do not call

Use The Do Not Call Registry To Stop Telemarketers From Calling You

In my book Zero Debt I talk about the benefits of stopping the flood of credit card and promotional offers that fill up your mailbox. There is another source of unwanted and frequent solicitations…your phone. If you are tired of receiving a flood of phone calls from telemarketers and other pesky sales people constantly calling […]

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church scam

Grant Writing Scam Targets Churches – Do You Know The Woman In This Video?

Arrest warrants were issued for Irma Michelle Jackson-Stewart, 38, and James Stewart, 51, both of whom are believed to be in Central Florida. They are wanted for running a nationwide grant-writing scam that fleeced over $300,000 from victims seeking federal funds for personal and business expenses according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).

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holiday season

Why You Need to Save Now For the Holiday Season

Although lots of people are in the throes of back-to-school shopping, it’s a good idea to think about holiday shopping too. That’s right: holiday shopping. Even though we’re tip-toeing into fall, it’s never too soon to start planning – and budgeting for – those inevitable holiday purchases you know you’re going to make. Unfortunately, far

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Record Number of Lawsuits Against Debt Collectors

Fed-up consumers are fighting back against overly aggressive debt collectors, slapping collection agencies and creditors with a record 7,923 lawsuits from January 1 through August 15, 2011, according to a report in Collections & Credit Risk. By comparison, in the same period from a year ago, consumers filed only 7,169 such lawsuits. That means lawsuits

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Arrow sign with the words "DEBT FREE" on a blue background, pointing towards a future shaped by smart budgeting and careful financial planning.

Do You Have Too Much Debt, Women and Investing, Smart Money Tips

Here is a recap of the hottest articles on AskTheMoneyCoach.com. Smart Money Strategies for Every Month of the Year There’s no better time than the present to kick your finances into high gear. But why limit yourself to just making a single financial New Year’s resolution in January when you can plan a series of

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A search bar with the term "consumer protection" typed in, accompanied by a magnifying glass icon, a mouse cursor, and a subtle nod to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).

About The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)

f you’ve ever worried about hidden credit card fees, wondered if your insurance company is being honest about your claim, or have been having a hard time dealing with your mortgage provider, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is there to help you. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is designed to protect consumers against many

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A person in a black suit makes a small measurement gesture with their fingers against a dark background, hinting at the concept of minimum payment.

Minimum Payments Now Really Equal Maximum Payments, in the Long-Run

Paying so-called minimum payments now actually ends up costing you more – a lot more – over the long haul. The math behind some of the calculations that determine your interest rate can be tricky. And I won’t get into all the complex, and sometimes mind-boggling formulas that are used to calculate your Annual Percentage

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A green filing cabinet with an open drawer is filled with folders. Above the cabinet, the text reads "SAVE YOUR RECEIPTS!" in large white letters—a reminder for those managing student loan documents.

I Already Paid My Student Loan But Records Show I Still Owe It – What Do I Do?

Student loan payments may be among your biggest expenses and you are probably looking forward to the day when you make that final payment. If you have reached that stage and paid your entire balance in full, you may still end up receiving a payment notification letter in the mail or find that you have

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A chalk drawing on a green board features a couple holding hands inside a house outline, symbolizing love and stability. Above them floats a heart, representing the harmony achievable through careful budgeting and the guidance of a skilled financial planner.

Should You Get A Mortgage Loan In Your Name Alone If Your Spouse Has Bad Credit?

Q: We own an old house that needs 100k worth of work. Should we get a construction loan or a mortgage loan? My husband has a paid IRS lien on his credit report. I have great credit.  Should I get a loan in my name only?  Should I title the house in my name only?

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A woman with glasses, who appears to be a financial planner, holds her hands up in a stop gesture, looking directly at the camera.

Five Reasons to Opt Out of Credit Card Offers

No matter how many tantalizing credit offers banks dream up, you can minimize the clutter in your mailbox, thanks to the Fair Credit Reporting Act. This law permits you to opt out of pre-screened credit offers, thereby greatly reducing the amount of “pre-approved” credit offers that come to your home. It’s worth it to opt

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Yellow sign with black text hanging on a wire, reading "Warning Scam Alert: They May Steal Your Identity" with a warning symbol in the top left corner.

Moving Soon? Be Careful Thieves Don’t Steal Your Identity

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 37 million Americans—roughly 13% of us—move to a different home every year. That’s a lot of transition. Unfortunately, moving season also represents a lot of opportunity for crooks and con artists who want to fleece you financially and steal your identity. “Half of all moves take place

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