Advertise on podcast: The Credit Show

Most people who think their credit is protected aren't as protected as they believe. Harry Jacobs explains the critical difference between a fraud alert and a credit freeze — why one is a suggestion lenders can ignore and the other is a full lockdown that stops identity theft cold. Including a real case where a fraud alert failed and a fraudulent credit card was opened anyway — and how a credit freeze immediately after prevented every subsequent attempt. Learn when to use each tool, how to set up a freeze at all three bureaus for free, and why a credit freeze should be your default setting if you're not actively applying for new credit. If you would like a free consultation with Harry Jacobs at Credit Restoration of Nevada, text CREDIT or call 702-778-2000. You may also visit us online at TheCreditShow.info #FraudAlert #CreditFreeze #IdentityTheft #CreditProtection #CreditRepair #ConsumerRights #CreditReport #PersonalFinance #FinancialLiteracy #TheCreditShow #HarryJacobs #CreditRestoration #LasVegas #FixCredit #SecurityFreeze See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A collector is calling about a debt from 2011. What they're hoping you don't know could cost you thousands. Harry Jacobs explains zombie debt — old debt past the statute of limitations that collectors can no longer use to sue you, but will still aggressively pursue — and the single most important thing you must never do when they call. Including a real case where a $50 "good faith" payment reset the statute of limitations clock, allowed the collector to sue, and resulted in wage garnishment on a debt that should have been legally uncollectable. Learn the five-rule zombie debt survival guide, how to demand validation correctly, and why silence is your most powerful tool. If you would like a free consultation with Harry Jacobs at Credit Restoration of Nevada, text CREDIT or call 702-778-2000. You may also visit us online at TheCreditShow.info #ZombieDebt #StatuteOfLimitations #DebtCollection #CreditRepair #FDCPA #ConsumerRights #CreditReport #PersonalFinance #FinancialLiteracy #TheCreditShow #HarryJacobs #CreditRestoration #LasVegas #FixCredit #OldDebt See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"Charged off" sounds like the debt is gone. It isn't. Harry Jacobs breaks down one of the most dangerous misconceptions in consumer credit — what a charge-off actually means, why it often results in two separate derogatory marks on your report for one original account, and what the "re-aging" trick is that some collectors use illegally to extend the damage. Learn the charge-off takedown plan: how to check the date of first delinquency, how to negotiate deletion of both the collection and the original charge-off simultaneously, and why checking the balance for inflation is essential before you pay anything. Including a real client who jumped 90 points by solving both items at once for half the stated balance. If you would like a free consultation with Harry Jacobs at Credit Restoration of Nevada, text CREDIT or call 702-778-2000. You may also visit us online at TheCreditShow.info #ChargeOff #CreditRepair #CreditReport #DebtCollection #CreditScore #FCRA #Collections #PersonalFinance #FinancialLiteracy #TheCreditShow #HarryJacobs #CreditRestoration #LasVegas #FixCredit #ConsumerRights See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Good intentions, bad outcomes. Harry Jacobs runs through the five most common credit mistakes he sees from people who are genuinely trying to do the right thing — and explains exactly why each one backfires. Closing old cards to simplify. Cosigning to help a family member. Paying off a credit card without thinking about timing. Applying for too much credit at once. Settling a debt without a pay-for-delete agreement. None of these feel like mistakes in the moment. All of them cost real points. If your score doesn't reflect the effort you're putting into your finances, this episode will tell you why — and exactly what to do differently. If you would like a free consultation with Harry Jacobs at Credit Restoration of Nevada, text CREDIT or call 702-778-2000. You may also visit us online at TheCreditShow.info #CreditMistakes #CreditScore #CreditRepair #PersonalFinance #FinancialLiteracy #FICO #CreditReport #CreditCard #TheCreditShow #HarryJacobs #CreditRestoration #LasVegas #FixCredit #BuildCredit #CreditTips See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You've heard it from a friend, a forum, maybe even a financial advisor: you need to carry a balance to build credit. You don't. Harry Jacobs dismantles this expensive myth completely — explaining why the credit bureaus don't see your interest payments, only your behavior, and how you can build and maintain an excellent credit score without owing a dollar to anyone. Including a woman in her 60s whose completely debt-free lifestyle made her unscorable, and how one credit card with autopay took her to 780 in six months without a penny of interest. Learn the exact strategy for using credit without carrying debt — and why the scoring model can't tell the difference. If you would like a free consultation with Harry Jacobs at Credit Restoration of Nevada, text CREDIT or call 702-778-2000. You may also visit us online at TheCreditShow.info #CreditMyths #CreditScore #CreditRepair #PersonalFinance #FinancialLiteracy #DebtFree #CreditCard #FICO #BuildCredit #TheCreditShow #HarryJacobs #CreditRestoration #LasVegas #FixCredit #CreditTips See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Cosigning a loan feels like a simple act of generosity. It isn't. Harry Jacobs explains why "lending your name" is the most misleading phrase in personal finance — because when you cosign, you are co-borrowing the debt, with 100% liability and no control over how it gets managed. Every late payment, every default by the primary borrower lands on your credit report with the same force as if you'd done it yourself. Including a father with an 800 score who dropped to 660 because his daughter missed three car payments — costing him a home equity loan he was counting on. If someone has asked you to cosign, or you're considering it, listen to this episode first. And if you're going to do it anyway, Harry gives you the exact steps to minimize your exposure. If you would like a free consultation with Harry Jacobs at Credit Restoration of Nevada, text CREDIT or call 702-778-2000. You may also visit us online at TheCreditShow.info #Cosigning #CreditScore #CreditRepair #PersonalFinance #FinancialLiteracy #CreditReport #FICO #AutoLoan #CreditMistakes #TheCreditShow #HarryJacobs #CreditRestoration #LasVegas #FamilyFinance #FixCredit See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Good intentions, bad outcomes. Harry Jacobs runs through the five most common credit mistakes he sees from people who are genuinely trying to do the right thing — and explains exactly why each one backfires. Closing old cards to simplify. Cosigning to help a family member. Paying off a credit card without thinking about timing. Applying for too much credit at once. Settling a debt without a pay-for-delete agreement. None of these feel like mistakes in the moment. All of them cost real points. If your score doesn't reflect the effort you're putting into your finances, this episode will tell you why — and exactly what to do differently. If you would like a free consultation with Harry Jacobs at Credit Restoration of Nevada, text CREDIT or call 702-778-2000. You may also visit us online at TheCreditShow.info #CreditMistakes #CreditScore #CreditRepair #PersonalFinance #FinancialLiteracy #FICO #CreditReport #CreditCard #TheCreditShow #HarryJacobs #CreditRestoration #LasVegas #FixCredit #BuildCredit #CreditTips See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You've heard it from a friend, a forum, maybe even a financial advisor: you need to carry a balance to build credit. You don't. Harry Jacobs dismantles this expensive myth completely — explaining why the credit bureaus don't see your interest payments, only your behavior, and how you can build and maintain an excellent credit score without owing a dollar to anyone. Including a woman in her 60s whose completely debt-free lifestyle made her unscorable, and how one credit card with autopay took her to 780 in six months without a penny of interest. Learn the exact strategy for using credit without carrying debt — and why the scoring model can't tell the difference. If you would like a free consultation with Harry Jacobs at Credit Restoration of Nevada, text CREDIT or call 702-778-2000. You may also visit us online at TheCreditShow.info #CreditMyths #CreditScore #CreditRepair #PersonalFinance #FinancialLiteracy #DebtFree #CreditCard #FICO #BuildCredit #TheCreditShow #HarryJacobs #CreditRestoration #LasVegas #FixCredit #CreditTips See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You bought a new car, made your first payment on time, and your credit score dropped 20 to 30 points anyway. What went wrong? Nothing. Harry Jacobs explains the two-part reason every new auto loan temporarily drops your score — the hard inquiry and the new account impact on your average credit age — and more importantly, why the score almost always fully recovers and surpasses its starting point within six to nine months. Including a teacher whose score went from 740 to 718 after a car purchase, and 753 eight months later. Learn what not to do during the recovery period and why making reactive changes is the only thing that can actually make the situation worse. If you would like a free consultation with Harry Jacobs at Credit Restoration of Nevada, text CREDIT or call 702-778-2000. You may also visit us online at TheCreditShow.info #CarLoan #AutoLoan #CreditScore #CreditRepair #NewCredit #FICO #CreditReport #PersonalFinance #FinancialLiteracy #TheCreditShow #HarryJacobs #CreditRestoration #LasVegas #BuildCredit #CreditTips See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"Let's just see what you qualify for" is one of the most expensive phrases in personal finance. Harry Jacobs explains exactly what happens to your credit score every time a dealership runs your credit — and why casual browsing across multiple lots over several months can cost you a better interest rate when you actually buy. Learn how hard inquiries work, what the FICO rate-shopping buffer really covers (and what it doesn't), and the pre-approval strategy that lets you shop confidently without bleeding your score. Including a real client who paid more on his auto loan because six inquiries from months of browsing raised a red flag with his lender. Know this before you walk onto any lot. If you would like a free consultation with Harry Jacobs at Credit Restoration of Nevada, text CREDIT or call 702-778-2000. You may also visit us online at TheCreditShow.info #HardInquiry #CarLoan #CreditScore #CreditRepair #PreApproval #FICO #AutoLoan #PersonalFinance #FinancialLiteracy #CreditReport #TheCreditShow #HarryJacobs #CreditRestoration #LasVegas #CreditTips #FixCredit See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Buy Now, Pay Later is everywhere, and it's quietly damaging credit files across the country. Harry Jacobs explains why these seemingly harmless installment options are creating serious credit problems: multiple new accounts, hard inquiries, and delinquencies from missed payments on purchases as small as $40. Including a real couple with a combined $100K income who got denied for a car loan because of twelve active BNPL accounts on their reports. Learn the three rules for using these services without wrecking your credit, and why one missed payment on a small purchase can cost you 80 points on your FICO score. If you shop online, this episode is essential. If you would like a free consultation with Harry Jacobs at Credit Restoration of Nevada, text CREDIT or call 702-778-2000. You may also visit us online at TheCreditShow.info #BuyNowPayLater #BNPL #Klarna #Affirm #Afterpay #CreditScore #CreditRepair #PersonalFinance #FinancialLiteracy #CreditReport #TheCreditShow #HarryJacobs #CreditRestoration #LasVegas #FixCredit #CreditMistakes See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A divorce decree says your ex is responsible for the joint credit card. Six months later, your score drops 150 points because they stopped paying. This is one of the most common — and most devastating — credit situations Harry Jacobs sees, and the hard truth is that a family court judge has zero jurisdiction over your creditors or the credit bureaus. In this episode, Harry explains exactly why the decree doesn't protect your credit, the three moves that actually do, and what to do if you're already post-divorce and realizing you missed them. Whether you're going through a divorce now or years removed from one, this episode covers what most attorneys never explain about the financial aftermath. If you would like a free consultation with Harry Jacobs at Credit Restoration of Nevada, text CREDIT or call 702-778-2000. You may also visit us online at TheCreditShow.info #DivorceAndCredit #CreditReport #JointAccounts #CreditRepair #PersonalFinance #FinancialLiteracy #FCRA #CreditScore #TheCreditShow #HarryJacobs #CreditRestoration #LasVegas #ConsumerRights #DebtAfterDivorce #FixCredit See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"Keep your balances under 30%" is the most repeated piece of credit advice on the internet — and it's costing people 50 to 100 points without them knowing why. Harry Jacobs explains why the 30% threshold is a ceiling, not a target, and why sitting at 29% puts you solidly in the danger zone. Learn the three truths that replace the myth: why 10% is the real target, how the statement closing date determines what actually gets reported to the bureaus, and why one maxed-out card can drag your score down even when your overall utilization looks fine. Plus: the zero utilization trap that surprises people who do everything right. If your score has been stuck and your payment history is clean, this episode is your answer. If you would like a free consultation with Harry Jacobs at Credit Restoration of Nevada, text CREDIT or call 702-778-2000. You may also visit us online at TheCreditShow.info #CreditUtilization #CreditScore #CreditMyths #CreditRepair #FICO #CreditCard #PersonalFinance #FinancialLiteracy #TheCreditShow #HarryJacobs #CreditRestoration #LasVegas #BuildCredit #FixCredit #30PercentRule See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You've got a collection account, you've got the money to pay it, and your instinct is to just get it done. Stop. Paying a collection without a strategy is one of the most expensive credit mistakes consumers make — because a paid collection still sits on your report for seven years as a derogatory mark. Harry Jacobs walks through the pay-for-delete strategy from start to finish: what it is, why collection agencies have more room to negotiate than you think, how to write the letter, what to do if they say no, and a pre-payment move that sometimes gets the account removed for free before you spend a dollar. If you have any collection accounts on your report, this is the episode to listen to before you do anything else. If you would like a free consultation with Harry Jacobs at Credit Restoration of Nevada, text CREDIT or call 702-778-2000. You may also visit us online at TheCreditShow.info #PayForDelete #CollectionAccount #CreditRepair #CreditReport #CreditScore #DebtCollection #NegotiateDebt #FDCPA #PersonalFinance #FinancialLiteracy #TheCreditShow #HarryJacobs #CreditRestoration #LasVegas #FixCredit See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The headlines said medical debt was gone from credit reports. The reality is more complicated — and more costly if you believe the hype. Harry Jacobs breaks down exactly what changed in 2023 and 2025 around medical debt reporting, why the bureaus are not automatically applying the new rules to existing files, and what that means for your credit score right now. Learn the three-step medical debt action plan: how to identify medical collections that should already be removed, how to dispute them correctly, and why you should never pay a medical bill in collections without a written agreement first. If you have any medical items on your credit report — paid or unpaid — this episode could be worth dozens of points. If you would like a free consultation with Harry Jacobs at Credit Restoration of Nevada, text CREDIT or call 702-778-2000. You may also visit us online at TheCreditShow.info #MedicalDebt #MedicalCollections #CreditReport #CreditRepair #CreditScore #FCRA #ConsumerRights #Dispute #HealthcareDebt #PersonalFinance #FinancialLiteracy #TheCreditShow #HarryJacobs #CreditRestoration #LasVegas See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.