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Eight Warning Signs You Need Debt Help

by Ken Dolan on November 18, 2009 5:40 AM

We hear from people each and every day who are, unfortunately, in serious debt. We know how easy it can be to slip even further behind if you don't pay attention the warning signals along the way. Take a look at these eight signs you may be in credit trouble before it's too late.

3 Debit Cards You Should Never Use

by Ken & Daria Dolan on November 16, 2009 8:58 AM

There has been a big drop in credit card spending over the last year or so. But in the wake of lower credit card usage, debit card usage is growing.

Banks have noticed.

In fact, banks are looking for ways to lure you into using your debit card even more often in the months ahead. Some banks are offering reward program similar to those they offer on credit cards.

Others are offering rebate programs that give you cash back when you use your debit card.

But we aren't jumping on the debit card band wagon. And we urge you to think about a few of the downsides of debit cards--especially the three cards we want to warn you about.

Find the Best Gift Cards While Avoiding the Pitfalls

by Ken Dolan on November 16, 2009 6:01 AM

More than $97 billion worth of gift cards were sold last year, and here's the scary part: Nearly $8 billion was not used. Now comes a new danger: stores going out of business. So, how can you avoid throwing money down the drain? Whether buying or receiving them, here's how to avoid common gift card pitfalls.

Debit Card Fraud Warning

by Ken Dolan on November 14, 2009 6:59 AM

The use of debit cards has skyrocketed. But many people using them aren't aware of their liability for bogus changes on a debit card. Here's what you need to know.

Forever in Your Debt: The Truth about Debt Relief Offers

by Daria Dolan on November 13, 2009 5:22 AM

If you watch any TV, then you surely have seen the ads for debt relief. Are these companies too good to be true, or could debt settlement be an option to help you get out from under your debt?

7 Steps to Boost Your Credit Score

by Ken Dolan on November 10, 2008 12:45 PM

Here's the bottom line, pure and simple: no matter what anyone promises you, there is no "quick fix" to repair damaged credit. BUT, there ARE plenty of things you can do over time to improve your credit. Start with these seven steps.

What the New Credit Card Legislation Means to YOU

by Ken Dolan on May 22, 2009 9:04 AM

President Obama has signed the Credit Cardholder's Bill of Rights, a set of rules that will change the credit card industry. So we dug into the law to find out if this is actually good news for us consumers or another toothless attempt from Washington that will fall flat.

Sample Credit Card Cancellation Letter

by Ken Dolan on September 20, 2007 1:48 PM

If you've decided to reduce the number of credit cards in your wallet, good for you! But don't forget - just taking a pair of scissors to those cards won't cut it. Cutting up your credit cards doesn't close the accounts; you must contact the credit bureaus to let them know. Let us help you do it right and avoid a black mark on your credit. More »

Protect Yourself From Identity Theft!

by Ken & Daria Dolan on August 26, 2009 8:23 PM

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke was a victim of identity theft. An identity is stolen every two seconds in this country and the impact can be devastating. Protect yourself from becoming the next victim with these five steps.

New FICO Score--7 Things You Must Know

by Ken & Daria Dolan on July 28, 2009 2:01 AM

Smart consumers know that your credit score is critical to your money matters. A low credit score can haunt you, costing you thousands upon thousands of dollars. That is why it's important that you know about the seven major changes to the way your credit score is calculated and what they mean for you.

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