Nobody likes to see a debt collector's number on their Caller ID. It's even worse when the consumer knows that they can't satisfy whatever bill the creditor wants to collect. However, if you're receiving collection calls, know that you aren't alone. According to a 2015 Pew Research Center report, "The Complex Story of American Debt," 80 percent of Americans have debt. More … [Read more...]
9 Tips for Protecting Yourself from Debt Relief Scams
Debt relief always sounds like a good idea. However, some companies that promise debt relief actually want to take your money instead of saving your finances. Debt relief scams cost Americans a fortune every year, but you don't have to become a victim. Follow these nine strategies to protect yourself from debt relief scams and other forms of financial fraud online. 1. Research … [Read more...]
How Debt Settlement Impacts Your Credit Score
When you owe money to someone else, you have several options. The first is to renegotiate the payment terms so your credit doesn't suffer. You can also pay off the debt in full if you are able, but many consumers resort to debt settlement. If you're not sure how to handle a debt that shows up on your credit report, you need to know how debt settlement impacts your credit … [Read more...]
A Guide to Managing Your Medical Debt
In March 2017, research group Ipsos Public Affairs released a stunning survey that showed 20 percent of Americans believed they couldn't cover an unexpected medical bill. Even worse, most survey respondents felt a large medical bill would prove just as upsetting as a serious medical diagnosis. If you're in the same boat, there's hope on the horizon. Medical debt can seem … [Read more...]
A Step-by-Step Guide to Understanding Your Debt
Debt sounds simple enough. It's money you owe someone else. However, it gets more complicated as you take on more debt (and different types of debt), so it's important to educate yourself on the subject. Once you understand your debt, you can begin to whittle it down so you don't have so many financial obligations hanging over your head. How to Start Before you can begin … [Read more...]