| How bad is your debt?
Warning
signs of too much debt -- You can live with debt. The questions
are, how much is too much, and how can you tell? Late
with one creditor? All will punish you -- A trend in the
financial industry is for Company X to jack up your rates because you were late
to pay Company Y. Falling
behind? Call your mortgage lender -- If a job loss or other
financial crisis hits, don't hide from your mortgage company. Most would rather
work with you than foreclose. 15
signs you need debt-reduction help -- These signals let
you know it's time to call in a financial fitness expert. FAQ
about overwhelming debts -- When debt is rising out of
control, these tips will help you cope. Quiz:
Are you financially self-destructive -- These questions
will help you discover if your psychology sabotages your finances. Garnishment:
the unexpected pay cut -- If you don't pay your taxes,
child support or other debts, creditors can tap your paycheck. Dealing
with a debt collector -- They can try to collect legitimate
debts, but there are legal limits on how they do it. Men
and women spend and save differently -- The sexes exhibit
distinct gender traits when saving, investing and spending. 
Credit cards
Reading
credit card offer fine print -- The big letters on the
envelope may say "You've been approved!" but make sure you know what
you're agreeing to. Reading
a credit card statement -- Not knowing how to read it can
cost you money.
PLUS: Figuring
finance charges How
to cancel a credit card -- Be careful when closing an account,
or it may come back to haunt you. Borrowing
with lousy credit -- If at first you don't succeed, try,
try another lender. But expect to pay more.
Credit reporting
Why
you should check your credit report -- If you are applying
for a loan or credit, records of your previous dealings with borrowed money are
vital. Contacting
the credit bureaus -- Here are the addresses and Web sites
for the big three credit-reporting agencies. Can
you read your credit report? -- OK, you got your credit
report just as everyone says you should. Here's how to read it. 13
myths about credit reports -- When it comes to credit information,
what you think you know that isn't true can really hurt you. Correcting
errors on your credit report -- Follow these steps to get
errors removed from your credit reports. The
future of FICO -- A little three-digit number, practically
unknown a few years ago, keeps growing in importance for your finances.
8
steps to take if your identity is stolen -- This step-by-step
guide will help you clear your good name.
Debt-reduction
strategies
Making
a money-smart spending plan -- Do you fail every time you
try to budget? Then don't say the "B" word, which reeks of self-deprivation.
Say "spending plan" instead, and use it to help you get what you want.
Cash-out
refinancing: a way out of debt -- If your debt load is
getting too big, refinance your mortgage for more than you owe and pay down debt
with the difference. Tax
advantages of cash-out refinancing -- The big one is that
you can convert your debt into one that is tax deductible. Borrowing
from family -- It's uncomfortable, but sometimes it's your
only option. Here's how to get a loan from a relative without turning the family
tree into kindling. Some
credit counselors helping themselves -- Growing industry
attracting scam artists who rip off the vulnerable.
PLUS:
How
to pick a credit-counseling firm
AND:
How
debt management affects your credit
MORE:
What
to ask a credit counselor Cures
for post-holiday debt remorse -- 8 solutions for dealing
with your spending demons. 5
ways to improve your credit -- So, you've made mistakes.
These steps will help you restore the luster to your credit rating.
Advance
fee scams: The big con -- Vulnerable consumers are falling
prey to Canadian con artists promising loans to pay off debts and rebuild credit.
Good
debt vs. bad debt -- A mortgage is usually good debt. Buying
more clothes you don't need on credit is not. Monitoring
the credit monitoring services -- Can they protect your
credit, or do they just cost you money?
Credit
management home | 
