Statute of Limitations on Debt
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 […]
5 Tips for Saving Money While Unemployed
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 […]
From Lockdown to Luxury: Ex Inmates Become Instant Millionaires
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: […]
3 Steps to Back-to-School Clothes Shopping on a Dime
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 […]
How Credit Card Reform Impacts You
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 […]
4 Tips for Avoiding Airline Baggage Fees
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 […]
Help For Homeowners Facing Foreclosure
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 […]
Airfare: How Getting Bumped Saves You Money
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 — […]
Disadvantages of Getting a Payday Loan
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 […]
Pros and Cons of a Homeowners’ Association
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 […]
Avoid Dual and Designated Agents
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 […]
Buyer’s Agent vs Listing Agent
If you are shopping for a home, you should know the difference between a buyer’s agent and a listing agent. A buyer’s agent, sometimes known as a “buyer’s broker,” works only for the home buyer, and is legally bound to represent the best interests of the buyer. A listing agent is the agent who contracts […]
5 Tips for Wheeling & Dealing in a Buyer’s Market
Even though homes sales are up nationwide (note, sales means number of transactions, not prices!), it’s still a buyer’s market out there, meaning there are more homes offered for sale than there are buyers. Here are 5 tips for negotiating a great deal in a buyer’s market. Ask the Seller to Pay Some or All […]
Beware of Zombie Debt Collectors
Beware of calls from “zombie” debt collectors. These are bill collectors that try to get people to pay money on debts that were allegedly incurred 10, 15 or even 20 years ago. I received such a call today from a Christian Gable of National Action Financial Services (Phone: 866-529-1885). They claimed I owed money on […]
5 Tips for How and Where to Save Money
We all can take advantage of some money-saving strategies, whether or not we have Financial Deficit Disorder. Whether you want to save money to buy a house, sock away for retirement, college or a rainy day, here are five tips, adapted from my book “Your First Home: The Smart Way to Get It and Keep […]