To Pay or Not to Pay? How to Handle Old Debts
With interest rates at record lows, now is the time to refinance your mortgage. But what if you find an old unpaid debt that's impairing your credit score? The answer isn't as obvious as you might think.
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How Much Will One Late Payment Hurt Your Credit Score?
Oops! You open your credit card statement and discover you forgot to make last month's payment. Or a collections agency calls about a bill you didn't even know you had. How bad is it? How much does a single late payment affect your credit score?
The Hidden $1,000 Bonus Obama Put in Your Paycheck
While many Americans are hoping the fellows running for president will give them a tax cut, President Obama has already given all of us one that saves the average family about $1,000 extra a year. So how can you put that bonus to the best use?
Many Are Haunted by Ghost of Phone Bills Past Due
Far too many customers aren't paying their phone bills on time, if you ask the phone companies. Three of the top four submitters to third-party collection agencies are major telephone carriers. And the reasons why should come as no surprise.
Financial Distress Is Rising Again, Report Shows
Americans' economic health appears to be edging closer to code red: The Consumer Distress Index fell sharply in the third quarter, indicating that more of us are falling behind financially.
Credit Card Delinquency Rates Rising Again
Although credit card delinquency rates still hover near record lows, more consumers are starting to fall behind on their payments. The rate rose 0.71% in the third quarter, the first time it has moved up since 2009.