You’ve probably seen ads from companies promising a “new credit identity” — that is, a fresh start for your credit history. It may seem like just the thing you need to get your credit back on track, but it’s actually a scam. These companies often sell Social Security numbers illegally.
By FTC Having trouble paying your bills? Getting dunning notices from creditors? Are your accounts being turned over to debt collectors? Are you worried about losing your home or your car? You’re not alone. Many people face a financial crisis at some point in their lives. Whether the crisis is
Renting after bankruptcy isn’t actually as hard as you might imagine it to be. Bankruptcy has become a lot more common in today’s economy. Landlords are well aware that people still need places to live even after going bankrupt. Indeed, in some cases bankruptcy might even improve your credit score,
By Alix Langone, CNET Amid the economic turbulence of the pandemic, the US government pushed pause on student debt repayment for more than 40 million Americans in March 2020. For most people, that temporary relief is scheduled to end on Jan. 31, 2022. But the US Department of Education is
By Chris Tobias The current economic recession has impacted virtually every family across America. Many businesses have slowed their production, while others have completely shut down and laid off scores of dedicated workers. When a household’s breadwinner is suddenly laid off, it can be very hard to break the news
By Diana Olick, CNBC After a Labor Day week lull, demand for mortgages rose sharply last week from homeowners and homebuyers. Total mortgage application volume was up nearly 5% for the week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association’s seasonally adjusted index. Mortgage interest rates, however, didn’t move, and haven’t for
By Chris Tobias In these tough economic times many individuals and businesses are finding it difficult to meet their financial obligations. If your situation is not imminently dire there are steps you can take to ward off a bankruptcy. Establishing and maintaining good credit is not as hard as one
By Leslie A. Pappas, Bloomberg Law A recent Second Circuit decision is adding fuel to a growing momentum in the courts to allow borrowers to eliminate certain types of private lender-issued student loans in bankruptcy. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, siding with a student debtor, July
By Sarah Szczypinski, CNET In addition to its vast human toll, the pandemic has ravaged the financial resources of millions of US homeowners. Since the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act passed last year, more than 9 million Americans hit pause on making monthly mortgage payments, entering what’s technically
By Zack Friedman, Forbes Biden may extend student loan relief beyond September 30, but there’s one major dilemma. Here’s what you need to know. There are two parallel paths for your student loans happening right now. The first — student loan cancellation — is about the possibility of wide-scale student
