Close-up of a gloved hand holding an SSN Social Security card above a laptop keyboard.

Someone is Using My SSN – What Should I Do?

If you recently had your Social Security card stolen or an identity thief had access to your Social Security number, someone could be using your Social Security number for a variety of purposes. Using someone else’s Social Security number is illegal but thousands of people become the victims of identity theft after losing their Social […]

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A person walking away from a wallet on the ground, which appears to have been dropped—don't let this be you and lose your social security card.

I Lost My Social Security Card, Now What Do I Do?

Q: I lost my social security card about a month ago. I already have memorized my social security number and don’t really need to carry the card around with me. Should I be worried? A: If someone steals  your Social Security card, or you have misplaced your card and can’t find it, you need to

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A person wearing a red sweater sits at a cluttered desk, holding their head with both hands in a gesture of stress or frustration, possibly overwhelmed by trying to locate their SSN paperwork amidst the chaos.

I Can’t File My Taxes Because Someone Used My SSN – What Do I Do?

Q: I am unable to file my taxes because someone used my social security number. What should I do? A: If you recently found out that someone used your Social Security number to file taxes, you will need to report the fraudulent activity to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) immediately. The IRS usually sends out

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life insurance

Does It Make Sense To Keep Life Insurance After Age 50?

Once you pass 50, your life insurance needs may change. Perhaps the kids are grown and financially secure, or your mortgage is finally paid off. If so, you may be able to reduce or eliminate coverage. On the other hand, a disabled dependent or meager savings might require you to hold on to life insurance

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A hand holds a social security card with various identification documents in the background, raising a subtle fraud alert.

Will the SSA Place a Fraud Alert on My Social Security Number?

The Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General cannot place a fraud alert on your SSN but they do manage a fraud hotline to investigate instances of fraud. You can contact the U.S. Department of Health Services Office of Inspector General to report various types of fraud, including medical identity theft, Social Security disability

Will the SSA Place a Fraud Alert on My Social Security Number? Read More »

identity theft recovery guide

Someone Stole My Social Security Number To File Taxes. Help!

Q: I filed for my taxes on Turbo Tax I got a message saying that my social security number has been used and one of my dependents. Can I ever find out who did it? What if their using numbers in other places? Will I get my refund? A: If someone has used your Social

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file taxes

Should I File Taxes Separately From My Spouse To Protect My Credit Score?

Q: My husband and I have been married for 2 1/2 years and have not mixed any of our finances due to his poor credit history. We have filed taxes separately in the past, but this year  we looked at filing jointly and would get much more money back. My question is this…can filing jointly

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A blue square with a thin white border features the text "Ask The Money Coach" in the center, offering expert advice on financial matters like handling a 1099-C.

I Forgave A Debt And Issued Form 1099-C. Do I Have To Inform The IRS?

Q: I am the creditor and I canceled the debt (the amount owned by a real estate development company). I have provided a 1099-C to the real estate development company. Please advice what other actions I must take: (a) Do I have to inform IRS that I have forgiven debt as a creditor… if yes

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student loan debt

How Do I Manage Massive Student Loan Debt ($200,000) on a Modest Income?

Q. How do I manage massive student loan debt ($200,000) on a modest income? A.  To manage large student loan debt on a modest income, pick the right repayment program – one that is affordable, given your present economic circumstances. If you have federal student loans, there are four different loan repayment plans you can

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medical debt

Does Medical Debt Hurt Your Credit Score as Much as Credit Card Debt?

Q. Does medical debt affect you (or your credit score) as much as credit card debt? A.  No, medical debt doesn’t affect your credit rating as much as credit card debt. In fact, medical bills do not adversely impact your credit or your credit score at all, unless you have long overdue medical accounts that

Does Medical Debt Hurt Your Credit Score as Much as Credit Card Debt? Read More »

loans

Should I Apply For A Business Loan If I Already Have Bad Credit And A Low Credit Score

Q: Do you suggest attempting to take out a business loan to finance a business that you have invested in although credit may not be good, personally? A. No, I don’t suggest trying to get a business loan to finance your business operations when you know your personal credit isn’t good. You’ll simply wind up generating an

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