Credit card balances in the U.S. now total roughly $1 trillion, the most since 2009, according to recent Federal Reserve data. While not all those balances represent debt that won’t be paid off each month, many consumers do struggle with credit card debt. One clear signal that a consumer might be in trouble with credit […]
The Most Maxed-Out Places in America Read More »
Americans engaged in record levels of online holiday shopping during both Black Friday and Thanksgiving online sales in the United States – a spending surge that suggests online holiday shopping will continue to be strong for the rest of the 2017 holiday shopping season. According to Adobe Analytics, which tracks purchases at the largest 100
Holiday Shopping: 5 Apps to Save Cash, Make Money & Protect Your Credit Read More »
President Donald Trump and the Republican Party are trying to rush a massive tax “reform” plan through Congress with as little as possible public hearings on the matter. It’s little wonder that the GOP doesn’t want too much scrutiny into this misguided, unfair tax proposal, because this tax plan – which the House has already
5 Horrible Things About the GOP Tax Plan Read More »
Q: My husband and I are in our final year of bankruptcy this year. We did a chapter 13 in sept 2010. Income has significantly increased over the years and we would like to purchase a new home this year. My question is how soon after our bankruptcy disclosure might we qualify for a loan – with
Can I Qualify for a Mortgage After Bankruptcy? Read More »
Here’s our newly updated series of books and ebooks to help start a conversation and talk to your young children about money. The Millionaire Kids Club is a series created to help children understand various money topics. Each book in the Millionaire Kids Club series addresses the following money concepts: Garage Sale Riches – Saving money,
How to Start a Conversation About Money with Your Children Read More »
Thanksgiving Day celebrations typically involve family, food and fun. But Thanksgiving can also bring a number of disasters that can wreck the occasion – and wreck your budget too. Here are 4 Thanksgiving Day disasters to avoid if you want to stay happy, healthy and financially sound this holiday season. Disaster #1: Food Fires The
4 Thanksgiving Day Disasters to Avoid Read More »
For nearly 40 million Americans, student loans are a big problem, with a staggering $1.4 trillion in outstanding balances (only 2nd to mortgage debt). Many consumers who are struggling to pay down their student-loan debt may been desperate for a solution to their problems. Have you been paying your student loans off through a 3rd-party
The FTC’s Crackdown on Student Loan Scammers Read More »
This Halloween, Americans are doling out a lot of money — a record $9.1 billion on costumes, candy and decorations, according to the National Retail Federation. That works out to be $86 per person. Meantime, a survey from LendEDU says the average American will spend double that amount, or $170, to celebrate Halloween. But even as Halloween spending
4 Frightening Financial Facts for Halloween Read More »
Dealing with out-of-state debt collectors can be stressful—especially when you’re unsure whether their collection attempts are even legal. If you’re in California and being contacted by a debt collector based in Delaware, you’re right to ask questions. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what to know, what to check, and how to report violations if the
How to Deal With Out-of-State Debt Collectors and Report FDCPA Violations Read More »
Do you have a lot of unpaid debts? If so, your creditors may threaten your paycheck with wage garnishment. Wage garnishment occurs when a court issues an order to withhold a percentage of your paycheck until your debts are paid off. For large debts, this can be financially devastating. Is there something you can do?
5 Tips to Protect Your Paycheck from Wage Garnishment Read More »
Credit Card Benefits: Your credit card does more than just allow purchases—it offers a treasure trove of hidden perks like price protection, extended warranties, purchase protection, and exclusive rewards. The catch? These benefits often require complex claims and paperwork that many people forget or ignore. But in today’s tech-savvy world, smart apps are stepping in
4 Apps That Tap Into Your Credit Card’s Hidden Benefits Read More »
After the Equifax data breach where thieves stole the Social Security numbers and personal info of 143 million Americans, many people are considering credit freezes to lock down their credit reports. But some folks ask: “Why should I have to PAY for a credit freeze just because Equifax got hacked? Well, actually, you don’t. ALL
Credit Freeze Explained and How to Protect Your Credit Read More »
Scores of Americans are worried about the latest huge cyber hack in the U.S., an Equifax data breach that could impact up to 143 million consumers nationwide. Equifax, one of the country’s biggest credit bureaus, says cyber criminals hacked into its systems and gained unlawful access to people’s Social Security numbers, names, addresses, birth dates,
How to Protect Your Credit After The Equifax Data Breach Read More »
Equifax, one the nation’s largest credit reporting agencies, suffered a massive data breach that affected up to 143 million Americans – nearly half the population in the United States. Here’s a look at both sides, in the hopes that Equifax and other organizations will learn some do’s and don’ts when the next inevitable data breach occurs.
The Equifax Hack: What Equifax Got Right and Wrong Amid Data Breach Read More »
Hurricane Harvey was a big reminder that Americans need to be prepared for all kinds of emergencies – whether natural or man-made. In addition to hurricanes, storms and tornadoes, we have to prepare for other potential disasters like earthquakes, fires, and various accidents. And don’t forget more routine disasters too — like your roof leaking,
September is Emergency Preparedness Month: Here’s a 911 For Your Wallet Read More »
