Tag Archives: credit card debt
Slow economy forces young couples to delay or skip parenthood
Although many Floridians would consider a child a blessing, few people can dispute that having a child is a huge financial undertaking. From diapers to a college education, the expenses can add up. Unfortunately, when parents are also struggling with credit card debt, student loan debt, mortgages, and other financial obligations, the costs of… Read More »
Americans take on more credit card debt
Floridians often turn to credit cards to help them make ends meet. Although credit cards offer short-term solutions, they can also cause financial devastation when they’re not used responsibly. However, sometimes credit card debt is difficult to avoid. Fortunately, people who need debt relief may be rebuild their financial lives through personal bankruptcy. As… Read More »
Americans’ credit card debt on the rise again
Are you using your credit card account as a safety net to protect you from overdrawing your bank account — or to allow you to purchase things you can’t afford on your regular paycheck? If so, you’re not alone. Millions of other Florida residents are spending more with their credit cards, according to a… Read More »
Cutting down consumer debt and getting out of financial ruin
Many states around the country are recovering from the recession, with the job market starting to pick up and consumers able to afford to spend a little more. But Florida is one of the areas whose residents continue to struggle with ongoing financial challenges. The Corporation for Enterprise Development ranked Florida number 47 in… Read More »
Overall debt in South Florida is decreasing
You may have learned the hard way that it’s always good to keep your debts down to a minimum. Some types of debt, such as a mortgage or car loan, are often a necessary part of life, but others, particularly from credit cards, are best avoided or at least kept as low as possible…. Read More »
Bank of America fined for Orange County mortgage abuse
The $9.3 billion settlement between major banks and the federal government was supposed to provide aid to homeowners in the struggling economy. The agreement was meant to protect them against the types of abusive foreclosure activities lenders were practicing with the “robo-signing” scandal and other actions. But some Florida consumers, judges, and bankruptcy lawyers… Read More »
Florida residents urged to save and cut back spending
What will you do with your tax return when it arrives? You may be tempted to spend it, but if you’re like at least three quarters of South Floridians (according to a poll by dealnews.com), you’ll be using your tax refund to pay down the balances from credit cards and other debt, or adding… Read More »
New watchdog group to crack down on creditor harassment
Are you tired of dealing with collection agencies? If so, you’re not alone; more than 30 million consumers in the U.S. are the targets of collection agencies. As you may already be aware, some of their tactics go beyond annoying: Many bill collectors have been known to use aggressive and abusive tactics. One man… Read More »
High student loan rates can make paying down debts difficult
People in Florida who struggle with credit card debt and pay lots of interest in other types of loans may have had the opportunity to refinance their debt — sometimes avoiding personal bankruptcy in the process. But while people in Fort Lauderdale and around the country have been able to refinance mortgages, car loans… Read More »
Florida highest in growing identity theft problem
With so many people still facing serious financial challenges in this economy, criminals are getting bolder and more creative in their methods of stealing money and personal information. According to Equifax, identity theft is a growing problem that’s only expected to get worse. An official from Equifax says that identity fraud in the country… Read More »