Early 401(k) Distribution Financial hardships can come out of nowhere: an unforeseen medical emergency, a natural disaster, an unexpected house repair, or loss of a job can jostle even those most well-prepared financially. During this setback, it may be tempting to dip into your retirement savings. But first it is necessary to understand the true […]
Archive for the ‘Managing Debt’ Category
Used vs. New: Buying the Right Car for Your Finances
When you’re in the market for your next car or truck, the salesmen and the showrooms can seem like pretty intimidating places. Whether you’re better off with a new car or selecting a used or “pre-owned” vehicle depends upon a number of factors, and there isn’t one right answer for everyone. While a friend of […]
3 Strategies for Dealing with Holiday Debt
The holiday season is a festive time of year filled with valuable family time and an endless supply of unforgettable memories. For many, these feelings of seasonal happiness may have caused you to lose control of your holiday spending. There is nothing to be embarrassed about; you’re not the only one. Many Americans struggle […]
How to Get Collections Agents to Stop Calling!
Living with extreme debt is an all-encompassing experience. It can feel like there is never rest from your ballooning financial obligation. Every hour is filled with dread as your owed accumulated amount grows. It’s not uncommon to have difficult feelings during this time. Things are not made more comfortable with the introduction of collection agency […]
Managing Credit Card Debt in Retirement
It is increasingly likely that many Americans will enter retirement with some form of credit card debt. The average credit card debt among U.S. households in 2017 was $6,375, with the average credit card debt of those just entering retirement age at $7,550, according to Experian’s annual study on the state of credit and debt […]
How To Talk To Your Children About Debt And Savings
As parents, we try to prepare our children for the world. We pass on concepts like the importance of education and the power of charity work. When it comes to more taboo subjects, it can be challenging to get the conversation started. One such taboo talking point is money, especially debt and savings. It is […]
Debt Settlement vs. Bankruptcy: What to Know
Debt Settlement Does Not Apply to: Mortgages Auto Loans Student Loans The Dangers of Debt Settlement The Center for Responsible Lending offers that most people seeking debt settlement would need a minimum of four accounts to find any benefit from the process. Moreover, working with a debt settlement doesn’t offer any guarantees. Not all lenders […]
What is the Difference Between a Personal Loan & Home Equity Loan?
Are you considering taking out a home equity loan? Or a personal loan? Learn more about these and how they’re different. Secured vs. Unsecured Loans Secured loans are tied to an asset. Loans like these include auto loans and mortgage loans. A home equity loan is like this. Instead of a standard mortgage, a home […]
Shared Ownership of Things
Note: CreditGUARD does not promote the indiscriminate sharing of your possessions. If you choose to be neighborly and lend things out, make sure that there’s accountability. You should never lend out valuable equipment to someone you don’t trust or don’t know well. Always be responsible and discerning. CreditGUARD is not responsible for any unreturned property. […]
America’s Debt Crisis
As of March 2018, the U.S. national debt topped $21 trillion. Let that sink in for a minute. Comparably, the total household consumer debt in the U.S.A. was $13.5 trillion at the same time. The biggest ticket item comprising consumer debt in America? Mortgages. Next in line are credit cards. U.S. consumers have racked up […]
