2. Write a letter to the reporting agency, telling

them which information you think is inaccurate. Provide supporting documentation.

3. Send all materials by certified mail.4. Send a similar letter to the creditor whose

reports you disagree with.5. The reporting agency will conduct an

investigation.6. If negative information is accurate, it can

stay on your report for 7-10 years.Slide 4 – Correcting Credit Errors

Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 6 – Handout 434

CORRECTING CREDIT PROBLEMS

• Take responsibility for actions.• Communicate with creditors.• Debt Consolidation• Credit Counseling• Bankruptcy

Slide 5 – Correcting Credit Problems Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 6 – Handout 535

Credit - Activity 7

ACTIVITY 7Identity Theft

Overview

• The growing problem of identity theft and how it occurs

• Strategies to protect your personal information

• Steps to take if your identity has been stolen.

36

Identity Theft Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 7 – Overhead 1

IDENTITY THEFTIdentity theft occurs when someone uses your personal identifying information to either establish credit under your name or to take over an existing account that you established without your authorization.

This information may include:

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• Social Security Numbers• Name• Address• Date of birth

• Mother’s maiden name• Passwords• PINs

HOW TO AVOID IDENTITY THEFT

1. Monitor your credit report.2. Don’t give out personal information to unknown

persons or companies.3. Protect your credit and debit cards.4. Protect your mailbox.5. Protect your wallet.6. Use passwords and PINs that can’t be easily

guessed.7. Use anti-virus software on your computer.8. Notify your bank when you change your address

or phone number.9. Other suggestions? Slide 2 – How to Avoid Identity Theft


What to Do Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 7 – Overhead 2

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR IDENTITY

HAS BEEN STOLENIf you think your identity has been stolen, take the following steps:

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• Contact the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union).

• Close accounts.• Contact all creditors involved.• File a police report.• Keep a record of your contacts.

Credit - Activity 8

ACTIVITY 8Prime and

Subprime LendingOverview

• Subprime and prime lending definitions• Alternative institutions that provide

higher-cost loans• Strategies to improve credit in order to

qualify for prime loans.

40

PRIME AND SUBPRIME MORTGAGE LENDING

Prime Prime credit is typically available to an individual who has paid his or her outstanding credit on time.

Subprime A subprime loan is typically available to a person with either no credit history or a damaged credit history and who is considered to be a high-risk borrower. Subprime loans have higher-than-average interest rates.

Slide 1 – Prime and Subprime Lending Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 8 – Overhead 141

THE PRICE OF SUBPRIME LENDINGHow much does a subprime loan cost you? If you are making payments on a car, for example, you could be paying significantly more just for getting a loan with a higher interest rate. This added interest is significant over the life of the loan.

Slide 2 – The Price of Subprime Lending Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 8 – Handout 142

MOVING FROM SUBPRIME TO PRIME

• Pay bills on time.• Correct mistakes.• Pay more than the minimum required.• Use credit sparingly.• Work with a reputable nonprofit credit

counseling organization.Slide 3 – Moving from Subprime to Prime


If you currently have a lower credit score and want to be able to qualify for prime loans in the future, you should take steps to improve your credit. The following steps can help.

Credit - Activity 9

ACTIVITY 9Predatory Lending

Overview

• Characteristics and warning signs of predatory lending.

• The key targets of predatory lending.• Common abuses and scams.• Nonprofit organizations that can help

consumers plagued by predatory lending.

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PREDATORY LENDING

• Sell properties for much more than they are worth, using false appraisals.

• Encourage borrowers to lie about their income, expenses, or cash available for down payments in order to get a loan.

• Knowingly lend more money than a borrower can afford to repay.

• And many other scams.Slide 1 – Predatory Lending

Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 9 – Overhead 145

In communities across America, people are losing their homes and their investments because of predatory lenders, corrupt appraisers, mortgage brokers, and home improvement contractors who:

IDENTIFYING PREDATORY LENDING

• Packaging a loan with single-premium credit insurance products

• Repeatedly refinancing a loan in a short period of time

• Charging excessive rates and fees to a borrower who qualifies for lower rates and fees

Slide 2 – Predatory Lending Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 9 – Handout 146

Predatory lending is not defined by federal law except to the extent that a loan is a high-cost loan and contains one of a fixed list of terms or conditions. Predatory or abusive lending practices can include:

TEN WARNING SIGNS OF PREDATORY MORTGAGES

1. Unreasonably high interest rates2. Multiple refinancing3. Unnecessary debt consolidation4. Balloon payment5. Negative amortization6. Door-to-door solicitation7. Back-dating of documents8. Large loan broker fees9. Kickbacks between lender and broker10. Single-premium credit life insurance

Slide 3 – Ten Warning Signs Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 9 – Handout 147

COMMON SCAMS

• Advance fee schemes• The prize that will cost you• Online auctions• Fraud jobs• Moneymaking schemes• Bogus charities• Scam schools

Slide 4 – Common Scams Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 9 – Handout 248

TOP STRATEGIES TO AVOID SCAMS

• Don’t become a victim.• Investigate strangers who have deals too good to be

true.• Always stay in charge of your money.• Don’t be fooled by appearances.• Watch out for salespeople who prey on fears.• Monitor your investments.• Report fraud or abuse.• Do your homework.• Be wary of door-to-door solicitations. Slide 5 – Top Strategies to Avoid Scams


ADDITIONAL RESOURCES• Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) —

Office of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, Interstate Land Sales/RESPA Division. (202) 708-4560; www.hud.gov/complaints/landsales.cfm.

• Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) — Consumer Affairs Division. (877) ASK-FDIC (925-4618); www.fdic.gov.

• Federal Trade Commission (For federal lending violations involving mortgage and consumer finance companies.) (877) FTC-HELP (382-4357); TTY (202) 326-2502; www.ftc.gov.

• Federal Reserve Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System — Division of Consumer Affairs. (202) 452-3693; www.federalreserve.gov/pubs/complaints.

Slide 6 – Additional Resources Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 9 – Handout 350

Credit - Activity 10

ACTIVITY 10Bankruptcy

Overview

• Chapter 7, 11, and 13 bankruptcies• Provisions of the new bankruptcy

legislation• The credit counseling component of the

new law• Strategies to avoid bankruptcy

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BANKRUPTCYChapter 7 wipes out all allowable debts and allows certain personal property exemptions.

Chapter 13 is a court-approved repayment plan.

Chapter 11 is typically used for business bankruptcies.

Slide 1 – Bankruptcy Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 10 – Overhead 152

NEW PROVISIONS OF THE BANKRUPTCY LAW

• A test to determine eligibility to file bankruptcy

• Determining what you can afford to pay• Tougher homestead exemptions• Lawyer liability• Credit counseling and money management• New debt may not be discharged.• Quicker collections process

Slide 2 – Provisions of the Bankruptcy Law Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 10 – Handout 153

THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE FILING FOR BANKRUPTCY

• A bankruptcy filing could determine whether or not you get a job.

• Your insurance rates could rise.• You may find it difficult to rent an

apartment or qualify for a home loan.• Bankruptcies stay on your credit report for

10 years.• Bankruptcy can lower your credit score.

Slide 3 – Things to Consider Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 10 – Overhead 254

THINGS TO DO BEFORE DECIDING TO FILE

BANKRUPTCY, CONT.• Reduce your spending• Talk with your creditors.• Talk with a nonprofit counseling agency.• Talk with an attorney and understand the

consequences of declaring bankruptcy.• Consider consolidation carefully.

Slide 4 – Things to Do Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 10 – Handout 255

TIPS TO REMEMBER• Keep track of your daily expenses.• Save money on a regular basis.• Make changes right away if you see

yourself starting to get into financial trouble.

• Pay attention to your household finances, especially if you are married.

Slide 5 – Tips to Remember Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 10 – Handout 256

activity 1………….…………the abcs of credit activity...

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