credit & debt management library

There are many ways to keep debt down and your credit score up. In Credit & Debt Management, topics include credit reports, bankruptcy, how credit cards work and new technology.

How Zombie Debt Works

Featured Article: How Zombie Debt Works

It lurches forward, seemingly unstoppable by the arsenal of data you've collected against it. You battled this foe years ago, but like the undead, it's come for you again and again -- this time in the form of letter from a collection agency. It's name? Zombie debt. See more »

Credit Score Quiz

Quiz Corner: Credit Score Quiz

Your credit score plays a large part in whether you can buy a house or car. In certain circumstances, it even affects whether you can get a job. But where does the number come from?

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How Bankruptcy Works

How Bankruptcy Works

It's bad enough when an individual has to file for bankruptcy, but filings by high-profile companies like Adelphia can have a big impact on the economy. What exactly does it mean to file for bankruptcy?

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How Blink Technology Works

How Blink Technology Works

Tired of all that time-consuming swiping at the register? Credit cards using contactless technology allow you to pay for stuff by holding the card near a special reader instead of handing it to a clerk or wondering if you slide it with the stripe facing up or down.

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How Consumer Credit Counseling Works

How Consumer Credit Counseling Works

If you're trying to work your way out of debt, consumer credit counseling might be a good step to take. What happens during, and after, the counseling session?

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How Credit Cards Work

How Credit Cards Work

These days, more people buy with credit than with cash, and most of them have the credit card debt to show for it. Learn all about credit cards, from the magnetic stripe to how you can get rid of that high-interest balance.

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How Credit Reporting Agencies Work

How Credit Reporting Agencies Work

Credit reporting agencies collect your credit history from credit card companies, banks, mortgage companies and other creditors to create an in-depth credit report. But how is that report used?

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How Credit Reports Work

How Credit Reports Work

Like it or not, your credit score is a major factor in your financial well-being. But what do those numbers on your credit report really mean? And how will they impact your financial future?

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How Credit Scores Work

How Credit Scores Work

Do you know your credit score? If not, you should find out – and we’ll explain why. In this article, we'll examine how your three-digit credit score is used and how it affects what you pay for credit, insurance and other life necessities.

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How Dealing With Debt Collectors Works

How Dealing With Debt Collectors Works

Dealing with debt collectors is becoming a common experience. But what can you do to avoid debt-collector harassment, short of switching off your phone service or allowing your unread mail to pile up on the kitchen counter?

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How Debt Consolidation Works

How Debt Consolidation Works

Life without debt sounds good. Can debt consolidation, or taking out one new loan to pay off all your other loans, help you reach that lofty financial goal?

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How Debt Works

How Debt Works

The world is drowning in debt, and experts fill the airwaves with doomsday predictions. What exactly is this monster called debt that's sucking up all of our income, ruining our credit scores and making politicians sweat?

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How Foreclosures Work

How Foreclosures Work

You saved up your money, got a home loan, got the keys and moved in. But now you've lost your job and you can't pay up. What happens to your house? Maybe foreclosure -- but there are ways to avoid it.

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How Interest-only Loans Work

How Interest-only Loans Work

Interest-only loans let you afford a nice house and make low payments. But there's a catch -- once you have to pay up, circumstances may not be in your favor.

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How the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act Works

How the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act Works

Sometimes, try as you might, the bills just don't get paid on time, and debt collectors come knocking. That's when you need to know your rights.

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How the National Foundation for Debt Management Works

How the National Foundation for Debt Management Works

Some people are so deep in debt they feel hopeless like there's not way out. But one agency helps people take control of their finances, wipe out debt and budget for a new home.

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How the Uniform Debt Management Services Act Works

How the Uniform Debt Management Services Act Works

Credit counseling and debt settlement services are supposed to help you conquer debt. Who makes sure they look after you like they should?

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How Zombie Debt Works

How Zombie Debt Works

It lurches forward, seemingly unstoppable by the arsenal of data you've collected against it. You battled this foe years ago, but like the undead, it's come for you again and again -- this time in the form of letter from a collection agency. It's name? Zombie debt.

See more »
Is there such a thing as a free credit report?

Is there such a thing as a free credit report?

You've seen TV commercials and pop-up ads promising free credit reports. But are these offers legit? And if credit reports are free, why don't more people request them?

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What is the average credit score and why?

What is the average credit score and why?

Many people wonder where they've gone wrong with their credit score. Was it charging a pack of gum with a credit card? A steep mortgage? Where does everyone else stand in terms of credit?

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What one thing will improve your credit score the most?

What one thing will improve your credit score the most?

A low credit score can prevent you from getting the car, house or job of your dreams, but there's one surefire way to boost that three-digit number.

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