Category: Borrow

Ask Stacy: If My Debt Is Sold to a Collection Agency, Do I Still Have to Pay It?

Stacy Johnson on April 20, 2018

The internet says there’s a legal loophole allowing you to dodge your debts. Here’s what I say.

1 in 4 Consumers Make This Costly Credit Card Mistake

Karla Bowsher on April 19, 2018

A lot of people with credit cards are making this key — and expensive — error.

The Top 6 Credit Cards to Use When Renting a Car

Karla Bowsher on April 18, 2018

Paying for a rental car with the right kind of plastic can spare you insurance costs — including future rate hikes.

The Easiest Way to Improve Your Credit Card Terms

Karla Bowsher on April 9, 2018

Credit card holders can benefit from higher limits, lower rates and waived fees. Yet, few try to get them. Here’s how to separate yourself from the crowd.

How to Avoid Missing Out on Travel Freebies

Karla Bowsher on April 6, 2018

About 1 in 3 consumers could be enjoying more getaways for less money. Find out how to avoid this mistake.

The 4 Simple Keys to My Flawless Credit Score

Stacy Johnson on April 4, 2018

My FICO credit score is a perfect 850. Here’s how I did it — without resorting to all sorts of tricky maneuvers.

2 Things You Must Weigh Before Tapping Record-High Home Equity

Karla Bowsher on April 3, 2018

Americans are sitting on more “tappable” home equity than ever. At the same time, borrowing is growing both costlier and trickier. Here’s the scoop.

2 Ways Your Favorite Credit Card Could Be Costing You

Karla Bowsher on April 2, 2018

Credit cards are a prime example of how being loyal to a brand or a company can hurt you. Here’s what you should do instead.

Saturday School: What Is Libor?

Money Talks News on March 30, 2018

Anyone who has shopped for an adjustable-rate mortgage has probably heard of a rate called Libor. Watch this video to find out what it’s all about.

Ask Stacy: Should I Cancel My Credit Card?

Stacy Johnson on March 28, 2018

If you’re not using a credit card, should you formally cancel it, or just throw it in a drawer and forget about it? The answer may surprise you.

Ask Stacy: What’s Considered ‘Excellent’ Credit?

Stacy Johnson on March 23, 2018

You know those with excellent credit get the best deals on mortgages, credit cards and car loans. But what does “excellent” mean?

Ask Stacy: What’s the Fastest Way to Pay a Mortgage?

Stacy Johnson on March 21, 2018

This reader wants to know if she’s too old to take on a mortgage — and if she does, the fastest way to pay it off.

7 Ways Your Rewards Credit Card Is Costing You Big Bucks

Allison Martin on March 13, 2018

So-called “rewards” credit cards can cost you a bundle if you aren’t careful. Weigh the following before signing up.

Half of Credit Card Users Admit to This Risky Behavior

Karla Bowsher on March 12, 2018

If you do this with a credit card, there’s a 1 in 3 chance you’ll get burned.

Ask Stacy: Should I Get a Reverse Mortgage?

Stacy Johnson on March 5, 2018

For some, reverse mortgages are a perfect way to get extra retirement income. But they’re not for everyone.

7 Painless Ways to Pay Off Your Mortgage Years Earlier

Marilyn Lewis on March 2, 2018

Here’s how to free yourself from your biggest debt faster than you would think possible.

10 Key Facts to Test Your Credit Card IQ

Maryalene LaPonsie on February 28, 2018

Know the answers to these common credit questions, or it could cost you.

Should You Use a Credit Freeze to Protect Yourself?

Ari Cetron on February 26, 2018

There are the conventional ways to protect yourself from data breaches. And then there’s the nuclear option — a credit freeze. Here are the pros and cons of each approach.