Q: I owe Dell Computer about $3,000 due to lack of payment. I tried to pay them monthly but they won’t accept that. They want a settlement of $1,800 or payment of $450 a month which I do not have. I am dealing with their collection agency. How do I handle this? A: Even though […]
When a Collection Agency Wants More Than You Can Afford Read More »
Q: I have a car that was repossessed about 5 years ago. My credit report states that it will report for another year. Is that true that it will fall off or will it be reported by another company. If so, should I try to settle the debt? How long does a repo stay on
How Long Do Repossessions Stay On Your Credit Report? Read More »
Question: I live in las vegas. I owe $300,000 on a house that is valued at $150,000 and dropping. What would be the best alternative for me? Should I do a short sale, deed in lieu of foreclosure, or file bankruptcy? At present I am unemployed and can not afford the payments and HOA fees.
Should I Do a Short Sale, Deed In Lieu of Foreclosure, or File Bankruptcy? Read More »
Q: I’m a College student and my soon-to-be husband just purchased our first home. Last year I bought a car and I’m paying for college out of pocket. With so many bills, how can I save? I do have a 401(k) but I’m tired of living check to check. A: Congratulations on your upcoming wedding
I have so many bills I can’t afford to save any money. What should I do? Read More »
Q: I just completed 6 ½ years of school but maxed out my subsidized and unsubsidized loans. I have one class to take to get my college degree, but I have an overdue amount and late fees on my school account. I don’t work and don’t have the money to pay the fees or pay
I am Broke and in College. Where Can I Get Money to Finish My Degree? Read More »
Q: I am trying to get pre-approved for a home loan, so I have been tracking credit reports and scores daily. There are 3 hard inquiries that would boost my score some 30 points, once removed. They were supposed to be removed as of 02/01/2010. The inquiries were pulled on january 9, 2008. Since these
Q: I want to use my tax refund money wisely this year so I can build a strong foundation for me and my two little girls. I have not been very smart with my past money choices. How can I make my money work for me this time? A: Congratulations for wanting to improve not
What is the Best Way to Spend My Tax Refund? Read More »
Q: I am a 44 year old man who has never had credit. The last time I financed anything was in 1991. I pay all my bills (including rent) on time. Now I want to purchase a home, but I have no credit score. What can I do and are there programs to help first
I Don’t Have a Credit File and Now I Want to Buy A Home. What Should I Do? Read More »
Q: My wife had a premie baby almost 6 years ago and couldn’t work for two years. Even though I worked two, and sometimes three jobs, we got behind on our bills and now have a lot of stuff on our credit, like charge offs and hospital bills. If we got a few secured cards
Can Multiple Secured Credit Cards Boost Your Credit Score Read More »
To find grants or loans to purchase or rehabilitate housing, your best bet is to seek out federal money that is provided to state and local governments, and in turn, passed along to investors or organizations. For example, through HUD’s Neighborhood Stabilization Program, home-buyers can purchase foreclosed properties that may need fixing. To learn more
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Q: My husband and I are underwater on our lovely historic 1930 era home, which we hoped to grow old in. We paid $783,000 for it back in 2005, when we had a six figure income as a couple and could afford it. Our home is now worth about $500,000. What should we do? A:
Advice if Your Home is Underwater Read More »
Q: My Student Loan is In Collections. What Steps Can I Take To Remedy This Situation? A: You did not state whether you are struggling with federal student loans or private loans. Whatever the case, I believe the article I’ve written below answers your question about how to handle student loans in collection. Essentially, you
How to Get Your Student Loan Out Of Collections Read More »
Q: I have an adverse credit card account on my credit report that was recently purchased by another lender for collection, now duplicate accounts, the original lender, and the new collection record, are listed. Can two records pertaining to the same account show simultaneously on your credit report? A: It is not uncommon for two records
How to Remove Duplicate Accounts on Your Credit Report Read More »
Q: I’m getting married this year and am cleaning up my credit. I have 10 delinquent debts on my credit reports due to my ex. My future husband has outstanding credit. How will my poor credit affect my fiance after we are married? A: In a nutshell, your past bad credit won’t impact him at all.
How Will My Bad Credit Impact My Fiance’s Good Credit? Read More »
Q: How Can I Lower My Income Taxes? My Wife and I Make About $140,000 Combined a Year. We have Two Young Children. We Live in Massachusetts. We Owed Money Last Year and This Year We Owe About $4,600. A: I know it hurts to get a big tax bill, and it’s not fun to
How Can I Lower My Income Taxes? Read More »
