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 […]
Using a Credit Freeze to Protect Your Child’s Social Security Number Read More »
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
Ran Out of Financial Aid? Smart Ways to Stay in School Without More Debt Read More »
A subscriber to AskTheMoneyCoach.com wants to know if being added as an authorized user to someone else’s credit card account can help them boost their credit score?
How To Boost Your Credit Score By Piggybacking Read More »
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).
Where Can I Get Help Paying My Medical Bills? Read More »
Q: I am interested in trying to own my own business but don’t want to use loans. What types of grants are out there and how do I get my hands on them? A: We asked small business expert Melinda Emerson, author of Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months to answer this question: “It’s
Melinda Emerson on Starting Your Own Business Without Using Loans Read More »
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
Can a Bill Collector Add Collection Fees? Read More »
Q: I bought a condo in 2006 and my mortgage is more than it should be. I recently married and would like to move into a more spacious house. However, it would be difficult to sell my condo or even rent it for what we pay each month. My mortgage lender doesn’t do refi’s. So
How Can I Move Without Defaulting on my Mortgage? Read More »
Q: My mortgage company is giving me the run around. I’m in foreclosure but can’t get a straight answer about my options or payment plans. They say I owe $5,300, but they say I have $2,400 in money that they have not applied and $3,048 that’s up in their system through western union payment that
Dealing with a Difficult Mortgage Company Read More »
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
Questions to Ask Before Agreeing to a Relocation Read More »
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
Why It’s Never Too Late to Start Investing Read More »
Q: I’m 57 years old. I am considering taking money out of my 401(K) plan to pay off debt. The problem is I am struggling to make ends meet. What should I do? A: Well, only you know whether or not it’s time for a major career shift. But based on what you said, you seem
I Have No Savings and am Struggling. What Should I Do? Read More »
Q: I had to take out a very large loan to pay for one year of my son’s college tuition. I anticipate it taking a minimum of 5 years to repay. I am also repaying a HELOC loan. What is the best way to handle this? Should I payoff debt or save money for retirement? Should
Should I Payoff Debt or Save My Money? Read More »
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
Advice When You Can’t Pay Estimated Quarterly Taxes Read More »
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
Is There a General Debt-to-Income Ratio Related to Tuition Costs? Read More »
Q: For the first time in 22 years I can’t make my mortgage payment. It will get paid via a little help from the mortgage company but I am very concerned. I am living in the red by about $400 each month. When do I say enough is enough and stop paying certain creditors to
Which Debts Should You Stop Paying Read More »
