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 Hidden Dangers of Home Equity Lines of Credit
Secured Debt

The Hidden Dangers of Home Equity Lines of Credit

When you own a home, it can feel like you have a safety net underneath you. That safety net is your equity, which is simply the difference between...

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The 30% Credit Utilization Rule Explained Simply
Credit Utilization

The 30% Credit Utilization Rule Explained Simply

If you have a credit card, you have probably heard that you should never use more than 30% of your available credit. This is called the 30% rule, and...

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How Big Should Your Emergency Fund Be?
Building an Emergency Fund

How Big Should Your Emergency Fund Be?

Unexpected things happen all the time. Your car breaks down. Your furnace stops working. You get hit with a medical bill. Without money set aside for...

1 day ago Read More
Using Your House as an ATM Is a Dangerous Way to Manage Debt
Secured Debt

Using Your House as an ATM Is a Dangerous Way to Manage Debt

When you fall behind on bills, it can feel like there is no way out. The credit card payments pile up, the interest keeps growing, and you start...

1 day ago Read More

Popular Articles

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How to Recover When Your Spending Leaves You in Debt
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

Focus on: Account Balances and Credit Limits (to calculate utilization), Payment History (for any missed payments), Account Status (for charge-offs or collections), and Credit Inquiries (to see who has recently accessed your report).

Common causes include unpaid taxes, defaulted student loans, child support or alimony arrears, and court judgments from credit card debt, personal loans, or medical bills.

Yes. Positive payment history remains for up to 10 years, but negative marks (e.g., late payments) stay for 7 years even after repayment.

Ceasing payments will lead to late fees, increased interest rates, and aggressive collection efforts, including lawsuits and potential wage garnishment. Creditors are not obligated to negotiate, and this strategy can significantly increase the total amount owed due to penalties.

Review the bill for errors, verify insurance coverage, and contact the provider’s billing department to discuss options like payment plans, financial assistance, or discounts for self-pay patients.