Are You OverExtended?

Are you managing your debt, or is it managing you? Practical guidance for managing personal debt and credit.

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  • Spending more than paying off
  • Trouble paying bills
  • Buying without down payments
  • Maxed out credit lines
  • Retirement not properly funded
  • No payoff strategy
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Recent Articles

The Best Time to Apply for New Credit
Strategic Credit Application

The Best Time to Apply for New Credit

When you decide to apply for a new credit card, a car loan, or a mortgage, the exact timing of that application matters more than most people...

1 day ago Read More
How to Compare Balance Transfer Credit Card Offers
Comparing Credit Cards

How to Compare Balance Transfer Credit Card Offers

A balance transfer can be a smart move when you are carrying debt on a high-interest credit card. You move that balance to a new card that offers a...

1 day ago Read More
Compare Credit Cards by What You Actually Spend
Comparing Credit Cards

Compare Credit Cards by What You Actually Spend

When you are in the market for a new credit card, the marketing materials can be overwhelming. Every bank wants you to think their card is the best...

1 day ago Read More
What Your Net Worth Does and Doesn’t Say About Your Finances
Net Worth Calculation

What Your Net Worth Does and Doesn’t Say About Your Finances

When you hear the term “net worth,“ you might picture billionaires on a magazine cover or that one friend who brags about their retirement account...

1 day ago Read More

Popular Articles

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Video

Consumer Credit Tips

Each video breaks down one practical way to get out from under debt and stay there — straightforward advice on credit, budgeting, and the habits that keep you from getting overextended again.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Most balance transfer cards charge a fee, typically 3-5% of the transferred amount. You must calculate if the interest you'll save during the introductory period outweighs this upfront cost. A $5,000 transfer with a 3% fee costs $150.

A charge-off is an accounting action where a creditor declares a debt to be unlikely to be collected after a prolonged period of non-payment (typically 180 days). It is written off as a loss on their books for tax purposes.

LTV is the amount of your mortgage divided by the appraised value of the home. A high LTV (above 80%) often requires Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) and indicates you have little equity, which reduces your financial options if you need to sell or refinance.

Scammers demand upfront fees for loans or credit repair that they never provide. Legitimate lenders never guarantee approval or charge fees before disbursing funds.

A collection account is a major negative mark that can cause a sharp drop in your score. It signals to lenders that you have seriously defaulted on a obligation.