Howard Dvorkin is recognized as a consumer finance expert in the industry. As such, he regularly speaks to major media outlets and news networks about consumer finance. Browse Howard’s latest contributions here to see what Howard has to say about today’s top personal finance news topics. Or, if you’d like to quote Howard in an upcoming piece you’re working on or conduct a full interview, please email [email protected].
15 creative ways to save money
“When people think about do-it-yourself (DIY) gifts, their minds often wander to something underwhelming: a homemade card and an ugly knitted sweater,” says Howard Dvorkin, CPA and chairman of Debt.com. “But DIY can also be more valuable than any store-bought present. These can include a home-cooked meal and a total house or car cleaning.”
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The best way to pay off a personal loan: Our tips
Rewrite your budget to include the monthly loan payments. If your debt-to-income ratio is too high with the loan, reconsider taking out a personal loan.
“On-time payments, a good credit history and other factors like this can help in this process,” Dvorkin says.
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How to avoid debt relief scams, according to the experts
"Reputable debt-solving companies will always give you a free, in-depth debt analysis," says Howard Dvorkin, chairman of Debt.com.
"Never believe ads that guarantee to get rid of all your debts."
"Have they been around for at least a decade?" Dvorkin asks. "The longer they've been in business, the more likely they've done a good job."
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Do you know how deeply in debt you really are?
“Most of us have pretty good gut feelings about our own lives,” Dvorkin said. “We know when we’re in trouble, even if we don’t admit it to others. Debt isn’t just a number; it’s a disease that ruins your quality of life. It is like any other addiction. If you drink socially, even if you overdo it every so often, it's a problem you can handle on your own.”
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8 Eye-Opening Truths About Closing Your Credit Card While You Still Owe Money
"Closing a credit card with an outstanding balance is the worst thing you can do," says Howard Dvorkin, a certified public accountant and chairman at Debt.com in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. "It hurts you in so many ways and helps you in none."
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U.S. Credit Card Debt Reaches $1.14 Trillion High: Find Out 4 Reasons Why and What To Do Next
“With credit card interest rates hovering around 20%, that means you’re handing $1 to someone else for every $5 you charge. That’s a huge hit to your income for zero benefit. Unlike a mortgage or car loan, that interest isn’t putting a roof over your head or driving you to work,” says Howard Dvorkin, CPA and chairman of Debt.com.
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