Debt Problem - Signs to Look For - When to Get Help to Control Debt

The line between a future of financial solvency and one of distress is thinner than you might think.

Unfortunately, many people don’t realize they’re on the wrong side of that divide until it’s too late.

You could call it the ostrich syndrome. You know that things aren’t good, but you just don’t want to face up to

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How to Hurt Your Credit Score Without Really Trying

You don’t have to put a lot of effort into it to hurt your credit score. Just a misstep or two is all that’s required.

Let’s look at a few ways your credit card could get dinged.

Paying Late

Credit card companies are notoriously prickly about late payments — even a payment that’s late by a few

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Reduce Spending and Debt by Looking at Variable Expenses

The best way to begin getting the debt and spending under control is to reduce your monthly expenses. And one good place to start is to focus on reducing your variable expenses.

Variable expenses include those that can be changed or eliminated entirely.

Variable expenses are those that fluctuate each month, such as clothing, food, entertainment, vacations,

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Pay Down Debt or Save for Retirement?

As important as it is to start saving for retirement early, you may be better off tackling your consumer debt first. In some cases, the amount of debt you have not only affects your budget today, but it can significantly limit your options in the future. So if you’re contemplating whether to pay down your

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When Not to File for College Financial Aid

When it comes to filling out financial aid forms there are some families that have high incomes or a lot of wealth that have every reason to question whether it is worth the effort.

First, check to see how you stand for aid eligibility by going to collegeboard.com and use the College Board’s Expected Financial Contribution, or

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Options for Getting Cash to Make Ends Meet

When you need cash to help make ends meet be careful who answers your call for financial help. A loan may help get you by, but you’ll want to borrow money at the best rates, according to terms that suit your needs – and steer clear of bad deals as well as those that look too

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Use Your Car to Save Money on Your Quest for Cash

Your car gives you many opportunities to save money on your quest for cash.

Here’s one: the next time you pull up to the pump, think twice about paying for premium gas. In truth, most cars operate just fine with the less-expensive grade. Check your owner’s manual to see if premium is required or merely recommended. Then, look for

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