Individuals trying to get financially back on track usually consider some form of debt consolidation. There are three main ways to consolidate debt: Debt Consolidation Loan, Debt Management Program, and Debt Settlement. Let’s start with a debt consolidation loan. This involves getting a loan from one lender with the purpose of paying off multiple creditors. […]
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Pay Down Debt vs Increase Savings
Struggling with debt and not being able to put money away into savings can leave many individuals vulnerable to financial problems. Without any set savings plan or debt help program, it becomes increasingly difficult to keep your head above water. Your debt can begin to pile up quickly, and your savings will begin to dwindle […]
Continue ReadingWhat is a “charge-off” and how does it affect me?
Credit cards are excellent tools for us to use when we are in a bind, they will usually provide us with funds to keep us going until things get better. However, what happens when things do not get better and there appears to be no light at the end of the tunnel, will we have […]
Continue ReadingHow is interest calculated on credit card bills?
The interest calculated on credit cards can be troubling and confusing. Using a credit card wisely will save you money and keep you out of debt. Carrying balances over each month will lead to a larger balance, with you paying more than the original amount owed. This is due to the credit card interest calculated […]
Continue ReadingConsumer Credit Counseling for Senior Citizens
One of the many challenges of growing older is the fact that simple everyday tasks like balancing the checkbook and making out checks are becoming harder and more difficult to deal with. Sometimes a family member can help, but sometimes that is not the best solution. An unpaid insurance premium bill can turn into a […]
Continue ReadingWhat Happens When You Contact A Non-Profit Credit Counseling Agency?
Let’s just start by saying that when you contact a non-profit credit counseling agency, that call or visit is absolutely free and completely confidential. A reputable credit counseling agency will never charge for their consultation and advice. If you have to pay an upfront fee for a credit counseling session, don’t trust that company and […]
Continue ReadingWhat Happens if I STOP Paying my Credit Card Debt?
Deciding to stop paying on your credit card debt sets a whole chain of unpleasant events in motion. Over time, the damage that results will haunt the consumer for a number of years. Before entertaining the notion of letting the payments on one or more cards slide, consider what the outcome could be. Penalties and Higher […]
Continue ReadingThe Top 8 Overlooked Causes of Debt
Debt doesn’t always appear as flashy spending sprees; most often, it is built slowly and silently until it becomes the elephant in the room…that squashes the household. While job loss or medical expenses are well-known reasons for high debt and possible bankruptcy, here are the top eight often overlooked causes of debt: 1. Not Following […]
Continue ReadingWhat You Need to Know if You’re Filing for Bankruptcy
Many consumers think bankruptcy is the best option. While it is one way to get rid of debt quickly, it is wise for a person to think about their financial future as a whole. Not only that, but one must understand a few other things when it comes to filing the seemingly never-ending paperwork. With […]
Continue ReadingWhat to do if You Default on a Student Loan
It’s possible that you didn’t realize your loan came out of deferment, and you missed some payments. Unfortunately, we see this kind of thing all the time. If you’ve missed even one payment, then you are at risk of defaulting on your student loan. Defaulting on your loan has some serious consequences. However, we’re going […]
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