Buying A New Car
A new car is second only to a home as the most expensive purchase many consumers make. According to the National Automobile Dealers Association, the average price of a new car sold in the United States as of June...
Credit and Divorce
Mary and Bill recently divorced. Their divorce decree stated that Bill would pay the balances on their three joint credit card accounts. Months later, after Bill neglected to pay off these accounts, all three creditors contacted Mary for payment....
Credit, ATM and Debit Cards: What to do if They're Lost or Stolen
Many people find it easy and convenient to use credit cards and ATM or debit cards. The Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA) and the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA) offer procedures for you to use if your cards are...
Continue reading Credit, ATM and Debit Cards: What to do if They're Lost or Stolen »
Fiscal Fitness
Choosing a Credit Counselor Living paycheck to paycheck? Worried about debt collectors? Can't seem to develop a workable budget, let alone save money for retirement? If this sounds familiar, you may want to consider the services of a credit...
Knee Deep in Debt
Having trouble paying your bills? Getting dunning notices from creditors? Are your accounts being turned over to debt collectors? Are you worried about losing your home or your car? You're not alone. Many people face a financial crisis some...
Credit and Your Consumer Rights
A good credit rating is very important. Businesses inspect your credit history when they evaluate your applications for credit, insurance, employment, and even leases. They can use it when they choose to give or deny you credit or insurance, provided...
Credit and Debit Card Blocking
Have you ever been told you were over your credit card limit, or had your debit card declined, even though you knew you had available credit, or money in your bank account? If this happened shortly after you stayed...
Cosigning a Loan
What would you do if a friend or relative asked you to cosign a loan? Before you answer, make sure you understand what cosigning involves. Under federal law, creditors are required to give you a notice that explains your obligations....
Avoiding Credit and Charge Card Fraud
Credit and charge card fraud costs cardholders and issuers hundreds of millions of dollars each year. While theft is the most obvious form of fraud, it can occur in other ways. For example, someone may use your card number without...
For People on Debt Management Plans: A Must-Do List
Reputable credit counseling organizations employ counselors who are certified and trained in consumer credit, money and debt management, and budgeting. Those organizations that are nonprofit have a legal obligation to provide education and counseling. But not all credit counseling organizations...
Continue reading For People on Debt Management Plans: A Must-Do List »
Payday Loans Can Equal Costly Cash
The ads are on the radio, television, the Internet, even in the mail. They refer to payday loans - which come at a very high price. Check cashers, finance companies and others are making small, short-term, high-rate loans that go...
Choosing and Using Credit Cards
Chances are you've gotten your share of "pre-approved" credit card offers in the mail, some with low introductory rates and other perks. Many of these solicitations urge you to accept "before the offer expires." Before you accept, shop around to...
Cash Advance Loan
Sometimes you need money fast and have nobody to turn to. In these circumstances (hopefully they never occur) you can use a cash advance service to send you a loan within a short amount of time. These services are not...
Secured Credit Card
What is a Secured Credit Card? A secured credit card requires you to open and maintain a savings account as security for you line of credit, while an unsecured card does not. The required savings deposit for a secured credit...
Top 10 Ways to Save on Life Insurance
Just as there are different life insurance plans to meet your needs, there are different ways to save money on life insurance. The most important is to shop around. There are hundreds of insurance companies, offering a wide variety of...