One in four Americans missed payments in `07
One in four Americans missed making one or more on-time bill payments, according to a survey released this morning.
The bulk of those delinquencies occurred on utilities (12 percent), credit cards (12 percent) and medical services (11 percent). Meanwhile, only 17 percent choose paying down debt as their top resolution for 2008, down notably from 22 percent in last year’s survey.
The survey was commissioned by credit TransUnion TrueCredit.com and completed by GfK Roper Public Affairs & Media.
“It’s important to realize that making regular on-time payments on all of your accounts is an essential component of long-term credit health,” said Lucy Duni, director of Consumer Education for TransUnion’s TrueCredit.com. “To keep your credit in good standing, set up an automatic funds withdrawal to ensure you don’t miss a billing cycle and if you’re in a financial bind, consider contacting your creditors to explore special payment arrangements for your particular situation.”
If you need help organizing your money life and putting finances on autopilot, pick up the new book, “Easy Money: How to simplify your finances and get what you want out of life” by Liz Pulliam Weston.
