In the News

By: Forbes Finance Council | Source: Forbes

The signal-to-noise ratio is highest during the holidays, so a big spend on brand awareness won’t travel nearly as far. Unless your only busy season is the holiday season, spend just enough not to lose awareness among your competitors. Then ramp it up later when prices are cheaper and the market is quieter. Create your own brand awareness season with sales and education during the rest of the year.

By: Saundra Latham | Source: Cheapism

“If I had a dime for every time one of my clients asked me, ‘Should I buy silver or gold during a recession?’ I still wouldn’t buy or invest in silver or gold. Precious metals do skyrocket in value during recessions, but silver and gold don’t help you when you have bills to pay,”

By: Cassidy Horton | Source: AOL

“Nearly two-thirds of your credit score is determined by just two factors: payment history and how much you owe,” says Howard Dvorkin, CPA and chairman of Debt.com.

By: Declan Gallagher | Source: Men’s Journal

“Couples will talk about everything from where to live to how many kids to have—but too many still avoid talking about money,” “When credit card debt goes unaddressed, it doesn’t just strain a budget—it strains a marriage. Our survey shows younger generations are paying the highest price for staying silent.”

By: Gina Freeman | Source: U.S. News and World Report

“‘Learn about the government program the government doesn’t want you to know about!’ Why would the government create a program to help people and then keep it a secret? Avoid companies making such outlandish promises,”

By: Natalie Campisi | Source: Forbes

“Lenders are jittery people. They live with the constant worry that their customers won’t pay them back,” says Howard Dvorkin, certified public accountant (CPA) and chairperson of Debt.com

By: Gabrielle Olya | Source: GOBankingRates

“The internet is a great tool to find information — the problem is most people don’t know how to use the tool correctly when it comes to financial advice,”

By: Max Klaver | Source: Miami Herald

“A lot has to do with image,” he said, observing that South Floridians tend to “like fancy cars,” even if their checking accounts are dwindling.

By: Expert Panel, Forbes Finance Council | Source: Forbes

When you’re not feeling well and you go to the doctor, the first question is, “Where does it hurt?” The same thing happens with your debt. There’s no one cure for debt, so you need to study your budget—or create one if you haven’t already. If debt is stressing you out, consult a nonprofit credit counseling agency or a debt-solutions company. Both can diagnose the problem and recommend solutions.

By: Aly J Yale | Source: Money Watch

“What most people don’t realize is that it can cost thousands of dollars to go bankrupt,” says Howard Dvorkin, chairman of Debt.com. “It’s a court proceeding, and you need to hire a lawyer and pay filing fees.”

By: Gina Freeman | Source: U.S. News and World Report

“Of course, I’m asked all the time: ‘Why would my issuer agree to give me such a big break?’ The answer is simple. They don’t want you defaulting,” says Debt.com chairman Howard Dvorkin. “Then again, they don’t want you taking advantage of them. So, they work with nonprofit credit counseling agencies they trust.”

By: Gina Freeman | Source: U.S. News and World Report

“Hardship programs are best for cardholders who usually make timely payments but have suffered a one-time setback,” says Howard Dvorkin, chairman at debt solutions company Debt.com and a certified public accountant. “That could be an accident, illness or medical emergency that disrupts their otherwise solid finances. Short-term relief can give them enough time to get back on their feet.”