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The Minimum Payment on Your Credit Card Debt Might Not Be Enough: Here’s Why
By: Katie Teague | Source: CNET
“Credit card companies make more money when the minimum payment is lower, so more money goes towards the interest rate and less towards the principal,”
What To Do If You’ve Never Had a Credit Card but Are Considering One?
By: Yael Bizouati-Kennedy | Source: Go Banking Rates
“Don’t apply for them,” he said. “The interest rates are scandalous — up to 30%. That’s understandable, because the card issuers are taking a risk. But you’ll be better off doing something much more modest: Getting a secured credit card.”
4 smart ways to get out of credit card debt, according to experts
By: Aly Yale | Source: CBS News MoneyWatch
“A debt consolidation loan works best if your debts are stubborn but reasonable,” says Howard Dvorkin, chairman of Debt.com. “That’s because you need a strong credit score and history to secure a low interest rate. Otherwise, what’s the point?” “The downside is that it can take a few years to see results,” he says.
11 Mindsets That May Actually Be Hurting Your Financial Progress
By: KIPLINGER ADVISOR COLLECTIVE | Source: Kiplinger
“Many Americans are carrying balances on high-interest credit cards. This harmful money mindset can lead to long-term financial struggles. When individuals consistently carry balances, they accrue high-interest debt, making it harder to achieve financial stability. This not only drains resources but also perpetuates a cycle of dependency on credit, hindering savings and investments for the future.”
Does debt settlement hurt your credit?
By: Kate Underwood | Source: Consumer Affairs
“if you don’t address your debts, your credit score will plummet even faster and longer.” If you proceed with debt settlement, the debt will appear on your credit report as settled. It’s possible you could negotiate with the creditor to list it as “paid in full” instead of simply settled, which would improve your optics when future lenders view your credit report. “Taking a temporary hit to get out of debt is always better than slowly sinking into oblivion.” If you’re already in a risky financial situation, seek out the least damaging solution that helps you get back on the right track.
99 Cents Only Stores Clearance
By: Donna Fuscaldo | Source: AARP
“Stocking up on non-perishable items like canned goods, dry goods, cleaning supplies, and household staples can save a lot of money. These items typically have a longer shelf life and will last,”
How to get cash from a credit card
By: Ben Luthi, Melanie Pincus & Jasmin Baron | Source: CNN Underscored
“Sometimes, these offers only apply if you use the check to transfer a balance to that particular card,” “If you deposit the check into your bank account, you could be paying upwards of 20% interest plus fees.”
Red flags of peer-to-peer lending
By: Emma Woodward | Source: Bankrate
“If you’re fed up with bank fees, you’ll really hate P2P loans,” “On top of the interest rate you’ll pay, there’s the origination fee, which can be as low as 1 percent but as high as 8 percent. That’s much more than a bank or credit union will charge you for a personal loan.”
Tips for Couples Talking About Money
By: Adriana Morga | Source: Florida Realtors
“You should talk about money, lifestyle, goals and dreams,” he said. “Because (money) affects your dreams, and if you go into a relationship with debt, your dreams may be altered.”
How Baby Boomers Stay Free of Credit Card Debt
By: Heather Taylor | Source: Go Banking Rates
“They’re not usually the type to download the latest hot app, but they have become more comfortable with online budgeting programs that safely do the heavy lifting for you,” said Dvorkin. “Many banks and credit unions are also getting in on the act, offering many budgeting tools on their websites. There’s literally no excuse for not budgeting — because a computer will do the math for you.”
Are Adjustable-Rate Mortgages a Good Move Right Now?
By: Pete Grieve | Source: Money
“If you’re forced to take a loan out right now, it probably should be a variable, in my opinion,” says Howard Dvorkin, founder of Debt.com.
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Recent Columns
Does Debt Lead to an Early Death?
By: Howard Dvorkin
Stress can take years off of your life. Many relate stress to work, but what about debt? Debt-related stress isn’t any different.
You’ll Never Guess How Many Americans Know Budgeting Is Important
By: Howard Dvorkin
Results from one of our recent polls shows most Americans think a budget is important, and even better, most use a budget.
Recession 2018: What We Can Learn from Natural and Man-Made Financial Disasters
By: Howard Dvorkin
What do financial disasters and a man-made recession have in common? Not much, other than they’re both catastrophic to our finances.
What This High Schooler Learned While Applying For 96 Scholarships
By: Howard Dvorkin
“I have put in 250-300 hours to scholarship applications,” he says proudly, almost defiantly. “I have applied for approximately 96 scholarships now, and I plan to keep adding on to that number so that I can increase my chances of winning more money to reduce my college expenses.” Read more.
Here’s Why I Appreciate Debt Collectors
By: Howard Dvorkin
Are debt collectors evil people or a necessary evil? I’ll choose the latter. Debt collectors are just doing their jobs. Of course, some do it too enthusiastically — and even illegally.
You Won’t Believe How Much “Impulse Buying” Really Costs You
By: Howard Dvorkin
Americans love to impulsively buy frivolous items. But the amount we spend in impulse buying could end up tanking the economy – if we don’t slow down.
A Secret Look Into How The Credit Card Companies Try To Separate You From Your Money
By: Howard Dvorkin
When applying for a credit card, more Americans are interested in identity theft protection and keeping more money in their wallet.
How America Can Get Out Of Debt: Pay Everything Monthly
By: Howard Dvorkin
This payment schedule appears to cause several problems for homeowners and local governments; it can create financial challenges for households, increase tax delinquency, foster political opposition to the property tax, and requires governments to deal with irregular revenue inflows.
Buying A New Car? Avoid These Evil And Awful Fees
By: Howard Dvorkin
Buying a new car? Beware of car dealership fees. They’re a sneaky trick most car dealerships try to pull, but you can learn to avoid them.
3 Weird Financial Facts: Too True To Be Good?
By: Howard Dvorkin
A company called First Insight polled 1,000 Americans earning more than $100,000 a year and learned: “42 percent of affluent shoppers now frequently shop at discount retailers versus only 27 percent at full price retailers, with 36 percent saying their discount shopping has increased.”
Why You Should Avoid Bitcoin At All Costs (Hint: Because It Will Cost You)
By: Howard Dvorkin
First, borrowing against your home is risky — and frankly stupid. You’re betting your family’s future on a risky investment you can’t control. As Debt.com has reported before, a home equity line of credit can result in foreclosure if you don’t do it responsibly. Read more.
Debt.com Scholarship Winner Defeated Personal And Financial Demons
By: Howard Dvorkin
Learn how this scholarship winner got rid of her financial problems. Isabella McQueen is the latest winner of the Debt.com Scholarship for Aggressive Scholarship Applicants. McQueen grew up in New York. Her parents were teachers, but they had a lot to learn themselves about finances.