Finance Globe

U.S. financial and economic topics from several finance writers.

5 Simple Tips for Tackling Credit Card Debt

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When credit card debt has you down and you don’t know what to do next, it’s time to formulate a strategy. Once you better understand your situation and the steps you can take, it’s much easier tackle credit card debt in a highly efficient and effective manner. Here are five simple tips that anyone can follow: Make more than the minimum payment when possible. This isn’t always easy to do, especially if you have more than...
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Frank
I would organize your financial situation as much as you can and put together a viable plan. If could be a long plan (5+ years), b... Read More
Monday, 25 September 2017 17:44
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What’s the Problem with a Low Credit Score?

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A low credit score (also known as a bad credit score) isn’t the end of the world. Even if you have a low score, it doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t live the life you want in regards to your finances. However, as time goes by, you’ll come to realize that a low score is impacting you in a variety of ways. Here are five issues that could come to light: Loan denial: Lenders look at many...
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Frank
Thanks for the info Chris. A low credit score really only hurts you. If you have a low credit score now, make a goal this year to ... Read More
Wednesday, 27 February 2019 15:34
Wanderer
One method to help improve credit scores is to keep your credit utilization under 30% and some schools of thought even take it to ... Read More
Monday, 11 March 2019 07:39
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Watch Out for These Five Dangers of Overspending

Watch Out for These Five Dangers of Overspending
Credit and debit cards make it so easy to make purchases, but they also make it easy to overspend. You can go on shopping sprees without ever leaving the comfort of your home. You can pay bills with the click of button. Unless you’ve told your bank not to process overdraft transactions, they won’t stop you from spending more than what’s available in your checking account. And if you’re short on funds and have decent credit,...
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Frank
before I was married, I overdrafted all the time. Now my finances are in a much better position.
Friday, 30 June 2017 15:29
Guest — Benjamin Franklin
This also helped me in my finances
Monday, 17 February 2020 03:15
Wanderer
This Blog lays out well how we do get into trouble! Brings back memories and what I need to watch. Do not want to walk the road to... Read More
Friday, 06 March 2020 18:04
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How to Build a Good Credit Score Without Racking Up Credit Card Debt

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Many people have made the mistake of thinking building a good credit score requires that you go into debt, but that's not actually true. Unfortunately, charging up high balances in an attempt to build your credit score can backfire. If you ever fall behind on a payment or two, you can wind up with worse credit and a mound of debt that takes years to pay back. While borrowing money is part of building credit -...
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Getting Your Credit Back on Track After Bankruptcy

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Filing bankruptcy can affect your credit more than almost anything else, but that doesn't mean you should avoid bankruptcy if it's the best solution to get your finances back on track. Bankruptcy can be the perfect opportunity to start over and rebuild your credit. Here's how you can do it. Make sure your bankruptcy is reported correctly. Order copies of all three of your credit reports. You can use AnnualCreditReport.com if you haven't already received a...
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Frank
Very helpful information! I hope everyone can get back on track from bankruptcy.
Thursday, 31 October 2019 10:06
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Why Debt Collectors Check Your Credit Report

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Debt collectors do several things to try and collect debts from you. If you've ever had an account in collections, then you're already aware of the phone calls, letters, and placing the debt on your credit report. They also pull your credit report to get more information on you. Unlike most other businesses, debt collectors don't have to ask for your permission before they check your credit report. Credit reporting law automatically allows collectors to check...
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Frank
debt collectors can be the absolute worst, keep an eye on them!
Thursday, 31 October 2019 10:07
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What Things Can Make Your Credit Score Drop

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Your credit score is an important number to keep up with, especially if you have a major loan coming up. For example, if you're planning to buy a house or car in the next few months, your credit score affects whether you're approved for a loan and the terms. Your credit score also impacts whether you have to pay a security deposit when you apply for utilities and similar services. Credit scores go up and down...
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Wanderer
This writing covers well the factors of credit. Would add that there are many schools of thought on closing accounts ranging from ... Read More
Thursday, 15 August 2019 20:12
Frank
I agree that accounts for the most part should not be closed.
Wednesday, 28 August 2019 11:00
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How Long is Debt Valid?

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If you're dealing with multiple debts on your credit report or you're getting calls and letters from debt collectors, you may wonder if the debt is still valid. Debts generally don't "go away" just because they get older. However, older debts do reach a period where they should no longer affect you or your credit. There's a one time limit that a debt can be listed on your credit report and another for the amount of...
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Wanderer
Learned a lot in this Blog! WOW! Reminds me of "tip toeing through the tulips" as you need to be ever so careful! Many legals to w... Read More
Saturday, 10 August 2019 07:00
Frank
I had no idea debt was valid for this long! Great information!!
Monday, 26 August 2019 13:37
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Three Things You Should Do When You Suspect Identity Theft

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A suspicious charge on your credit card. Calls from collectors about accounts you didn't know of. Alerts of new inquiries on your credit report. These can all be signs that someone has stolen your identity. Confirming identity theft can take time. But if you think someone may be using your personal information, you want to prevent them from leaving more damage for you to clean up. Here's what you should do if you think your identity...
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Frank
credit monitoring is a must. It doesn't 100% protect you, but it definitely helps limit your risk and your downside.
Monday, 26 August 2019 13:37
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5 Things to Know About Building Credit for the First Time

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Building credit for the first time can be both exciting and stressful. On the plus side, you’re ready to take this big step in your financial life. Conversely, you have some concerns about the moves you’re making and the short and long-term impact. Here are five things to know about building credit for the first time: 1. It’s Every Bit as Important as it Sounds Don’t talk yourself into thinking this isn’t important. Even if you...
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