Category Archive for: ‘Credit and Debt’
Always Start With a Debt Validation Letter
When a debt collector (not the original creditor) contacts you about an unpaid debt, we always recommend starting with a debt validation letter. Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), that means you send a formal letter requesting that the collector provide proof that …
Just One Late Payment Can Ding Your Credit Report
Dear Erica, This month we are unable to pay our credit card bills for the first time. We have no more money to give after paying for our house and food. My husband has been out of a job for eight months, and I am …
Some Financial Transactions to Avoid
Desperate times often call for desperate measures, but sometimes those tactics can leave you worse off than where you began. An increasing number of consumers are turning to payday loans, pawn shops and rent-to-own options as the economy continues to struggle. Springboard wants to educate …
Recent Poll Indicates Americans Eager to Improve Credit Score
According to a March 2012 poll hosted on the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) website, a strong majority of consumers, 56 percent, selected “improving my credit score” as the personal finance area in which they needed the most help. “What consumers continually fail to …
Improve Your Finances in Less than an Hour
US News & World Report ran an article from Wise Bread’s Sabah Karimi entitled “6 Smart Financial Moves That Take an Hour or Less.“ Those steps include: Review your budget. Visit a financial planner. Take a good look at your credit history. Create a credit …
“Make Cents” of Financial Literacy This Month
Since April was named Financial Literacy Month in 2007, Springboard has used the occasion every year to promote awareness of personal finance and money management issues. We’re offering “Making Cents of Financial Literacy” available as a free .pdf download. This 8-page guide is a quick …
How to Avoid Credit Card Fraud in 3 Easy Steps
In the midst of the global financial crisis, Americans cited credit and debit card fraud as their number one fear, surpassing that of terrorism, computer and health viruses and personal safety.[1] For many Americans, this fear is not unwarranted. Each year, credit card fraud costs …
National Consumer Protection Week is Under Way
This week is the 14th annual National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). This is a joint effort of over 30 government agencies and 3rd-party consumer advocacy groups. During NCPW, these government agencies and other groups take time to raise consumer awareness of privacy issues and share …
FTC Recommends Credit Counseling for Consumers in Debt
The Federal Trade Commission recently offered advice for consumers who are “Knee Deep in Debt.” Among their recommendations for financially struggling consumers are credit counseling and Debt Management Plans. Check out their “Facts for Consumers” advice at the FTC web site. Direct Link: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre19.shtm …
Fake Check Scams Continue to Spread
The other day I got one of those annoying emails from a supposed Nigerian prince promising rich rewards for helping to move money out of his country. It’s hard to believe those kinds of scams are still thriving, but they are. In fact, according to …
