Question: Dear Steve, I have credit card debt but yet need a new car. I am in debt of about $15,000. I also need a new car very badly. Should I get a loan to pay off my credit card debt and have one payment? But then I would have to get yet another one … Read more
I’m shocked. Apparently, I’ve never written an article on the advantages and disadvantages of debt settlement and what to look for or watch for when you go to settle your debt. If you want to talk to someone about your specific situation, I strongly recommend talking to my debt coach friend Damon Day. He is … Read more
Q: What happens if you don’t file bankruptcy but still have credit card debt or loans at the bank? A: You owe them. Q: A collection agency sent my debt to a lawyer with a court date do I have to acknowledge it? A: No, but you will then lose by default. Q: Do I … Read more
Question: Dear Steve, I am a 40-year old single mother of one. Currently, I have $22K in credit card debt among 3 creditors: American Express $16K (9.99%), Home Depot $3K (12%), and Furniture Express $3K (zero interest and payment until March 2010). I have $35K in student loans (6.2%) with Wachovia, who is also the … Read more
Question: Dear Steve, Is it wise to pay off smaller balances first or work hard on the higher ones with the out of control interest? Lainey Answer: Dear Lainey, This is one of those great questions that seem so simple to begin with. At first glance, the obvious answer would be to reduce the amount … Read more
Question: Dear Steve, We have over $100k in credit card debt that has accrued over time due to various unfortunate life situations. We are current on all of our debt, however, we only make the minimum payments and cannot make a dent in the debt. We were on the verge of a bankruptcy filing, but … Read more
Question: Dear Steve, I have a question about credit history. I held a credit card account with Dressbarn for 13 years. The company was bought by Capital One Bank. Then the company shut down last year. On my credit report, I noticed a 40 point drop because the card account was closed by the company. … Read more
Question: Dear Steve, Does anyone know why Vantage Acceptance is not accepting new clients? Maybe there is some law enforcement action that isn’t public yet? https://vantageacceptance.com/ Ella Answer: Dear Ella, As you stated, the Vantage Acceptance website does say, “We are not accepting new applications.” They continue to list their business address as 5950 Canoga … Read more
Question: Dear Steve, I owe a lot of cc debt but have never missed or been late. I’m probably their most profitable client! I’ve asked for reduced rates, but been declined, leaving me few alternatives. Why would an issuer rather force me into bankruptcy rather than offering this relief? Karen Answer: Dear Karen, Yes. Logic … Read more
Question: Dear Steve, make about 90000 a year budget is 200 a month underwater my wife and I have about 43000 in credit card debt and an unsecured loan for 12 000 credit score is about 620 home value is about 340000 balance is 288000 wife income low due to some health problems Thinking about … Read more
