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 »
Having a home warranty is a smart way to help deal with the inevitable home repair problems that all property owners face at one point or another. After all, a good home warranty can mean getting expert help when your HVAC system needs to be fixed, your water heater needs to be replaced, or your
The 411 on Home Warranties Read More »
Just because summertime is here and you might be taking it easy, that doesn’t mean you should let your guard down when it comes to your finances. In fact, during the summer season, you should be aware of a number of potential threats that can hurt your credit rating. Some of these things are common
4 Summertime Risks to Your Credit Score Read More »
Are you planning on taking a “staycation” this summer because you don’t have the money to go on a real vacation away from home? Or are you going to go into debt for a trip because your bank account is near empty? The average American racks up about $1,100 in vacation debt, and according to
Where To Find Quick Money For A Summer Vacation Read More »
Buying a home can provide an enormous sense of accomplishment, and homeownership is a pathway to building wealth too. But making the leap from renter to owner also carries plenty of challenges – including the responsibility of paying for numerous upfront and ongoing expenses. Naturally, there are initial hurdles, like amassing the down payment and
Hidden Costs of Owning a Home Read More »
Are you ready for homeownership? Buying a home will likely be one of the biggest investments of your life. So you want to get it right – especially when it comes to picking the right mortgage and the right mortgage lender. My new Homeownership Smarts course on Money Coach University will turn you into an
Are You Ready for Homeownership? Read More »
