How can I build my credit if I have no credit? This reader wants to know how to go about buying a car and a home with no credit history. Q: I'm in the process of buying my first car (researching, calculating finances) and I wanted to ask what your advice would be as I [...]
How do you know if it’s worth it to refinance your mortgage? These homeowners want to know if they’re getting a good deal with their best offer. Q: When we bought our house, I read several of Ilyce's books and it not only empowered me to stand up to mortgage agents, it saved us tens [...]
In a 5-part series, Credit 101, Ilyce Glink, an award-winning personal finance columnist and CEO of the financial wellness platform Best Money Moves, details important information you need to know about your credit reports and scores. Create a myEquifax account (at www.myEquifax.com) to receive six free Equifax credit reports every 12 months. Watch [...]
Can you break a lease during COVID-19? This reader’s grandson rented an apartment near campus but fall classes are being held online. Q: In January, my grandson and three of his friends agreed to rent a 4-bedroom apartment near the campus starting in August, when school was supposed to resume. They signed the lease in [...]
COVID-19: unemployment and the mounting financial crisis. Understanding how people live paycheck-to-paycheck and the implications of extended unemployment. Q: In your recent column in the Washington Post, it was stated that “nearly 80 percent of Americans were living paycheck to paycheck before the pandemic…” I want to know how do you define living paycheck-to-paycheck when [...]
How can you help better protect yourself against identity theft? The Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic has presented new opportunities for identity thieves and other bad actors to use the stress of the current environment to their advantage. With no concern for your financial well-being, thieves can use stolen information to run up balances on credit cards or [...]
What happens to the economy when the PPP runs out of money? This reader wants to know how another rise in unemployment will impact the economy. Q: I tried to call in to WGN radio when Ilyce was on a couple of weeks ago. Do you think unemployment will skyrocket when the Paycheck Protection Program [...]
How can I get out of my underwater mortgage? If my mortgage is underwater and the home is in disrepair, can I let the bank foreclose and move on? Q: I am a widow in my 70s and my mortgage is underwater. In addition, the house is in need of much repair. Can I just [...]
Do I have to pay a buyer’s agent commission? This home seller doesn’t feel like the buyer’s real estate agent has done anything to deserve commission. Q: I am a seller who has an agent that claims he has a buyer for my property. He wants to do a pocket listing. I am absolutely outraged [...]
Why condo associations put up private property signs. This reader’s condo might put up private property signs and they’re wondering what it implies. Q: If our condo association posts “private property” signs, are there any implications? A: We’re not sure what you mean by “implications.” Your condo association, like any other private property owner has [...]
