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Ask Stacy

Ask Stacy: Is Peer-to-Peer Lending a Pyramid Scheme?

on January 31, 2018

Peer-to-peer lending is all the rage, and for good reason: It offers borrowers access to low-cost money and investors high-interest returns. But what if it’s all a Ponzi scheme?

Ask Stacy: Are We Heading Toward a Fiscal Cliff?

on January 31, 2018

Unless Congress acts, $600 billion of spending cuts and tax hikes will take effect in 2013. It could derail the economy and tank the stock market. This reader is worried about what’s going to happen. So am I.

Ask Stacy: Can I Protest Bad Marks to Improve My Credit Score?

on January 31, 2018

You can improve your credit history and score by disputing negatives. But there’s a catch…

Ask Stacy: Help! They’re Wrecking My Credit!

on January 31, 2018

“The man representing himself in court has a fool for a client.” This expression also applies to those representing themselves when dealing with collection agencies.

Ask Stacy: How Can I Watch TV Without Cable?

on January 31, 2018

Can you cut the cable and ditch the dish without sacrificing selection? Yes. And there’s more than one way to do it.

Ask Stacy: How Can We Lower Our Mortgage Payments?

on January 31, 2018

If you can refinance a $200,000, 30-year mortgage from 7 percent to 4 percent, you’ll end up $135,000 richer. But refinancing these days is a minefield. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could pick up the phone and call an expert for free help to get it done? As it happens, you can. Here’s some advice and an 800 number.

Ask Stacy: How Do I Stop Collection Agency Calls?

on January 31, 2018

This reader gets harassed by collection agencies seeking other people with the same name. But whether collection calls are legitimate or not, here’s how to make them stop.

Ask Stacy: Can I Drop My Health Insurance?

on January 31, 2018

In 2014, the Affordable Care Act will force insurance companies to insure everyone. So why not just drop your health coverage, pay the penalty, then buy insurance if you get sick? Check out this exchange on health care reform between me and a reader.

Ask Stacy: Can I Get Settled Debts Removed From My Credit History?

on January 31, 2018

You pay off a credit card debt by settling it for less than you owed. Problem solved? With the debt, yes. With your credit score, no. Here’s how to destroy debts without destroying your score.

Ask Stacy: How Can I Destroy High-Interest Debt?

on January 31, 2018

This reader is tired of fighting a 15 percent interest rate and can’t transfer the balance to a lower-rate credit card. Are they out of luck?

Ask Stacy: Can I Get Paid to Put an Ad on My Car?

on January 31, 2018

We’ve all seen cars wrapped with ads. Is it possible you can get paid to drive one? Or better yet, get a new car and a check?

Ask Stacy: Do I Have to Pay Taxes If I’m Not in the US?

on January 31, 2018

You’d think that if you’re living abroad and earning all your money from a foreign company, you wouldn’t have to file a U.S. tax return or pay U.S. income taxes. Unfortunately, you’d be wrong.

Ask Stacy: If I Settle a Debt, Do I Have to Pay Taxes?

on January 31, 2018

Having debt you can’t pay is taxing. But as it turns out, walking away from your debts can be even more taxing. Thinking of debt settlement? Read this first.

Ask Stacy: Is the Authorized User on My Credit Card Hurting Me?

on January 31, 2018

If you let someone else use your credit card as an authorized user, it can help them establish credit. But does that tie their credit to yours?

Ask Stacy: Should I Buy Facebook?

on June 3, 2026

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg is about to become the richest 27-year-old on the planet. Can owning a piece of his burgeoning business make you richer too?

Ask Stacy: Can I Trust Your Ads?

on January 31, 2018

Nearly all free media, including Money Talks News, is supported by advertising. If the ad appears on a trusted website, does that make the advertiser trustworthy?

Ask Stacy: Can I Get My Sister Off My Credit Card?

on January 31, 2018

We’ve all done it, or at least been asked to: let someone less responsible share our credit by co-signing a loan for them or adding them to our credit card account. Here’s what to do when you need the party to end…

Ask Stacy: What If I Owe the IRS and Can’t Pay?

on January 31, 2018

Tax Day is here, and midnight is the deadline. If you’re running late, you have options – but most require filing something today. If you owe and can’t pay, don’t ignore it. Here’s what to do.

Ask Stacy: Should I Get Started With Stocks?

on January 31, 2018

To those on the outside, the stock market can resemble a roller coaster combined with a casino. Is it worth taking a ride?

Ask Stacy: Can I Blog for Bucks? Can I Avoid PMI?

on January 31, 2018

Today we answer a couple of questions, including how to make extra money blogging and how to avoid paying for private mortgage insurance.

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