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.
Real Estate Minute: Boomers Facing Debt Problems At Retirement
Real Estate Minute with Ilyce Glink Boomers Have Never Met a Debt They Didn’t Like and That’s A Problem When it Comes Time To Retire Original Air Date: October 6, 2006
Real Estate Minute: Start the Christmas Fund Now
Real Estate Minute with Ilyce Glink Start the Christmas Fund Now Original Air Date: September 14, 2006
Credit Scores Matter More And More
Like it of no, your credit score matters. A few bad financial mistakes made in your early 20s can haunt you for the next decade or more. Credit score has become the key driver in the financial world. Creditors will decide whether to grant you credit and how much you'll be charged based on your credit score. And, insurance companies will decide whether to allow you to purchase various forms of insurance, and how much you'll be charged, based on your score.
Credit Counseling Before Bankruptcy
If you are considering bankruptcy, before you file you should talk to the credit card company to see if they are willing to settle your debt for some amount that is less than you owe. If they know your only other option is to file for bankruptcy, they may be more willing to settle the debt. After you've sat down with a credit counseling service, you may have a better idea of what your options are and how you need to proceed.
Real Estate Minute: Credit Card Debt Rising
Real Estate Minute with Ilyce Glink Credit Card Debt Rising Original Air Date: August 15, 2006
Raising Your Credit Score
When you're trying to raise your credit score you should not close credit card accounts. Having credit card accounts open for a long time (even with no balance) looks good on your credit report. On the other hand, having too many lines of credit open can also be a negative on your credit score. If you want to close some of your credit accounts, make sure it is the newer ones that you close.
Pay Off Debt With Home Equity Loan
If you have a lot of credit card debt and a car loan you may be looking for a good way to pay down your debt. A home equity loan is one way you can pay off credit card debt and a car loan. If you plan to sell your home in the near future make sure that the proceeds from the sales will help you pay off the home equity loan as well.
Paying Expenses After A Spouse’s Death
When your spouse dies with credit card debt, is it your responsibility to pay it off? It depends on whether the person who died had an estate with money to pay off the credit cards. If the deceased did not have an estate to pay off the debt it may fall to the spouse, depending on whose name was on the credit cards.
How Much Do You Owe On Your Credit Cards?
Here's the heart-stopping figure of the month: $9,300. That's how much the average family carries in credit card debts. Ten years ago, the amount of d...
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.