Government Warnings about Debt Settlement Industry
Warnings about Debt Settlement Companies
When the Government Accountability Office (GAO) testified before the US Senate last month about their undercover investigation of 20 of the debt settlement companies that advertise the most across the country, it came as no surprise to credit counselors—as well as other nonprofit organizations trying to help consumers recover from financial challenges—that they found “fraudulent, abusive and deceptive practices” prevailed in the industry. For details, see www.gao.gov/products/GAO-10-593T. Continue reading “Government Warnings about Debt Settlement Industry” »
Credit Report and Your Rights
Have You Pulled Your Credit Report Lately?
Information found on credit reports and that three-digit number called a credit score havebecome such integral decision-factors in our lives. Do you feel as though you are now judged upon your credit report and credit score more than ever?
We have the opportunity—and the right—to see our credit reports and ensure that they are accurate, which is especially important before you apply for a loan. Here are some steps to taking advantage of the FACT Act to monitor your own credit: Continue reading “Credit Report and Your Rights” »
Gambling with Your Financial Future and Losing
Lottery and our Financial Future
We saw an interesting poll from Bankrate.com that asked how people envision themselves getting financially ahead, particularly in a difficult economy.
Not surprisingly, “Saving and Investing” was the number one answer, at 36%, followed by “Additional Education or Job Training” at 23%. Running your own business (which is actually the most common profession of millionaires in this country) was fifth at just 6%. Continue reading “Gambling with Your Financial Future and Losing” »
Important Changes to Credit Cards
Think Hard before Opting Back Into Credit Card Account Offers Headed Your Way
As we quickly approach the February 22, 2010 deadline for implementation of many aspects of the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 (CARD), we’ve been seeing some “interesting” marketing ploys by several credit card/banking companies.
CARD makes major changes in the way credit card companies can market, extend and administer credit to new and current card holders. One CARD stipulation prohibits allowing card holders to go over their credit limit for a fee without their express permission. Continue reading “Important Changes to Credit Cards” »
Looking Ahead…Way Ahead
Planning Your Long-Term Financial Needs
According to results of a Charles Schwab survey, released June 4, 2009, nearly 40% of Americans are not savings for retirement and over 60% have not adjusted their retirement needs or investment strategy in the current downturn. Continue reading “Looking Ahead…Way Ahead” »
To Lease or Not to Lease…
Leasing vs. Buying. Which is better? Many think leasing is the best option when purchasing a vehicle because you can get a bigger car for a smaller monthly payment. Here is the one thing we suggest you remember about leasing a vehicle: Continue reading “To Lease or Not to Lease…” »
How to Dispute Discrepancies on Your Credit Report
The odds of there being error on your credit report are pretty good. Errors do occur frequently, but they can also be fixed. Here is the recommended way to dispute errors with the Consumer Reporting Agency. Continue reading “How to Dispute Discrepancies on Your Credit Report” »
Your Weekly Financial Review
How often are you looking at your personal finances and your budget? Each month? Every two weeks? Do you know how much money you have to spend this week? What’s in your budget for your next trip to the grocery store?
Financial stability and long-term financial success essentially require that you establish a monthly spending plan and that every week you look at it, adjust it, and ensure you’re living by it. Continue reading “Your Weekly Financial Review” »
Combating Poor Spending Behaviors | Impulse Spending
We ALL face challenges when it comes to our spending behaviors. In this country, there is a seemingly endless list of “things” that sound fun, interesting, or enjoyable, or that fit the “got-to-have-it-now” mold.
We typically lump these items into the Impulse expenditures. They might come in the form of large purchases like cars, ATVs and vacations, or they can be more mundane things we spend money on, like clothing, restaurant meals, toys for the kids, or even a new cell phone. Continue reading “Combating Poor Spending Behaviors | Impulse Spending” »