Ask The Money Coach

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and as much as the holiday is about romance, finances also play a big role in what happens on Feb. 14th.

Guys are often under pressure to come up with the “big” gift – like an expensive engagement ring – or to make some other dramatic show of their love and affection.

And even among couples that have already tied the knot, money matters can loom large. Surveys show that most U.S. couples argue about money, and half of all couples report having separate accounts.

If you want to achieve financial harmony in your relationship — especially ahead of Valentine’s Day – try these five tips: Continue reading “Before Valentine’s Day, Use These 5 Tips for Financial Intimacy In Your Relationship” »

Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel filed a consumer protection lawsuit against a Missouri man and two companies that control six payday loan websites offering loans to Arkansas consumers at interest rates that exceeded 600 percent.

The lenders known to be controlled by the defendants include: Action Payday, Bottom Dollar Payday, Everest Cash Advance, Paradise Cash Advance, Red Leaf Lending and The VIP Loan Shop. Continue reading “Arkansas Attorney General Sues Operators of 6 Online Payday Lenders” »

Q: Are there any organizations in the Philadelphia, PA area are participating in the IDA Program?

A: For those of you that have never heard of this before, an IDA is:

An Individual Development Account (or IDA) that lets low-to-moderate income earners save money for a specific goal – such as a down payment on a house or starting a business – and receive matching funds from non-profit groups, corporations, and government agencies. Continue reading “IDA Programs: Where to Find Matching Funds for Your Financial Goals” »

Q: Hi, I have a pretty unique situation regarding student loan debt. I have about $100K in student loan debt. I did not find a job until about 8 months out of college and the loans were in deferment. The entry level position I obtained was not enough to pay my loans and I was playing catch up from the get go. The loans were then in forbearance and still are as I am not about to make $700 monthly payments. To top it off my co-signer filed for bankruptcy without me knowing and one of the creditors sold the debt and reported it as charged off and my credit is now terrible even though I was not the one who filed for bankruptcy.

Is there anything that I can do legally since I was not the one who filed and my credit is now shot? I feel like $100K will never be paid off. I regret going to college! What do I do?!? PLEASE HELP! Continue reading “I Can’t Afford To Repay My Student Loans. What Are My Options?” »