Tip Your FICO Score in the Right Direction
Want the best interest rate on a car or home loan? Then
make sure your FICO score (a number most lenders use to
assess risk) is high enough to acquire your desired
interest rate. Scores range from 300-850, but to qualify for
a good loan rate it should be at least in the mid 600’s. If
it’s not quite there, don’t worry — by understanding how a
FICO score is determined, you'll learn how to tip it in the
right direction.
Payment History: 35%
How you have paid all past obligations is of critical
importance to a credit score. If you’ve made monthly
payments late, had accounts go into collections, been sued for
a debt, or filed for bankruptcy, your score will suffer.
New Credit: 10%
Of course you must apply for credit to get credit, but do so
carefully. The number and types of recently opened accounts
can lower your credit score. Don’t worry about those preapproval letters unless you actively apply, they are not held
against you. Therefore, only apply for accounts that you truly
need.
Types of Credit Used: 10%
Finally, the types of credit you have also have an impact. The
number of various kinds of accounts (such as credit cards, retail accounts, installment loans, mortgage, and consumer finance accounts) are factored into your score.
Amounts Owed: 30%
Even if you have a perfect payment history, if your balance is
at or near your credit limit your score will head south—fast.
Your total debt, the types of accounts you have, and the number of accounts you have are also factors of your score.
Length of Credit History: 15%
New to the world of credit? If so, this category will not be fulfilled until you have a history of using it. After all, the longer
your credit history, the more accurately a creditor can assess
risk.
New Year...New Branch
Almaden Branch *
5353 Almaden Expressway Suite 65
San Jose, CA. 95118
County Federal is pleased to announce
Campbell Branch *
the opening of our newest branch
1638 W. Campbell Ave
located at 70 W. Hedding on the lower
Campbell, CA. 95008
level of the County Building.
City Centre
140 E. San Fernando
San Jose, CA. 95112
Convenience Corner….
Planning a family outing or vacation in the near
future? Did you know that you can purchase
discount tickets and take advantage of special
offers from the comfort of your home through
Online Connection?
Get access to a wide variety of discount tickets. Simply log
into Online Connection, click on the e-Services tab then click
Member Discounts.
East San Jose *
255 N. White Road, Suite 112
San Jose, CA. 95127
Gilroy Branch *
6915 Camino Arroyo, Suite 50
Gilroy, CA. 95020
We have six conveniently located
branches , four with Saturday hours*. West Hedding Branch
70 West Hedding St.
San Jose, CA. 95110
Please note: As of 9/15/2016 Disney has terminated their
online discounted Disneyland ticket program.
Page 2
Ambassador Newsletter
Financial Fitness
Monitoring your credit reports regularly is an important part
of being in control of your finances.
You are encouraged to pull a copy of your credit reports from
AnnualCreditReport.com, the only source of FREE credit
reports authorized by Federal Law, on an annual basis.
Reviewing the information for accuracy is important.
Disputing information you believe to be inaccurate is FREE
and should be done directly with the consumer credit
reporting agencies.
2017 Seminar Schedule
* New Location *
1641 N. First St Suite 210
San Jose, CA. 95112
Our Corporate Office hosts Free Financial Seminars throughout
the year for our members. Topics range from Home Buying to
Estate Planning to fit every stage of your life.
Mark your calendar for these free seminars happening at
County Federal.
For more information visit www.AnnualCreditReport.com
The New Member Experience
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
5:45 pm to 6:45 pm
Life Skills: Resume Building
Wednesday, March 8, 2017
5:45 pm to 7:15 pm
Life Skills: Interviewing Basics
Wednesday, March 22, 2017
5:45 pm to 7:15 pm
For more information about how we can help your employees/
volunteers learn more about credit reports, please contact
Angela Hughes (408) 282-0774 or Rachael Moreno (408) 282-0712
Home Buying 2017: The Changing Market
Wednesday April 5, 2017
5:45 pm to 7:15 pm
New Member Referral
Identity Theft
Wednesday, April 26, 2017
5:45 pm to 7:15 pm
Now that you’ve experienced a better way of banking, we
encourage you to invite your eligible family members and coworkers to join County Federal. You will receive $25* for each
new mem-ber you refer.
Solving the Mysteries of Credit Reports
Wednesday, May 10, 2017
5:45 pm to 7:15 pm
Referred members must meet the following requirements:
• Verification of membership eligibility & valid identification
• Establish a Share Savings Account with a $25 deposit & Free
Rewards Checking with a $5 deposit
Be 18 years of age
Estate Planning and Other Issues Part 1
Wednesday, August 16, 2017
5:45 pm to 7:15 pm
Estate Planning and Other Issues Part 2
Wednesday, August 30, 2017
5:45 pm to 7:15 pm
Psychology of Spending
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
5:45 pm to 7:15 pm
The New Member Experience
Wednesday, October 11, 2017
5:45 pm to 6:45 pm
On-site seminars at your place of employment can also be
arranged. Please contact Angela Hughes 408-282-0774 or
Rachael Moreno 408-282-0712 for more information.