In my latest book, Perfect Credit, I explained that the credit score industry prefers to work together—without you whenever possible. I’m not saying that they have no need for you or that they don’t want to have some dealings with you. After all, consumers provide valuable feedback and constitute a revenue source. And companies in […]
Is The Credit Score Industry Fair to Consumers? Read More »
Even though you can find some great deals on last-minute flights about a week before Thanksgiving, it may be challenging to find a flight that fits your schedule. Thanksgiving week continues to be one of the busiest travel seasons of the year, so it’s in your best interest to plan ahead and make those trip
5 Tips to Save on Thanksgiving Travel Read More »
If you have recently started on the long journey to improve your finances and get out of debt, you have probably hit a few real and imagined obstacles by now. Perhaps you did not get the raise that you were expecting, or even worse, you’ve lost your job altogether. Maybe you’ve been kicking yourself as
Four Surprising Insights About Getting Out of Debt Read More »
Q: A few years ago I bought a long-term care policy; it cost about $200.00 a month, which is a lot of money for my budget. A lot of people my age prefer not to pay for long term care, instead they expect government to take care of them. What is your opinion, please? A:
Should You Keep Your Long-Term Care Insurance Policy? Read More »
Going through a divorce will not only take its toll on your emotions, but also on your finances. The high costs associated with hiring a divorce attorney and losses you might incur when divvying up your property and assets with your ex can have a negative impact on your financial situation. At the low end,
How Much Does it Cost to Get a Divorce? Read More »
Many home buyers seeking a new mortgage turn to a savings and loan association (S&L) instead of a traditional bank to get their loan. Savings and loan association management are financial institutions that specialize in savings deposits and mortgage loans. These institutions typically work with private investors to coordinate funds for a loan. Since these
What is a Savings and Loan Association? Read More »
Have you ever bought something or said yes to a so-called “deal” only to feel suckered later when you read – or were made aware of – the fine print involved? If you want to avoid getting burned, and especially if you want to maintain a great credit rating, you absolutely must abide by one
Reading the Fine Print Can Help You Avoid Being Suckered or Ruining Your Credit Score Read More »
Debt is a massive problem in America. While some people are able to survive in this economy by taking low-interest loans, we have to accept it that we’re up to our eyeballs in debt of all types: mortgage loans, credit card debt, student loans, automobile loans, and more. Even though home values have plummeted, the
All Debt Is Not Created Equally – Why Credit Card Debt Wrecks Your Credit Score Read More »
A credit score is simply a three-digit number that summarizes your overall credit standing and tells creditors how likely you are to either repay a debt or default on it. A credit score is calculated based on the underlying information that is contained in your credit reports. But a credit score is not automatically included
What is a Credit Score? Read More »
Federal student loan defaults are way up – rising to 8.8% in fiscal year 2009, compared to 7.0% in 2008, according to new data released in September 2011 from the Department of Education. The numbers represent the most recent figures available about federal student loans, and they show that scores of borrowers continue to struggle
Here’s How to Fix Your Defaulted Student Loans Read More »
In tough economic times, many people want to start budgeting – or better stick to a budget – but they find it hard to do so. Here’s an easy way to stay on track and maintain a realistic budget: use something I call “The 20% rule.” In a nutshell, the 20% rule says that whatever
Quick Budgeting Tip: Use The 20% Rule to Stick to a Budget Read More »
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has taken aggressive legal action against notorious payday lenders Big Sky Cash and Western Sky, alleging they engaged in illegal payday loan wage garnishments without court approval. This latest move signals the FTC’s ongoing campaign to protect consumers from abusive lending practices. If you’re facing financial hardship and considering payday
FTC Targets Big Sky Cash and Western Sky for Illegal Payday Loan Wage Garnishments Read More »
Everyone wants to have more money, but not everyone wants to save more money. Yet the two go hand in hand. Many of you have read my book, Zero Debt: The Ultimate Guide to Financial Freedom, in which I talk about personally getting out of debt and saving more money, as well as learning how
How Saving Money Now Saves Problems Later: For You and The Next Generation Read More »
Q: “I have good credit and own four credit cards with a combined credit limit of $24, 000. Three cards are at zero balance, and the other one has a balance of $100. I would like to close the newest card because I’ve only used it once. It has a credit limit of $2, 000.
Credit Utilization Rate Explained Read More »
If you are a parent or guardian of a student who has died and they have outstanding student loans, the government will discharge the loans so that you are not held responsible for paying them back. Standard student loans and PLUS loans are discharged when the borrower, or in the case of PLUS loan, a
The Student Loan Borrower Died – Am I Responsible? Read More »
