BLOG

What is the debt avalanche method?

If you are facing insurmountable amounts of credit card debt, the first thing that you need is a plan. Having a solid financial plan in place for dealing with your debt will help you get it under control so you can move forward into a stable financial future. One popular method for paying off credit card debt is the avalanche method. According to Experian, the avalanche method is where you start paying off the debt with the highest interest rate first. How does it work?

Read More »

What is the debt snowball method?

There are a multitude of “clever” tips and tricks to get out of debt fast, but the reality is that getting out of credit card debt is much more like a marathon than a sprint. Whatever method you choose to deal with your debt, you will be managing the situation for some time. One of the more popular methods for paying off debt is the “debt snowball.” According to Forbes Magazine, with the debt snowball method the debtor tries to pay off the credit card

Read More »

Could I be responsible for my partner’s debt?

Whether you are facing a divorce, learn of a partner’s spending habits or are considering how marrying someone with credit card debt may affect your finances, you want to know how Maryland considers debt for couples. As the State Law Library explains, generally, you are able to avoid responsibility for your partner’s debt, but understanding how Maryland considers property for partners and spouses can help you avoid a stressful situation. Joint and individual property In short, you are most likely not responsible for your partner’s

Read More »

How can you eliminate your credit card debt?

If you are like many Americans, you have higher credit card debt than you would like. On average, credit card holders have $15,000 in debt, according to the Huffington Post. When it comes to any amount of credit card debt, people want to know how to pay it off. How long will it take you to eliminate your credit card debts? Frankly, it depends on your circumstances. Pay off cards in payments When you make payments towards your credit cards, there are a couple of

Read More »

Why do people think credit card balances increase credit scores?

One of the most damaging myths out there is that carrying a balance on your credit cards directly increases your credit score. An interest-bearing balance does not improve your score. It is not necessary to establish a credit history. It does not give you points with lenders for paying them interest. Here are two of the reasons people believe that it does. Carrying other types of balances could increase your score As explained by Experian, a more diverse credit mix could increase your score —

Read More »

When does credit card debt affect a relationship?

When it comes to dating and marriage, finances can be a deal-breaker. Poor financial management can seriously damage a relationship. When a person struggles with credit card debt, it can lead to other partners finding him or her undesirable.  Fortunately, there are ways to get out of credit card debt and other types of debt. The most undesirable types of debt include credit cards, payday loans and student loans. CNBC explains how debt affects relationships.  What is the average debt? Most consumers have around 6,000 dollars

Read More »

How secured and unsecured debt differ

People struggling to stay on top of their debt may have a mix of different types of bills to pay. These may include medical bills, credit card debt, automobile loans and more. Not every type of debt is the same and consumers should learn about the two primary forms of debt, secured and unsecured, and how they differ. Secured debt As explained by The Motley Fool, a secured debt is connected to an actual asset that the lender may be able to put a lien

Read More »

5 Signs you’re in over your head financially

Most people in the U.S. are living with some type of debt looming over them. In 2016, American household debt, including mortgages, home equity loans, credit cards, student loans and auto loans, reached a staggering $12.58 trillion. The average household alone carries about $134,643 in debt. But how do you know when you have more debt than you can handle? Even if you can afford all of your monthly payments, you could still be putting added strain on your finances if you have too much debt.

Read More »

Consider credit counseling before filing for bankruptcy

Before a person can declare bankruptcy, they must participate in credit counseling. This financial advice helps people understand their budgets and pursue alternative solutions. Credit counseling helps people avoid bankruptcy, which should remain a last resort for those suffering financial setbacks. How can credit counseling help? Credit counselors examine spending and income Credit counseling services exist specifically to help people manage extensive debt. Counselors help people return to financial stability through negotiation, budgeting and debt consolidation. Though many non-profit credit counseling institutions operate, they still

Read More »

Can you still pay for things online after bankruptcy?

Bankruptcy would probably not stop you from shopping for necessities online or paying bills virtually. However, if you used a credit card in the past, that might be a costlier option during and immediately following the process. One of the main purposes of bankruptcy is to help you get relief from unmanageable debt. It is a positive step for many people in managing finances. Without any account In some cases, your bank might freeze your account during bankruptcy. That means that, even if you do

Read More »