A reader asks…

When you consolidate debt, it shows all old debts as being paid, etc, but the one new debt ratio, which is the amount being owed to the consolidation company will be huge. QUESTION: Does It lower the credit score to have a huge debt ratio like this?
OTHER QUESTION: and you also want to have say, 3 credit cards, (3 of them is the number you want to have a good credit profile, right), then the debt consolidation companies close your credit cards or do they not? How does it work

A Reader Asks…

When I go shopping, the store asks me if I want to save xx% off my purchase by signing up for a credit card. How bad will it affect my credit score if I sign up to get the discount. Pay it all off right away and canceling right after that? My first credit card received was in 2001 and I never plan on cancelling it.

A Reader Asks…

I see a great deal at a store to open up a credit card and get a prize or a rebate. If I want the big discount I open the credit card and then get the discount but I don’t want or need the credit card at all.
Is it better to close down this new card or keep it open with a zero balance? How does opening and closing account affect my credit score?