Most consumers think haggling is only appropriate when buying tchotkes at a street fair or facing off against a used-car dealer. But why not negotiate the cost of medical procedures? Or a new Sub-Zero refrigerator? If you’re not paying less than sticker price for these and other goods and services, you’re leaving money — and [...]
Costs You Should Negotiate
Spying On You
With lenders still skittish about making new loans, credit bureaus and others are hawking services that help banks probe deeply into your financial closet. The new offerings include ways to look at your rent and utility payments, figure out your income, gauge your home’s value and even rate your banking habits based on details like [...]
Loan Equity
Home Equity: Lower Limits Several years ago, home values were rising so rapidly that you could build a pile of equity practically before the ink was dry on your settlement papers — and then borrow against it to pay for everything from home repairs to college tuition. But as prices have tumbled, lenders have tightened [...]
Improve Credit Rating
Every individual and business entity earns a certain level of credit worthiness in a lifetime or phase of function. The credit rating is either evaluated as a credit score or as entries in a credit report. Credit ratings are awarded to individuals, business corporations and even countries. The calculations of the debit-credit facets are made [...]