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The Credit Show

The Credit Show

Harry Jacobs 134 Episodes Jul 28, 2026

The Credit Show Podcast with Harry Jacobs breaks down real-world credit problems in plain English, covering collections, charge-offs, late payments, medical debt, student loans, bankruptcy, identity theft, and more. Harry walks through what actually works with creditors and credit bureaus, how to avoid traps that ruin scores, and simple habits for lasting credit health. With over a dozen years of experience as founder of Credit Restoration of Nevada, he shares case studies, strategies, and insider insights.

Episodes

Fraud Alert vs. Credit Freeze: Know the Difference Before You Need It
Fraud Alert vs. Credit Freeze: Know the Difference Before You Need It Jul 28, 2026 00:06:40 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
Zombie Debt: The Old Debt That Can Rise From the Dead
Zombie Debt: The Old Debt That Can Rise From the Dead Jul 25, 2026 00:03:19 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" paymen
Charged Off Doesn't Mean Gone: The Debt That Keeps Coming Back
Charged Off Doesn't Mean Gone: The Debt That Keeps Coming Back Jul 23, 2026 00:07:10 "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 p
Common Credit Mistakes That Cost Good People Great Credit
Common Credit Mistakes That Cost Good People Great Credit Jul 21, 2026 00:05:14 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
The Myth That You Need Debt to Have Good Credit
The Myth That You Need Debt to Have Good Credit Jul 18, 2026 00:08:19 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 he
Cosigning a Loan: The Most Expensive Act of Kindness in Personal Finance
Cosigning a Loan: The Most Expensive Act of Kindness in Personal Finance Jul 16, 2026 00:04:24 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 i
Common Credit Mistakes That Cost Good People Great Credit
Common Credit Mistakes That Cost Good People Great Credit Jul 14, 2026 00:05:34 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
The Myth That You Need Debt to Have Good Credit
The Myth That You Need Debt to Have Good Credit Jul 11, 2026 00:03:52 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 he
Why Your New Car Loan Dropped Your Score (And Why That's Normal)
Why Your New Car Loan Dropped Your Score (And Why That's Normal) Jul 9, 2026 00:04:25 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 startin
Be Careful When You're "Just Looking": The Hidden Cost of Credit Curiosity
Be Careful When You're "Just Looking": The Hidden Cost of Credit Curiosity Jul 7, 2026 00:03:58 "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 buffe
Buy Now, Pay Later: The Financial Cigarette Hiding in Your Shopping Cart
Buy Now, Pay Later: The Financial Cigarette Hiding in Your Shopping Cart Jul 4, 2026 00:05:55 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 loa
The Divorce Decree Doesn't Protect Your Credit. Here's What Does.
The Divorce Decree Doesn't Protect Your Credit. Here's What Does. Jul 2, 2026 00:06:47 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 exactl

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