life insurance

Does It Make Sense To Keep Life Insurance After Age 50?

Once you pass 50, your life insurance needs may change. Perhaps the kids are grown and financially secure, or your mortgage is finally paid off. If so, you may be able to reduce or eliminate coverage. On the other hand, a disabled dependent or meager savings might require you to hold on to life insurance […]

Does It Make Sense To Keep Life Insurance After Age 50? Read More »

A hand holds a social security card with various identification documents in the background, raising a subtle fraud alert.

Will the SSA Place a Fraud Alert on My Social Security Number?

The Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General cannot place a fraud alert on your SSN but they do manage a fraud hotline to investigate instances of fraud. You can contact the U.S. Department of Health Services Office of Inspector General to report various types of fraud, including medical identity theft, Social Security disability

Will the SSA Place a Fraud Alert on My Social Security Number? Read More »

identity theft recovery guide

Someone Stole My Social Security Number To File Taxes. Help!

Q: I filed for my taxes on Turbo Tax I got a message saying that my social security number has been used and one of my dependents. Can I ever find out who did it? What if their using numbers in other places? Will I get my refund? A: If someone has used your Social

Someone Stole My Social Security Number To File Taxes. Help! Read More »

file taxes

Should I File Taxes Separately From My Spouse To Protect My Credit Score?

Q: My husband and I have been married for 2 1/2 years and have not mixed any of our finances due to his poor credit history. We have filed taxes separately in the past, but this year  we looked at filing jointly and would get much more money back. My question is this…can filing jointly

Should I File Taxes Separately From My Spouse To Protect My Credit Score? Read More »

A blue square with a thin white border features the text "Ask The Money Coach" in the center, offering expert advice on financial matters like handling a 1099-C.

I Forgave A Debt And Issued Form 1099-C. Do I Have To Inform The IRS?

Q: I am the creditor and I canceled the debt (the amount owned by a real estate development company). I have provided a 1099-C to the real estate development company. Please advice what other actions I must take: (a) Do I have to inform IRS that I have forgiven debt as a creditor… if yes

I Forgave A Debt And Issued Form 1099-C. Do I Have To Inform The IRS? Read More »

A document titled "Instructions for Form 8379 (Rev. December 2010)" from the IRS, focused on the "Injured Spouse Allocation" section with form-filling instructions for obtaining injured spouse relief.

How to Claim Injured Spouse Relief from the IRS: Form 8379

Did you file a joint income tax return and expect to get a big check back from Uncle Sam only to find out that the government kept all or part of your refund? If so, the feds probably think you – or your spouse – have a delinquent debt that must be paid before you

How to Claim Injured Spouse Relief from the IRS: Form 8379 Read More »

student loan debt

How Do I Manage Massive Student Loan Debt ($200,000) on a Modest Income?

Q. How do I manage massive student loan debt ($200,000) on a modest income? A.  To manage large student loan debt on a modest income, pick the right repayment program – one that is affordable, given your present economic circumstances. If you have federal student loans, there are four different loan repayment plans you can

How Do I Manage Massive Student Loan Debt ($200,000) on a Modest Income? Read More »

medical debt

Does Medical Debt Hurt Your Credit Score as Much as Credit Card Debt?

Q. Does medical debt affect you (or your credit score) as much as credit card debt? A.  No, medical debt doesn’t affect your credit rating as much as credit card debt. In fact, medical bills do not adversely impact your credit or your credit score at all, unless you have long overdue medical accounts that

Does Medical Debt Hurt Your Credit Score as Much as Credit Card Debt? Read More »

loans

Should I Apply For A Business Loan If I Already Have Bad Credit And A Low Credit Score

Q: Do you suggest attempting to take out a business loan to finance a business that you have invested in although credit may not be good, personally? A. No, I don’t suggest trying to get a business loan to finance your business operations when you know your personal credit isn’t good. You’ll simply wind up generating an

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A person in a blue shirt and black pants stands with their pockets turned inside out, indicating they are empty, perhaps burdened by student loans.

How To Deal With A Student Loan That You Can’t Afford To Pay

Q. How do you suggest dealing with student loans that you cannot yet pay because of lack of job or business profit? A. If you can’t afford to pay your student loans due to a lack of income, get a deferment, forbearance or loan cancellation during periods of economic hardship. Most people think only students

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1099-c

What To Do With That 1099-C You Got In The Mail

If you settled a credit card debt last year, by paying less than originally owed, the debt settlement company probably didn’t tell you this, but the IRS will: You likely owe taxes on the amount of debt that was forgiven. Anytime a bank, credit card issuer or financial company writes off $600 or more worth

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Payday Loans

Were You a Victim of Payday Lender Quik Cash?

Today, payday lender Quik Cash was forced to pay $170,000 in restitution by the Arizona Attorney General to “eligible consumers” that were victims of consumer fraud. According to a news release, the attorney general filed a lawsuit against Quik Cash in December 2009 for reportedly obtaining as many defaults as possible against consumers who lived

Were You a Victim of Payday Lender Quik Cash? Read More »

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