Author's articles
Should You Offer Payments to a Collection Agency?
By Mark Andrade · 13 years ago
By the time an account gets to collection, the costs of administering it have gone up a lot and most collection agencies would welcome a quick debt settlement. However, they have little incentive to compromise ...
Collection Agencies - What They Do Wrong
By Mark Andrade · 13 years ago
Collection agencies are notorious for engaging in illegal practices when attempting to collect debts. They especially like to take advantage of low income or non-English speaking debtors. However, you don't have to be a victim ...
Know Your Rights When Dealing With Collection Agencies
By Mark Andrade · 13 years ago
More than a few collection agencies engage in illegal practices when attempting to collect debts. Low-income and non-English speaking debtors are among those most often taken advantage of. Some collectors send fake legal papers and ...
The Wrong Way to Manage Your Debt
By Mark Andrade · 13 years ago
Reducing your debt may be simple, but no one said it would be easy. Depending on what threw you into debt, there could be many issues to address to dig yourself out of your financial ...
Transferring Balances to Gain Debt Relief
By Mark Andrade · 13 years ago
Even during the recession, consumers continue to be bombarded with with seemingly endless offers for new credit. These balance transfer offers often tempt you with initial low rates and the chance to move your debt ...
Negotiate With A Collection Agency for Better Results
By Mark Andrade · 13 years ago
Administration costs on settling bad debts increases exponentially once they are sent to collection. Initially collection agencies insist on full compensation, but once the costs start adding up, they can quickly change their tune. The ...
Steps to Take When Your Credit Card Bill is Wrong
By Mark Andrade · 13 years ago
Credit card statements frequently contain billing errors. As a consumer, it's up to you to verify your expenses each month and notify your lender of any mistakes. When doing so, it's important to follow the ...
Surprises You Could Find On Your Credit Report
By Mark Andrade · 13 years ago
We all expect to find detailed credit history and other personal information when looking at your credit report. But some of the other information that frequently ends up there might take you by surprise. Unfortunately, ...
Too Many Credit Card Offers - How Do You Choose?
By Mark Andrade · 13 years ago
Before you select a new credit card, you need to understand your own credit needs and sort through all the fine print. The task is challenging at best, but a mistake can end up costing ...
How Adding Items to Your Credit Report Can Increase Your Credit Score
By Mark Andrade · 13 years ago
Conventional wisdom says that if you want to raise your credit score, you need to focus on disputing all the negative items on your credit report to have them removed. But many are unaware that ...
Confronting Overzealous Collection Agencies
By Mark Andrade · 13 years ago
Collection agencies are notorious for skirting the law when trying to collect the money that's owed them. Non-English speaking and low income individuals are frequently the target of their illegal and deceptive practices. But anyone ...
Slowing Down the Collection Process to Get Debt Relief
By Mark Andrade · 13 years ago
Knowing the rules governing debt collection practices can offer guidance if you've been contacted by a collection agency. Collection agencies who operate outside the law can face fines or sanctions. Understanding what they can and ...
Credit Cards Can Pose An Identity Theft Risk
By Mark Andrade · 13 years ago
One of the fastest growing crimes in this country is identity theft. Over 55 billion dollars a year are spent by businesses and consumers to counter its effects. Your credit and personal information can be ...
Make Becoming Debt Free a Priority
By Mark Andrade · 13 years ago
In their quest to pay off debt, some people neglect other important goals, such as saving for significant events like buying a home, going to college, or saving for retirement. Without a well thought out ...
Protecting Yourself from Dishonest Collection Agencies
By Mark Andrade · 13 years ago
Illegal and unfair tactics are often employed by collections agencies when seeking payment. Unfortunately, the uninformed are easy prey. To hold collection agencies accountable for blatantly unlawful practices, you first have to know your federally ...
Do It Yourself Debt Management - You Have to Get It Right
By Mark Andrade · 13 years ago
You can successfully implement your own debt management plan without outside help to slowly but surely become debt free. All it takes is a commitment to a cash only policy and to living within your ...