A Facebook fan who has a medical bill that got overlooked after she lost her job was contacted by a debt collection agency who said they have added $150 to the bill as processing fee. She wanted to know if is advisable to contact the medical billing company directly after it has gotten to this […]
Got Medical Bills in Collections? Avoid This Scam Read More »
A Facebook follower wrote me saying she earns about $30,000 a year, asked about buying a home with little to no money down. If you or someone you know is trying to become a first-time homeowner, and you don’t have a high salary or a lot of savings, there is financial assistance available if you
Help for First-Time Home Buyers Read More »
A couple of Facebook fans who recently heard me on the Russ Parr Show have asked me to elaborate on the Student Loan Cancellation Program. Under federal law, you can get your federal student loans canceled or discharged for many different circumstances. Reasons for loan discharge: Death Total and permanent disability School-related issues or improper
Student Loan Cancellation Explained Read More »
If you can’t pay a debt, creditors are willing to settle out of court with you for a lump sum payment of less than the amount you owe, or a monthly payment plan, but they also will not hesitate to sue you for the full amount of the money you owe them. So what should
Why You Should Answer a Summons on Debt Collection Read More »
Consumers often pay off debt for which creditors can no longer seek legal action because the Statute of Limitations has already expired for the account. Consumers pay off these accounts perhaps because the accounts still appear on their credit reports, they fear court action, or they simply don’t know their rights. There are even cases
Statute of Limitations on Debt Read More »
I know what it feels like to lose a job. In early 2003, I lost my six-figure television job as a Wall Street Journal reporter for CNBC. Like millions of others in corporate America, I, too, was laid off in a cost-cutting move. After my layoff I didn’t immediately rein in my spending. I even
5 Tips for Saving Money While Unemployed Read More »
More than three dozen ex-prisoners in Texas just hit the lottery – or so it may seem – after the men had their convictions overturned based on DNA evidence, and now stand to become instant millionaires because the state is compensating them for being wrongfully imprisoned. This article from the Associated Press gives the details:
From Lockdown to Luxury: Ex Inmates Become Instant Millionaires Read More »
Unless your child attends a private or parochial school with mandatory uniforms, you’re probably clothes shopping right about now to find new outfits for the kids to wear this back to school season. Discount stores such as Target and Wal-Mart are a good place to head, however, consignment and resale shops are even better if
3 Steps to Back-to-School Clothes Shopping on a Dime Read More »
Starting today, big changes will impact you and your credit cards, thanks to the credit card reform legislation that President Obama signed into law earlier this year. The goal of credit card reform was to stop or prevent unfair or deceptive lending practices by banks and credit card issuers. The two provisions of the legislation
How Credit Card Reform Impacts You Read More »
Airlines seem to be going ala carte. They are charging passengers for every bag they check, if they exceed the 40 lb or 50 lb weight limit, or bulge beyond the 40 linear inches allowed. Some are even charging extra if you check a bag at the gate. If you learn to pack lighter when
4 Tips for Avoiding Airline Baggage Fees Read More »
Foreclosure on a home is the worst possible option for both the mortgage lender and the homeowner. Banks do not like foreclosures, for the simple reason that they cost money. For the homeowner, it means both the loss of the house (and place to live) along with a credit record that has been shredded. The
Help For Homeowners Facing Foreclosure Read More »
Have you ever been at the airport waiting for your flight to board when the attendants announced that their are too many passengers booked and some will have to wait for another flight? Well, “getting bumped” to another flight may seem like a bummer, but it is a great way to save on airfare —
Airfare: How Getting Bumped Saves You Money Read More »
If you’ve never taken out a payday loan, great. Please never do. If you have, please don’t ever do it again. If you absolutely need to borrow a small amount of cash, turn to your friends, family or employer, but don’t get a payday loan. What is a Payday loan? Payday loans are short-term loans
Disadvantages of Getting a Payday Loan Read More »
An HOA, as a homeowners’ association is known, creates and enforces rules for the community and collects the monthly or annual dues. There are pros and cons to owning a home in a community governed by a HOA, which is often a nonprofit entity that is operated by a board comprised of homeowners, sometimes in
Pros and Cons of a Homeowners’ Association Read More »
A dual agent is one who works for both the home buyer and the seller. You typically end up in this situation if the agent who listed the property is also your agent. You might inadvertently put yourself in this situation if you buy a home from the agent hosting an open house. Avoid dual
Avoid Dual and Designated Agents Read More »
