DEAR SUN SPOTS: What is the best bank to deal with for refinancing?

Also, does anyone know a Lucienne Robert or Roberts of Peru? He is an old friend of Gene Campbell, and they have lost contact. I tried information but, there is no listing. Thanks for your help. — Jean, McFalls

ANSWER: It would not be fair for Sun Spots to recommend a specific financial institution. She suggests you shop around for the best rates, checking not only commercial banks, but savings banks and credit unions.

Before you head to the bank, you’ll want to make sure your finances are in order. You might want to check your credit report for free at www.annualcreditreport.com. Three credit reports are available for free each year, entitling you to check your credit with each of the credit bureaus: Experian, TransUnion and Equifax.

Once you have your report, you will want to look for any errors, such as bills that have been paid but still show as due. Keep your eyes open for any debts that are not yours, which can be a warning sign of identity theft.

Then, if you have any “dings” on your credit, you’ll want to see what you can do about fixing them, such as paying an old bill you forgot about.

The same site will also give you an opportunity to find out your credit score. Obtaining your credit score is not free, but the cost is small and the number can be useful to have, as how much you have to pay in interest and fees can directly relate to this score.

At credit.org, the following ranges for FICO scores are listed:

300–550: Poor credit

550–620: Subprime

620–680: Acceptable credit

680–740: Good credit

740–850: Excellent credit

Be sure you understand any paperwork you sign. Sun Spots was completely lost in the mountain of paperwork, but fortunately she had Mr. Sun Spots, who previously held a real estate license in another state and has some legal training.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Something has been bugging me for a while. I know someone whose last name is Libby. I remember a jingle that started with the words “Libby, Libby, Libby on the table, table,” but I can’t remember the remaining words. It was very popular about 35 years ago. I’d like to share it with him and his child.

Any help would be appreciated. Also, I want to thank you and Mr. Sun Spots for keeping us on our toes with good information. — D.G., Lewiston

ANSWER: Do you mean the old jingle for Libby’s foods? Sun Spots found it on YouTube and tried to transcribe it best she could:

When it says Libby’s, Libby’s, Libby’s

On the label, label, label,

Nothing’s better, better, better on your table, table, table,

‘Cause we think you’ll agree, it’s hard to find a canned vegetable

That’s younger, tender, rounder, sweeter, redder, moister, brighter, crisper

Some versions changed the third line from “nothing’s better” to “you’ll like it.”

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Could you please let everyone know that the Mt. Blue Class of 1974 will celebrate its 40th reunion at 5 p.m. Aug. 9 at Titcomb Mountain?

We have contacted quite a lot of our classmates but are missing a few. Hopefully they will see this.

All members of this class, as well as the class of 1973 and 1975, are encouraged to come and rekindle old and make new friendships.

The price is $15 a single or $25 a couple. For those in the class of ’74, admission is by donation, so come even if you only have a nickel!

There will be munchies provided, and people are encouraged to bring a potluck dish, along with whatever beverage you want. Music will be DJ-karaoke by Debbie and will start at 7 p.m.

For more information, call Laura at 207-491-9761 or Sheila at 207-491-0749. Thank you so much. — Megan Roberts, megski55@yahoo.com

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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