Close-up of a baby's foot with a blue hospital identification band, partially covered by a white blanket. The baby is lying on a pink checkered surface, resembling the delicate care one must take when considering actions like a credit freeze.

Using a Credit Freeze to Protect Your Child’s Social Security Number

There was an article in the headlines recently about how identity thieves are selling children’s Social Security numbers over the Internet. One way to prevent your child (or you) from identity theft is to place a credit freeze on your credit file. Credit freezes help you thwart identity theft by preventing a crook from opening

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A graduation cap, three file folders, and three labeled cards with the words "Grants," "Loans," and "Financial Aid" arranged on a table, highlighting the various financial aid options available for students.

Ran Out of Financial Aid? Smart Ways to Stay in School Without More Debt

If you ran out of financial aid but still need to finish your degree, you’re not alone—and you’re certainly not out of options. Many students encounter financial gaps and assume private loans are their only path forward. But the truth is, you can stay in school without adding to your debt burden. As the author

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medical bills

Where Can I Get Help Paying My Medical Bills?

It will take multiple steps to help you eliminate your medical debt. Here are six strategies you can use to knock down those hospital bills and improve your credit rating. Examine Everything Start by going over all your medical bills with a fine-tooth comb. Question charges that seem inflated (like that $20 bottle of aspirin).

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collection fees

Can a Bill Collector Add Collection Fees?

Question: I have an outstanding debt of $750 with a college which is currently handled by a collection agency. The agency is telling me my debt is now $1,000.  Is it legal for the debt collector to add collection fees and refuse to settle for my original amount? Answer: What debt collectors can and can’t

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negotiate relocation package

Questions to Ask Before Agreeing to a Relocation

Q: My husband is relocating to another state. We have bought a house in Florida. The market is down and we don’t know what to do about the house or what questions to ask concerning the relocation. Any advice? A: Start by asking your husband’s employer what relocation benefits, if any, they are willing to

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investing

Why It’s Never Too Late to Start Investing

Q: I am 26 and behind in the investing game. My bank offers a Roth IRA and i’m going with that. I was thinking about going with Edward Jones for a 401(k). Is this a good idea? A: Congratulations on getting started investing. You’re not too late to the investing game: you’re right on time. A

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estimated quarterly taxes

Advice When You Can’t Pay Estimated Quarterly Taxes

Q: I am going through a very acrimonious divorce and paying through the nose. I am a private practice epsychologist. I usually had no problem paying estimated taxes, but can’t make ends meet anymore. My ex refused to sign the joint return last year which cost me $20k. I’m afraid that every year i’ll get

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tuition costs

Is There a General Debt-to-Income Ratio Related to Tuition Costs?

Q: My daughter’s private school at our church is closing this year. To keep her in private school we will need to pay double the tuition costs we are currently paying. I am not comfortable with this as we are trying to become debt-free and this will hinder the process. Is there a general debt-to-income

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