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Applying for a credit card, payment plan, or loan of any kind can be a scary process. The paperwork to apply for the loan is long and complicated. Worse still you have to wait and worry about whether they'll approve the loan. Keeping your credit report clean is the easiest way to make applying for a loan easier. Make sure you avoid these red flags on your credit report. Cosigned…

A statute of limitations prevents legal action after a certain amount of time. In the United States, debt collectors typically have between three and ten years to file suit against you. If they do not file within that timeframe, they lose the right to pursue repayment in court. These laws help ensure that debt collection occurs within a reasonable amount of time. Without them, companies could wait decades before…

The term "zombie debt" refers to any old debt that has suddenly "come back to life" to haunt you. Essentially, these are debts that everyone agrees are too old to collect. If you didn't pay a bill last decade, and no one took you to court over it, then the debt is too old to pursue. If a collection agency contacts you to collect on that old debt, the…

Recent research shows that one in five Americans has a mistake on his or her credit report. Inaccurate information can create financial hardships that you do not deserve. Just one mistake could make it impossible for you to qualify for low-interest credit cards, mortgages, and other types of credit. If you find a mistake on your credit report, you need to submit a dispute to have it removed. Experian,…

Research from Encore Capital Group and the Urban Institute show that about 77 million Americans have debt in collections. That's a whopping 35% of American consumers who have credit files with any of the three major bureaus. Having an account in collections can do serious damage to your credit report and rating. If an agency is trying to collect money from you, it's nearly impossible to secure low-interest credit…

American outstanding debt currently stands at $16 trillion. It’s said that in only 7 generations, banks would own every facet of our lives if this scary number continues to rise. Part of the reason why this number is so high is credit card debt, which currently is estimated to be about $15,000 per person. In addition, the United States Federal Reserve System estimates that as of July last year,…

A credit score, also known as a FICO score, is a three digit numerical number that highlights your spending and borrowing habits as it relates to credit. This is an important number that you need to guard with your life because it can play a huge role in determining whether you’ll be approved for a car loan, that nice apartment you’ve been eyeing and more. In this post, we’ll…

Many couples fight about money. If these fights happen at least once a week, however, that couple has a 30% greater chance of getting a divorce. The worst part? Even a divorce won’t necessarily put an end to fights about money. Here’s a rundown of many common divorce-related financial issues, as well as some effective strategies: Understanding Your Complete Financial Picture Ideally, your divorce is amicable. If you can…

Is the economy improving? Despite what general trends may indicate, the only economic measure which really matters is how you’re doing personally. Since 2008, foreclosures have been an on-going issue for millions of Americans. Even today, many homeowners are still feeling the effects of the turbulent housing market. If you’re one of these homeowners, we’re here to help. If you’re faced with the potential loss of your home, you…

Is there any phrase more universally hated than “hidden fees”? While you should always read the details of any financial contract, doing so is certainly no guarantee you won’t be hit with unexpected charges. Many companies try to hide behind confusing legal language to add fees or charge your interest. But just because you’re charged a fee doesn’t necessarily mean you’re required to pay it. Fees and interest can…