Category: Borrow
Stop and Think: How Much House Can You Really Afford?
Stacy Johnson on August 15, 2017A house is a big investment. Here’s how to figure out if you can afford the one you want, and what to do if you can’t.
The 3 Most Common Credit Card Fees — and the Keys to Avoiding Them
Karla Bowsher on August 11, 2017The vast majority of credit cards charge these fees — and they’re steep. Find out how to banish them from your statements for good.
Ask Stacy — How Can I Rebuild My Credit After a Bankruptcy?
Stacy Johnson on August 11, 2017Starting out or starting over: Not easy, maybe, but simple.
Ask Stacy — How Can I Get a Higher Limit on My Credit Card?
Stacy Johnson on August 4, 2017This reader wants to increase his credit line to build his credit, but his bank isn’t cooperating. The solution is simple …
Ask Stacy — Can I Really Get a No-Cost Mortgage?
Stacy Johnson on July 28, 2017Some mortgage lenders claim you can refinance to a lower rate at “no cost.” Don’t believe them.
6 Simple Steps to Giving Your Teen Credit
Angela Colley on July 25, 2017Here’s the safe and sane path for parents to help teenagers to financial responsibility.
9 Dumb Ways to Borrow Money, and 4 Better Options
Marilyn Lewis on July 24, 2017Of all the ways to waste money, giving it to someone like a high-interest lender, pawnbroker or loan shark is one of the worst. Here are loans to avoid, and some better alternatives.
6 Ways to Get Your Official FICO Credit Score for Free
Marilyn Lewis on July 22, 2017You can now see the same credit information that lenders, insurers and landlords use to evaluate you. But you must know where to look if you want it for free.
Ask Stacy — 8 Tips to Get Credit When You Don’t Have Any
Stacy Johnson on July 14, 2017This young reader wants to know how to deal with a common credit conundrum: How are you supposed to build a credit history when you keep getting turned down for lack of a credit history?
Credit Scores Hit New Highs — Learn How to Boost Yours
Karla Bowsher on July 11, 2017The average FICO credit score continues to climb. Here’s what is behind the trend — and what you can do to boost your own credit score.
7 Reasons Your Card Will Be Declined (and How to Avoid It)
Angela Colley on July 11, 2017Used to be, exceeding your limit or spacing out your bill were about the only ways your plastic would be rejected. Not anymore.
Beware This Common Retail Credit Card Promotion
Karla Bowsher on July 7, 2017Many shoppers fail to understand deferred-interest financing. Here’s how to avoid being surprised by the terms of a store credit card.
What to Do If Debt Collectors Come Calling — Even When You Don’t Owe Money
Jim Gold on July 5, 2017You can turn the tables on aggressive debt collectors. You may even get a lawyer to fight for you for free. Here’s what you should know — even if you have no outstanding debts.
Mortgage Down Payments — How Low Should You Go?
Karla Bowsher on July 5, 2017The traditional mortgage down payment of 20 percent is dying out. In fact, many buyers put down next to nothing. Here’s how to determine the best route for you.
How the Latest Credit Report Changes Impact Your Score
Karla Bowsher on July 5, 2017Some negative information is being removed from consumers’ credit reports starting this month.
Student Loan Rates to Jump This Weekend
Karla Bowsher on June 30, 2017College costs continue to rise, and will jump again on Saturday. Consider whether expenses like loan interest are worthwhile, and explore these alternatives.
The Best Credit Cards for Insuring Your Rental Car
Karla Bowsher on June 29, 2017How you pay for a rental car directly affects whether you end up wasting or saving hundreds of dollars, if not more. So choose your plastic wisely.
5 Lies Credit Repair Companies Tell (and How to Fix Your Score on Your Own)
Maryalene LaPonsie on June 27, 2017Credit repair companies promise the sun and the moon, but they may instead be taking you for an expensive ride.
Is It OK to Retire With Debt?
Marilyn Lewis on June 20, 2017Some money experts argue that retiring with certain kinds of debt is not such a bad thing. But their advice doesn’t necessarily apply to the average retiree.
Should Your Credit Card Retire When You Do?
Karla Bowsher on June 15, 2017Using credit cards in retirement can give you a surprising number of financial options during your golden years.
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