debt

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

September 18, 2013 By Liz Weston

Dealing with debt collectors, surviving natural disasters, and getting the best deals on car insurance.

How to Figure Out Who Your Debt Collector Is
Know who’s behind the incessant phone calls.

If Your Finances Feel ‘Complex,’ It’s Probably a Bad Sign
If sorting through your finances requires a Ph.D, chances are you’re in deep trouble.

4 New Online Money Management Tools Worth A Try
New tools that can make your financial management time more productive.

What you need to know about applying for FEMA disaster assistance
As natural disasters spread across the United States, FEMA is prepared to help.

Do You Have the Right Car Insurance?
Don’t miss out on the best deal for you vehicle.

Does charged-off debt disappear?

September 12, 2013 By Liz Weston

Dear Liz: I understand that creditors eventually write off unpaid debts and receive a federal tax deduction for the loss. Then they sell that “debt” to a collection agency. However, isn’t the debt rendered void by the fact the original creditor charged it off and got the deduction? So how can collection agencies attempt to collect an invalid debt?

Answer: Charging off a debt and taking the tax deduction for the loss indicates the original creditor doesn’t believe it can collect the money. That doesn’t render the debt invalid or erase it in a legal sense. Debts typically exist until they are paid, settled or wiped out in Bankruptcy Court.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

September 11, 2013 By Liz Weston

Which debts you should settle before applying for a mortgage, what to glean from your free credit report, and why crowdfunding is no longer just for opening a new coffee shop.

The Right Way to Pay Off Debt to Get a Mortgage
Which debts you should pay off before trying to get a mortgage.

The Ten Commandments of Personal Finance
Ways to avoid financial confession.

4 things you don’t know about 529 plans
What you should know before withdrawing funds from the popular college savings program.

5 lessons from free credit score notices
Things to keep in mind while reviewing your free credit reports.

Crowdfunding for Student Loan Debt?
Could the Kickstarter method be used to paid down student loans?

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

August 20, 2013 By Liz Weston

The Benefits of Financial Therapy
Could talking to a therapist help your financial woes?

5 Mistakes You Make When Managing Your Debt
The necessary strategies for managing your debt.

7 Ways To Be A Good Financial Role Model
Setting a good financial example for your kids.

Don’t get ripped off by credit card skimming at gas pumps
Avoiding financial and identity theft at the pump.

Credit score killers
How to beat these credit score slayers.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

August 13, 2013 By Liz Weston

The pros and cons of becoming an estate executor, why you shouldn’t procrastinate when it comes to paying your bills, and what to do when you have too many credit cards.

Should you become the executor of someone’s estate?
Serving as an executor can be both an honor and a nightmare.

Smart financial tips for college students
How to avoid the all-too-common pitfall of collegiate credit card debt.

Are you a financial procrastinator? Six mental hurdles to overcome
Waiting until the very last minute can create a risky pattern of financial behavior.

How to stay clear of online scams
Don’t let scammers deter you from enjoying online bargains.

I Have Too Many Credit Cards. What Do I Do?
Finding the best ways to utilize your credit.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

August 1, 2013 By Liz Weston

Debt collectors are spying on creditors through social media, what consumers can learn from Detroit, and is it time to become the boss?

Are Debt Collectors Stalking You Online?
That friend request you just accepted might not be someone interested in playing Candy Crush with you.

3 Personal Finance Lessons Learned From Detroit’s Bankruptcy

Control your debt before it takes control you.

6 Ways to Prepare for Unexpected Financial Events
Expecting the unexpected could be the thing that pulls you through.

5 Basic Money Errors Retirees Make
From giving away money to relatives, to not keeping a budget, these mistakes can tarnish your golden years.

Making the Jump to Self-Employment
Are you ready to become your own boss?