All Articles

5 Ways to Get Rid of Debt Stress
Thilini Wijesinhe

March 19, 2023

Debt stress can affect your health and well-being. Learn about 5 proven ways to get rid of debt stress and take control of your finances.

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Who Can Access Your Credit Report?
Erik J. Martin

March 19, 2023

Certain entities can access your credit report, and they don’t always need your permission. Find out more here.

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How to Cope and Consolidate Your Credit Card Debt When Unemployed
Rebecca Lake

March 12, 2023

Unemployed with credit card debt? Here are ways to manage it: contact creditors, apply for aid, budget, avoid adding debt, and consider consolidation

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What Is The Difference Between a Credit Report and a Credit Score
Miranda Marquit

March 8, 2023

Your credit report and credit score are different, but closely related. Learn how one affects the other.

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Debt Relief vs. Bankruptcy: What’s Right for You?

Understanding debt relief vs bankruptcy. Debt relief or bankruptcy can help you get out of debt. Which is better: bankruptcy or debt relief?

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How to Use a Secured Credit Card and Build Credit
Karen Cordaway

March 8, 2023

Secured credit cards can help you start building or rebuilding your credit in a matter of months. Discover how they work here.

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How to Dispute Your Credit Report
Jane Meggitt

March 8, 2023

Errors on your credit report can make it harder to qualify for a loan. Learn how to detect and dispute errors on your credit report.

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What is a Financial Emergency and How to Deal With One
Richard Barrington

March 8, 2023

Learn how to prevent abrupt financial emergencies from turning into a long-term financial problem.

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Which Debt Should You Pay Off First?
Thilini Wijesinhe

March 7, 2023

You can become debt-free by choosing a debt to start with and the repayment strategy that works for you. Check out our expert guide to learn more.

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Best Apps to Payoff Credit Card Debt
Thilini Wijesinhe

March 7, 2023

Paying down debt isn't easy, but it doesn't have to be hard either, particularly if…

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Debt Consolidation Programs: Debt Consolidation Loans and More
Gideon Sandford

March 7, 2023

There are many types of debt consolidation programs that can help improve your financial health, including balance transfer cards and debt settlement plans.

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How Long Does Debt Relief Take?
Richard Barrington

March 7, 2023

All debt relief takes time, but debt settlement generally gets your credit back on track faster than bankruptcy. Learn more here.

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When Can You Use a Credit Card Forbearance Program?
Miranda Marquit

March 5, 2023

Credit card forbearance can offer temporary relief when you’re struggling. Find out more about how a forbearance program can get you back on your feet.

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How to build credit in 3 steps
Gina Freeman (Pogol)

February 26, 2023

Building (or rebuilding) credit is easier than you think. Follow our guide, build a great credit score, and pay less for everything you finance.

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What Happens To Unpaid Credit Card Debt After 7 Years
Aaron Crowe

February 16, 2023

Unpaid credit card debt may fall off your credit report in 7 years, but you may still have to pay it. Find out what your rights are.

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What is the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act - FDCPA?
Rebecca Lake

February 16, 2023

Get an angry call from a debt collector? Learn how to use the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act to stop the harassment.

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How to Negotiate Your Credit Card Debt
Gina Freeman (Pogol)

February 16, 2023

Our expert shares effective techniques for negotiating credit card debt and putting it behind you.

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Does Unemployment Affect Your Credit Score?
Erik J. Martin

February 16, 2023

Americans are dealing with unemployment and the financial impact during the coronavirus outbreak. Find out…

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Does Paying Off Your Credit Cards Help Your Credit Score
Rebecca Lake

February 15, 2023

Paying off credit cards can help your credit scores in the long run. However, there are some situations where credit cards can hurt your scores if you're not careful.

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Is a Credit Card Secured or Unsecured Debt?
Miranda Marquit

February 15, 2023

Sometimes it’s a good financial move to plunk down your own cash for a secured credit card (you’ll get your money back). Our expert explains.

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How To Respond To A Court Summons For Credit Card Debt
Gina Freeman (Pogol)

February 12, 2023

If you receive a summons for credit card debt, it’s in your best interest to respond and not ignore it. Learn more about what to do when you get a court summons.

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Debt Validation Letter - How to Validate a Debt
Richard Barrington

February 12, 2023

When should you validate a debt? When a debt collector contacts you, respond within 30 days or they may assume the debt is legitimate. Learn how to validate a debt.

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7 Tips to Help You Pay Off Credit Card Debt
Karen Cordaway

February 7, 2023

Credit card debt can be overwhelming. Learn to crush it with these tips.

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Sued for credit card debt: Learn the steps to protect yourself
Richard Barrington

February 7, 2023

Even when they sue, credit card companies often settle for much less than what they’re owed so the right strategy can save you a lot of money.

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Can You Get An Emergency Loan With Bad Credit?
Gina Freeman (Pogol)

February 7, 2023

If you need cash fast, an emergency loan is one solution and you can qualify even with bad credit. Learn about your options.

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Zombie Debt: Don’t Let It Rise To Bite You
Gideon Sandford

February 7, 2023

If an old debt threatens to claw its way out of the past to haunt you, you might not have to pay it. Our expert explains.

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How to Get Out of Credit Card Debt Without Paying: 3 Strategies
Rebecca Lake

January 23, 2023

Getting rid of credit card debt without paying anything is very rare, but you might be able to repay less than the full amount. Our expert explains.

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Emergency Loans - Are They Available?
Richard Barrington

January 23, 2023

Find an emergency loan that can get you through a crisis and get you back on track to get your finances in order. Emergency loans can be available quickly and easily...

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Pros and Cons of Using a Personal Loan to Pay Off Credit Card Debt
Rebecca Lake

January 23, 2023

What are the pros and cons of using a personal loan to pay off credit card debt? Quicker payoff time and lower interest rates are great benefits, But if you are...

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Is it a good idea to use a 401(k) loan to pay off your credit card debt?
Peter Warden

January 23, 2023

Should you pay down your credit card debt using a 401k loan? Discover the pros, the cons and the alternatives.

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How to Settle Credit Card Debt When Lawsuit Has Been Filed
Gina Freeman (Pogol)

January 15, 2023

It's possible to settle debt even after a lawsuit has been filed. Answer the summons. Then negotiate. And never skip your court date.

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How To Get Out of Credit Card Debt Without Ruining Your Credit
Thilini Wijesinhe

January 8, 2023

Find out the best ways to pay off your credit cards while improving your credit score.

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What Happens to Credit Card Debt When You Die?
Gideon Sandford

January 8, 2023

Worrying about your estate and planning for the future is important.

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Can You Go To Jail For Credit Card Debt?
Rebecca Lake

January 8, 2023

Carrying credit card debt won't lead to jail time, even if you default. However, you could face other legal action if you fail to pay.

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Should You Consider Filing for Credit Card Debt Bankruptcy?
Gina Freeman (Pogol)

January 8, 2023

If you’re overwhelmed by creditor phone calls, collection letters, or lawsuits, filing for bankruptcy forces your creditors to suspend collection activity. You cannot legally...

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Credit Card Debt Lawyer: Should You Use One?
Gina Freeman (Pogol)

January 8, 2023

Debt lawyers specialize in law concerning the collection of debt. If you loan money to someone, you may use a debt lawyer to file a lawsuit to collect it.

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Is An Authorized User Responsible For Debt?
Richard Barrington

January 8, 2023

Authorized users can use an account with the responsibility to pay. Read this to find out how it works.

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How to Deal with a Frozen Bank Account
Rebecca Lake

December 25, 2022

A frozen bank account can be the result of numerous things, including suspected fraud, unpaid debts, or illegal activity. Learning that your bank account is frozen can be a little unnerving

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How to Read Your Credit Card Statement
Peter Warden

December 25, 2022

Reading your credit card statements can help you manage your money. Your statement will tell you when your interest rate or terms will change. Key details include...

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Credit Card Debt Forgiveness For Disabled: Does It Exist?
Rebecca Lake

December 18, 2022

There are no federal credit card debt forgiveness programs for people with disabilities. Creditors can sue you for unpaid debt. Still, they may be unable to collect on the judgment.

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How Often Does Your Credit Score Update?
Peter Warden

December 15, 2022

Your credit score is updated every time a lender or creditor provides new data to the credit bureaus.Your credit score changes based on the most recent data and…

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How to Deal With Overdraft and a Negative Bank Account
Erik J. Martin

December 7, 2022

Significant consequences can result from having a negative bank account, including fees. You can fix a negative account by transferring money from another account, avoiding transactions with the overdrawn account, and other strategies.

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How to Refinance Credit Card Debt
Richard Barrington

December 7, 2022

Learn how to refinance credit card debt and whether you should choose a balance transfer, debt consolidation loan or another method to…

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Why is My Credit Score Different on Different Sites?
Rebecca Lake

November 29, 2022

Credit scores are fluid. They can change over time and what you see on one site might not be reflected on another.

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How Many Credit Cards Should You Have?
Richard Barrington

November 22, 2022

How Many Credit Cards Should You Have? Either too many or too few credit cards could cost you. Handling credit responsibly is more about how you use your cards than...

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Why Did My Credit Score Drop?
Richard Barrington

November 10, 2022

Did you check your credit and ask, “Why Did My Credit Score Drop”? Learn 10 reasons why your credit score can suddenly drop and…

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How Does Consumer Credit Counseling Work?
Rebecca Lake

November 10, 2022

When you need help with budgeting and debt, you may turn to consumer credit counseling. Credit counselors look at your financial situation and propose solutions...

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What Is Debt Resolution?
Rebecca Lake

November 9, 2022

When debt becomes overwhelming, there are different approaches you can take to manage it. Debt resolution is one option you might consider to avoid bankruptcy.

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How to Write a Debt Settlement Letter
Rebecca Lake

November 9, 2022

A well-written debt settlement letter is crucial to the debt negotiating process. You should outline the details of the debt-settlement offer and the terms...

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What Is the Lowest Credit Score?
Peter Warden

November 7, 2022

While very rare, the lowest possible credit score is 300. However, any credit score under 500 is low and under 580 is sub-prime. A low credit score can…

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