Managing Debt

Understanding Credit & Strategies for Improving Your Credit Score

Understanding Credit & Strategies for Improving Your Credit Score

You can think of a credit score as your report card for how effectively you manage your finances, specifically your loans. The myth is that a credit score is a measure of how much debt you have, and that racking up more debt will result in a higher credit score. The truth, however, is . . . .

Debt Payoff: Why Math Trumps The Common Sense Approach of Rapidly Paying Off Debt

Debt Payoff: Why Math Trumps The Common Sense Approach of Rapidly Paying Off Debt

Focusing on debt payoff can cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars. Debt payoff strategies abound on the internet, and many mainstream financial gurus have built an empire on the common-sense approach to focus your financial efforts first on paying off your debt. The math, however, doesn’t work out in their favor.

The Dangers of 0% Balance Transfer Offers

The Dangers of 0% Balance Transfer Offers

A reader asked about using 0% balance transfers offers to manage their credit card debt. While these can be beneficial, they can also pose additional risks. Many people who use this strategy find themselves further behind than when they started. Here are some of the common pitfalls to avoid.