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We believe that the best way to solve financial problems is to prevent them. The
following articles are provided for your convenience. They are easy to read and
understand, and they contain helpful information which you can personally put
to use. When it comes to your finances, knowledge is power.
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Before making a mistake, take the time to educate yourself on thepitfalls of
settling your debts. Learn the advantages of debt consolidation througha debt
management program.
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| Bankruptcy Reform: |
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3/10/2005 6:42:55 PM WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) - The Senate on Thursday passed legislation that would overhaul the nation's bankruptcy laws, making it more difficult for consumers to erase debts.
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| Veterans Beware - Cash Advances on Military Pensions: |
VA Warns Veterans about Scam to Purchase Benefits. Acting Secretary of Veterans
Affairs (VA) Hershel W. Gober warned veterans about a financial scam that offers
lump-sum payments in exchange for monthly VA disability checks or pensions. |
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| Sub-Prime Lending, Predatory Lending - It's a Very Fine Line: |
Learn the difference between sub-prime lending and predatory lending, which is
a term often used to refer to certain abusive lending practices. The complex
debate over predatory lending has grown along with the subprime lending
market and the housing boom in the past decade. |
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| Stop Mortgage Fraud: |
The Mortgage Bankers Association of America, based in Washington, has launched
a consumer education campaign: Stop Mortgage Fraud. The Association offers
consumers a list of their rights in a mortgage transaction, the 10 warning signs of
a predatory lending, and a way to report illicit practices. |
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| Avoiding Credit & Charge Card Fraud: |
Credit and charge card fraud costs cardholders and issuers hundreds of millions of
dollars each year. While theft is the most obvious form of fraud, it can occur in
other ways. |
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| Choosing Credit Cards: |
Chances are you've gotten your share of "pre-approved" credit card offers in the
mail, some with low introductory rates and other perks. Many of these solicitations
urge you to accept "before the offer expires." Before you accept, shop around to
get the best deal. |
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How Many Credit Cards Should You Have:
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| Before you sign on the line for another credit card, read how creditors factor the number of credit cards, the available credit and the outstanding credit when determining your level of risk as a borrower. |
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| Credit and Divorce: |
If you've recently been through a divorce -- or are contemplating one -- you may
want to look closely at issues involving credit. Understanding the different kinds
of credit accounts opened during a marriage may help illuminate the potential
benefits -- and pitfalls -- of each. |
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| Credit Scoring: |
Ever wonder how a creditor decides whether to grant you credit? For years,
creditors have been using credit scoring systems to determine if you'd be a good
risk for credit cards and auto loans. Here's how credit scoring works in helping
decide who gets credit -- and why. |
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| If Your ATM or Charge Cards are Stolen: |
Many people find it easy and convenient to use credit and ATM cards. The Fair
Credit Billing Act (FCBA) and the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA) offer procedures
for you and businesses to use if your cards are lost or stolen. |
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| Identity Thieves: |
A lost or stolen wallet or purse is a gold mine of information for a new kind of
crook-the identity thief. |
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| Money Management: |
Financial freedom is something we're all working for, with each of us having
specific money matters that concern us most. Change your financial situation
now by taking action and start to truly create a life that is debt free. |
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| 66 Thrifty Ways to Save Money: |
Saving money doesn't have to be hard if you know where and what to look for.
From Airline Fares to Funeral Arrangements, you'll find at least one money-saving
tip! |
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| Loans - Your Home as Security: |
If you need a personal loan and are thinking about using your home as security,
you should know about a credit law that gives you extra time to reconsider the
loan agreement. |
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| Co-Signing a Loan: |
What would you do if a friend or relative asked you to cosign a loan? Before you
answer, make sure you understand what cosigning involves. |
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Using Your 401(k) To Pay Off Credit Card Debt Can Be Pricey:
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| The interest and taxes applied to borrowing against your 401(k) could cost you more money in the long run. Check here to see what you should look for before considering this option. |
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| Pay-Day Loans are Costly: |
"GET CASH UNTIL PAYDAY! . . . $100 OR MORE . . . FAST." The ads are on the radio,
television, the Internet, even in the mail. They refer to payday loans - which come
at a very high price. |
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| Credit Card Blocking: |
Have you ever been told you were over your credit limit, even though you knew
you weren't? If this happened shortly after you stayed in a hotel or rented a car,
the problem could have been credit card "blocking." |
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| What is Pre-Texting?: |
When you think of your own personal assets, chances are your home, car, and
savings and investments come to mind. But what about your Social Security
number and your bank and credit card account numbers? To people known as
"pre-texters," that information is a personal asset, too! |
