Dear Liz: This is just to add to your observation that credit scores tend to improve after a bankruptcy. I filed Chapter 13, which required a five-year repayment plan. At that point my score was around 640. The day of the discharge, I was able to get a car loan at 3% interest. Also, the […]
Recent Blog Posts
Wednesday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: 4 ways you can protect your credit score over the holidays. Also in the news: Giving Tuesday and beyond, why you should think twice before grabbing certain Black Friday deals, and the used cars with the best discounts on Black Friday. 4 Ways You Can Protect Your Credit Score Over the Holidays […]
Tuesday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: How to avoid checking account disasters over the holidays. Also in the news: Ideas for Giving Tuesday, where to find the best Black Friday cell phone deals, and the 7 highest paying jobs for men and women. Dodge Checking-Account Disaster Over the Holidays Be vigilant. 4 Ideas for Giving Tuesday 2016 Giving […]
President-elect Trump, save the CFPB
Ten years ago, bullies had taken over the playground. Financial service firms preyed on their customers with impunity: —Lenders made expensive, risky mortgages to people who couldn’t afford to pay the money back. —Credit card issuers foisted overpriced insurance and other add-on products on millions of unsuspecting customers. —Credit bureaus ignored evidence submitted by people […]
Monday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Is student loan debt really ‘Good Debt’? Also in the news: Banking moves to make next year’s holidays brighter, how to save big money when buying a used car, and how to find your Social Security earnings online. Is Student Loan Debt Really ‘Good Debt’? How to keep your good debt from […]
Q&A: Mixing family and finances
Dear Liz: I have a relative who is a certified financial planner. He suggested we invest in annuities from which he will make commissions. When I asked him about his commission amount, he said he doesn’t feel the need to disclose that information because the fees don’t come out of my investment, therefore making them […]