Debt Collection

What to Know when Debt Collectors Come Calling

Few things in life are more stressful than a call from a debt collector. After all, the feeling of being in debt is worrisome enough, especially if you’re having trouble making your monthly payments. And while you can’t simply make your debt disappear (paying down debt takes hard work, dedication, and a solid budget), you can learn to stress less when the phone rings. Here are six things to...

10 Ways to Un-Stress About Money

Let’s face it: Money can be stressful, especially when you’re dealing with high-interest credit card debt, cash flow issues, or an unexpected financial emergency. Unfortunately, there are no quick-fix solutions for most money woes (remember, payday loans and the like are NEVER good options!) – But that doesn’t mean that the situation is hopeless. One key to successfully dealing with financial issues? Keep your stress down. When your stress...

When Debt Collectors Call: Do’s and Don’ts

When Debt Collectors Call: Do’s and Don’ts When you get behind on your bills, few things are as stressful as a phone call or letter from a debt collector.  But while turning a blind eye to those calls and letters might seem like a way to ease the anxiety, you’re not doing yourself – or your credit – any favors.  The truth is, playing hard-to-get when a debt collector...

Predatory Lending Scams and Fast Cash Gimmicks to Avoid

Predatory Lending:  Scams and Fast Cash Gimmicks to Avoid It’s a sad fact that there’s always someone out there looking to take advantage of folks experiencing money woes or debt problems.  From short-term loans with astronomical interest rates to less-than-legit prepaid credit card offers, there’s no shortage of predators out there, just waiting to take advantage of people in tough financial circumstances. These scams and tricks promise financial solutions and...

Break Free From Your Money Rut

Stuck in a Money Rut? Here’s How to Break Free Ever feel like your money is just sort of . . . going nowhere?  It’s a feeling that can creep in when nothing’s really off track, finance-wise, but at the same time, you’re not really making progress toward any significant goals.  You’re not saving or paying down debt.  Your budget needs some adjustment.  You know you could probably be...

Financial Frenemies  

There are some things that money simply can’t buy.  You can’t purchase happiness or personal fulfillment.  There’s no way to put a price tag on compassion or caring.  The funds in your bank account can’t guarantee loving relationships or solid, caring friendships. But money can make relationships more complicated – especially if you’re surrounded by people who have less-than-healthy relationships with money.  And whether you have a friend who...

Return of the Living Debt!

What Everyone Should Know About “Zombie Debt” It’s been five years since that fateful day when you settled your outstanding balance for that gym membership.  You thought that old debt was long dead and buried.  You’ve started a new life; rebuilt your credit.  You’ve learned your lesson about irresponsible credit use.  Things are different now.   And then, one day, the phone rings.   It’s a debt collector ....