Your Credit Today

There are so many moving parts to credit and finances - do you understand AND manage your credit effectively?The Real Credit Queen, Angela Setters-Bessard is joined by team members Samantha Headlee, Operations and Client Experience Manager at CCMI, and her partner in business and life - Chief Financial Officer, Founder, and husband, Ralph Bessard. They share their passionate commitment to empowering people through credit management.Conquer Credit Management provides you with with done-for-you credit service, strategy & expert coaching for sustainable long-lasting financial success. The team's enthusiasm to educate, support, and empower individuals in their credit management journey is a testament to their commitment.When reaching out to Conquer Credit Management, individuals can expect a dedicated and empathetic approach, supported by a wealth of knowledge and a culture of service.As their dedication and expertise shine through, it becomes clear that anyone seeking assistance with credit management will find a committed ally in their journey towards financial empowerment and success.Thank you for listening to "Your Credit Today." If you have not yet subscribed, please do so and share this valuable information with your friends and family. For personalized assistance, feel free to email Angela at Angelas@conquercredit.com or online at angelabessard.com.If you require a speaker to provide expert Creducation to your organization, do not hesitate to reach out. My goal is to help you master your credit, enabling you to take proactive steps towards a secure financial future.

Ready to level up your business and protect your brand?Attorney Nicole Swartz knows first hand why trademarks are essential for small businesses – she was running a thriving skincare brand. In two years her business went from a side hustle to a full time international company. One day, she woke up to a cease & desist letter, someone trademarked her brand. They owned the exclusive right to her business name and she couldn’t use it anymore.  She had to rebrand everything in 30 days… it was a nightmare!Nicole became obsessed with trademarks: she didn’t want anyone else to lose their brand. She learned everything about them and realized she loved working with women to st art and grow their businesses. She sold the skincare brand and started her own law firm.  What you'll learn in this episode:The nitty-gritty of getting a trademark – it's a whole world of rules and regulations, trust us!The scary implications of not trademarking your business – think legal and financial trouble, yikes!How having a trademark can make your brand look like a total boss and keep copycats at bay.The lowdown on enforcing your trademark rights – including the drama of cease and desist letters!The real deal on how trademarks can boost your business value and even be a money-making asset.make sure to check out Nicole's company at sproutlaw.com and check out their celebrity trademark updates on Instagram at Sprout Law (https://www.instagram.com/sproutlaw/)Wishing you all the success and trademark wins!Thank you for listening to "Your Credit Today." If you have not yet subscribed, please do so and share this valuable information with your friends and family. For personalized assistance, feel free to email Angela at Angelas@conquercredit.com or online at angelabessard.com.If you require a speaker to provide expert Creducation to your organization, do not hesitate to reach out. My goal is to help you master your credit, enabling you to take proactive steps towards a secure financial future.

EEK! Did you get a collections call? Something unexpected on your credit report? We talk to people every day about collections!Collection accounts stem from all sorts of unpaid bills, from medical and utility expenses to credit card debt. They can be managed internally or by third-party agencies, and knowing the difference is key when trying to sort things out.When dealing with collection agencies, it's important to know your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). If you ever need to dispute a debt or negotiate a settlement, make sure to get everything in writing.By staying informed, being proactive, and seeking professional advice when you need it, you've got this. With careful navigation and a plan, you'll be well on your way clearing your credit of collections.Thank you for listening to "Your Credit Today." If you have not yet subscribed, please do so and share this valuable information with your friends and family. For personalized assistance, feel free to email Angela at Angelas@conquercredit.com or online at angelabessard.com.If you require a speaker to provide expert Creducation to your organization, do not hesitate to reach out. My goal is to help you master your credit, enabling you to take proactive steps towards a secure financial future.

Ever wondered what makes or breaks your financial credit score? Your credit to debt ratio is the key, and how you tap into your credit limit. Balancing what you owe and how much you're using is key to keeping your score in check.What about auto model credit scores? These scores zoom in on your car-related credit history. With credit unions in your corner, you might just secure that loan with some extra horsepower for negotiating a killer deal on your dream wheels.By tuning into the different types of scores, understanding what brings up your score, you'll be on track for smoother rides towards better loan terms and financial empowerment.Thank you for listening to "Your Credit Today." If you have not yet subscribed, please do so and share this valuable information with your friends and family. For personalized assistance, feel free to email Angela at Angelas@conquercredit.com or online at angelabessard.com.If you require a speaker to provide expert Creducation to your organization, do not hesitate to reach out. My goal is to help you master your credit, enabling you to take proactive steps towards a secure financial future.00:00 Credit scores vary by agency and region.05:25 Banks report to different credit agencies, monitor.08:37 Credit scores vary by reporting agency and use.13:04 Check credit score, maintain good credit ratio.16:34 Use credit card for regular monthly expenses.21:39 Credit union recommended for easier auto loans.24:01 FICO algorithm revolutionized credit evaluation in 1956.29:09 Creducation aims to simplify credit systems.

What measures can individuals take to protect themselves in the event of a financial crisis or the passing of a spouse or partner?The Real Credit Queen, Angela Setters Bassard explains the basics of property liens, and their impact on your property and your finances. This episode was inspired when a client needed advice - a young widow who was unaware of her husband's financial dealings which leading to complications with a lien on their property.This episode explains the differences between various home loans, such as equity loans and HELOCs, and highlights the necessity of understanding the terms and obligations tied to these financial instruments.This tough situation really highlights the need for an emergency plan to navigate financial uncertainties smoothly, and the value of having knowledgeable guides and consultants in financial matters.It is so important to be prepared and to protect your assets like your home!01:21 Upcoming Guest01:54 Understanding Liens on Your Home02:23 Client Case Study: Financial Challenges After Loss04:28 The Importance of Financial Planning07:42 Types of Home Loans and Liens11:06 Navigating Second Mortgages and Foreclosures19:12 Selling Your Property and Settling LiensThank you for listening to "Your Credit Today." If you have not yet subscribed, please do so and share this valuable information with your friends and family. For personalized assistance, feel free to email Angela at Angelas@conquercredit.com or online at angelabessard.com.If you require a speaker to provide expert Creducation to your organization, do not hesitate to reach out. My goal is to help you master your credit, enabling you to take proactive steps towards a secure financial future.

Is that balance transfer offer a good idea?In this episode of 'Your Credit Today,' your host The Real Credit Queen Angela Setters Bassard breaks down the topic of balance transfers. Angela addresses common concerns about whether balance transfers impact credit scores, including the potential negative and positive effects.Angela stresses the importance of planning and budget management when using credit cards to avoid debt. This episode covers key strategies for minimizing negative impacts on credit scores and outlines the steps to effectively use 0% balance transfer offers to manage debt and improve financial health.00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome00:49 Understanding Balance Transfers01:15 Planning and Budgeting with Credit Cards03:55 The Importance of Credit Card Agreements04:49 Introducing Creducation05:28 Impact of Balance Transfers on Credit13:26 Positive Impacts of Balance Transfers16:08 Tips for Minimizing Negative Impacts19:06 Monitoring and Managing Credit**Practical Tips for Effective Balance Transfers**- Develop a clear plan for repaying the balance within the 0% interest period.- Regularly monitor your credit utilization and ensure your auto-pay settings are functioning correctly.- Leverage your improved credit score for favorable financial opportunities.**Your Credit Score: A Valuable Asset**Bear in mind that your credit score is not merely a numerical value; it is a critical asset influencing your financial opportunities. Prudent credit management can unlock substantial benefits and opportunities.Thank you for listening to "Your Credit Today." If you have not yet subscribed, please do so and share this valuable information with your friends and family. For personalized assistance, feel free to email Angela at Angelas@conquercredit.com or online at angelabessard.com.If you require a speaker to provide expert Creducation to your organization, do not hesitate to reach out. My goal is to help you master your credit, enabling you to take proactive steps towards a secure financial future.

When you have questions about anything credit related, The Real Credit Queen, Angela Setters Bessard has the answers. This week she's taking the overwhelm out of locking and freezing your credit. This episode is going to answer every question you ever had about the process, why you would do it, and how it helps you.Locking your credit and freezing your credit are similar concepts aimed at preventing unauthorized access to your credit report and thus protecting against identity theft, but they have some differences:Credit Freeze Federally Regulated and backed by the US Justice DepartmentDefinition: A credit freeze restricts access to your credit report by potential creditors. When your credit is frozen, creditors cannot pull your credit report to open new accounts in your name.Initiation: You can initiate a credit freeze with each of the four major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion & Innovis) individually. You may (very rare) need to pay a fee depending on your state laws, although most states provide this service for free.Process: You need to contact each credit bureau separately to freeze your credit, the 4 credit agencies are Experian, Trans Union, Equifax and Innovis. Credit Lock Private Service provided by Private Companies:Definition: A credit lock also prevents creditors from accessing your credit report to open new accounts, similar to a credit freeze accept that the credit agencies charge a fee for this service. Initiation: Credit locks are often offered by the credit bureaus themselves or by third-party services. They used to be more convenient to use than freezes because they could be activated or deactivated instantly online or through an app but now all agencies provide online access. Process: Unlike a credit freeze, the terms and conditions for credit locks can vary widely between providers. All of these providers charge fees.Key Differences:Activation and Deactivation: One is Free while the other requires a membership but both allow you to do everything online.Cost: Credit freezes very rarely have fees associated with them depending on state laws and the circumstances under which you're requesting the freeze. Credit locks always come with costs, and fees are dependent on the provider and the services offered.Legal Protection: Credit freezes are mandated by law and provide specific legal protections against identity theft, while credit locks are often marketed as a convenience and do not offer the same legal protections.

Angela, The Real Credit Queen is with Jhoanna Alba, founder and chief fashion designer of ALBA, brings over 20 years of fashion expertise to creating signature looks for an elite clientele. Her designs interweave bold, colorful custom fabrics that showcase each client's unique personality and style.She shares her journey of decades in the fashion industry, detailing how she broke into the business with the guidance of her mentor, Magic Johnson. Topics discussed includeFinancial literacyStarting a business as a young personOvercoming challengesThe value of mentorship.Jhoanna details the importance of maintaining good credit the need for financial education among youth, and practices she adopted to support her business and team. They discuss practical financial tips, the impact of social media on financial decisions, and the cultural importance of teaching the next generation about money management.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:52 Breaking into the Fashion World01:49 Mentorship and Magic Johnson's Influence04:13 Entrepreneurial Challenges and Successes06:11 Team Building and Company Culture09:18 Financial Literacy and Early Life Lessons 12:26 Teaching Financial Responsibility to the Next Generation16:23 Coupons, Apps, and Financial Tips20:06 The Impact of Social Media on Financial Discipline21:22 Teaching Financial Responsibility at Home22:35 Using Credit Wisely: Personal Experiences23:02 Building a Business with Credit23:52 Expanding into New Markets27:11 The Importance of Mentorship and Resilience31:39 Practical Financial Tips for Young Adults36:28 Concluding Thoughts and Advice