Terms of Use: Your Get out of Debt Step-by-Step Roadmap You've heard the old saying, live within your means. Easier said than done for some. The important thing is that you've reached a point where you realize your life would be a lot less stressful if you didn't have bills to worry about. Short of winning the lottery, what can you do? Here's help. Four rules to live by: 1. Be realistic! If you are spending $500 a month now on food, don't expect to cut your grocery bill t  More...

Terms of Use: With annual fees and interest rates on credit cards, you may be wondering whether to close out an account you're not using. Some are also concerned about identity theft as well as the need to simply control the amount of debt. Whatever your reason for considering closing a credit card account, here are some things to consider: If you close out a credit card that has an unpaid balance on it, your available credit (or credit limit) on that card goes to zero. Your credit score look  More...

Terms of Use: Credit repair companies advertise that they can erase bad credit and create a new credit identity legally, all for a hefty fee. Don't believe it . No one can legally remove accurate and timely negative information from a credit report. No credit repair company can do anything you can't do for yourself for free. Only time, hard work, and a personal debt repayment plan will improve your credit report. If you need assistance, you have several options. Credit counseling serv  More...

Terms of Use If you want to repair your credit, begin by paying off old debts and correcting any issues on your credit report. Perhaps you've been tempted by the credit repair advertisements you've seen that promise to fix your credit report. The fact of the matter is that there is nothing you can't do yourself (free!) that a credit repair clinic can legally do (for a fee!) to fix your credit report. To request a free copy of your credit report, check out the related link below  More...

Terms of Use: When the amount of debt you have seems impossible to ever repay, one of the options you may consider is filing bankruptcy. This option, of course, should never be entered into lightly. Be sure that you have researched the pros and cons, and that you have considered alternatives to taking this drastic step. Discharging your Debts Having your debts erased is called getting a discharge of your debts. A discharge is actually a court order that proclaims that you do not have to pa  More...

Terms of Use Most experts agree that if you're paying interest rates on the credit card debt that are higher than the interest you are earning on the money in your account at a financial institution, then you should pay off the debt. Keep in mind that you will want to have some money in your account that is readily available to you in an emergency so that you are not tempted to use your credit card and increase your debt.

Terms of Use: If you can't make your mortgage payments, your lender can foreclose on your home. Foreclosure is a process that can begin immediately and will result in your losing your home. Most lenders, however, will allow you to miss a couple of payments before starting foreclosure proceedings. If you're at risk of missing a mortgage payment, contact your lender immediately. While the process of foreclosure can take several months, be aware that the process itself will be a costly   More...

Terms of Use Grey charges are charges made to your credit card that you may not even notice. Some examples: Remember the free magazine subscription you started receiving? It may have only been for an introductory period, then the paid subscription kicks in and your credit card is charged What about the newsletter that let you sign up for a free trial? How about an old domain name that you registered? Did the kids sign up for a gaming membership? Maybe you signed up for satellite radio   More...

Terms of Use How to Deal with Debt When You're Out of Work You've found yourself without a job, not knowing how long you may be unemployed. What can you do now to manage your finances in the short-term and long-term? Here's a six-step plan: Step One: Prioritize your debts Step Two: Talk with your creditors Step Three: Pay what you owe (at least the minimum payment amount) on time Step Four: Cut back on your expenses Step Five: If you have to borrow, find the least expensive sources  More...

Terms of Use The credit card you pick can save you money Table of Contents: Credit Card Interest Rates How Much Will You Pay? Credit Card Shopper's Checklist Deciphering the Application Glossary For More Information Smart consumers comparison shop for credit, whether they're looking for a mortgage, an auto loan, or a credit card. Comparison shopping is important because it could save you money. When you're looking for a credit card, be sure to consider the costs and terms. They c  More...