An Advice Team writer recently asked: “Is a creditor required to report your payment history to the bureaus?”

This is a question I have avoided answering throughout the years because I’ve been unclear about the answer. I finally took the time to do some digging only to come up a firm ‘maybe.’ Here is what I learned:

But back to the original question. From what I understand, creditors have some flexibility, but don’t necessarily get to pick and choose when they report. According to one of my trusted credit bureaus contacts, once a creditor reports on an account, it is their responsibility to continue reporting. However, if they have never reported the account at all they do not have to start reporting payments. I believe this is outlined in the agreement between the creditor and the bureau and is not necessarily part of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). As far as I can tell, the FCRA (§605) deals more with what should not be on your report than what should be on your report.

If you have any information to add about this somewhat confusing issue, please share it though the comments section.

Due to boredom and frugality, I recently gathered the kids and ventured to the flea market. I had a coupon for free admission (normally $3) and there is no charge for kids, so I figured we had nothing to lose. That being said, I was skeptical that we would find anything useful to buy. After all, the term “flea market” originated in France where the used items in outdoor markets were full of full fleas. (I think the flea market industry could use a good marketing person!)

To my surprise, the flea market was full of uninfested goodies. For example, I bought two really great cantaloupes and eight ears of corn directly from the farmer for $2.50. My daughter spent some of her allowance on a mood ring that immediately turned her finger green (tip: when I got home, I coated the ring with nail polish—works like a charm!) My son spent $3 on a Pokémon card (Venusar) that is currently selling on eBay for $8.99. Other expenses included $1 for two trips down the giant slide and $2.25 for three popsicles.

Bottom line is that we spent $10.75 for an afternoon’s worth of treasure hunting. Not too bad considering a trip to the matinee (with treats) would have run more than $30. Yet I feel like I didn’t even begin to tap the flea market’s potential.

Before you head to your local flea market, check out these shopping tips from The Dollar Stretcher. If you have flea market success stories or shopping tips to share, please add them to the comments section.

Is there something about money management you wish you heard more (or less) about? If so, here is your chance to voice your opinion. Capital One is seeking input about some recent content additions to MoneyWi$e, an interactive e-learning program. The five new modules offer timely information and helpful tips, exercises, and printable tools to help individuals better understand and apply basic financial concepts. The new modules just became available to the public and cover the following topics:

To view the new modules, visit Capital One’s financial education Web site and click on “Learn More” on the navigation bar. After you have reviewed the programs, please tell them what you think. Your opinions will help make MoneyWi$e is the best that it can be.

BTW, if you find that you love telling people what you think, keep an eye out for a Pinecone Research recruitment banner. Pinecone Research periodically seeks new online survey takers—and pays for their opinions!