A collection agency is a company that can buy your debt and the rights to collect the owed money. If you are past due on a bill or bounce a check, the debt can be turned over to a collection agency and you are obligated to pay the debt and whatever fees to the collection agency. Read here for more about collection agencies and the obligations for paying your debt.
A Mom Shares Her Perspective
As a mom trying to teach an 18-year-old to manage his money, I think you were right on the mark with your advice to Jason. While I do think he shoul...
Ilyce Glink on WSB Radio – December 27, 2007
Ilyce Glink filled in today on the Clark Howard Show. As we move closer to the end of the year, it's important to make sure you've done everything you can to minimize what you'll pay in taxes. Make sure you've taken all of the deductions to which you're entitled, and opened up (and funded, if you can) any retirement accounts. Ilyce took questions about buying a foreclosed property with an IRS lien, negotiating with collection agencies, getting a student loan, and the Georgia Lemon Laws. Check out her show notes at her website, www.thinkglink.com/forum, and don't forget to sign up for her YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/expertrealestatetips.
Auto Tax Bill Thirteen Years Late
A collection agency sent a letter regarding a thirteen year old bill that they never received. Unfortunately, it looks like the bill and the interest needs to be paid because the bill was for a city tax. It is always your responsibility to pay taxes, even if you never receive the bill. Make sure you don't ruin your credit score and keep track of your responsibilities to pay property tax, car tax, and any other bills.
Bounced Check Sold To Collection Agency
A woman has a $29 bounced check that turned into $200 of fines to a collection agency. The collection agency then took the money -- and then some -- from her checking account. Since the implementation of Check 21, the new check processing law, all checks are digitized and settled through electronic transfer meaning that funds must be available when a check is written.
How Do Late Medical Bills Affect Credit Scores?
How will being late on my medical bills affect my credit score? If your medical bills go to a collection agency, it affects the "payment history" component in calculating your credit score. Other factors play into determining your credit history, but payment history is the largest one.
Credit Report Contains Liens, Bankruptcies And More
What can you find in your credit report? A credit report lists both good and bad credit items such as credit cards, liens and bankruptcies. Learn what bad credit items are and how to fix them on your credit report. If you don't understand something on your credit report an accountant may be able to help you.
Bad Credit: Pay Off Debt And Get Credit Counseling To Improve Credit Score
If you've got bad credit or are struggling to pay your bills, get credit counseling, get help paying off your debt to improve your credit score. Your credit score is your key to qualifying to buy a home, so you have to get rid of bad credit by paying off your debt to improve your credit score. If you can't seem to get a handle on your bills, working with a credit counselor can help you pay off your debt, improve your credit score and turn your bad credit into good.