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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
Will Debt Depopulate The Planet Faster Than Zombies?
By: Howard Dvorkin
According to the population, recently polled 23,000 people in 17 countries and asked what factors make up “the good life.” The top five responses: good health, financial security, time, leisure, and more.
What America Regrets Most About Money
By: Howard Dvorkin
What’s your biggest financial regret from 2017? The answers were predictable, but not at the levels I was expecting. Respondents checked all that applied, which is why the total is more than 100 percent. Running up credit card balances, missing payments, letting debt go into collections, and more.
Recession 2018 Isn’t A Sure Thing, But A Recession IS Coming
By: Howard Dvorkin
Will we suffer another recession? 36 percent of Americans “believe another major recession may be in the cards for 2018.”
The Cheapest, Fastest, Easiest New Year’s Resolutions For Financial Freedom
By: Howard Dvorkin
What about those who struggle with debt? Well, if I’ve learned anything in two decades as a financial counselor, it’s this: Getting out of debt is much like getting rich. The best way to be successful is to let others do the work for you. Read more.
Ringing In The New Year With Recession 2018?
By: Howard Dvorkin
I hope I’m wrong about recession 2018. We have to survive 12 months of crushing personal debt to avoid another economic meltdown.
Holiday Debt Hangover: The Fear And Regret Begin
By: Howard Dvorkin
Holiday credit card debt may have you feeling like New Years Day…questioning choices and hungover. Spending too much always leads to buyers remorse
It’s The Most Dangerous Time Of The Year!
By: Howard Dvorkin
As a financial counselor, I can’t muster up a hot mug of holiday joy this time of year not when Americans are spending themselves into debt.
Why Your Marriage Will Last Longer The Less You Spend On The Wedding
By: Howard Dvorkin
I’ve seen too many marriages fail because of financial pressure. I’ve seen that pressure start with the vows. I’ve seen it start with the engagement ring.
Debt.com’s Latest Scholarship Winner Is Scared Of Student Loans
By: Howard Dvorkin
Mackenzie Weiss calls herself “an aspiring student with a lack of funds.” Sadly, that describes many high school seniors these days.
More Bad News For Recession 2018
By: Howard Dvorkin
If you’re furrowing your brow and thinking, “No way auto loans are going to be the tipping point ot another recession,” here are specifics from the CFPB.
Where Is The Outrage About Financial Literacy?
By: Howard Dvorkin
Teaching children financial literacy and about money will help them save more as adults. Yet another year goes by with nothing being done about it.
Dvorkin On Debt: What Do These Numbers Mean?
By: Howard Dvorkin
What do these numbers mean? These obscure statistics reveal big lessons and recently got me thinking that overspending is like a drug.







