About Gerri Detweiler

Helping consumers find reliable answers to their credit questions has been the theme of Gerri Detweiler’s work for the past 20+ years. Currently Head of Market Education for Nav, she helps individuals and business owners navigate the confusing world of consumer and small business credit. 

As an expert on credit issues, she has been interviewed for more than 3000 news interviews including The Today Show, Dateline NBC, The New York Times, USA Today and Reader's Digest. She has also testified before Congress.

As a speaker, she has addressed both consumer and industry audiences nationwide. She was a featured speaker in an 18-city speaking tour sponsored by a major financial institution, and a multi-city speaking tour at Air Force bases.

As an educator, she is the author or co-author of six books:

• Finance Your Own Business: Get On The Financing Fast Track, co-authored with small business attorney and Rich Dad Advisor Garrett Sutton (SuccessDNA 2016)
• Debt Collection Answers: How to Use Debt Collection Laws to Protect Your Rights (2009)
• Reduce Debt, Reduce Stress (Good Advice Press 2009)
• The Ultimate Credit Handbook (Plume, 1993, revised 2003), which was featured in Money magazine as one of the five best new personal finance books of the year when released.
• Invest In Yourself: Six Secrets to a Rich Life (Wiley, October 1998)
• Slash Your Debt: Save Money & Secure Your Future (Financial Literacy Center, 1999).

For three years, she was the host of a weekly radio program Talk Credit Radio. Podcasts of many of the episodes are available on this website and on iTunes.  

Gerri reaches thousands of consumers each month through these websites, as well as numerous others to which she contributes content. (She contributes to several websites including Money.com, Clark.com and AllBusiness.com.) She also hosted a weekly financial radio show and several hundred of her interviews are still available for consumers to listen to online.

Gerri holds a B.A. in International Business/Political Affairs from Taylor University, and an M.A. in Adult Education/ Psychology from Vermont College.

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Recent Media Interviews

Here are just some of the recent interviews where Gerri has shared her expertise:

Getting Inquiries Off Credit Reports

Can you get inquiries off your credit reports? Recently a class action lawsuit against a major lender alleged unauthorized inquiries and that caused credit damage to the consumer’s credit reports. What happens if you someone reviews your credit reports without your permission? Can you get those inquiries removed? Read the full article on Bankrate.

Funding Options for Your Small Business

There are more small business financing options than ever before. This article describes just a few of the more than 44+ funding sources out there to launch or grow your venture. Read the full article on Kiplinger here.

Pay Off Your Credit Cards Now: Here’s Why

In late 2015, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau expressed concern about how cardholders will react once rates increase, and -- surprise -- rates start going up on existing debt….Now is the time to get "very honest about your debt," Detweiler says. If you can't retire your credit card debt within 3 years, you should consider reaching out to a credit counseling agency for help. Read the full article on Bankrate

Free FICO Scores For Everyone

Now, credit card issuer Discover is offering all comers (not just customers) a free FICO score under its Credit Scorecard program...If you’re planning to buy a home, you may still want to purchase the FICO scores most commonly used for mortgage decisions, says Gerri Detweiler, head of market education at Nav.com, which provides access to business credit scores. Read the full story on Kiplinger.com

You’re Young and You Don’t Use Credit Cards. Here’s How to Build Your Score.

Just 33 percent of millennials own a credit card, according to a new survey by Bankrate. Many are happy to pay with cash or a debit card and avoid the spiral of carrying over a credit balance and getting hit with high interest rates...A family member might agree to let you become an authorized user on her card. Basically, her credit history—which we're assuming is good—is now yours. "It can be a huge boost to someone without credit," said Gerri Detweiler... Read the full story on Bloomberg.com

Try this before you turn to a 390 percent payday loan

If you're in need of cash — fast — make sure a payday loan really is your last resort. Cash-strapped consumers may have more options than they realize….As an alternative, there are several apps that also can help boost your paycheck, said Gerri Detweiler. Read the full story on CNBC.com

Check your business credit report to avoid costly errors (Newsday)

Why You Could Be An Impulse Shopper and How to Control It (Deseret News)

How to Raise Your Credit Score Fast (Bloomberg)