Author: Jennifer Thomas
Can a debt collector take my house?
Legally, it’s true that debt collectors could get a judgment in court that would force you to sell your home to repay a delinquent debt. In …
Are car title loans a really bad idea?
Car title loans are one type of fast funding that carry a steep price in terms of interest and fees. These short-term, high-interest loans put you …
Everything you need to know about taxes & Social Security
You might be imagining retirement as a completely different life from your working years: enjoying the hobbies you never had enough time for; spending long, fun-filled …
Here’s how to settle credit card debt without going to court
The best defense against being sued for credit card debt is, of course, to pay your debts before that happens. That doesn’t necessarily mean paying them …
Will I lose my house if I file for bankruptcy?
It’s a common fear around filing for bankruptcy — that it means you’ll lose your house. While it’s true that can happen, it’s by no means …
What are credit card hardship programs?
Financial issues happen to the best of us. Even if you’ve never missed a credit card payment before, you might fall behind if you lose your …
Is it possible to lower credit card interest rates?
Believe it or not, you can call your credit card company and ask them to lower the interest rate on your card. Even more surprising? They …
Visa vs. Mastercard: What’s the difference and how do I choose?
Crack open your wallet and pull out your credit cards. We bet there’s a very good chance at least one of them is a Visa or …
How to negotiate directly with your credit card company
If your credit card bills are coming in fast and furious, and you’re having a hard time keeping up, you’re probably hoping for some relief. And …
What to do if you have $100K in credit card debt
The Federal Reserve estimates that Americans have more than $4 trillion in consumer debt. That’s a lot of money. So if you’re staring down a large debt bill, …
Debt avalanche vs. debt snowball: Here’s what you need to know
If paying down debt is in your financial forecast, there are two techniques you might want to consider: debt snowball and debt avalanche. These similar methods …
The states with the highest bankruptcy rates
If someone lives in a state with a high divorce rate, an unstable job market, low wages or a slew of natural disasters, that can all …
How to negotiate medical bills & avoid medical bankruptcy
Negotiate, negotiate, negotiate. That’s the mantra to remember if you’re behind on your medical bills or facing a medical bill you can’t afford. Understandably, most people want to …
Federal student loan repayment options explained
If you have student loans, or will soon, you’re in good company. Nearly 44 million Americans owe almost $1.6 trillion in combined student loan debt. Federal student loans …
How to avoid credit repair scams
Your credit score dictates a lot about your financial situation, so it’s understandable that you want to protect your score and keep it as high as possible. If …
6 steps to rebuild credit after bankruptcy
The way people feel after going through bankruptcy can vary widely. Many feel relieved, some frustrated, others battle-worn. It partly depends on the road they took …
Here’s how to settle with a debt collector
If you’ve fallen behind on a debt, and the debt collectors are calling, you’re probably under a lot of stress. It’s important, though, not to panic …
8 bankruptcy myths you should stop believing
Many people have misconceptions about bankruptcy. Not just the process, but also about the future fallout that comes from declaring bankruptcy. While bankruptcy should be taken …
How the smartest companies use Slack today
When Slack first arrived on the scene in 2013, it was meant to be an amped-up social messaging app that would improve workplace communication and cut …
7 famous people who filed for bankruptcy (and what you can learn from them)
Tax man troubles. Bad investments. Shady financial advisors. Lavish spending. These are some of the pitfalls that lead the rich and famous to file for bankruptcy. Most …