In the beginning, the consumer used the card judiciously and paid off the balance in full monthly. However over time, the consumer started paying only the monthly minimum payment. From time to time because the economic climate was on the upswing, the consumer had equity in their homes. Because of the equity, the consumer would refinance their homes at a lower rate and take monies out to pay off their unsecured debt.  This way of handling finances was alright as long as the economic was in a positive position.

Due to today’s economy – consumers are facing financial hardships, lost of job, reduced salaries, and divorce or faced a medical emergency along with the adjusted interest rate on their mortgages and increased unsecured credit card debt. 

The consumers are faced with the reality of how to get out of debt. In most cases, this is the first time many consumers were faced with these uncertain financial times.  So the consumer start looking for ways to pay off their financial obligations.

One of the options the consumer is selecting is a debt settlement program.  Debt settlement is a method by which a third party negotiates with the lenders to reduce your obligation by up to 50% of the outstanding debt.  The consumer puts aside a set amount of monies each month into a “trust/escrow” account over a period of 12 to 48 months depending upon the amount of their credit card debt.  The debt settlement company starts to negotiate when at least half of the lowest balance is in the account.  This proceed is repeated until all debts are settled.

This is not an easy fix.  However, the amount of monies placed into the trust/escrow” account is normally less than the combined monthly minimum payments. By entering into this program, it will show the lender you want to repay your obligations but need help because of the consumer’s most recent financial hardship. The majority of lenders are willing to accept a settlement of half because if the consumer files bankruptcy the odds are the lenders will receive nothing.  By receiving nothing this affects the lenders bottom line and is reflects as loan losses on their financial statements. So call your debt settlement expert today to discuss

One of the ways to get relief is to use a debt settlement program.  This program is not an easy fix or an overnight miracle for the consumer, this program can take between 12 to 48 months depending on the size of your debt.  Basically the debt settlement program works with the consumer to establish a payment plan by which monies are placed monthly into a “trust/escrow account.” When a less half of the monies owed to a lender on your lowest balance credit card, then the debt settlement expert will begin to negotiate on the consumer’s behalf.  The monthly payments into the account are normally much less than the current minimum monthly credit card payments.  The debt settlement company is usually able to negotiate a 40 to 50 percent reduction of the consumer’s debt. 

As a consumer you are asking why, would a lender expect this type of negotiation? The underlying answer is the lenders are more willing to take something against the outstanding debt than to have the consumer file bankruptcy.  Normally, when a consumer files bankruptcy, the secured creditors are pay first from the consumer’s assets and the unsecured creditors receive little to nothing from the consumer.  It is a win-win for everyone, the consumer and the lender. 

Before entering into any program, the consumer needs to understand how the program works and its affect on them.  Debt settlement may not work for everyone.  It is not a quick fix or overnight miracle for the consumer.  So if anyone tells you they can wipe way your debt instantly or in less than one month. You need to seek out another company, since the process can take between 12 months to 48 months. 

When you sign up with a debt settlement company, the consumer should ask the following questions:

• How long has they been in business
• Is the staff trained and certified
• What are the exact fees for this service
• What is the name of the bank and officer responsible for the trust account
• Are they listed with the Better Business Bureau
• Who will exactly be handling my account
• Ask for a contact list for the company

A legitimate business should able and willing to answer any questions you might have about their services. Also how your account will be handled on either a day to day bases or monthly bases once you have established the parameters.

As a consumer, you need to also know the drawbacks of a debt settlement program.  However, these drawbacks are less serious than filing bankruptcy or doing nothing about your situation:

·         Credit Score may be hurt – but your score has already dropped because of late payments or non-payments. You score will improve as your payoff the debt.

·         Tax ramifications – The IRS requires you to report as taxable income any amount of debt settlement in exceed of $600. This means an increase to your income.

·         Collections – The consumer may continue to receive calls from the lenders until they are informed you are using a debt settlement program. However the call may continue since it up to the individual lenders.

·         Fraud – As a consumer you might select the wrong debt settlement company.

The key to a successful resolution to your financial situation is to understand the progress and know the debt settlement company you are working with.

Again, this is no easy progress, but with determination and a willingness to solve the problem. A debt settlement program can and will work for you and your family.

Today consumers are facing a  hardship that  has been caused by not only the economic climate of losing their jobs or reduced hours to part-time but also by a medical emergency. Perhaps only making the monthly minimum payments on their credit cards but they were able to meet their monthly mortgage and car payments on time.

So during these trying economic times, the consumer is not only stressed out because of their job lost but their inability to meet their obligations.  The consumer must decide what is best for them and their family. Because of the emotional toll it is taking on them.

After the consumer, has reviewed the various options such as, debt consolidation, debt consulting, bankruptcy, do nothing or debt settlement.  They will see that a debt settlement option may be their best method to unburden themselves.

As what is debt settlement? Debt settlement is a managed approach used by a third party company.  This company will negotiate on behalf of the consumer to reduce their debt by up to 50% of the outstanding current balance.  Basically, the consumer places a set amount of money each month into a “trust account” until approximately half of what is owe on their lowest credit card balance. It is when the debt settlement company will start to negotiate with the lenders.  The lenders are more willing to take something on the balances than have the consumer file bankruptcy on them.  In a bankruptcy case, depending on the assets of the consumer, normally secured lenders get repaid first then the unsecured lenders.  In most cases, the unsecured lenders receive no money from the consumer.

The consumer wants to do the right thing not only for themselves but their families. A debt settlement program can take from 12 months to 48 months to complete based upon the outstanding credit card balances.  This program may cost the consumer less than their current monthly minimum payments.  It is not a quick fix program but a program that will allow the consumer the ability to repay their debt and repair their credit score.

As a consumer, do you feel like the title of the 1961 Broadway play, “Stop The World – I Want to Get Off.” The consumer is not sure where to turn or how to get off the treadmill which is causing emotional and financial stress to them and their family. This is how many consumers are feeling with their mounting debt based upon financial hardship.

One of the alternatives to this situation is to consider a debt settlement company. The consumer is wondering how these companies know of their financial situation.  Basically, these companies have established credit parameters with the various credit companies and receiving list of names and addresses such as, debt over $10,000 or high balances whether you are current or not on your payments.

The consumer should ask the debt settlement company the following:

·         What are your proven strategies?

·         What is your success rate?

·         Are you listed with the Better Business Bureau?

·         How long have you been in business?

The consumer should be aware that if they try to negotiate with a lender on their own. The lender in some cases will not talk to the consumer unless they are already 60 to 90 days delinquent.  If you are already delinquent this is going to hurt your credit score and can not be blamed on a debt settlement company.

One of the key’s in using a debt settlement company is establishing:

• The consumer has some ability to pay a set amount each month
• That the debt settlement program is sound
• That a debt settlement is better than a charge off on their credit report
• The consumer needs to be upfront with the debt settlement company about their financial situation
• The consumer needs to stay in involved in the process.
• The consumer needs to document all contact with the settlement company and have a clear understanding of the program.

The consumer needs to remember it is their responsible. There is no quick fix for solving the consumer’s debt issues.  However, there is a way out of this situation.  Contact our debt settlement expert today to discuss your options and get started on your pre-approval.

As the new school year begins it’s time for the consumer’s to take hold of their unsecured debt.  This debt will only grow over the next several months as the holidays approach and will continue to add pressure to the family situation.

So how does the consumer stop this pressure and get out of debt?  One of the ways to put the brakes on this situation is to consider a debt settlement program. A debt settlement program is designed to reduce the overall unsecured debt of the consumer.

The debt settlement program will have some possible drawbacks for the consumer which need to be considered.  The consumer’s credit report will take a hit in the beginning of this process however the consumer’s credit may already been hurt by:

·         Too high of outstanding balances

·         Late Payments

·         Too much credit

·         Tax liens, judgment’s, repossessions, etc

The program establishes a “trust account” into which monthly payments are make until there is enough money to begin to negotiate with the lender. In most cases, the debt settlement company can reduce your debt up to 50% or more. This may be a better  alternative than to file bankruptcy or doing nothing about the situation. If you are considering bankruptcy please consult with an attorney before taking that step or at least call a debt settlement company to understand your option.

Other consideration that the unpaid balance maybe considered income and is therefore taxable under your normal tax rate.

If the consumer does consider the debt settlement option.  They then had started the journey of getting out of debt.  One of the positives to possible come out of this unfortunate situation is the consumer is now motivated to learn how to handle their expenses and money in the future. 

There is no easy fix to large amounts of unsecured debt. But the consumer needs to face the situation head-on a deal with it in a responsible manner.  So call Debt Negotiation Zone  today to discuss the complete ins and outs of the program.  Give you and your family a new peace of mind and start anew.

In today’s society many Americans are addicted to buying almost everything on credit. The retailers make it possible for us to thrive on this concept with  buying everything on credit.  Perhaps out of convenience – to simplify their life or maybe out of personal or economical hardship.

However, it doesn’t take long before your wallet is filled up with bank cards and department store cards.  Most people think that it is easy to pay them off at the end of the month.  Easier said than done. Many people start to justify reasons to use the cards.  It’s easier than to part with cash.  Then it’s the Holidays, presents to buy, short trips, dinner out with friends, the reasons are endless. 

The debt builds up slowly with no  major purchases to show for.  And before you know it – you can be thousands of dollars in debt with no end in sight.  This type of consumer debt is considered unsecured debt verses secured debt.  The difference between the two types of debt is at secured debt is backed by some type of collateral with fixed payments to reduce the debt while unsecured has high interest rates, no tax advantages and is not collateralized.

The consumer continues to build up debt because they are paying only the bear bone minimum. The credit card companies only require you to make a minimum monthly payment of between 2 to 3 percent of your balance in order to continue using your card while continuing to add a monthly finance charge to your balance along with late fees and over limit fees in some cases.

 In the beginning, the consumer feels it’s alright about repaying only the monthly minimum payment because they believe the next month they will be able to paid more on their account. This gives the consumer a feeling of confidence to continue to spend more freely  and leads them down the path of spending more than they earn each month.  However this spiraling debt only continues to grow and the consumer is now facing added pressure to met their financial obligations.   

Because of this spiraling debt, the consumer needs to consider how to get out of debt.  One of the options for the consumer is debt settlement.  Debt settlement is a method by which a third party works on the consumer’s behalf to negotiate with the credit card companies.  This process requires the consumer to stop using their credit cards, budget their finances and start saving a certain amount of money each month.  This money is placed in a “trust” account and until it achieves at least half of your lowest balance credit card before the third party company can start negotiating.  This process may take between 12 months to 48 months to clear all of your unsecured debt. 

Now is the time to explore how our debt settlement company can help you out of the depths of financial problems.

You receive an offer in the mail for a credit card.  You send in back and within weeks you have a credit card at your disposal.  It becomes the perfect recipe for a financial disaster.  It seems as though many people are living beyond their means.  While convenience is wonderful with regards to your credit card it also comes with a price.

Even fast food retailers know that consumers will be more likely to spend more on plastic than with cash.  Needless to say, they are racing to make it easy that every outlet is now card friendly.  The last thing you would want to do is purchase that hamburger on a credit card.  Especially, if you’re buying it on credit, paying it off slowly or worse, finding out that your credit card company has increased its interest rates.

You need to read those little booklets that often come in the mail.  Do not discard the material – if you have questions call your credit card company.

Finally, if you find yourself in doubt – pay the minimum payment on time.  Big payments do not impress lenders: timely payments do.  For example – if you make a late payment your lender may waive the late fee however your other credit card company’s can raise the interest rate even if you made no late payments to them.  How can they do this?  It’s called “universal default”.  The basics of universal default are simple – if you’re more than 30 days late on a payment to anyone the interest rate on any card with a universal default clause can increase your interest rate.

With that being said – don’t take anything for granted.  read the small print and if you have any questions – give your card carrier a call.  Be proactive not reactive to the situation at hand.

Getting out of debt is something that as a consumer needs to be done for you and your family. This can be accomplished through a variety of plans and programs. However, every consumer needs to explore their options before selecting a plan or program.  Here are some of your options……

• Debt Consolidation
• Bankruptcy either Chapter 7 or 11
• Debt Settlement
• Do nothing approach

Before selecting a plan, the consumer needs to understand how and why they are in this current financial situation. This debt was caused by:

• Unable to payoff full balances on credit cards
• Making minimum monthly payments , charging more expenses which increased limits along with the growing interest payments
• Used credit cards to purchase goods and services
• Take on more credit cards to payoff old credit cards

A debt settlement program is a better alternative to the above referenced programs.  The reason for using a debt settlement company is they will negotiate on your behalf.  They will deal with the credit card companies and work to achieve a settlement of up to half of your current balance.  This is not any easy program for the consumer. It requires financial discipline and an understanding of the program.  It may take anywhere from 12 to 48 months to be complete free of the consumer debt burden under a structured debt settlement program.

Here are a few items which you will need to address when entering into a debt settlement program: 1) be aware that your credit score will take a hit but it probably already is low due to high balances, minimum monthly payments or late payments, 2) as debt is be negotiated your credit score can begin to rise, and 3) there maybe tax ramifications upon final negotiations with the credit card company.

Debt settlement companies work because creditors often except settlements because if they don’t the consumer most likely will file for bankruptcy.  In most cases, this eliminates the any funds to the unsecured creditors.

Contact us today to discuss a debt settlement program that is right for you and your family.

In today’s economical climate, there are a lot of people who are looking for debt relief on their credit card debt. In order to successfully tackle your financial situation you need to get organized and understand your situation. So, understanding the type of debt you have is a good place to start.

There are two types of debt secured and unsecured. In a secured loan, the debtors personal assets are guaranteed as collateral for the loan. In some cases, if the debtor is unable to repay the loan on time, then the lending agency can assume the assets as collateral.

 Credit card debt is considered “unsecured ” debt and the most common of the two. In unsecured debt there is no collateral to collect if you default therefore the credit card company has the right to sharply increase your interest rate which can make it nearly impossible to payoff particularly if you are making the monthly minimum payments.  Needless to say, you can start sinking further into debt.

Debt settlement is a process which debtors can turn to. The debt settlement company negotiates on your behalf with creditors to reduce the overall debts in exchange for an agreement upon settlement. The consumer makes payments on a monthly basis and over a period of time enough funds are built up allowing the settlement negotiations to begin. The debt settlement companies typically have built up relationships with the credit card companies and can reach an agreement rather quickly.

Living in debt can be very scary and sometimes it just takes patience and doing your homework and understanding your own financial situation. Once you make the decision – debt settlement can put you on the path of living debt free.

Start today by calling 1.866.963.9988

A historical look at a debt settlement program is nothing new for the consumer or for the lenders in regard to unsecured debt.  Some type of settlement practice has been in place for over 100 years.  The plan may not have been called debt settlement it might have been know as debt relief or debt forgiveness depending on the amount of the settlement.

The only form of relief for a consumer was bankruptcy, debt counseling or debt consolidation. Debt settlement was a little known way for consumer’s to find a way out from unsecured credit card debt. 

If you call your credit card company to work out a deal, they typical will work out a payment plan for the whole outstanding balance.  Therefore, the consumer is not gaining any ground is trying to get out of debt. Plus the consumer might simply walk away from the debt altogether, by filing bankruptcy then the credit card companies received almost nothing on the outstanding debt.  This hurts the financial bottom line of the credit card companies.  Therefore, they are more willing to work with a debt settlement company and receive at least 50% or less on the outstanding debt than maybe nothing at all from the consumer. 

The phrase, “a bird in hand is better than nothing” can apply to why credit card companies are willing to negotiate with a debt settlement company. It’s a process which requires discipline by the consumer, but it is a better way to handle your outstanding debts, without having to file bankruptcy or doing nothing about your debt. 

One question that every consumer asks is, why would a credit card company, be willing to work with a debt settlement company instead of with me the consumer directly?  The answer to that question is simply. The debt settlement company has a better understanding of the consumer laws and has experience dealing with the credit card companies.

So take at first step and talk to an experienced debt settlement representative today!

“Everyday do something that will inch you closer to a better tomorrow”..Doug Freibaugh

The consumer needs to explore all their options when considering a way to get out from underneath their unsecured debt.

There are several ways to approach this financial situation which has been created.  Some of the options are:

• Bankruptcy – Chapter 7 and 13
• Debt Consulting
• Debt Consolidation
• Debt Settlement

The above options may or may not work for a consumer’s individual needs.  We will explore process for each of the above options.

1.                  Bankruptcy – This is a step you need to discuss with an attorney.  Filing either Chapter 7 or 13 is a big step and involves more than just your unsecured debt.

2.                  Debt Consulting – You entry into a debt consulting program and they design a budget for you and your family.  They may or may not contact your creditors and inform them you have entered into a program. Using this program the debts are still owed and continue to grow.

3.                  Debt Consolidation – The consumer goes to their bank to request a loan to consulate their unsecured debt.  The bank may require collateral like a 2^nd on your home. However you might not have enough equity in your home to qualify for this loan.

4.                  Debt Settlement – This program allows you to start saving money toward paying off your debt in some cases less than 50% that the current outstanding balances.  This process can take anywhere from 12 to 48 months, but at the end of the program you’re debt free and your credit standing will be restored.

Debt settlement maybe the best approach for you and your family. Compared to the other options, you need to discuss a debt settlement program with one of our representatives. So take that first step today for a better tomorrow.

My Personal Finances and Debt Settlement

Do you have Credit Card Debt of More than $5,000?

“A budget is just a method of worrying before you spend money, as well afterward” Anonymous

The major question, you need to ask yourself can I work within a structured budget to get me out of my financial mess? If the answer is yes, then a debt settlement program may be right for you at this time.

By using a debt settlement program, you will be to stop the endless cycle of making only the minimum monthly payments on your credit cards and making no headway on your balances. This program has you saving a percent or set amount each month and as that balance grows, it allows the settlement process to being.

Here is an example:

As any example, if your current monthly minimum payment are at $750 and this is a struggle but you could pay $450 a month. Then it would take approximately 12 months to become debt free using a debt settlement program. Does that see too easy. Will it’s not! It will require a stead fast need to save and control your current spending. But by choosing a debt settlement program, you will be free of the constant worry of how do I pay my bills on time and get myself out of debt.

As you can see from the chart, you could be able to settlement for almost half of your outstanding credit card balance. You need to ask yourself, how long would it take to off of my credit cards by myself? If you make only the monthly minimum, you a basically paying only interest and very little principal. So it could take you more than 8 years to paid off your debt verses using a debt settlement program.

You have already taken the first step in recognizing the need and that there are debt settlement programs such as Debt Negotiation Zone that have specialist waiting to assist you. Call today 866.96.3.9988.

Con 1 – The creditor who lowers or completely stops charging you interest will most likely freeze your account or even close your account so you can’t use it once you are in this program. This will happen even if you had been paying them perfectly before. You being in the program suggests to them that you are in trouble. It does not suggest that you are getting help and that they should be considerate of that.

Con 2 – Being in credit counseling is marked on your credit report. Each creditor who you include in your program will probably note on your credit report that you are in credit counseling. Most often I have seen it noted something like: “Customer in CCC”. This notation supposedly doesn’t hurt your credit score, but it definitely will impact someone who reviews your credit report looking to make a decision about giving you credit.

Con 3 – If you are trying to get a mortgage, some loan programs won’t allow you to qualify if you are in the program. The viewpoint on credit counseling has gotten better over the years, but in some cases, in terms of loan qualification, being in credit counseling is looked at just as bad as bankruptcy. Again, this doesn’t seem quite fair as you put yourself into credit counseling so you could pay your debt, make things right, and avoid going bankrupt. Go figure.

Con 4 – This is only a problem if you don’t start the program correctly. When you are going to start a credit counseling program it could take several months for the program to be set up to start paying your creditors. You must make sure that you continue to pay your creditors until your payment plan starts. If you don’t make sure these bills get paid and you had good credit your credit will suffer dramatically.
Only You Can Decide

The new credit card laws will come into effect in about nine months.  President Barack Obama signed the bill into law.  The credit card companies will not be happy about the new laws because it will limit their ability to make money off of you now.  So really, who cares about them.  They are assholes any.

Universal Default Rate Changed- Minimum Credit Card Payments

The old universal default rate rule will be changed.  It used to be if you were late on one card, the credit card companies could raise your interest rates on all off your credit cards.  So if you were having a difficult stretch financially, you really go nailed.  That seemed fair.  The new credit card law will eliminate this practice.

Get A Lower Credit Card Interest Rate

If you did make a late payment and your interest rates were raised, there is hope.  Under the new law you only need to make six months of on time payments to get your interest rates lowered.  With this measure the credit cards companies will not be able to trap you into a lifetime of debt.  Lets face it, minimum credit card payments is a financial death sentence.  I don’t feel bad for the credit card companies.  They are only interested in pumping out slaves.  They don’t make huge profits from people paying off their bills.  They only make money on peoople that go into debt and stay in debt.  The love customers that can’t control themselves and buy things that they can’t afford.

Don’t spend money you don’t have.  Get used to paying cash for your purchases and have a life and a future.

President Obama recently met with executives from the major credit card companies.  The topic was lowering interest rates and the credit card fees that credit card companies are charging consumers.  The move initiated by President Obama was designed to have credit card companies voluntarily reduce fees and interest rates.  It’s crazy you are late on your credit card any the raise your credit card interest rates over 30%.  You may have been with your credit card company for years and only miss one time.  In my opinion these practices are predatory and abusive.  I can get that a company needs to make money but it should not be at the hardship on people in the community.

Most Credit Card Companies Have Received Bailout Money

In some sense this puts the government in a funny position.  They are actually profiting from what the banks and credit card companies are doing to be more profitable.  President Obama did make a pledge to the American People th reform the high rates and fees that credit card companies charge consumers.  In response the House Financial Services committee in a landslide approved a bill that would reduce a lot of the fees and limit the ability of the credit card companies to charge late, over the limit and penalty fees.

Do Not Use Your Credit Cards

Remember that credit card companies are not your friend.  Your best bet is to only spend what you can afford and pay your bill off in full each month.  Once your are in debt and making minimum payments, they credit card company has you.  You are a client for life and will never get the debt paid off.

Credit card companies are assholes mainly because that are only interested in making money off of you.  They don’t care if you get sick or lose your job, they just want your money.  Credit card companies are not your friends.  I looked in my wallet the other day to see what I was carrying around in there.  Visa, master card, discover, chase, bank of america, I have them all.  They don’t do anything for me except charge me money.

You are better off to live on a cash system or use a debit card.  You will be a lot happier not having bills to worry about paying each month.  There is no price on peace of mind.  Don’t be a slave to your creditors, don’t go into debt.  I don’t care how much you want something.

Debt Free is the way to be.

American Express is paying some of its members $300 to close their accounts.  Amex has been know to cater to wealthy clients expanded their base to people outside of this sphere.  The plan has backfired and they are losing millions.  American Express is looking to manage credit risk based on customers credit scores and credit profiles.  Accounts must be closed by the end of March.

Credit Card companies are cutting credit lines

Just like their competition Capital One, Chase, Discover and Citibank, American Express is selectively cutting credit limits to customers and not going after as many new clients.  Keep an eye on your mailbox, that credit card in your walled may be finding a new home in the garbage can.

Credit card companies are hurting your credit score with the new rules that are coming out.  Across the board credit card companies are cutting credit lines, lowering credit spending limits and closing credit card accounts.  Well this may seem benign to some it is actually hurting your credit score.  When your credit card is closed, all of your credit history goes with it.  Continue Reading »

Is a credit card company allowed to lower your credit limit?  A credit card company is allowed to lower your credit limit without warning if they see fit.  The credit crisis has many credit card companies in a real bind.  Many credit card companies just can’t pay their credit card bills and are defaulting on their credit cards.  The credit card companies want to beat you to the punch and don’t want to extend themselves any further than is necessary.

My Credit Limit Has Been Lowered, Why? Continue Reading »

Your credit card company may have lowered your available credit, but why?  If you have been watching the news lately, most of the major headlines revolve around the credit crunch and foreclosures.  Banks and lenders do not want to leave themselves exposed to unecessary losses.  A few months ago Washingotn Mutual lowered my home equity line over 75%.  I had never even used the thing.  The banks are worried that when times get tough, people are going to tap into their equity lines and then default.  The bank just wants to hedge their bet and cover their losses by removing excess credit from people.  This is done in the form of closing credit cards, cancelling home equity lines and lower available credit for credit cards. Continue Reading »

People in this country are in debt.  I get asked questions all the time about negotiating credit card debt.  Now I am getting questions about negotiating on a car loan.  For starters you can negotiate with credit card companies once your are behind on the bill.  Credit card debt is unsecured debt.  Car loans are different.  A car loan is secured by the asset, the car.  If you quit paying on your car loan, the repo man will come and get it.  My suspicions are that they are getting more car repossessions now more than ever. Continue Reading »

This Christmas season use cash to pay for your holiday gift purchases.  Using credit cards to buy your holiday gifts can be a trap.  There is a lot of social pressure to buy gifts for people.  My motto if you want to stay debt free over the holidays give up worrying about what people are thinking.  They are not going to help you pay your credit card bills when they come.  Buying gifts for people is not worth it if you cannot afford to.  Going into debt to buy gifts just because you think you should is not a good enough reason to do so.  Suffering over money is a terrible thing.  It is not worth it, so do not worry about what people are think.

If you do not have the money do not buy it.  Try using a debit card this holiday season or just carry cash with you.

How to use your credit cards responsibly. What you do not know about your credit cards will hurt you.

1. If you use your credit cards overseas, do not be surprised by and extra fee added to each transaction that you make. If you can use your ATM card to access your bank account. Continue Reading »

Your credit card company is not your friend. They have one goal in mind and that is to make money off of you. You will probably not find any sympathy from them if you are unable to make your credit card bill.

How will my credit card try and trick me? Continue Reading »