Archive for 'Credit & Debt'

How Misplaced Priorities Lead to Lame Excuses
Jan 12, 2012 - We can complain and make excuses, but our spending habits reveal our priorities in life. When we're in a tight spot, it's usually because we've misplaced our priorities.

Ask Stacy: How Bad Are Old Unpaid Bills?
Jan 10, 2012 - Those old delinquent debts have long faded from your memory. But now that it's time to buy a house, will potential mortgage lenders forget about them too?

4 Steps to Take as Soon as You Say ‘I Don’t’
Jan 04, 2012 - Breaking up is hard to do – but you can at least make the money part easier. Remember these financial steps during your divorce, and a tough time will go much smoother.

Ask Stacy Followup: My Credit History Reappeared!
Jan 03, 2012 - About a month ago, a reader wrote to report that her credit history had been accidentally wiped out by TransUnion. It's back now, and there's a lesson in it for all of us.

10 Tips to Reducing Credit Card Debt in 2012
Dec 30, 2011 - Looking back at 2011, it seems like 2012 will mean more credit card spending. That means more credit card debt if you're not careful.

5 Credit Card Predictions for 2012
Dec 29, 2011 - Credit card reward programs are an ever-shifting landscape. Here's are some trends to watch for in 2012.

What to Watch For When Your Bank Merges
Dec 28, 2011 - If you haven't had your bank merge with another in your lifetime - well, you haven't lived all that long. If it hasn't happened to you yet, it will. Here's what you need to know to protect yourself.

Study Shows Why We Spend More with Plastic
Dec 23, 2011 - Everyone knows you spend more using a credit card than cash. And everyone thinks they know why. Think again.

How Banks Are Taking a Cut of Charitable Giving – and 6 Ways to Avoid It
Dec 22, 2011 - Your credit card issuer profits off every transaction – even when you donate to a nonprofit. Here's how to make sure more of your money is getting to the people who need it.

Credit Reports Get More Personal – What to Do
Dec 21, 2011 - Credit reporting is no longer just about whether you've paid your mortgage and credit cards on time. New reports include everything from late rent to cell phone bills.

What I Learned From Last-Minute Holiday Shopping
Dec 21, 2011 - It's not the last minute yet, but it's getting close. If you still have holiday gifts to buy, you could pay a lot more for them if you wait any longer.

5 Ways to Avoid Losing Your Credit Cards – and What to Do When It Happens Anyway
Dec 20, 2011 - Lost credit card claims climb 19 percent during the holidays. Here are some steps to prevent lost credit cards and what to do when it happens to you.

Online Spending Higher With Credit Than Debit
Dec 16, 2011 - Want to spend less? One way might be to trade in your credit card for a debit card.

Denied For a Credit Card? 5 Steps to Get Your Bank to Change Its Mind
Dec 15, 2011 - Don't let a bank's computer get away with a bad decision about your good credit. Give them a call and offer them a good reason to change their mind. If you have a high credit score and a good payment history, they probably will.

5 Tips for Saving on Cosmetic Surgery
Dec 14, 2011 - The cost of cosmetic surgery isn't pretty. Here are some simple ways to save before going under the knife.