Dealing with Bad Debt.
Posted on June 2nd, 2011
Having trouble paying your bills? Getting notices from creditors? Are your accounts being turned over to debt collectors? Are you worried about losing your home or your car?
You’re not alone. Many people face financial crises at some time in their lives. Whether the crisis is caused by personal or family illness, the loss of a job, or simple overspending, it can seem overwhelming. But often, it can be overcome. The fact is that your financial situation doesn’t have to go from bad to worse. If you or someone you know is in financial hot water, consider these options: realistic budgeting, credit counseling from a reputable organization, debt consolidation, or bankruptcy. How do you know which will work best for you? It depends on your level of debt, your level of discipline, and your prospects for the future.
Developing a Budget
The first step toward taking control of your financial situation is to do a realistic assessment of how much money you take in and how much money you spend. Star
Tags: Debt
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Credit Error? It Pays to Be on V.I.P. List.
Posted on May 27th, 2011
Sen. Dick Blumenthal wants explanations from the three credit rating bureaus about a New York Times report about a VIP list they allegedly keep that favors the rich and famous over everyone else. The Connecticut Democrat wrote a letter Monday to Experian, Equifax and TransUnion about the reported separate system in which errors and disputes are resolved faster and with more attention than with other consumers, who must rely on an automated system and outsourced customer support to clear up mistakes.”I am deeply troubled by the implication that your companies are neglecting the majority of consumers and providing preferential treatment for wealthy, famous or well-connected persons, and I ask you to confirm or deny these reports and provide more information on your dispute resolution process,” he wrote in the letter.
“An error-free credit report is vital to a consumer’s financial health, and consumers must be able to quickly resolve disputes and mistakes with the cooperation of the credit reporting bureau,” he wrote. “Every cons
Tags: List, Vip List
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10 Tips for Being a Better Negotiator
Posted on May 25th, 2011
Let me just admit that I am a bad negotiator. When money comes up in a job interview, my palms start to sweat. But I know that being able to negotiate will mean better incomes, paying less on future cars and homes, and put me a step ahead of those who arent willing to try. So, I do it, and you should too. Here are a few tips:
- Face your fear. You have a right to negotiate when discussing salary or buying big ticket items or services. And its a life skill you can’t afford not to have. Commit to trying and you may be surprised at the results.
- Do your homework. For salary discussions, know what people in the same position and area make. For cars and other items: know the going rate for the item you want.
- Talk to the right person. There is no use negotiating with a sales clerk or a potential colleague when higher-ups are the only ones who can make the call.
- Keep calm. Stay pleasant, friendly and direct. G
Chasing away the ghosts of debt with a range of debt solutions
Posted on May 17th, 2011
If rising debts are making you giddy, then you should try and get out of this problem. You may resort to cutting down on your expenses and saving enough to pay off your debts or you may also take the help of various debt solutions that are available. Debt solutions are professional debt relief options that you may opt for in order to get out of your debts. Which debt solution you pick out depends entirely on your discretion and the financial situation that you are in.
Two of the most common debt solutions are as follows.
1. Credit counseling: When you are going under debts, then the first debt solution that you must consider is credit counseling. Under this debt solution you are to approach credit counseling agencies and they will help you in managing your fiancés better. You will be provided with valuable advice as well as classes in order to educate you and enlighten you regarding money management. Read more…
Tags: Debt Solutions
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Good credit, Bad Credit or in between.
Posted on May 13th, 2011
Your credit score is a snapshot of the contents of your credit report on the day the score was calculated. Using objective impartial formulas to translate the contents of your credit report into a 3-digit score allows lenders to evaluate your application for credit in a faster, fairer and more consistent manner. Remember, the credit bureaus constantly update the information on your credit report so your credit score only represents the score a lender would receive at the moment when requested. If you have a high credit score lenders conclude that you are capable of repaying your debts allowing banks and lenders to offer you good interest rates and loan offers that are competitive. Lender offers will differ based on the information provided concerning your monthly income, employment history, and monthly debt and your credit score. This information determines whether you receive an excellent offer or just a good offer. Some cred Read more…
Tags: Credit
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Rethink Your Commute
Posted on May 11th, 2011
The average cost of a gallon of gas in America today is $3.963. With a pricetag like that, what better time to reconsider how you get around? It may seem next to impossible to cut down on your driving. But check out some small, easy changes that will cut costs, help the environment and more.
1. Get your carpool on. Find coworkers or classmates who live in your area and want to carpool once a week or more. Parents: talk to other parents about sharing rides to school and activities.
2. Bike it or hoof it. If you have plans or errands within a few miles of home, get a little air and save yourself some gas money: bike or walk instead!
3. Bundle trips. If you have to cross town tomorrow, think of other errands you could tackle in that area and save yourself another trip there next week.
4. Ride public transportation twice a week.
Make Mother’s Day Smart not Spendy
Posted on May 8th, 2011
Phones are about to start ringing across the nation. Cards are already flying off the shelves. People everywhere are reaching for their credit cards to buy candy, flowers and five star dinners they may not be able to afford to honor Mom on Mother’s Day. But gifts aren’t just about how much they cost. And there are lots of ways to make Mom’s day without overdoing it financially:
1. Go wild
. Take her out to do something you haven’t before: a yoga class, an antique fair, a pretty drive or a farmer’s market.
Cost: $0–$30
. 2. Be crafty. Frame a picture, make a card, write a song, paint something or make Mom a mixed CD—the possibilities are endless and you dont have to live nearby to do it.
Cost: $5–$20 3. Eat outside
. Plan out and pack a nice picnic (or buy a couple of deli sandwiches), grab a blanket and your mom, and head to the nearest park to eat and catch up. Cost: $10–$30