Clean up Your Act with a Debt Consolidation Loan

Credit card debt is like a messy closet. If you do nothing to pick up your clothes and do the laundry, the mess will spread like a California wildfire. Accumulating credit card debt is much the same way. If you don't take steps to clean it up, it will fester, and eventually stink worse than your closet's dirty laundry. However, there's a tool that can help with debt management and clean up the mess-the debt consolidation loan .

Tax deductible cleaning supplies
Most homeowners burdened with debt opt for a home equity debt consolidation loan. With this type of loan, you can borrow money based on the equity in your house to pay off all your credit cards. After you've zapped all the balances, your new loan will most likely be at a lower interest rate than what the credit card company charged, resulting in lower monthly payments. And because home equity loans are second mortgages, the interest payments are tax deductible (up to a $100,000 limit).

Two loans to suppress the mess
The second mortgage comes in two basic forms-the home equity line of credit (HELOC) and the home equity loan. The HELOC works like a credit card; you're granted a line of credit, and you don't pay interest until you actually make a withdrawal. It provides great flexibility, although its rates are variable and will increase if interest rates spike.

The home equity loan is a fixed-rate product with a set repayment term. This loan contains no surprises. You know what your monthly payment will be, and you don't have to worry about interest rates rising. However, if you need to tap more money, you will need to refinance the loan all over again.

There are plenty of lenders willing to help you clean up your credit card mess with either a bad credit mortgage or a debt consolidation loan. Shop vigorously. Look for the lowest closing costs and fees that you can find. But above all else, take action now. Messy debt won't go away by itself. Only you have the power to clean up your financial act.

Free Credit Reports: Will The 3 Major Credit Bureaus Really Give You A Free Credit Report!

Get your credit report online for FREE. Many financial advisors suggest that you periodically review your credit report for inaccuracies or omissions.

This could be especially important if you're considering making a major purchase, such as buying a home. Checking in advance on the accuracy of information in your credit file could speed the credit-granting process, clean credit is a must.

A recent amendment to the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires each of the credit bureau`s to provide you with free credit reports, at your request, once every 12 months.

Free Credit Reports, contain information on where you live, how you pay your bills, and whether you’ve been sued, arrested, or filed for bankruptcy. Nationwide credit bureau`s sell the information in your credit report to creditors, insurers, employers, and other businesses that use it to evaluate your applications for credit, insurance, employment, or renting a home. There are three nationwide credit reporting companies Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union.

Everyone in the Western states will first be able to order their free credit reports under the federal law beginning December 1, 2004. Consumers in other states will be able to order their copies according to a regional roll-out detailed below.

In recent months, consumers have asked the FTC for more details about their rights under the federal FCRA and the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions (FACT) Act, which established the free credit reports program. They’ve also asked about credit reports in general. Here are the most frequently asked questions and the answers.

Q: How do I know when I’m eligible to get a free credit report?

A: Soon free credit reports will be phased in during a nine- month period, rolling from the West Coast to the East beginning December 1, 2004. Beginning September 1, 2005, free credit reports will be accessible to all Americans, regardless of where they live.

Everyone in the Western states Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming can order their free credit reports beginning December 1, 2004.

Everyone in the Midwestern states Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin can order their free reports beginning March 1, 2005.

Everyone in the Southern states Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas can order their free reports beginning June 1, 2005.

Consumers in the Eastern states Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and all U.S. territories can order their free credit report beginning September 1, 2005.

Q: How do I order my free credit report from the 3 major credit bureau`s?

A: You may order your free credit reports from each of the three nationwide credit bureau`s at the same time, or you can order from only one or two. The law allows you to order one free copy from each of the nationwide credit reporting companies every 12 months.

Q: What information do I have to provide to get my free credit reports?

A: You need to provide your name, address, Social Security number, and date of birth.

If you have moved in the last two years, you may have to provide your previous address.

To maintain the security of your file, each nationwide credit bureau`s may ask you for some information that only you would know, like the amount of your monthly mortgage payment.

Each company may ask you for different information because the information each has in your file may come from different sources. The nationwide credit reporting companies will not send you an email asking for your personal information. If you get an email or see a pop-up ad claiming it’s from any of the three nationwide consumer reporting companies, do not reply or click on any link in the message it’s probably a scam.

Forward any email that claims to be from any of three credit bureau`s to the FTC’s database of deceptive spam at spam@uce.gov. Any of three credit bureau`s also will not call you to ask for your personal information.

Q: Why would I want to get a copy of my free credit reports?

A: You may want to review your free credit reports:

because the information it contains affects whether you can get a loan and how much you will have to pay to borrow money. to make sure the information is accurate, complete, and up-to-date before you apply for a loan for a major purchase like a house or car, buy insurance, or apply for a job. to help guard against identity theft.

That’s when someone uses your personal information like your name, your Social Security number, or your credit card number to commit fraud.

Identity thieves may use your information to open a new credit card account in your name. Then, when they don’t pay the bills, the delinquent account is reported on your credit report. Inaccurate information like that could affect your ability to get credit, insurance, or even a job.

Q: How long does it take to get my report after I order it?

A: If you request your free credit reports online, you should be able to access it immediately. If you order your report by mail using the Annual Credit Report Request Form, your request will be processed and mailed to you within 15 days of receipt.

Whether you order your report online, by phone, or by mail, it may take longer to receive your report if the 3 major credit bureau`s needs more information to verify your identity.

There may be times when the major credit bureau`s receive an extraordinary volume of requests for credit reports. If that happens, you may be asked to re-submit your request. Or, you may be told that your report will be mailed to you sometime after 15 days from your request. If either of these events occurs, the 3 major credit bureau`s will let you know.

Q: Are there any other situations where I might be eligible for a free credit report?

A: Under federal law, you’re entitled to a free credit report if a company takes adverse action against you, such as denying your application for credit, insurance, or employment, and you ask for your report within 60 days of receiving notice of the action.

The notice will give you the name, address, and phone number of the credit reporting company. You’re also entitled to one free credit report a year if you’re unemployed and plan to look for a job within 60 days; if you’re on welfare; or if your report is inaccurate because of fraud, including identity theft.

Otherwise, a credit reporting company may charge you up to $9 for another copy of your report within a 12-month period

How to Avoid Credit Card Late Fees

Everyone hates late fees and being late will cost you dearly these days. For some credit cards today, if you are late, you will have to shell out as much as $40 each time. This can put a nice sized hole in your pocket really quick.

Below, I will provide you with some tips and strategies on how to steer clear of those monstrous late fees. This will not only save you a lot of money in the long run, but it will also keep those money-hungry credit card companies, I won’t mention any names, from getting your hard earned money.

Just pay your bill. One of the easiest ways of avoiding a late fee is to just pay your bill each and every month by sending in a check, money order, or other type of payment to your respective credit card issuer. Just make sure you follow the numerous guidelines, which are usually outlined on the back of each credit card bill, on how to send in your payment. These guidelines must be followed precisely if you want to guarantee that your payment will go through on time.

Payment guidelines may include everything from a specific payment address to the time of day by which the payment must be received to be credited that day. Many issuers also stipulate that payments must arrive in the preprinted envelope sent to the customer.

While the Fair Credit Billing Act requires issuers to credit payments the day they are received, each issuer is allowed to set specific payment guidelines. If any of the guidelines are not met, the issuer can take as many as five days to credit the payment.

An on-time payment could easily become late during that five-day period, so follow those payment guidelines carefully.

Just skip the payment. One of the more rare types of methods you hear of are Skip-A-Payment services. You can use these services to skip mortgage, credit card, or loan payments. Usually you would need to get in contact with your bank just to see if you even qualify or not. There are also independent companies out there that will allow you to do the same thing, no matter what bank you are a member of. Depending on whose service you use, the fee’s associated with it vary. When you use these types of services make sure you know how much you will be charged then decide if it’s worth it or not.

Pay minimum due immediately. One of the best ways to prevent a late fee from being charged to your account is to pay the minimum due immediately. As soon as you receive your bill, send in the minimum due. This will always insure that your credit card issuer received payment. You can always send in more money later if you decide otherwise. This is a great way to avoid missing a payment because if you forget to send extra money you can guarantee that you won’t be charged a late fee because the minimum due has been already been paid.

Move your due date. Are your credit card bills due at a time of the month when you're running low on cash? Many people have trouble saving money, so when it comes time to paying their credit card bills, they don’t have any cash to do so. One particular solution is to move your due date. Many credit card issuers will allow you to set your own due date to meet your specific needs. If you have trouble saving money, move your due date to a time when you do have money, like as soon as you get your paycheck. If you time your credit card bill to come the same day you get paid, you will always have cash to pay the bill.

Pay by phone. If you are one of those people that wait to the last minute to do everything or if you just forgot to send in your credit card payment early enough, you could always pay by phone. This guarantees that your payment will be on time. Just supply the representative on the other line with your checking account number and your bank routing number, which is printed at the bottom of each check. Usually the routing number is first and the account number is second. A lot of issuers allow you to pay by phone and some will charge you a pretty penny for doing so. Fee’s can range from $5 to $20.

Use other express methods. If your bank does not offer a “pay by phone” service and you need to get your payment to your credit card issuer as soon as possible, I recommend either sending your payment in by express mail or by Western Union. Either one of these services can get your payment to your credit card issuer immediately. These express methods are costly, but it will always most likely be cheaper than any fees associated with being late. Make sure you send your express payment to the proper address. Many issuers have separate payment addresses for express payments. The last thing you want to do is slow the processing of an express payment by sending it to the wrong address.

Choosemyrewards: The New Chase Credit Card Rewards Management Tool

In previous articles, I have discussed travel, cashback, interest-savings, and merchandise rewards programs. These rewards specific cards are geared towards people who are grounded in which type of rewards they would like to earn.

For those who are indecisive or those having different rewards interests at different times of the year, should take an interest in the Chase choosemyrewards program. There are two different flagship cards involved in this program, the Chase Cash Plus Rewards Visa and the Chase Flexible Rewards Visa. Both cards offer 0% APR's for 1 year, and low APR's thereafter. Statistics show however, that the approval rate for the Chase Cash Plus Rewards Visa is higher.

Let's take a minute to explain the choosemyrewards program. Like any other rewards program, there is a point system for both cards. You receive one point for every dollar spent on purchases with each card. When these points are accumulated, you then have the option of redeeming them for a variety of goods or cash. Here is what distinguishes these two cards from all other programs. At any time, you may login to the choosemyrewards page on the Chase server to elect which type of rewards you would like to receive. Choices include merchandise, restaurant gift certificates, retail gift certificates, travel rewards, and with the Chase Cash Plus Rewards Visa up to 5% cashback on purchases.

Many other rewards programs make it very difficult for the consumer to redeem rewards, let alone choose them. Typically, you would have to call up the company, wait on hold to get in touch with the proper customer service representitive, and then listen to them give you your list of options before ultimately processing your decision. With the choosemyrewards program this is not the case. In the mail with your new Chase card, you will receive a login pin number and the web address where you may access your rewards account. After entering your pin number, you may view your points accrued and a list of all rewards options. You may then scroll through the list of options and choose the rewards you would like to receive.

It only gets better. Let's say you logout of your account after you choose your rewards and realize that maybe you didn't really want that gift certificate to Home Depot that you signed up for. Instead you'd like a gift certificate to your favorite restaurant. All you have to do is simply log back in and switch your reward redemption. This is a very simple and painless process and gives you, the consumer much more control.

Many people save their points until the end of the year, because they never expire, and redeem their points to give gift certificates as holiday presents. Others take a trip to a warm place during the winter. Others just simply trump in on a cashback award in the form of a check. Whatever your interest are, or if they change, enrolling in the choosemyrewards program will make your rewards management more user-friendly and thus, much easier

Bad credit loans, credit repair, filing bankruptcy, government grants

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How to Cut Credit Card Debt

Most Americans have too much credit card debt. Duh, we've all heard that
before, right? Only now its gotten a bit personal... right again? You
personally have too much credit card debt and its about to drive you crazy.

Well there IS hope so don't file those bankruptcy papers just yet. One
major thing you have to keep in mind is your creditor is probably very
willing to work with you. Its in their best interest to have you making
some payment versus no payment. So here are a couple points to help you deal
with your credit card debt.

The first thing you have to do is simply contact your creditor and let them
know your situation. Ask for a lower interest rate or a repayment plan.
You might not have thought of it because you're just naturally so polite but
its a very good strategy to be courteous at all times when negotiating with
your creditor. Polite, but firm. Come across as one who knows what you're
asking for and expect to get it. If you're not sure what you're asking for
in the first place you might consider a reputable credit counseling service.
There's a lot of great, honest organizations out there whose mission is to
help you work things out with your creditors.

Next you've GOT to stop using your cards. Cut them up, freeze them in a tub
of water, whatever you need to do to get them out of your wallet or purse,
do it! You simply can't keep adding to the problem by running the debt up
any higher. This is actually one of the hardest parts of cutting your
credit card debt. Its like you're addicted to spending money you don't
have. So go cold turkey and drop the habit.

Start paying the ones with the highest interest rate first and work from
there. How do you do that? Concentrate on those high interest rate cards
by paying more than the minimum balance each month. The minimum is just
designed to keep you on the hook longer anyway. The credit card companies
are in this business to make a profit and want to have you paying them for
years to come. Even a little extra each month makes a big difference in the
long run.

Lastly, keep your chin up and have a good attitude. Millions of folks just
like you have begun to cut their credit card debt by following the common
sense steps outlined above. You can do it too. Good luck.

Small Business Debt Collections Law Trap

When someone owes your small business money, you certainly feel like a victim. But did you know that if you aren't careful, you could break the law by trying to get the money back?

How to Break a Federal Debt Collection Law

You have a small business, and your bills are coming due soon. You could easily pay those bills if a few thousands dollars of overdue invoices were paid. It's time to give your clients a few friendly reminders…

1. You call up the biggest debtor at his home number. The debtor's girlfriend answers and you leave the message that you were just calling to remind her husband about the invoice you had sent last month.

2. You get into an argument over the phone with the next debtor. In the heat of the moment, you say you're referring the debt to you attorney--when in reality, you know you can't afford to do that.

3. It's getting late--in fact, it's already after 9pm. But you know that debtor number 3 tends to stay up quite late, so it's practically midday for him. So, you cheerfully give him a call and remind him about the invoice of a couple of months ago.

Congratulations, you may have just broken a federal law three separate times. Plus, you could be sued for it.

Collections Laws Finer Points

Have you figured out what collections law you broke yet? It's the Fair Debt Collections Practice Act (FDCPA), the federal law for collections. Meant to protect consumers from harassment, it has a clear list of things you can't do. Let's look at what you did wrong in the last example:

1. Never tell someone other than the debtor that you are calling about a bill. You can, of course, leave a message that you called. You can even call someone simply to find out if they know if a hard-to-reach debtor has moved house. But you cannot under any circumstances let on that they owe money. Simply leave your name and phone number as with any other "call me back" telephone message.

2. Never claim to be involving an attorney when you are not. Of course, this might seem like a soft area of the law, since intentions are fuzzy. But, for instance, if it's clear that suing to recover the debt would cost as much as the debt itself, your bluff will be obvious in retrospect. To be on the safe side, don't ever claim to have involved your lawyer.

3. Never call before 8 am or after 9 pm, unless you have the explicit permission of the debtor. But unless that permission is in writing, you're safer not calling during those hours, anyway.

Unfortunately, not every aspect of the law is as straightforward as this case. For instance, the law is only supposed to apply to consumer collections, not business collections. But with home business and telecommuting blurring the line between work and home, you're better off following the law's dictates in every case.

Plus, the law has numerous other protections for debtors--or traps for collectors, depending on your point of view.

Feeling daunted? Before you give up on ever seeing your money again, consider outsourcing your over-aged accounts receivables to a professional collections service. After all, there's no law saying you should let customers rob you.

Please note this article is not intended to give legal advice and may not be complete or up to date with the most current collection laws changes.