The average American has more than $9,000 in credit card debt. While having a credit card isn’t a bad thing, letting credit card debt pile up over time can place an enormous strain on your finances. Take a look at the articles, Q&A’s, blog posts and videos we have linked to this topic for ideas on how to handle credit card debt and your personal finances.
Using Home’s Equity To Pay Off Credit Card Debt
A homeowner has already used her home's equity to pay off credit card debt. Now the credit card debt is run up again but she needs a home equity loan to pay for home repairs. Credit counseling might be in order to get the credit card debt under control before this homeowner thinks about home improvements.
Negotiating Repayment Of Credit Card Debt
Negotiating repayment of credit card debt can impact your credit score and your tax bill. One problem with offering credit card companies less than what you owe them is that you may have a hefty tax bill because the IRS views the settlement as "phantom income." If you negotiate and settle with your creditors, be prepared to pay the tax bill the following year. You should also - as part of your final agreement - get the credit card company to report your balance as "paid as agreed" or "paid in full."
Use Cash Savings To Pay Off Credit Card Debt
If you've found yourself in a situation with a large amount of credit card debt and cash on hand, take the cash to pay off the credit card debt. While it might be nice to think you have a cushion of cash for an emergency, there's no point in paying high credit card interest rates when you have the cash to pay it off. If you simply pay off the debt, and then start to "repay" yourself with the savings, you'll quickly replenish your cash savings.
Real Estate Minute: Credit Card Debt Rising
Real Estate Minute with Ilyce Glink Credit Card Debt Rising Original Air Date: August 15, 2006
In-Laws Headed For Bankruptcy Court
What can you do when a family member's finances are out of control? Sitting down and discussing numbers can help when you learn a family member has significant credit card debt and out-of-control spending habits.
Finding A Low Rate To Reduce Credit Card Debt
Lowering credit card debt is a noble objective for all of us. Maybe you need to switch credit cards? Finding a new credit card is a good move if your old credit card has high interest rates and stiff fines. Here's how to find a good credit card and what to watch out for.
Canceling Credit Cards Affects Credit Score
Canceling open lines of credit may hurt your credit score. There are a couple of ways that canceling a credit card account can hurt your credit score. Part of your credit score is based on how long you've had credit accounts opened. So, a credit card with a zero balance that has been opened for 20 years will help your credit score more than a credit card account that has only been opened 6 months, 2 years, 5 years, or even 10 years.
Losing My House to Creditors
Should I declare bankruptcy? I've got a ton of credit card debt and I'm worried that my creditors will put a lien against my house. I don't want to lose my house. What should I do?
Charged Off Credit Account
What does it mean if creditors put "charged off" on your account? This is a negative reporting that could severely hurt your credit score. A collection agency can pursue you for debt that has been charged off. While it is legal for them to pursue you, they have to live within the rules of the Fair Debt Collection Act.
Closing Credit Card Account Properly
A person wants to know how to pay off a credit card and guarantee that there is no remaining balance. Ilyce advices once you get your next statement, call the credit card company and verify that if you pay the balance on the statement you will be able to pay off the balance in full. Then, write a check to pay off the card.