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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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  • 20s ·
  • Lack of Emergency Funds ·
  • Types of Overextended Debt ·
  • Income Shock ·
  • Medical Debt ·
  • Debt Collection ·


FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

You are protected by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). This federal law prohibits collectors from using abusive, unfair, or deceptive practices. This includes harassment, calling at unreasonable hours, making false statements, and discussing your debt with unauthorized third parties.

No. DMPs administered by credit counseling agencies are only for unsecured debt like credit cards and personal loans. Secured debts require direct negotiation with the lender or other legal solutions.

Leasing often means perpetual car payments. The most debt-savvy move is to buy a reliable used car with cash or a short-term loan after your lease ends, freeing up that monthly payment for other goals.

When everyone around us is financing cars, houses, and lifestyles with debt, it becomes socially normalized. This reduces the perceived risk and stigma, making us more likely to follow the herd into overextension without critically evaluating our own financial situation.