Credit counseling
and bankruptcy
The
basics of bankruptcy -- You don't want to declare bankruptcy.
But if you must, do it right. What's
coming in new bankruptcy law -- Congress will once again
take up changes in the bankruptcy law. What will it mean for consumers?
How
to pick a credit-counseling firm -- You're going to be
letting them handle your money. Choose wisely. 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 Advance-fee
scams: The big con -- Vulnerable consumers are falling
prey to Canadian con artists promising loans to pay off debts and rebuild credit.
Monitoring
the credit monitoring services -- Can they protect your
credit, or do they just cost you money? 
After the damage is done
Borrowing
with lousy credit -- If at first you don't succeed, try,
try another lender. But expect to pay more. 5
ways to improve your credit -- So, you've made mistakes.
These steps will help you restore the luster to your credit rating.
Why
you should check your credit report -- If you are applying
for a loan or credit, records of your previous dealings with some else's money
are vital. Can
you read your credit report? -- OK, you got your credit
report just like everyone says you should. Here's how to read it. Correcting
errors on your credit report -- Follow these steps to get
errors removed from your credit reports. Contacting
the credit bureaus -- Here are the addresses and Web sites
for the big three credit reporting agencies. 13
myths about credit reports -- When it comes to credit information,
what you think you know that isn't true can really hurt you.
How deep is your debt?
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. Good
debt vs. bad debt -- A mortgage is usually good debt. Buying
more clothes you don't need on credit is not. Quiz:
Are you financially self-destructive -- These questions
will help you discover if your psychology sabotages your finances.
Dealing with too much debt
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.
Cures
for post-holiday debt remorse -- 8 solutions for dealing
with your spending demons. 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. 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. 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.
Love and debt
Men
and women spend and save differently -- The sexes exhibit
distinct gender traits when saving, investing and spending. Debt
and marriage: a dangerous mix -- These strategies will
help you work through debt without ending up in divorce. 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.
Know your 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 Understanding
secured cards -- If you have never had credit or are trying
to rebuild it, you can buy your way to a better credit rating by responsibly handling
a secured card. How
to cancel a credit card -- Be careful when closing an account,
or it may come back to haunt you.
Credit
management home | 
