Beware of Scammers Impersonating The Better Business Bureau
As much as you would like to believe it, no, you didn’t just win a brand new Mercedes Benz or $1 million – just in time for the holidays. That telephone call you may have received about your exciting “win” in a sweepstakes or lottery is just a scam, according to the Better Business Bureau, […]
5 Reasons Not to Spend Any Money on Gifts this Holiday Season
For many Americans, a big part of the holiday season involve giving presents to others. But it’s perfectly fine and feasible to not give gifts to family and friends and still enjoy the holiday season. In fact, if the tough economy or a job layoff has taken a toll on your household budget, this could […]
How to Control the Shopaholic in You this Holiday Season
From Black Friday doorbuster specials to Christmas sales, the holiday shopping frenzy may soon engage your inner shopaholic – and leave you with a mound of debt by New Year’s. The average American is expected to spend a little more than $700 on holiday gifts and seasonal merchandise in 2011, according to the National Retail […]
5 Ways To Know If You Should Avoid a Debt Help Company
If you need help eliminating credit card bills or getting rid of other forms of debt, a debt relief program may seem like the only viable option for getting help with your debt and your finances back on track. While you can find some legitimate debt help agencies out there, you can also easily stumble […]
Can I Remove a Car Repo From My Credit Report?
If you’re wondering whether you can remove a car repossession from your credit report after paying off the balance, you’re not alone. Many consumers are surprised to learn that even after settling a repossessed vehicle account, the negative mark can remain on their credit history for years. Here’s what you need to know about car […]
The Smart Way to Join a Credit Union
If you’ve thought about switching banks to skirt extra fees or just for better services, don’t overlook the option and benefits of joining a credit union too. Credit unions are known for providing a more personalized experience and most offer the same – though not all – of the financial products that many banks offer. […]
Are Credit Unions a Good Alternative to Banks?
If you’ve been thinking about closing up your regular bank account in favor of joining a credit union, make sure you understand both the benefits and disadvantages of making the switch. As bank fees continue to rise and many retail banks impose penalties on low balances, many Americans are turning their sights on credit unions […]
When Defaulting On a Loan May Not Be Reported to a Credit Bureau
Q: I found out that my car company Chacon Auto is not reporting my credit after three years. If I voluntary give my car back can they report a repo although they do not report my credit now? A: Thanks for writing me with your question about your car situation. It is rare for an […]
What Should We Do About Large Loans and Debt We Can’t Pay?
A subscriber of AskTheMoneyCoach wanted a solution to their debt problems. Here is the person’s circumstances and question: Q: After being unemployed for a year, almost losing our house and caring for a teen that has special needs, it is proving impossible to pay off the loan we have for our sons high schooling of […]
Tips for Investing in Real Estate with an IRA
Q: I have been contributing to a pre‑tax 401(k) for many years, and a Roth IRA as well. I’m 52 and very disappointed in the balance of these accounts, as many people are these days. My question is: is it good time to roll these funds over to a self‑directed IRA and buy investment real […]
Layaway: Bad Advice That You Should Ignore
File this one under the “bad financial advice” category. An article that recently ran online from WSOCTV.com suggests that using layaway to pay for goods over time can be more expensive than credit cards. According to the story, “consumer experts say buying on a financial plan doesn’t always make sense. Experts say a typical shopper […]
5 Ways To Spot a Debt Relief Scam
If you need help eliminating credit card bills or getting rid of other forms of debt, a debt relief program may seem like the only viable option for getting your finances back on track. While you can find some legitimate debt help agencies out there, you can also easily stumble across numerous shady individuals and […]
Veterans Day Financial Scams To Avoid
Here’s a warning about Veterans Day financial scams. We all know that con artists don’t take a break, even for holidays. That’s why the Better Business Bureau is warning consumers all across the country to be aware of Veterans Day scams.
Can I Refinance My Husband’s Mortgage By Putting My Name on the Deed?
A reader of AskTheMoneyCoach.com wanted to know whether or not they could do a certain maneuver in order to refinance a home mortgage. Here’s the person’s question: Q: Is it possible to temporarily transfer the title to my husband’s home into my name? This way, we could refinance with my credit scores. A: Unfortunately, what […]
How to Get a Consumer Statement Removed From Your Credit Report
Q: How can I have a consumer statement removed from my credit report? A: It can be very simple to get a consumer statement removed, depending on which credit bureau you’re dealing with. But first of all, for those who may not know, a consumer statement is that 100-word explanation or statement that you are […]