Moving Beyond Debt

Let’s assume you’ve done everything a responsible borrower needs to do before applying for a loan. Meaning you’ve analyzed and evaluated your needs and financial situation, along with researching the type and costs associated with the loan. Ideally, you’ve even used a loan payoff calculator. The next step is completing…

Debt collectors have a reputation—and in some cases, a well-deserved one—for being unpleasant and even threatening when trying to get debtors to pay. Even though the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) was enacted to limit debt collectors’ behavior and actions, some collectors continue to ignore the law. Understanding the…

Given our current economic conditions, inflation and cost of living increases don’t appear to be much of a threat. In fact, today we’re witnessing deflation in the price of oil and other commodities. However, history tells us that it’s unlikely inflation is dead, and when planning for retirement, ignoring the…

Regardless of our age, we’ve heard, read, or even seen movies about The Great Depression, which began in 1929 and continued until the late 1930’s. And although The Great Depression had its origins in the United States, it was global in nature—causing a severe worldwide economic downturn. Unemployment, for example,…

The digital age has ushered in convenience, but also one fear that most people share – having their identity and financial information stolen such as a debit card PIN (versus a credit card). Why? Because with your debit card you’re at risk as scammers can immediately begin funneling money out…

It’s the end of the month and you just realized that you didn’t make your credit card payment that was due two weeks ago. Or, you opened your billing statement to find a late fee for a payment you thought you made—but didn’t. An accidental missed payment can happen to…

Let’s face facts; knowing how to get out of debt can be tough. Many of us fell into debt in the first place because of problems with personal finance, the skyrocketing costs of college education, or the setbacks life hands you such as layoffs and medical problems. There are numerous…

American’s outstanding credit card debt continues to climb to over $1 Trillion1, reflecting the typical spending frenzy that accompanies the holiday season. And much to our frustration, not knowing how to pay off credit cards is something that can trouble many of us long after the holidays are over. If…

You’ve done it! You successfully traversed another holiday shopping season. Well, maybe not successfully, and maybe it was more of a stumble than a traverse, but you made it through nonetheless! Now that the Yuletide joy has gone and the Season’s officially over, it’s time for the credit hangover to…

You may think that once your debt relief strategy is implemented, the picture is complete. However, your plan is really just the beginning, the foundation of a continuing path. One of life’s ongoing challenges is developing effective financial strategies that will guide you in the right direction. Each stage of…