Saving Green: Paperwork
Check It Out
Jun 09, 2008 - The average American family throws away about a ton of paper every year. So if you can figure out a way to put less paper in your trash, you could figure out a way to put more of it in your wallet.
Ask Stacy: 8 Tips to Get Credit When You Don’t Have Any
Check It Out
Dec 31, 2010 - This young reader wants to know how to deal with a common credit conundrum: How are you supposed to build a credit history when you keep getting turned down for lack of a credit history?
7 Things a Credit Card Can Do That a Debit Card Can’t
Check It Out
Oct 12, 2010 - Credit cards have become an easy target for Congressional grandstanding and regulations, but beneath the widely criticized rates and fees lie many good benefits that are usually hidden in the fine print.
Ask Stacy: Should I Apply for a Credit Card to Get a Store Discount?
Check It Out
Oct 08, 2010 - This reader wants to know if applying for a credit card to get a store discount is a good idea. The answer? That depends. There are 3 reasons you shouldn't apply for store credit cards - and 3 you should.
10 Top Tips For Free Identity Theft Prevention
Check It Out
Oct 07, 2010 - Identity theft is on the rise, and so are the price tags for services that protect you from it. But expensive services rarely offer any protection that you can't achieve yourself for free.
Consumer Tips for Automated Banking
Check It Out
Oct 05, 2010 - Last month Chase's online banking was down for a few days - if that happens with your bank, what about your automatic bill payments? Proper protocol for online banking...
8 Reasons You Should Love Credit Cards
Check It Out
Aug 05, 2010 - Paper or plastic? That used to be what the cashier asked when bagging your groceries. These days the same question could apply about paper money vs credit cards. Here are eight reasons why plastic is the right answer.
Smart Uses for Credit Cards
Check It Out
Sep 17, 2008 - There are a few situations where using your credit card has some distinct advantages over paying with cash.
What You Need to Know About New Overdraft Rules
Check It Out
Jul 07, 2010 - If you have a checking account, you now have a choice to make about overdraft protection. Read this, then decide.
Traveling Overseas? Pack the Proper Plastic
Check It Out
Apr 21, 2010 - When it comes to fees, there are some cards you'd really rather leave home without. Here's a look at some of the best... and worst... cards for international travel.
The True Cost of Bad Credit
Check It Out
Jan 25, 2010 - Find out how many points your credit score will drop if you make one of these common mistakes.
Hate Your Bank? 3 Steps to Ditch ‘Em
Check It Out
Dec 04, 2009 - There are still places you can get free checking with lower fees. And switching doesn't have to be a hassle.
Borrowing Without Bankers
Check It Out
Sep 10, 2009 - Websites like Prosper.com allow you to skip the bank and get a loan from an individual willing to lend.
Facing Foreclosure? Turn The Tables On Your Bank
Check It Out
Jul 20, 2009 - With more and more homeowners falling behind on their mortgages, many are seeking help in unconventional ways.
How Much Is A Trillion Dollars?
Check It Out
Jun 11, 2009 - Just how much is a trillion dollars? A lot more than you think it is.
Better Budgeting With The Web
Check It Out
Mar 17, 2009 - While battling the family budget is nothing new, there are new weapons out there that can help you win the war. Can free technology make you a budget winner?
Checking Out Tax Professionals
Check It Out
Feb 26, 2009 - If you'll be getting help with your taxes this year, you probably want to make sure its the best help around. Here's a few tips to make sure your choice for a paid tax professional adds up.
3 Ways To Improve Any Credit Score
Check It Out
Feb 11, 2009 - Trying to increase your credit score? Here are the 3 best ways to improve any credit score.
Why Your Credit Score May Drop Soon
Check It Out
Jan 30, 2009 - New banking decisions in the midst of a recession mean even responsible borrows may see their credit scores drop.
How To: Save More Money
Check It Out
Jan 19, 2009 - Trying to save more money this year? We asked a professional credit counselor for the best advice to save more money.
Avoiding Overdraft Fees
Check It Out
Oct 13, 2008 - It's hard to live without a checking account. But it's also hard to live with the fees you can rack up if you overdraw it.
How to Screw Up Your Savings
Check It Out
Jul 09, 2008 - If you've got a retirement plan at work, stocks, mutual funds or other types of investments, you're already well on your way to savings-land. But, there are 5 common mistakes that will quickly steer you off track, definitely cost you money and potentially screw up your savings for good.
Formalizing Family Loans
Check It Out
Jun 25, 2008 - There are few people who haven't considered a loan from a family member. But before you tread this potentially perilous path, consider getting some outside help.
How To Save More Money
Check It Out
Jun 25, 2008 - You know you made yourself a promise to to do better both physically and financially this year. Well, we've got some tips to beef up that bank account.
Super-Secret Budgeting Tips
Check It Out
Jun 25, 2008 - Among the most common New Years resolutions is to sticking to a budget. If that sounds familiar, you'll appreciate this expert guidance on tracking the family finances.
Negotiating With Your Lender
Check It Out
May 13, 2008 - Knowing how to negotiate with your lender can save you tons of money.
Is Your Bank Safe?
Check It Out
Oct 01, 2008 - The FDIC just released a list of more than a hundred troubled banks. Is yours one of them? More importantly... should you care?Archive for 'Credit & Debt'
Ask Stacy: How Do I Diversify My Credit Portfolio?
Check It Out
5 days ago - To have the best possible credit score, it's a good idea to have more than one type of credit. But how do you go shopping for different types of loans
5 Tips to Pay off Your Debt
Check It Out
Mar 15, 2011 - The average person with active credit still owed more than $4,000 at the end of last year. If you're carrying any debt, check out these expert tips for paying it off before the holidays come back around.
Ask Stacy: Should I Sign For My Fiance’s Car Loan?
Check It Out
Mar 04, 2011 - Mark's getting married soon, but in the meantime, his fiance needs a car. Which one of them should sign for the loan?
Ask Stacy: When is it OK to Walk Away?
Check It Out
Feb 25, 2011 - This reader is unemployed, has a home that's seriously underwater, and has $35,000 worth of credit card debt that she can't pay. What would you advise?
The Average American Debt? Over $10,000
Check It Out
Feb 10, 2011 - The recession may be easing up, but three new reports show that Americans still average five digits in debt and collection abuse is soaring.
Ask Stacy: Can I Make Money at Home?
Check It Out
Feb 18, 2011 - One reader wants to find a legitimate work-at-home job, and another wants to know if taking out a credit card will help her rebuild her credit history.
7 Sneaky Ways Lenders Scope You out
Check It Out
Feb 02, 2011 - Used to be that the only thing a bank or other potential lender would look at before deciding whether to offer or refuse you credit was your credit report and score. Not anymore...
How to Get a Free FICO Credit Score
Check It Out
Jan 31, 2011 - Fair Isaac, creators of the most popular credit score, recently raised the price to see FICO scores by 25 percent. Here's how to see it free.
Ask Stacy: I Need Help With Debts Other Than Credit Cards!
Check It Out
Jan 21, 2011 - Lots of agencies out there are falling all over themselves to help you with your credit card debt. But why are so few willing to tackle other stuff?
Finding Help With Debt
Check It Out
Jan 19, 2011 - In this economy, more people than ever are resolving to find help getting out of debt. And there's a lot of help out there, both good and bad: Learn to tell the difference.
5 Steps To a Debt-Free Life
Check It Out
Jan 12, 2011 - Paying off debt is always one of the most popular New Year's resolutions, and one of the hardest to accomplish. But combine a little commitment with this advice, and maybe you'll finally pull it off this year.Ask Stacy: 8 Tips to Get Credit When You Don’t Have Any
Check It Out
Dec 31, 2010 - This young reader wants to know how to deal with a common credit conundrum: How are you supposed to build a credit history when you keep getting turned down for lack of a credit history?
Ask Stacy: Pre-Qualified for a Refinance – Should We Bite?
Check It Out
Dec 03, 2010 - What would you do if you got unsolicited mail saying you're qualified for a special government program and pre-qualified for a special mortgage rate? Here's what I'd do.Investing vs Paying Credit Card Debt
Check It Out
Jun 12, 2008 - If you've got savings and debt, should you use your savings to pay off your debt? Or is investing your savings a better plan?
Home Equity vs Line of Credit
Check It Out
Jun 09, 2008 - While the credit crunch has made borrowing for or against your home more difficult, home equity loans and lines of credit remain popular for those with equity. Stacy Johnson explains what these loans do and if you should consider them.
Credit Counseling vs Debt Settlement
Check It Out
Jun 09, 2008 - You've seen the ads: credit counseling companies say they can help by getting your payments and interest rates lowered. Others claim they can get your debts wiped out entirely by settling them for pennies on the dollar. Money reporter Stacy Johnson takes an inside look at these companies.
Defending Against Debt Collectors
Check It Out
Sep 29, 2008 - Americans now carry more than 2-trillion dollars in debt, and as that figure grows, so does the debt collection industry's revenues. But just because you owe money, doesn't mean debt collectors can treat you like a doormat.Smart Uses for Credit Cards
Check It Out
Sep 17, 2008 - There are a few situations where using your credit card has some distinct advantages over paying with cash.How to Screw Up Your Savings
Check It Out
Jul 09, 2008 - If you've got a retirement plan at work, stocks, mutual funds or other types of investments, you're already well on your way to savings-land. But, there are 5 common mistakes that will quickly steer you off track, definitely cost you money and potentially screw up your savings for good.Formalizing Family Loans
Check It Out
Jun 25, 2008 - There are few people who haven't considered a loan from a family member. But before you tread this potentially perilous path, consider getting some outside help.How To Save More Money
Check It Out
Jun 25, 2008 - You know you made yourself a promise to to do better both physically and financially this year. Well, we've got some tips to beef up that bank account.Super-Secret Budgeting Tips
Check It Out
Jun 25, 2008 - Among the most common New Years resolutions is to sticking to a budget. If that sounds familiar, you'll appreciate this expert guidance on tracking the family finances.
Cutting Debt: Tips From Pros
Check It Out
Jun 25, 2008 - Was one of your resolutions to pay off some debt this year? Here are some tips to pay off that debt from a few of the pros...
Changing Your Credit Score
Check It Out
Jun 12, 2008 - If you borrow money, you probably know that your credit score is important. The company behind credit scoring, Fair Issac, recently announced changes in the way they'll soon be doing it.
The Death of the Wallet
Check It Out
Jan 26, 2009 - Smart phones, like the iPhone or Google's Android, are becoming so advanced that they can already replace many of the things in your wallet, but in a few years they'll replace your credit cards, too.How To: Save More Money
Check It Out
Jan 19, 2009 - Trying to save more money this year? We asked a professional credit counselor for the best advice to save more money.
How To: Create a Budget
Check It Out
Jan 16, 2009 - Every year you start a budget. And every year you give up after a few months. What's up with that? Let's see if we can develop a budget that actually works...
How To: Reduce Your Debt
Check It Out
Jan 14, 2009 - We got advice on reducing debt from a consumer credit counselor whose only job is to help people get out of debt.
How To: Find Financial Help
Check It Out
Jan 12, 2009 - How can I lower my debt? How can I increase my savings? Wouldn't it be nice to know who to ask?.
6 Ways to Build Credit in College
Check It Out
Oct 06, 2008 - The average college student now graduates with more than $2,000 in debt. Obviously, keeping a clean credit history and a high credit score isn't part of the regular curriculum.
Prepaid Credit Cards Costly
Check It Out
Sep 14, 2009 - Prepaid credit cards are convenient, but high fees make them a costly choice.Borrowing Without Bankers
Check It Out
Sep 10, 2009 - Websites like Prosper.com allow you to skip the bank and get a loan from an individual willing to lend.
New Rules for Credit on Campus
Check It Out
Aug 27, 2009 - A new law will make it harder for credit card companies to market to college students.
Dealing With Debt: Debt Settlement
Check It Out
Aug 04, 2009 - Maybe you've seen the ads: go to a debt settlement company, cut your debts in half. Is it for real?
Dealing With Debt: Bankruptcy
Check It Out
Jul 29, 2009 - This year, estimates are that nearly 500,000 Americans will file for bankruptcy. It's one way to deal with debt, but who should file and how does it work?Dealing With Debt: Credit Counseling
Check It Out
Jul 28, 2009 - You see it advertised: cut your interest rates in half, get help paying off your debts. Can credit counseling help you deal with debt?
Are Credit Card Protection Plans Worth It?
Check It Out
Jul 17, 2009 - Protection plans will make your payments if you loose your job, but are they worth it?
Selling Gold By Mail Doesn’t Pay
Check It Out
May 25, 2009 - We sent equal lengths of gold chain to three different mail-in gold purchasers (Cash4Gold, TurnGold2Cash and GoldKit). Guess how much they offered us...
The Credit Card Bill & You
Check It Out
May 20, 2009 - President Obama just signed a law bringing sweeping reform to the credit card industry. Here's a look at what it does for you.
Mortgage Help: To Pay or Not to Pay?
Check It Out
May 16, 2009 - If you're one of the millions of Americans who needs mortgage help, the good news is that there's plenty out there. The bad news is getting the right help isn't easy.The True Cost of Bad Credit
Check It Out
Jan 25, 2010 - Find out how many points your credit score will drop if you make one of these common mistakes.
4 Reasons Budgets Fail and How to Make One That Won’t
Check It Out
Jan 22, 2010 - 4 reasons most budgets fail and how you can make one that doesn't
How Ron Dealt with Debt: Bankruptcy
Check It Out
Jan 21, 2010 - A heartbreaking, personal story from just one of the 1.4 million Americans who filed bankruptcy last year.
Should You Consider Debt Settlement?
Check It Out
Jan 19, 2010 - Debt settlement, an industry plagued by controversy, promises to rid you of your debt. But is it worth the cost?
Free Budgeting Spreadsheets
Check It Out
Jan 19, 2010 - There is no end to the list of budgeting spreadsheets you can find online, but for those with a copy of Microsoft Excel, here are a few budgeting spreadsheets you can download for free.
Help With Debt: Credit Counseling
Check It Out
Jan 18, 2010 - If you need help getting out of debt, here's where to find it.Tips for Applying for a Credit Card
Check It Out
Jan 14, 2010 - When you're shopping for credit cards, it pays to know which type of consumer you are.
Step One in Destroying Debts: Creating a Goal
Check It Out
Jan 11, 2010 - Goal setting is the single most important thing you can do to reduce debt.
Debit or Credit?
Check It Out
Sep 23, 2009 - The question used to be “paper or plastic?". Now the question is "debit or credit?".
Viewer Question: If I Settle a Debt, Do I Have to Pay Taxes?
Check It Out
Feb 15, 2010 - Most people don't realize it, but when you're unable to pay your bills, you've got more to worry about than damage to your credit score. Because your creditor's not the only one involved when you avoid repaying part or all of a debt through debt settlement, foreclosure or any other sort of forgiveness. You've also got Uncle Sam to worry about.
Imprisoned by Debt – 5 Escape Plans
Check It Out
Feb 04, 2010 - This reader has $40,000 of credit card debt and having trouble making payments. If you're in a similar situation or know someone who is, take a look at the 5 options to deal with debt. Warning: None are painless, and all will result in varying degrees of hassle and heartache
Viewer Question: I’m Drowning in Debt. Can You Help?
Check It Out
Feb 01, 2010 - If you're drowning in debt with no hope of recovery, it's time to get help. NOW.
Viewer Question: Who Do I Turn To For Credit Help?
Check It Out
Jan 27, 2010 - Need help with your credit? The way to find it isn't by looking at ads. Because the most trustworthy credit counselors are rarely the most heavily advertised. If you need help, read on.
Viewer Question: How Do I Get A Free Credit Score?
Check It Out
Jan 27, 2010 - If you can navigate the minefield of misleading ads, you might be able to find a free credit report. But you still won't be able to get a free credit score. Here's why.
Transferring a Credit Card Balance: A Good Idea?
Check It Out
Jan 27, 2010 - More consumers are now considering a balance transfer due to the rising interest rates on their existing cards. But is this a good idea?
Confessions of a Serial Haggler
Check It Out
Feb 10, 2010 - Most people negotiate on super-expensive things like cars and houses. But for many, that's where the haggling stops. It shouldn't. Negotiating for better deals on everything from cable bills to doctor visits isn't just rewarding: it can be fun. Check out this story on how to do it right.
