X
Want a FREE Credit Evaluation ($19.95 value)?
Subscribe & get a free credit evaluation from our #1 trusted partner, Credit Saint!
Pop Up

X

This site is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site.  This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers.

Category: Debt

Not buying things you don’t have the money for might seem like Personal Finance 101, but our modern world often depends on taking on debt. At some point in life, most people take out a loan, whether it be for a small business, college, or a new home. Debt can be a force for good as long as you pay it back reliably, raising your credit score.

There is however, a dark side to debt. Sometimes, you have to take on debt unexpectedly for situations outside of your control, and that can quickly escalate if you aren’t prepared. Worse, there are people who prey on others’ debt for their own profit. You don’t want to fall prey to this side of debt, but it can be difficult to know where the line is. Educate yourself on how to responsibly take on new debt and pay off existing accounts.

CFPB Complaints: How To Contact, File a Complaint, or Search the Database

Letters containing consumer complaints to the CFPB.

What should you do when you’re wronged by a financial institution? How can you defend yourself against a bank or other lender? One of the first things that you should do is find out if the institution’s actions have had an effect on your credit score. If so, then you should try to repair your […]

What Is the CFPB and What Does It Do?

A gavel representing the law on top of a consumer protection textbook.

When you eat a head of romaine lettuce in the United States, you can feel confident that the vegetable you are consuming is safe, thanks to the efforts of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). You know that, if there’s something wrong with your lettuce, the FDA will investigate it and take the appropriate steps […]

Student Loan Scams: How To Protect Yourself and Stop Scam Callers

A woman sitting at a desktop computer on the phone visibly upset.

Scammers often target vulnerable populations by exploiting their concerns for a profit. Given that 44 million Americans collectively own about $1.5 trillion in student debt, it’s safe to say that many Americans are concerned about their student loans. Unfortunately, this means that student loan scams are a ripe opportunity to exploit our common fears about […]

US Bankruptcy Court: What Happens When You File for Bankruptcy?

bankruptcy court

Bankruptcy claims work differently than other court proceedings. If you’re thinking that bankruptcy might be a good option for you, it’s imperative that you become familiar with the system. You should know which court handles your claim, what issues within your case will be handled by whom, where to send any appeals if necessary, and […]

Can You Go to Jail for Debt?

Can You Go to Jail for Not Paying Bills?

The possibility of going to jail for unpaid debts is an alarming prospect. While there are federal and state laws against going to jail for debt, it’s an unfortunate reality for many Americans. According to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), thousands of debtors are arrested and jailed as a result of not appearing in post-judgement court […]

Medical Bill Forgiveness: Ways to Get Out of Medical Debt

medical debt

A survey by the commonwealth fund shows that 79 million Americans are struggling with medical debt. This may not come as a surprise, as insurance prices are skyrocketing and the cost of even routine services is well beyond the means of the average American worker. However, as scary as the reality of medical debt is, it […]