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debt collectors

Dealing with collectors? Here’s a free ebook to help

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dca-new-ebook-free-3DsmGetting calls from collection agencies, or spotting collection accounts on your credit reports, can be scary. You can deal with this, but not alone. Check out  “Debt Collection Answers: How to Use Debt Collection Laws to Protect Your Rights,” which is now a free ebook on Smashwords. You can get it here: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/520261.

Written by long-time consumer educators and advocates Gerri Detweiler and Mary Reed, this book will tell you what you need to know to deal with collection accounts and fight unethical collection agencies. Longtime readers of the column will recognize Gerri’s name, because she’s the person I turn to when I have questions about debt and debt collections.

Get the book and get started!

UPDATE: Gerri tells me some people have trouble downloading from Smashwords, so here’s another link:

http://www.debtcollectionanswers.com/buy-now.html

 

 

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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homebuyerToday’s top story: How buying a home can give your credit a boost. Also in the news: What really happens when you default on your student loans, why it’s important to protect your digital assets, and what happens to your budget when your parents move in.

How Buying a Home Can Help Your Credit
Your mortgage can give your credit a boost.

What Really Happens When You Default on Your Student Loans
Consider the consequences.

Forgetting Digital Assets Like Facebook Can Create Lawsuits After Your Death
While not tangible, digital assets have value.

The Financial Picture When Your Parents Move In
Your budget is about to change.

What To Do When Debt Collectors Start Calling
Deal with them head on.

Q&A: Forgiving credit card debt

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Dear Liz: Recently you wrote about debt being forgiven after seven years, but in your book “Deal With Your Debt,” I’m sure you said after four years credit-card debt is usually not collectible. Could you clarify? When I tell debt collectors about this, they merely laugh.

Answer: That’s understandable, because there is no forgiveness for most debt. It’s legally owed until it’s paid, settled or wiped out in Bankruptcy Court.

Each state sets limits on how long a creditor has to sue a borrower over an unpaid debt. Those limits vary by state and the type of debt. In California, credit card debt has a four-year statute of limitations. Creditors may continue collection efforts after four years; they’re just not supposed to file lawsuits.

Seven years is how long most negative marks, such as unpaid debts, can remain on your credit reports. Technically, most unpaid debts are supposed to be removed seven years and 180 days after the account first went delinquent.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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siblingsToday’s top story: The fear of outliving your retirement savings. Also in the news: Credit scores reach new highs, fun ways to teach your kids about money, and steps to protect yourself against credit fraud.

Big retirement fear: Outliving your savings
What you can do to prevent it.

Credit Scores Hit New Highs – But You Should Aim Higher
The higher the better.

4 Fun Ways to Teach Your Kids About Money
How to make teaching your kids about money fun.

9 Steps to protect against credit card fraud
Lessons from the Home Depot and Target breaches.

Help! 2 Debt Collectors Are Calling About the Same Debt
Twice the annoyances with none of the fun.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Zemanta Related Posts ThumbnailToday’s top story: What to do when debt collectors harass you for someone else’s money. Also in the news: Online tools to help manage your money, what the new FICO 9 credit score could mean for those about to apply for mortgages, and seven ways you’re misusing your credit cards.

Help! I’m Getting Debt Collection Calls for Someone Else
How to convince relentless debt collectors you’re not the person they’re looking for.

4 Online Tools to Manage Your Money in the 21st Century
There’s an app for that.

What FICO’s New Credit Score Formula Means for Home Buyers
The new FICO 9 could change your mortgage prospects.

7 ways you’re using your credit card wrong
Some of them may surprise you.

More seniors on hook for student loans
Over 700,000 families headed by someone 65 or older still carry student debt.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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130709154122-overdue-bill-debt-collection-620xaToday’s top story: Learn how to fight back against debt collectors. Also in the news: Finding the perfect retirement location, protecting your 401(k) from a market drop, and the best American cities to raise your family in.

How One Man Learned to Fight Back Against Debt Collectors
Don’t be afraid to push back.

How to pick the perfect retirement location
Getting the most for your retirement savings.

Here’s How to Protect Your 401(k) from the Next Big Market Drop
Avoiding damage from the next big downturn.

The Best Cities For Working Parents
Choosing the best place to raise your family.

Which States Give You More for Your Money?
A hundred dollars isn’t always worth a hundred dollars.