Experian’s “Ask Max” credit advice column http://www.experian.com/ask_max/ Ask Max is the credit reporting industry’s first online consumer credit advice column. en-us Wed, 24 Dec 2008 12:00:00 GMT Copyright 2008, Experian http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 1440 Stopping collection calls for previous resident http://www.experian.com/ask_max/max122408a.html?rss=1 Wed, 24 Dec 2008 12:00:00 GMT My file looked clean when I checked it a few weeks ago. My problem is the folks who rented here before me seem to have kept their old address on your files, and I continue to get bill collectors and other calls to my residence. How do I get someone to note they do not live here since my purchase in 2002?

]]> Opening retail account can save money during the holiday season http://www.experian.com/ask_max/max122408b.html?rss=1 Wed, 24 Dec 2008 12:00:00 GMT While doing Christmas shopping, is it possible to save considerably if I accept a merchant’s credit card? Does this influence my credit score even if used infrequently?

]]> Marrying a man who declared bankruptcy http://www.experian.com/ask_max/max122408c.html?rss=1 Wed, 24 Dec 2008 12:00:00 GMT I would like to get married to a man who filed for bankruptcy. I have great credit, and he has a new slate. Will it wreck my credit even if we keep our finances separate?

]]> How long does it take for paid off accounts to show zero balance http://www.experian.com/ask_max/max122408d.html?rss=1 Wed, 24 Dec 2008 12:00:00 GMT If I pay off all of my credit cards to a zero balance, how long does it take for that payoff to show up in an improved credit score? I want to pay off all of my cards and improve my score for a mortgage application.

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