Credit Counseling is free service that helps consumers struggling with credit card debt determine their options. It includes a free budget and action plan for getting out debt.
Most of us don’t think twice about buying a coffee or picking up the lunch tab for a friend who’s low on cash. But what about when a friend asks you for a more significant loan? Before you answer yes or no, ask yourself these questions. They can help you decide if you should lend money to a friend. Why Do They Need It? While you wouldn...
When you’re running short on cash, it might not seem like a big deal to miss a credit card payment or two. You’ll make plans to catch up the following month, only to find that money is still tight. By the time the late payment hits the 30-day mark, the delinquency can start to affect your credit. Let’s take a look at what happens when you bec...
Using credit responsibly includes understanding credit limits and how they can affect your finances. Let’s take a look into some common questions surrounding credit limits and what they mean for consumers. What is a Credit Limit? When a consumer opens a new credit card, that card includes a credit limit, which is the amount of credit available...
You've probably spent more time in your home this year than usual, which means more wear and tear on your house and everything in it. It might start out as a small water stain on the ceiling, a patch of missing insulation in the attic, or a small crack in the foundation. But these small signs can mean potentially big trouble in a home, and ignoring...
Of the many things that can affect a consumer’s credit report and score, having one or more accounts showing as “charged off“ is among the most harmful. Consumers with charge offs on their credit report will have difficulty obtaining any new credit. And what credit they are able to acquire will come with exorbitant interest rates. Let’s tak...
There is no shortage of products and services devoted to helping consumers improve their credit. Among them is credit repair, a for-profit service that promises consumers an opportunity to dramatically improve their credit as a way to attain additional lending, such as a home mortgage, personal loan, or vehicle loan. What credit repair companies do...
When it comes to credit cards, making your payments on time every month is one of the most important things you can do to maintain good credit. But if you’re only making the minimum payment every month, you’re setting yourself up for years of payments. And it could potentially damage your credit in the long run — even if you always pay on tim...
For some consumers, declaring bankruptcy can provide relief from seemingly insurmountable debt. But the decision to declare bankruptcy should not be taken lightly. It is a legal process with specific rules and requirements. And in some cases it creates more financial challenges than it solves. Of course, if you are considering bankruptcy as an opti...
Credit repair is one of many financial services designed to help consumers improve their credit. The process involves hiring a company to dispute negative or incorrect entries on your credit report. It sounds simple, but it’s not always a straightforward process. Before choosing credit repair, there are some important details you should understan...
People who experience overwhelming financial hardship may consider declaring bankruptcy. It’s a viable option for many who have undergone a significant illness and the accompanying medical bills, long-term unemployment, or for whom credit card debt has become unmanageable. However, it’s not always the financial clean slate that people may be ex...
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