Debt

Talk to your credit card companies. Explain your financial situation and ask if there is anything they can do to help. Many will lower your interest rate for a period of time and/or waive current late fee balances to give you an opportunity to catch up.Read More...

To credit card save moneyRead More...

I have these same questions, since my student loan debt is sizable as well. I pay $1300 a month on IDR and it doesn't even cover all of the interest accruing. I'd have to pay close to $2500 a month to pay it off in 10 years. GAH! It is unbelievably depressing, but unless they do a full scale forgiveness or change the bankruptcy code that allows these debts to be discharged, I'm not sure I'll ever actually pay these off. We try not to live extravagently. We have older cars, buy groceries from...Read More...

I'm certainty not wait for any forgiveness, I'm just not paying any additional at this time, the monthly payment is 899.00, at that rate I'll have paid them off in 7 years. I'm hopeful for a new administration that will see that education is the backbone of this country, and the US government shouldn't be making 6.5 to 6.9 percent interest on college loans.Read More...

@Sango also, here's a list of forms you can use to respond to the debt lawsuit. Just choose the form from the state you live in; fill it out and file it with the court. https://www.solosuit.com/posts/9Read More...

😮 WOW...thanks so much.Read More...

It is so sad that in this country people have to be faced with such difficult situations regarding medical care and its cost. Everyone deserves to have the medical care they need/deserve and not have to choose between paying the bill or buying groceries. Something in this country needs to change and we need to eliminate corporate welfare so that the wealthy pay their fair share of taxes so that we can have an equitable healthcare system.Read More...

Never Give Up, my wife has continued to recover, went back to work on light duty the February after the accident, has since had a promotion, and will keep fighting any obstacles day by day. Thanks for the good wishes. I'm sure she appreciates them as I do.Read More...

Yeah I have three that I'm behind on, now. Everyday, two to three times a day calling. Don't answer my phone these days. I need help. Also, live in Texas, I do believe this is the worst place.Read More...

Wow! That is pretty crazy @AnnieB ! That definitely sounds a lot worse than if someone were to simply fall behind on credit card payments!Read More...

Thank you so much! I will look into them.Read More...

I always suggest a Non-profit agency for debt management, financial counseling, and financial well being. I used Greenpath and found them to be VERY helpful.Read More...

Debt consolidation to me really ain't worth it. For one there's interest plus the debt amount. Why pay interest if your debt isn't charging you interest? Two, debt in collections usually the collection agency will offer you a one time pay off option at a reduced price. Lastly, paying off debt yourself instead of debt consolidation is more rewarding in the fact that you did it and it was less than debt consolidation. And as it is, even if the debt is paid off, it still stays on your credit...Read More...

Are there and debt consolidation companies you would recommend?Read More...

That's a blessing to get a no interest credit(?) card. I'm on the mend from a fabulous disaster myself. My score is poor and rising. Almost out of poor rating. Some food for thought(for those of us whom are trying to get the heck out of debt). If you have debt I prefer the snowball method of paying debt(paying off the lowest amount(debt) of and work up to the larger amounts. For the benefit of those who don't know). Then there's the other payment method. Can't remember what it's name is but,...Read More...

@Ken I share your same sentiment for debt 😡Read More...

Paying off some of your student loans should lower your overall debt-to-income ratio and should affect your credit score in a positive way. Although, I am not sure how much it would be noticeable if you were only paying a small amount off. When you pay off your student loan completely, it actually may lower your score a bit as student loans are part of your "credit mix" and when you pay off one type of credit account, if you don't have other similar accounts, your credit score may drop...Read More...

It is very difficult when they pass on. That is another thing I think about.Read More...

Completely understand--I took out a loan for surgery for a pet rat named Fiona. Would do it again even though Fiona has since crossed the Rainbow Bridge. Have you tried getting CareCredit? They have a very reasonable repayment plan and are specifically for vet, medical, and dental bills. You might also want to check out a credit counselor such as A Debt Coach--they've been very good to me in helping pay off credit card debt. They got my interest rate cut in half and helped me work out a...Read More...

I own like 50,000 in student loan and I can’t afford to pay this off or can I afford the paymentsRead More...

Had to go through Federal website and no, they will not let me do income basedRead More...

I feel your pain. Pick the smallest item you owe. Pay a little more on it than the others, use any rebates (Do you do Ibotta? Ibotta to Paypal to your own bank account), refunds etc. to pay off that debt. It will seem like a drop in the bucket - but will give you the feeling that you have accomplished something in paying off that debt. How many savings accounts do you have? I use three 1 for medical 1 for taxes and 1 for personal enjoyment. They do not give me much interest - but they are...Read More...

@Moore Income , my co-worker is traveling to Montana and staying in an Airstream trailer she rented off VRBO. It's a cool idea to make some money, and it's surprisingly booked!Read More...

RV Share is a website that allows you to rent out your travel trailer. With a little bit of work, you could actually turn it into an asset that is making you money. I know of a guy who owns 3 travel trailers and makes $60K a year renting them out to people.Read More...

It is unfortunate that there are people out there who do this to other people. @ALewis gave some great advice to help make payments and avoid bankruptcy, I didn't realize this could be done but it is definitely worth the shot. @Chris C & @Susan3 I am curious to know what types of scams these were and what is your advice on how people can avoid them?Read More...

Hi I was also a victim of a scam/fraud. I am an educated, divorced and retired woman in my 60's who worked hard to get to where I am today...retired and financially comfortable. If I had not been bullied into believing this person, this terrible experience could have been avoided. I am sharing my story in hopes of saving another innocent, hard working person from being victimized. I was planning on paying off my house and finally travel. The difference is that I have investments which I now...Read More...

Have you spoken to counselors at Greenpath? I found them to be SUPER helpful when I had credit card debt. The financial counseling is free, but the credit/debt management costs a small fee. They may be able to provide some additional guidance. I know from experience that student loans do not go away. You may want to consider calling them and getting a deferment or income based repayment program. (It may be $0) You may also be able to get your loans eliminated if you are permanently disabled.Read More...

There are a few companies in this article that you may want to look into for debt consolidation @Barbara Coia Waller https://www.thepennyhoarder.co...-debt-consolidation/Read More...

I have used, and recommend, Greenpath. They are a not-for-profit agency that will assist with debt reduction. They were very very helpful and continue to be for the people I know currently work with them.Read More...

Real estate laws are very specific to the different states in the USA so I can only share what is expected in my state, Florida. Unless mold is visible or suspected because of something like odor or obvious and continued dampness in a home, etc. the home inspectors in FL typically do not test for mold. There are certified mold testing companies and licensed mold removal companies that are hired to determine if there is mold present and to get rid of it. However, the inspectors here always...Read More...

I don't have any experience with purchasing a home but I can imagine this must be a huge headache. Hang in there though, things will start looking up!Read More...

I just went through this, with a lot more equity in my house and quite a bit lower debt. The reverse mortgage is a pretty complicated vehicle, but the main thing is, looking at your numbers, you probably won't get any cash out at closing if you do qualify. Basically, your existing debt, mortgage and equity line, would be paid off as part of the process. The amount of reverse mortgage available depends on a formula using your appraised home value (you'll pay for the appraisal), your age (age...Read More...

Birdman: You may have problems with a reverse mortgage. My understanding is that a home needs to be paid in full which my math is showing to be $98K (72+26) between current balance and equity loan. While your equity (assuming full market value, not including fees or interest) amounts to $87K, you may or may not qualify for another equity loan it would only shuffle debt, not really pay it since you are talking about $80k in unsecured debt. Bankruptcy may or may not be an option but be aware...Read More...

Hi Maureen, The round ups are calculated and come from the checking account which is connected to your debit card. Some of the apps I mentioned allow you to list your credit card debt account and the rounds ups from the checking account accumulate to have those payment amounts sent to pay down your credit card debt. I don't do round ups from credit card transaction only debit card transactions but you might need to look into the details for each app to see if they allow credit card round ups.Read More...

Can you use these with credit cards or only debit cards?Read More...

@Robin Smith It looks like for 2 of them, they handle all disputes online and one has contact info you can get in touch with them at. Here is a helpful article I found that explains how it works.Read More...

How do u dispute the accounts with credit bureauRead More...

I had almost the exact same situation happen to me. Basically I called the billing company and explained my situation, we were able to work something out and they removed the bill from collections. Admittedly at the time I wasn't really checking on my credit score but the quicker you get ahead of it the better off you'll be. Today I have a killer credit score despite that whole situation so don't worry too much! No idea if that helps but good luck!Read More...

Hold tight. Go to the collector and make the same offer. tell them it is all you can afford right now and just want to get it sorted out. Collector will ask for full amount probably, so you tell them to give you their best offer see how they go. The collector is on commission on how much they collect and something from you is better than all those who just don't care. You have to stone face this for a while so they can think about it. Time is on your side so use it!!!!! Court is a last...Read More...

@Roy I agree completely.Read More...

I agree with both paying it off and keeping it. The problem is without any payments the credit score will drop due to lack of history. If you keep it then discipline is the operative word. Without debt is the best option provided you do not need to buy something on credit ie. home mortgage. etc.Read More...

Thanks MooreRead More...

I have considered both methods when it comes to my personal credit cards but I have not really followed a specific method. My approach has been to pay as little interest as possible and so I tend to go for the card with the highest amount in interest. But up until recently, I wasn't really paying any money in interests as I was able to open several different cards over time and utilize their 0% intro APR offers. I then would focus on paying off the ones that the offer was going to end...Read More...

Great reminder, thank you. And congratulations!! Its so, SO important to know right where you are in therms of finances. So many people, including me at one time, just hide their head in the sand. Things will never get better unless you are willing to make changes, and you have to know where you are to start out.Read More...

Great read! Thanks for sharing. The hardest part for most is facing reality and making sacrifices to come out better in the end and when the crisis hits, you will be prepared!Read More...

Many years ago, I worked with Greenpath to consolidate my debt and then get out of it. I can't recommend it enough- GREAT program. Debt counseling was so helpful as was learning to live without credit cards. About 7 years later I got one again, and I now use that responsibly, generally just for gas for the car, and pay it off every month.Read More...

I tried with FIONA but they would only give me $1,500 and wanted over $250 a week back I couldn't do that. All so I was told they take me off there list and I got another call from them again or some one wanting to give me a loan. I told them no thank you and take me off there list.Read More...