 | Realistic Credit Repair
What is the best way to get our financial life back on
track? Does income count in calculating credit score or in
assigning credit card rates? Is there something we can do
besides paying off as much as we can as quickly as possible?...more
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| Avoiding Credit Card Traps -
The Dollar Stretcher
We were offered a one-year 2.99% interest rate on an existing
Visa account
that we didn't use very much. We wanted to use the card to make
a very
large purchase with the intent of paying it off within one
year...more
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Is MLM For Me?
What do you think of MLM
businesses? I have been approached by an IBO. As much as I'd
like to do it, I am still ambivalent. In addition, it's hard to
do in-depth business research on the net. The stories might be
true or not. I want hard reliable evidence so that I can be sure
that the business would be good for me...more
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| A Lot
of Debt, Some Cash and a New Car
Gary, I need some advice. We are buying a new car and have a lot
of credit card debt. Should we pay cash for the car and own it
free and clear? Or pay down some of the debt and finance half of
the car purchase? ...more
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Spendaholic
Have extra cash and can't wait to spend it? Does that urge
lead to financial problems with debt and credit problems.
Dollar Stretcher Gary Foreman explains why people do this, and
gives suggestions as to fixing the problem ...more
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Personal Loan after Bankruptcy
Gary, I've filed bankruptcy about a year ago. I understand that
a secured credit card would help to re-establish my credit. What
I want to know though is that even if I've filed bankruptcy, is
it possible for me to obtain a personal loan? ...more
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| PayDay
Loans
Have you ever wondered what the deal is with PayDay Loans.
Are they good? Are they bad? Are they a rip off?
Dollar Stretcher Gary Foreman looks at the pros and cons of
PayDay Loans ...more
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| Young
Couple Finances
Gary, My husband and I married young. I am 21 and he is 23. In a
couple of years we want to own a home and have children. What
are some things we can do now?...more
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Investing Small Amounts
Gary, I am 55 years old and will begin receiving a small pension
from one of my old jobs. The amount will be only $55 per month
until I die. What would be the smartest thing to do with it?...more
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Boycotting Wal-Mart
Gary, In light of the recent arrests of illegal workers hired
with the full knowledge of Wal-Mart, some have called for us to
boycott their stores. Will you share your thoughts on this?...more
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| The
Annual Review
The concept of an annual review can be helpful in your financial
life, too. There are certain things that you should evaluate on
a regular basis. And it's also a good idea to look at your own
performance periodically. Most of us have some areas where we
could do better if we're willing to make minor changes...more
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| New or
Used Car?
Planning on purchasing a car? Dollar Stretcher Gary Foreman
looks at the pros and cons of new vs. used...more
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| Boomer Caused Market Collapse
Baby boomers will live longer than their
parents. Many don't plan on retiring at 65 and playing golf for
20 years. Some recent studies show that over half of boomers
expect to work some during retirement. So they won't rely
entirely on selling stocks to pay the bills...more
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| Canceling Credit
I want to reduce the available credit on some
credit cards and also cancel other credit cards. What do I say
when writing to the creditor that will cancel the credit card
and leave favorable information on my credit report? How do I
reduce my available credit line and look good to the credit
reporting companies?...more
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| Mortgages, Taxes and Bigger Homes
Gary, We have very nearly paid off our mortgage!
We put a lot of spare money into it because the mortgage had a
higher interest rate than any safe investment we could find. My
husband says that since interest is tax-deductible, getting a
new house makes financial sense especially with today's fairly
low interest rates. So he's all for it. Can you give us some
perspective?...more
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| Insuring Your
Possessions
When I moved into my new 3 bedroom apartment, the insurance agent
asked me questions about my property and said I should increase my
coverage. I did as she suggested.
Do you think this is a reasonable expense? Also, how do I document
my belongings and how do they determine the 'costs'
to replace my belongings should I ever need to?...
more
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How Much House
Can I Afford?
Considering the cost
of homes these days, what is a reasonable percentage of a
person's salary that should be used for a mortgage payment? And
does this percentage include everything needed to run that home
(utilities, water, phone, etc.)?...more
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| Self-Insurance and Healthcare Costs
Before you self-insure, make sure you
understand the worst-case situation. Know exactly what you could
be facing if you don't have insurance. And don't self-insure
unless you have the financial resources to face the risks that
you're accepting. Don't risk bankruptcy to avoid an insurance
premium...more
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| Dangerous Information - How Social Security numbers can be used to steal your identification.
Someone told me you weren't supposed to put your social security number on your checks. Also you shouldn't have your number on your driver's license since that number is used for a lot of private things. How free should I be in releasing my social security number? What you're about to read is going to make you uncomfortable...more
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| Correcting
Your Credit Report |
