Page 160 – The Money Coach

Beware of Car Repossession Scams: Don’t Fall for Loan Modification Fraud

Beware of Car Repossession Scams: If you’re behind on your car payments and desperate to avoid repossession, be cautious—scammers are targeting people just like you. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has cracked down on several auto loan modification companies for making false promises and taking advantage of financially distressed consumers. The Scam: Fake Auto Loan […]

Beware of Car Repossession Scams: Don’t Fall for Loan Modification Fraud Read More »

Close-up of an expired parking meter with the dial pointing to "Expired." Text at the bottom of the meter indicates parking rates and hours, reminiscent of a statute of limitations that has quietly run its course.

Do I Have To Pay an Old Debt That Is Past The Statute of Limitations?

Debt / Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach / collections, statute of limitations / April 4, 2012

Q: If there is a debt that that does not appear on my credit report and it is past the time that they can report it do I have to pay it? What can I do to stop having this company call my home. A: Two different set of laws apply to how long a

Do I Have To Pay an Old Debt That Is Past The Statute of Limitations? Read More »

A pair of scissors is cutting through the word "TAX" written in bold red letters, symbolizing a reduction in the tax bill.

Four Strategies to Lower Your Tax Bill

Taxes / Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach / Extension, IRA, standard deduction / March 29, 2012

The April 17th, 2012 tax filing deadline is just a few weeks away. Fortunately, there are some last-minute ways you can still save money. Here are four strategies to lower your tax bill:

Four Strategies to Lower Your Tax Bill Read More »

How To Avoid Mystery Shopper or Secret Shopper Scams

Scams / Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach / Mystery Shopper, Secret Shopper / March 28, 2012

Mystery shoppers – also known as secret shoppers – are hired to perform random checks at various stores to make sure the store is providing a high level of customer service and meeting certain standards. However, fraudsters and scam artists are capitalizing on this employment opportunity by posing as legitimate mystery shopping companies and then

How To Avoid Mystery Shopper or Secret Shopper Scams Read More »

A gloved hand reaches towards a transparent pink piggy bank filled with U.S. dollar bills, symbolizing a charitable donation.

How to Avoid Charitable Donation Scams

Scams / Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach / Charitable Contribution Scams / March 27, 2012

Natural disasters and other world events that have caused severe emotional, financial, and physical distress in various countries have prompted a number of relief efforts and launches of charitable organizations. Sadly, scam artists have started taking advantage of people’s generosity by setting up fake organizations, bogus websites and fraudulent causes to collect donations. Here are

How to Avoid Charitable Donation Scams Read More »

4 Places To Borrow Money for Emergency Repairs

Loans / Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach / Small Dollar Loans / March 27, 2012

Has your roof sprung a leak? Has your car broken down? Did your neighbor’s soccer ball find its way through your window? From time to time we all are faced with sudden, unexpected events that require immediate cash, fast. Here is what to do if you need cash for an emergency repair. 1. Obtain a

4 Places To Borrow Money for Emergency Repairs Read More »

Can a Saver and a Spender Live in Financial Harmony?

Couples and Money / Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach / March 26, 2012

Q: I am a saver but my husband is a spender. He has gotten better over the years but his financial history still follows us. Every time I talk about finances or lack of money, he gets upset thinking it is a personal jab to his ego when it is not the case. I try

Can a Saver and a Spender Live in Financial Harmony? Read More »

Watch Out for This Payday Loan Telephone Collection Scam

Scams / Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach / Payday Loans / March 20, 2012

If you’ve ever received a random phone call from someone claiming that you are delinquent on a payday loan or other type of debt, and must make a payment immediately to avoid legal action, you could be a target of a telephone collection scam. The Internet Complaint Center (IC3) continues to receive complaints from victims

Watch Out for This Payday Loan Telephone Collection Scam Read More »

Whole tropical island within atoll in tropical Ocean. Uninhabited and wild subtropical isle with palm trees. Inscription "TimeShare" in the sand on a tropical island, Maldives.

Timeshare Owners: Avoid This Timeshare Marketing Scam

Scams / Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach / Timeshares / March 19, 2012

If you’re a timeshare owner and start to receive emails or phone calls from people claiming to be timeshare company or sales representatives – and saying they can help you sell your timeshare fast – be careful that you don’t become a victim of a timeshare marketing scam. These scams target timeshare owners in hopes

Timeshare Owners: Avoid This Timeshare Marketing Scam Read More »

A woman with hoop earrings looks intently into an open, empty mailbox, outdoors, possibly awaiting her tax refund.

When Will I Get My Tax Refund If Someone Stole My Social Security Number?

Identity Theft / Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach / Form 14039, tax refund / March 16, 2012

Q: Someone filed taxes with my social security number, I contacted the authorities! Now how long for me to receive my tax money? A: I’m sorry to hear about someone stealing your social security number and using it to file taxes. Unfortunately, it may take a while — probably at least several weeks, if not

When Will I Get My Tax Refund If Someone Stole My Social Security Number? Read More »

How to Get a Copy of an Old Tax Return

Taxes / Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach / IRS, Old Tax Returns / March 14, 2012

If you forgot to save a copy of your old tax return or just don’t have access to a software program you used to prepare a previous tax year’s return, you do have the option of contacting the IRS directly for a copy. The IRS offers you three options for getting a copy of your

How to Get a Copy of an Old Tax Return Read More »

5 Financial Mistakes that Can Wreck Your Marriage

Couples and Money / Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach / Financial Mistakes, How husbands can wreck their marriage / March 13, 2012

Whether you’re a newlywed or have been married for many years, having a good handle on your finances needs to be a top priority for couples. Spouses that can make financial decisions together are usually in a better position than those who avoid talking about money or rely on one spouse to handle every aspect

5 Financial Mistakes that Can Wreck Your Marriage Read More »

Owe Taxes? IRS Makes It Easier and Less Costly to Pay Over Time

1 Comment / Taxes / Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach / Form 1127A, Fresh Start / March 12, 2012

If you owe federal income taxes, you can breathe a sigh of relief because a newly updated “Fresh Start” program from the IRS has just made it a lot easier – and a lot less expensive – to pay your tax bill. In the past, people who owed up to $25,000 could enter into an

Owe Taxes? IRS Makes It Easier and Less Costly to Pay Over Time Read More »

A red basket filled with cleaning supplies, perfect for a spring clean, includes a spray bottle, gloves, detergent, a coiled rope, and a bunch of yellow tulips.

7 Easy Tips to Spring Clean Your Finances

Family Finances / Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach / Spring Clean Finances / March 9, 2012

Spring is a great time of year not just for doing some spring-cleaning around the house, but to also spring clean your finances. This goes beyond shredding outdated paperwork. You can become much healthier financially – and reduce your stress too – simply by reorganizing your budget, consolidating accounts, and making other smart financial moves.

7 Easy Tips to Spring Clean Your Finances Read More »