Articles Index
State-by-State List of Statute of Limitations on Debt
Each state has its own statute of limitations on debt - the amount of time you can be sued for a debt.
Do You Have Too Much Debt?
Taking the time to determine whether or not you have too much debt can provide confirmation that you are doing things right or the realization that some financial changes are needed.
How to Dispute Credit Report Errors
You can remove credit report errors by submitting a a credit report dispute to the credit bureaus. Find out how to submit a credit report dispute to clean up your credit report.
Five Ways to Consolidate Debt
When your debt is spread out among several different credit cards, paying it off can be a long process. If you consolidate debt, you can combine your debt paying efforts and pay off your debt quicker.
Stop Debt Collector Calls
Debt collection calls are usually unwanted and can border harrassment. The FDCPA, a federal law, give you rights that help you stop debt collector calls.
How Does a Prepaid Card Work?
Prepaid credit cards are simply Visa, MasterCard, or American Express branded gift cards that are loaded with money and used as credit cards where credit cards are accepted.
A Background on Collection Accounts
How worried do you have to be about a call or letter from a debt collector or a debt collection on your credit report?
VantageScore Credit Score Overview
The VantageScore is a credit score created by the three credit bureaus. Instead of a 300 to 850 range, the VantageScore is on a scale from 501 to 990.
Understanding Credit Utilization
Credit utilization is the ratio of your credit card debt to credit limits. It has the second biggest factor influencing your FICO score.
Introduction to Credit
A basic understanding of credit is needed to make the best credit decisions. Find out the definition of credit and learn how lenders decide to give you credit.
How To Get A Free Credit Report From the Credit Bureaus
Step by step instructions for get a free credit report granted by the Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act.
Student Loan Forgiveness Programs
Student loans are a heavy burden for many college graduates. There are many student loan forgiveness programs that might eliminate some or all of your student loan debt.
Prioritizing Your Debt Payments
Some debts are more important than others. If you need help figuring out how to prioritize your debt, use this guide to put things in perspective.
How to Calculate Your Own Finance Charge
Here are detailed instructions to calculate your own finance charge. You just need to know the balance, interest rate, and billing cycle (if it's shorter than one month).
How to Get the Money to Get Out of Debt
Funding your debt plan might be hard if you depend on your current income. Here are some ways you can come up with extra money to get out of debt.
The Effects of Late Credit Card Payments
Missing a credit card payment may not seem like a big deal, but it definitely can be. Find out what your creditor does when you miss a credit card payment. Hint: the answer isn't "nothing."
How to Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck
Living paycheck to paycheck is an uneasy feeling since you're often worried about how you're going to make ends meet. Learn how you can stop living paycheck to paycheck.
How To Rent An Apartment With Bad Credit
Renting with bad credit can be easy or hard depending on where you're looking. Find out how to get around the credit check and rent an apartment even with bad credit.
What is a Credit Report and Why is it Important?
Your credit report contains details about certain financial accounts. Many businesses pull your credit report to see whether to approve or deny various; applications.
A Secured Credit Card Can Help Rebuild Bad Credit
If you have bad credit and find it hard to get approved for a credit card, learn how a secured credit card can help you re-establish your credit history.
Tax Form 1099-C For Reporting Cancelled Debt
When a lender cancels your debt, you may have to report this as taxable income on your federal income taxes, unless there is an exception. If you're required to report the cancelled debt, the lender will send IRS Form 1099-C to you.
Sample Pay for Delete Letter
Use this sample pay for delete letter to negotiate removal of negative collection accounts and charge-offs from your credit report. Customize the letter to fit your situation.
What is Debt Really Costing You?
When people think about the cost of debt, interest and fees immediately comes to mind. That's not the only price you pay for being in debt.
Your Credit Crisis Survival Guide
As credit card issuers slash credit limits and hike interest rates, the credit crisis is on nearly every consumer's mind. Though creditors and lenders make it tough, it's possible to survive the credit crisis.
Credit Card Piggybacking
Credit card piggybacking happens when you're added as an authorized user to someone else's credit card account, usually for the sole purpose of getting a better credit score.