Foundations to Help With Medical Bills

Even with insurance, medical bills certainly add up. A variety of organizations assist those in medical debt. From government assistance to charities, these organizations offer those in debt a means of putting a dent in their growing pile of bills. Examine Your Bills Request and go through the itemized bill from the hospital or doctor's office. Bills commonly contain errors that you can have removed. If poring over your bill feels like an overwhelming task, hire a medical billing advocate---a professional who specializes in analyzing bills...

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Can More Than One Company Garnish Your Wages at Once?

In general, creditors look to wage garnishment as a debt collection method as a last resort. Even so, creditors can and do get writs of garnishment against those who have no other available assets by which to pay their debts. Sometimes, consumers fall behind on multiple debts, in which case it is possible for multiple creditors to seek garnishment orders against the consumer at the same time. General Rule Multiple creditors can file lawsuits against you that may result in the creditors filing writs of garnishment. However, as explained...

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What is the Responsible Debt Relief Algorithm?

The Debt Relief Algorithm is a formula designed to analyze a household's income-to-debt ratio and lead the household to the best solution to its debts. Robert Manning Robert Manning invented the Responsible Debt Relief Algorithm as part of the InCharge Debt Solutions program that he is involved with. Manning is a former research professor at the Rochester Institute of Technology. What the Algorithm does The algorithm is designed to analyze a household's debt and income, and then recommend a repayment plan so the household can eventually...

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Can a Business Lawsuit for Debt Collection Go After Your Personal Assets?

When a business takes on a large amount of debt and becomes delinquent in its repayment, creditors will often file suit in court seeking repayment. While the creditor will usually seek payment from the business, if the business is unable or unwilling to pay, the creditor may file suit against the business' owner and collect from his personal assets. Whether a creditor can legally do this depends on the structure of the business and how the debt was secured. Sole Proprietorships and Partnerships If a business is structured as a sole proprietorship,...

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About Debt Consolidation Mortgage

If you are a homeowner with a significant amount of equity in your home and a growing amount of debt, you may have a distinct advantage over non-homeowners. If you have sufficient equity in your home, you may be eligible for a debt consolidation mortgage through your current mortgage holder or a different lender. A debt consolidation mortgage can reduce your stress levels and high interest charges by combining all your debt payments into one monthly...

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Consumer Information on Credit Reporting Agencies

One of the best ways to find information on credit reporting agencies is by looking over the websites of the three largest companies that compile consumer credit files: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Through their sites you can find out how credit file disputes are handled, how long negative information remains on a credit report and how to remove your name from credit and insurance marketing lists. Credit Data The Experian website helps explain how consumer credit information is compiled and how often it's updated. Experian says that...

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How to Get a Free Credit Card With Bad Credit

Bad credit limits your options when shopping for a new credit card. Although you may need a credit card to make online purchases, hotel reservations or just in case of an emergency, your poor credit score may place free credit cards out of your reach. Secured credit cards are often the only option for individuals with bad credit and these credit cards require a cash deposit. If you cannot afford to make a cash deposit on a secured credit card, you...

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What to Do If a Collection Agency Sues?

Dealing with a collection agency can be stressful. When contacted by a collection agency, consumers should gather information on the collection process in order to determine the proper course of action. The good news is that while collection agencies typically can sue, agencies generally only use lawsuits as a last resort due to the costs and uncertainty of success. Threat of Lawsuit When a collection agency mentions lawsuit, consumers often...

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How Can I Refinance My Auto Loan?

Most people associate refinancing with home loans, but some banks also allow auto loan refinancing. If you're not satisfied with the terms of your current auto loan, even if you've had the car for years, it may be possible to refinance that loan today. Refinancing an Auto Loan Refinancing a car loan is similar to refinancing a home loan. The lender pays off your existing car loan and initiates a new loan for the existing balance. In some cases, you may also take cash out, depending on the lender and the value of the car. Why Refinance?...

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Unsecured Creditors Rights

If you have unsecured debt that is delinquent, such as credit card debt, your creditors have certain rights they can execute for the collection of the debt. These collection activities are normally performed by a third-party debt collector. When you fall past due, contact your creditors immediately to make arrangements. This will stop your creditors in most cases from taking action against you. Sometimes you can negotiate favorable arrangements that fit your budget. You may be able t negotiate a settlement for less than your balance. Judgment...

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Free Debt Consolidation Information

Debt consolidation describes many ways of taking several debts and packaging them into one debt with one interest charge and one monthly payment. One payment is easier to remember and budget for than several, but often it doesn't save consumers money, despite advertisements to the contrary. If a consumer decides he needs to consolidate debt, there are wiser ways and riskier ways to do so. Debt Consolidation Companies Debt consolidation companies...

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Is it Better to Pay Off Your Credit Cards With a Debt Consolidation or Just Pay it Off Yourself?

If you are having trouble making ends meet, you are not alone; the average American has $8,000 in credit card debt. Whether the issue is a job loss, emergency or overspending, a financial crisis happen to everyone at some point. When this happens, credit cards are frequently there to pick up the slack, at least for a while. The question is when you get back on your feet: do you pay off your credit cards with a debt consolidation or just pay it off...

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Can Landlords Forgive Debt?

Debt between two private parties can be forgiven at any time. Landlords can legally forgive the debt of their tenants, provided that they are the sole owner of the property. The motivation for such debt forgiveness may be to increase the probability of full payment of future rent or a barter where services or improvement to the property are exchanged for rent payments. Debt Forgiveness Debt between two private parties, whether the parties...

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Georgia Payday Lending Law

A payday loan provides a cash advance to a borrower until their next payday. According to the Consumer's Union, payday loans have extremely high interest rates that can trap low-income residents into a cycle of debt. The state of Georgia has legally banned payday loans for over 100 years. Because some payday lenders circumvented the ban, the state legislature added to the Georgia Code Chapter 17 (Payday Lending) Title 16 (Crimes and Offenses), which clearly defines what activities are considered payday lending and legislates criminal and civil...

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How to Stop a Wage Garnishment in Pennsylvania From PHEA

Stopping a wage garnishment from the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency is extremely difficult if the agency has already sent you a 30-day wage garnishment notice but it is possible. Stopping the collections process before garnishment is the ideal solution but if it is already too late for that, you do have the right to appeal the garnishment if you cannot pay your debt. American Education Services is the loan-servicing department for PHEAA and is the branch of the company that you will contact to negotiate a wage garnishment. Instructions...

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Wisconsin Laws on Credit Card Debt and Being Sued

In August 2010, Minnesota Public Radio reported that Wisconsin had the nation's fifth-lowest average credit card debt, at $4,160. This figure is down 12 percent from the second quarter of 2009. However, it doesn't matter how much debt you have. If you're delinquent in paying your credit cards, you can be sued. Knowing Wisconsin's laws on credit card debt and being sued allows you to be prepared before you're summoned to court. Statute of Limitations Every state has limits on how long a creditor may collect credit card debt. This is known...

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How to Make a Water Bill Payment Online

Many water utilities and banks offer the ability to make water bill payments via the Internet. Online payments are secure and convenient, and they're processed at least as quickly as making a payment in person or by mail. Once you're enrolled in the online payment program, you'll be able to complete transactions with just a few clicks. In many cases, you can set up electronic billing and recurring automatic payments to save both you and the water...

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Should I Give a Collection Agency a Voided Check to Pay Off a Debt?

When you cannot afford to pay off your debt with a creditor, your account may be turned over to a collections agency. If you work out a plan with the agency to pay off the debt, a representative may ask you to send a voided check to initiate the payment process. While this can be a legitimate process, you need to be careful. Why a Voided Check? A collection agency may ask for a voided check so it can set up an automated payment plan for you. The collection agency uses the account number and routing number on your check to debit the funds...

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Can My Social Security Disability Money Be Garnished for a Small Claims Win?

When a person is sued in small claims court and loses, the judge will generally grant a judgment in favor of the plaintiff (the suing party). The individual will then be legally required to pay the other party a certain amount in damages. This judgment is legally enforceable and, in most states, can be collected through garnishment. However, a person's Social Security disability money cannot be garnished by private creditors seeking the collection of legal judgments. Small Claims Win When a person wins in small claims court, he is awarded...

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Does College Tuition Have to Go to a Collection Agency Before They Garnish Your Income Tax?

Many students must take out student loans to finance the often expensive tuition required to attend college. When a student takes out these loans, he is obligated to pay back this money according to the terms set by the government -- the primary issuer of student loans. If you are late paying your loans, the government may hire a collection agency to help collect your debt, but it doesn't have to before it garnishes your wages. College Tuition When a person takes out a student loan, it will, in most cases, be from the federal government,...

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How to Rack Up Points on Your Credit Score

A high credit score gives you borrowing power because lenders see you as a good risk. Your score is determined by a proprietary formula by FICO, the oldest scoring company, and the Equifax, Experian and TransUnion credit bureaus. There are certain factors known to affect the number. You can rack up points fast if focus on improving your records in the most important areas. Payment History Your payment history accounts for 35 percent of your credit score. Catching up any late bills and paying all of your accounts on time racks up points...

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What Is an Assignment of a Deed?

If you or someone you know has been having trouble paying his financial obligations, the creditors may have arranged for an assignment of deed. The assignment does not go directly to the creditors, but rather through a trustee, perhaps assigned by bankruptcy court. Creditors use this process with debtors who owe significantly more than their assets. Developers sometimes use deeds of assignment to transfer ownership of an unfinished home. Purpose A deed of assignment transfers ownership of either land or non-real estate property. When the...

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Is Debt Settlement the Best Option?

Debt settlements are used to pay off a credit card debt or any type of debt by paying less than the total debt. This is usually done through the art of negotiation, sometimes by using companies that deal in debt settlements. But you have to be careful using a debt settlement company. It has potential to do more harm than good to your financial future. Transparency of Debt Settlement Companies Debt settlement companies are sometimes a scam,...

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Is it Wise to Go Through Debt Consolidation?

Debt consolidation combines your various debts into one debt. This simplifies your debt management, may reduce your regular payment amount and may reduce your total cost of debt. However, it may also increase your debt burden. Whether debt consolidation is a wise decision depends on your personal financial situation and the particular debt consolidation product you choose. Regular Payments Consolidating your debt turns your many regular debt...

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The Disadvantages of a Bank Loan

Taking out a loan from a bank provides you with immediate funds, which you can then repay over a certain period of time. However, it also comes with several disadvantages. Whether a bank loan is suitable for you depends on many factors, including your own personal financial circumstances. Cost If you borrow funds from a bank, you have to pay it bank with interest. The interest rate that applies to you depends on your lender, your credit rating...

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What Is the Fundamental Issue With Having Too Much Debt?

Most Americans are in debt, either with house payments, car payments, credit cards, medical bills or a combination, according to the American Debt Advisor website. About half of credit card carriers have a balance of at least $1,000, and about 10 percent have a balance of $10,000 or more. The fundamental issue about being in too much debt is that you are spending a lot of your money paying for goods or services you have already received, rather than...

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Components of Debt

The word "debt" is tossed around so much when finances are brought up that it can be difficult to understand exactly what debt is. Debt is made up of different components, such as loans or credit. Buying groceries or paying for gas are not components of debt. A mortgage, however, is considered a component of debt. Mortgage Mortgage debt is the biggest component of debt in the United States. According to the Federal Reserve, mortgage debt in the third quarter of 2010 totaled $13.9 trillion. Mortgage debt is also typically the largest component...

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How to Calculate Monthly Interest on Credit Card Debt

Being aware of just how much you pay out in credit card interest each month can become a strong impetus for paying off those credit cards. When you see just how much goes to cover the interest on your revolving debts, it's often both shocking and motivating. Here's an easy way to calculate the monthly interest paid on credit card debt. Instructions 1 To begin, you need to look at your credit card statement and determine what your annual...

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How to Get Out of Debt With Secure & Unsecured Bills

Debt is a large part of most American lives. Nearly anything can be financed on credit and big-ticket items like homes, boats and cars are almost exclusively purchased with the help of long-term debt. If not controlled correctly, debt can quickly become an overwhelming and stressful problem. If you are struggling with both unsecured and secured debt, you must first make a commitment to repay the debt and then devise a strategy to attack it with vigor....

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How to Avoid Penalties From Defaulted Payday Loans

Payday loans are short-term, high-interest loans issued to individuals. Some payday lenders charge as much as 400 percent in interest, in addition to service fees, according to the State of New York Banking Department. These service fees are attached to both the initial loan and any subsequent default. Payday loans are typically small in size, but if a borrower defaults, he can end up paying more in interest and penalties than in the repayment of principal. Borrowers can take several steps to make sure they do not trigger a default. Instructions...

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Can a Third Party Sue Me for Debt They Purchased?

Banks, credit unions and other lenders sometimes sell delinquent debt for as little as cents on the dollar. They sell debt after deciding they cannot collect on the accounts. So-called "junk debt buyers" often purchase debt in bulk, meaning they pay a flat fee for hundreds or even thousands of delinquent loan accounts. After the purchase, the debt buyers become legal owners of the individual accounts, and and can file lawsuits to collect the entire amount due on each account. Considerations Although third-party debt collectors can file...

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How to Get Tanning Beds on Poor Credit

According to the Federal Trade Commission, having poor credit does not necessarily mean that you cannot get financing for certain items. Because creditors set their own financing standards, it is possible to purchase items such as tanning beds even if you have poor or no credit. In order to get tanning beds with poor credit you simply need to find a company willing to finance your purchase and meet the payment requirements of that purchase. Instructions 1 Find a tanning bed company that offers financing for those with poor or no credit....

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How to Make a Budget with Mint.com

One good thing about debit cards is their convenience. One bad thing about debit cards is their convenience. If you use your debit card for most of your purchases, it is easy to let your spending spiral out of control. Mint.com is an easy-to-use, free web application that makes the creation of an online budget easy and also helps you to practice frugal living even when you rely heavily on a debit card. Instructions 1 Make a list of all of...

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Options for Extreme Debt

When you find yourself in extreme debt, it can feel as if you are trapped in a prison. In this situation, it is important to figure out a way to get the debt under control so that you can improve your credit scores and free up more of your money every month. There are a number of debt solutions to consider in this scenario. Lower Expenses When you need to pay off a large amount of debt in a short amount of time, you may want to consider drastically cutting your expenses. For example, you may be paying more than you should for housing or...

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Bursting the Credit Card Myths: Putting a Statement In Your Credit File Can Help Your Score

According to the Federal Trade Commission, which enforces consumer credit rights laws, no one has the right to remove factually accurate information from his credit report. Placing a statement in your file will not help your credit score if it is low because of accurately reported information. You may, however, dispute inaccurate items in your report. You are also your best resource for fixing your own credit. Checking Your Credit Report ...

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Credit Card Charge-Off Advice

Many Americans believe they are out of the clear when credit card companies suddenly stop calling in order to collect on a debt. Unfortunately, this couldn't be further from the truth. Whether it takes one year or five years, credit card companies always collect on their debt. Luckily for you, credit card charge-offs can be avoided and removed from your credit report once you choose to actively investigate and resolve the debt. What Is A Credit Card Charge-Off? Credit card charge-offs are the result of credit card companies declaring your...

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Do Collections Fall Off a Credit Report?

Your credit report continually changes as creditors add new information and the credit bureaus remove outdated information. Because collection accounts eventually fall off consumer credit reports, your unpaid debts will not haunt your credit history forever. However, evidence of unpaid debts can linger in your report for longer than a collection account. Reporting Period Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), collection accounts only appear on your credit report for 7.5 years from your original default date. Because most creditors...

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