Five Effective Budget Control Tips Anyone Can Use
Cash-strapped Americans trying to create or stick to a budget need look no further than CEOs from Corporate America. After all, corporate execs have mastered the art of cost-cutting and reining in expenses. Check out these five strategies Corporate America uses to stick to a budget — and learn how you can too. 1) Maintain […]
Warning Signs That You Have Too Much Debt
A lot of us are in denial about whether we have a problem with debt and credit management. If you’re making your payments on time or if you have a reasonably high income, you might not realize you are in a danger zone in terms of your debts and bills. But don’t be fooled. You […]
How To Remove Negative Items From Your Credit Report
Here’s a question, from a reader who wrote me saying, “I’d like to know what options I have to clear credit. I’ve reviewed my credit reports and I’m not sure at this point what I can continue to do the process to remove things that may need to be removed.” A: Well, for starters, if […]
Unusual Ways to Pay Off Student Loan Debt
When it comes to paying off student loans, desperate times call for desperate measures.
That’s the growing sentiment among cash-strapped Americans throughout the country who are taking drastic steps to eliminate college debt.
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 […]
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 […]
How To Boost Your Credit Score By Piggybacking
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?
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). […]
Melinda Emerson on Starting Your Own Business Without Using Loans
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 […]
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 […]
How Can I Move Without Defaulting on my Mortgage?
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 […]
Dealing with a Difficult Mortgage Company
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
I Have No Savings and am Struggling. What Should I Do?
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 […]