Guide to Living with Bad Credit in Wilkes-Barre, PA

Living with bad credit is bad-but it is not the end of the world. Several companies have committed to helping folks with no credit, limited credit and bad credit obtain the better things in life.

While interest rates and payments may be higher, having things like a reliable car, a good computer, nice furniture and a place to cash that check are feasible for people with bad credit. And, sometimes these types of places can also help people with bad credit build credit.

Here is a guide to places in the Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania area that cater to those with less than perfect credit:

FURNITURE AND APPLIANCES

Tired of hand-me down furniture and appliances? Can't find anything useable at the local yard sales or Salvation Army shop? Tired of going to the Laundromat? Or-do you just want something brand new to spruce up your home?

Rent-to-own places in Wilkes-Barre offer name brand and brand-new furniture to people with poor credit. These places also offer brand new appliances like stoves, refrigerators, dishwashers, washers and dryers.

There are usually no down payments and affordable weekly, bi-weekly or monthly payments available, based on your pay schedule. In the long run, you will be paying more for these items than if you had cash or good credit-but it is a nice alternative to having newer things, which will make you feel better.

Furniture for people with bad credit in Wilkes-Barre and surrounding areas:

Aaron's Sales and Rentals

Wyoming Avenue, Kingston

Rent-a-Center

South Main Street, Wilkes-Barre

Gateway Shopping Center, Edwardsville

Pittston By-Pass, Pittston

ELECTRONICS

Having a new plasma screen TV, a good sound system of the latest computer does not mean you have to have good credit. The rent-to-own places mentioned above also offer consumer electronics for people with bad credit.

Electronics for people with bad credit in Wilkes-Barre and surrounding areas are the same as the places listed under furniture.

CARS, TRUCKS AND VANS

One of the first steps toward having better credit is getting a better job. Having reliable transportation is a must, especially if you either live somewhere that public transportation does not run at the hours you work, or somewhere that does not have it at all. But, how do you get a car with bad credit?

Easy. There are several car dealers that cater to people with bad credit in Wilkes-Barre and surrounding areas. These places usually require a down payment of around $500, but it does vary on each situation and place. Also, these places offer payments based on your pay schedule.

Getting a car at a place for people with bad credit can also help your credit because many of these places do report payments or pay-offs to one or all of the credit reporting bureaus.

Car dealers for people with bad credit in Wilkes-Barre and surrounding areas:

America's Choice Cars and Credit

Kidder Street, Wilkes-Barre

Car-Lotta Credit

Hoyt Street, Kingston

CHECK CASHING

Sometimes people with bad credit do not have bank accounts. They prefer to pay with cash or money orders. The problem with this is that cashing checks becomes a hassle. Many places charge 10% of the total check as their fee, which can be a chunk of change.

Have no fear. Several grocery stores in the area cash payroll checks for a very small fee if you are a card club member:

Price Chopper- $5 fee per check, must have AdvantEdge Card

East End Center, Wilkes-Barre

Wyoming Avenue, Edwardsville

Gerrity's- must spend 10% of check on groceries, must have Gold Card

Union Street, Luzerne

San Souci Highway, Hanover Township

Wyoming Avenue, Wyoming

PAY DAY LOANS

Chances are, if you have bad credit, you may also be scraping for cash. If you ever get stuck and need money, if all else fails, you can use the services provided at cash advance places.

It is very important to use this sparingly and wisely-as they charge a lot of interest on this "short term loan." They are also quick to send you to collections if you do not pay your loan back on your payday, worsening your credit. It is very easy to continue to borrow from them and get caught in a cycle.

Usually, these places require two forms of ID, a bank statement from the previous month, paycheck stubs and maybe other materials. Call ahead to find out what you need to avoid having to make two trips.

Payday loan places in Wilkes-Barre and surrounding areas:

Advance America

Kidder Street, Wilkes-Barre

Narrow's Shopping Center, Wyoming Avenue, Kingston

Pittston By-Pass, Pittston

United Check Cashing

San Souci Highway, Hanover Township