Will My Overdue Health Club Bill Appear on My Credit Report?
Q: If I have an overdue account at a health club, and the club sent me to a collection agency, will this go against my report? I was told that health clubs do not get reported. A: It’s not true that health club bills that are overdue or that go into collections don’t get reported to […]
How is Child Support Calculated? Here are Basics
If your child needs child support for basic expenses such as food, clothing and shelter, the bad news is that there is no federal law or national set of guidelines to determine how child support is calculated. Each state in America has its own rules, laws and guidelines for calculating child support. Generally, however, a […]
How to Save Money on a Tight Budget
Saving money can be particularly tough on one or even two income households in today’s economy. But there are many money-saving strategies that can boost your bank account and help you save a few hundred dollars per month. Here are some ideas: Save on Your Current Housing Some of the ways you can cut your […]
Celebrities and Child Support: Are These Massive Payments Fair or Outrageous?
When it comes to celebrities and child support, the figures can be downright staggering. While the average U.S. monthly child support payment is around $430, some celebrities pay tens of thousands—or even over $100,000—each month to support their children. These headline-grabbing amounts often spark public debate. Are such massive sums fair, or are they a […]
10 Things You Didn’t Know About Child Support
During Child Support Awareness Month in August, and even during the rest of the year, it’s important to be mindful of the facts about child support. Child support is money paid to cover some or all of a child’s basic needs, such as food, clothing, housing, education and childcare. Some child support orders may also […]
Child Support: A Personal Story From The Money Coach
Child Support Awareness Month occurs in August each year. So it’s a perfect time for all of us to reflect on the children we know – in our families and communities – and to question whether they’re getting the parental support they need and deserve. I have very strong personal feelings about child support after […]
Do I Qualify To Have My Student Loans Discharged?
Q: Hi. I keep hearing that only a small number of people can discharge private loans in bankruptcy and I want to know what makes them eligible? I owe over $100,000 in student loans for a degree I never finished. I have multiple health issues and have not worked in years and want to know […]
Firms Banned From Offering Debt Relief Services
The Federal Trade Commission halted two operations that deceived consumers who were looking for help dealing with their debts, including one firm that tricked people by impersonating federal government agencies. The two firms agreed to settlements with the FTC that ban them from the business of debt relief services.
Will Paying Off an Auto Repossession Raise My Credit Score?
Q: Will my credit score go up when I pay the balance due of my auto repossession of or will it stay the same?
Avoid These Common Mistakes Or Your Bankruptcy Filing Will Be Rejected
When the debt load you’re carrying is simply too much to bear, you might have considered filing for bankruptcy protection. Filing for bankruptcy has become increasingly common the past three years thanks to the economic downturn and job cuts across numerous industries. The American Bankruptcy Institute reports that about 1.5 million personal bankruptcy cases were […]
3 Ways To Save Thousands of Dollars This Summer With Freebies
Just because the summer temperatures are rising, that doesn’t mean you should burn a hole through your wallet and your hard-earned cash. In fact, right now is the perfect time to think about saving money, lots of it. Here are three ways to save thousands of dollars this summer – and beyond – by focusing […]
3 Red Flags that Could Be on Your Credit Report
You know how important it is to check your credit report at least once per year, but do you know what to look for? Your credit report contains a lot of key information about your payment history, various credit accounts you’ve had, and how you’ve handled financial obligations such as credit card debts, mortgages, student […]
Best Ways to Rebuild Your Life After Bankruptcy
Filing for bankruptcy can be one of the most stressful financial events you will ever experience. Bankruptcy may not only take its toll on your credit rating, but also on your emotional well-being. Even when you’re using a qualified bankruptcy attorney to work through the process, you will experience a certain level of stress and […]
5 Tips to Set Financial Boundaries with Relatives and Friends
If you have a generous heart and some money in the bank, chances are you’ve been approached for financial help by friends or family. While helping out once in a while is kind, repeated requests can become emotionally exhausting—and financially draining. If you’re tired of playing the role of the family ATM, it’s time to […]
FTC Shuts Down Car Warranty by Phone Scam
If you’ve ever received a phone call from someone claiming that they have a special offer for you to extend your car’s warranty, you could be the next victim of a scam. These calls typically come from an unknown number and the groups behind them randomly call people in an effort to collect your credit […]