When you cannot pay a particular bill, contact the creditor and explain the situation. Creditors may be willing to accept a lower monthly payment if they know that they will be paid on a regular basis. If the creditor threatens to turn your debt over to a collection agency, make sure the creditor knows that [...]
Archive for the ‘Dealing With Collection Agencies’ Category
3 Nov
FDIC Introduces a Portable Audio (MP3) Version of the Money Smart Financial Education Curriculum
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has released the Money Smart Podcast Network, the portable audio (MP3) version of the award-winning Money Smart financial education. The new version of Money Smart is suitable for use with virtually all MP3 players so that consumers of all ages can learn to make informed and prudent financial decisions [...]
3 Aug
Tips on How to Stop Those Harassing Calls From Third Party Debt Collectors
Are collection agencies harrassing you? If so, you might want to start becoming familiar with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). If you’re behind in paying your bills, or a creditor’s records mistakenly make it appear that you are, a debt collector may be contacting you. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer [...]
2 Aug
Q&A: Radio Ads About Federal Credit Card Settlement Programs..Where Do I Learn More?
Q: I’ve heard many radio ads that mention recent federal stimulus programs for credit card settlement. Where I learn more about these programs? How do I apply? – Broke in Bayonne, NJ. A: Unfortunately, those radio ads are promoting fictional stimulus programs. Go ahead, and look for them online…call the companies that advertise on the [...]
22 Apr
FTC Issues 2010 Fair Debt Collection Practices Report to Congress
At a time when many consumers are facing debt problems, the Federal Trade Commission has issued its annual report detailing the steps the agency has taken to protect consumers from unfair, deceptive, and abusive debt collection practices and educate the public on the subject. The 32nd Annual Report to Congress on the Fair Debt Collection [...]
