A reader asks…

Basically, how current is the credit agencies records?
Under normal conditions, my credit utilizaiton varies wildly.
When applying for credit, I generally want 10-20% credit utilization. I can make that happen, but I wanted to know:
How long after I make it 10-20% should I apply for credit?
How long do I need to hold my credit utilization at 10-20%?

A Reader Asks…

I have paid down some balances already for some time but the changes are not appearing on my credit report. I’m not pulling up my credit however, I have alerts when my scores go up or down or if there’s inquiries etc. Do I have to ask them to report the change in balance? Why is it that when you rack up a ton of charges they report them really fast but when they’re paid off, they take forever? Is there a way to “speed up” the process?

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A Reader Asks…

My father had back taxes and files for bankruptcy in early 2006 now the federal government is comming after the back taxes. Does the bankruptcy take care of those taxes or is he still liable for them? (Lives in Kansas if this matters)