Can an Overdue Library Book Really Affect Your Credit?

Check out this interesting post from Credit.com:

Learning the rules of credit isn’t always as straightforward as you might think. Sometimes, doing something you might think would be great for your credit score can actually hurt your credit score in the end.

Here, we rounded up some of the most unexpected things that can affect your credit.

Late Library Books

You might not think that the overdue copy of “50 Shades of Grey” that you checked out of the library would have an impact on your score, but that bill could be sent to a collections agency.

“Collections that can seriously hurt your credit score can arise from parking tickets and library fines, as much as from medical bills and credit card charge offs—with the impact to your score being similar,” says Barry Paperno, a credit industry veteran and Credit.com’s Community Director.

So, get those books back when they’re due or the librarian won’t be the only one coming after you.

Divorce

Getting divorced involves dividing your assets as well as your debts, but just because your ex takes on the mortgage payments doesn’t mean that you’re off the hook.

“The account remains on their credit report and remains their responsibility until it is paid and closed. And even then it won’t be removed from their credit history,” says Gerri Detweiler, Credit.com’s Director of Consumer Education. “Plus if your ex declares bankruptcy, creditors will come after you for balances on any joint accounts.”

More From Credit.com

Get your free credit score and report card from Credit.com
3 Ways to Boost Your Credit Score by Labor Day
How to Give a Short Sale Your Best Shot