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Personal Debt

Are You OverExtended?

Are you managing your debt? Or is it managing you? If you're stuck in a money quicksand trap, you may not even realize at first that you're in a financial predicament, especially if you're sinking slowly and have been poorly managing your cash for a long time.

  • Spending more than paying off
  • Trouble paying bills
  • Buying without down payments
  • Maxed out
  • Retirement not properly funded
  • No payoff strategy
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5 Signs You're Financially Overextended

Are you managing your debt? Or is it managing you? If you're stuck in a money quicksand trap, you may not even realize at first that you're in a finan...

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Pay Off Debt

- Start by taking inventory of all your outstanding debts. - Look for ways to maximize your disposable income so you can put more money towards your ...

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Navigating The Financial Tightrope In Your 20s

Entering one’s twenties often marks the beginning of true financial independence, a period of exciting possibilities juxtaposed with significant eco...

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Dealing With Healthcare Debt

Navigating the labyrinth of healthcare debt requires a unique blend of financial strategy and systemic understanding, distinct from managing other for...

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  • Credit Utilization ·
  • Payment-to-Income Ratio ·
  • Consequences ·
  • Credit Score Five Factors ·
  • Types of Overextended Debt ·
  • Medical Debt ·


FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Be proactive: Explain your situation, provide documentation (e.g., medical records, financial statements), and request payment plans or hardship programs.

Yes. If the debt is within the statute of limitations for your state, a collector can file a lawsuit to obtain a court judgment against you. If they win, they may be able to garnish your wages or levy your bank account.

Debt becomes intertwined with major life expenses like a mortgage, costs of raising young children, and potentially higher auto loans. The pressure to save for retirement and children's education increases while disposable income may shrink.

Participating in a DMP may require closing your credit cards, and it can be noted on your credit report. However, it is generally less damaging than debt settlement or bankruptcy and shows a proactive effort to repay debt.

In many states, yes. Making a payment, or even sometimes acknowledging the debt, can restart the clock on the statute of limitations, which is the time period a creditor has to sue you to collect the debt. Be very cautious before making any partial payment.