The Clark Howard Podcast 03.30.26 The Credit Bureaus: Errors & Apathy / Sticker Shock: New Smart Phones
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Mar 30, 2026 They dig into a surge of credit report inaccuracies and how the major bureaus are handling disputes. Practical options for forcing corrections and when to escalate are discussed. They also unpack why smartphone prices jumped, from chip shortages to tariffs. Guidance on whether to upgrade now or hold off rounds out the conversation.
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Credit Bureaus Differ Wildly In Fixing Errors
- Credit bureau complaint resolution rates vary dramatically and have worsened recently.
- ProPublica found Equifax fixes many complaints, TransUnion resolves ~1/3, and Experian fixes <1% of inaccuracies.
Check Reports And Sue In Small Claims If Ignored
- Check your three credit reports regularly at annualcreditreport.com and use Credit Karma for ongoing monitoring.
- If a bureau ignores a severe error that harms job, loan, or insurance chances, sue them in small claims court to force action.
Automate Minimum Payments To Prevent Score Drops
- Automate at least minimum payments on credit cards to avoid missed payments.
- Clark notes a single small missed payment can drop scores but typically heals quickly if you resume on-time payments.