There are no fees to enroll borrowers in federal loan programs such as income-driven repayment plans. Anyone can enroll for free, and the process is not difficult. To avoid scams, never pay up-front or monthly fees to a third-party company claiming to offer or expedite student=loan forgiveness. Avoid companies that promise fast loan forgiveness or  … Read More

Housemates should be dependable, considerate, financially stable, and share your values. Becoming housemates is a financial partnership. There are different home ownership structures. Your lawyer can provide legal advice as to which alternative will help you minimize your risks. Make sure to have a professional review each would-be housemate’s financial circumstances. Agree which bills should  … Read More

7 million people in the US are late with car payments. That is a record number of people who are 90 days behind or more on their auto loans. Most people having trouble with car payments have low credit scores and are under age 30. This indicates that many people are having trouble paying bills  … Read More

Scams targeting grandparents steal an average of $9,000.00 in cash from people age 70 and older. Avoid these scams by never acting right away even if you are told a dramatic story. Call the family member or friend even if the voice on the phone warns not to. Use a phone number that you know  … Read More

Divorces are emotional and many times the emotions can overshadow the financial implications of a divorce. Both parties can be at risk when deciding to divorce. Be prepared for how the divorce will affect your most basic finances. Some financial changes you may need to prepare for are as simple as the cost of cell  … Read More

There are many “DIY” options available online and in office supply stores for those that want to draft a will without seeking the assistance of an attorney. However, it is important to know that using that option also comes with the risk of commonly made mistakes that can affect how your final wishes are carried  … Read More

Social media has made it easier for everyone to know what you are doing on a daily basis, including spouses during a divorce.  Be mindful of your posts and consider how it could affect your outcome, especially in matters that involve children and custody.  Reconsider the “check-in” option with many sites and apps if you  … Read More

There are essential money numbers everyone should know, to give you a great picture of your financial health, and help you understand your finances. Net worth: Add up the value of everything you own and subtract everything you owe. Assets minus liabilities. Home equity: The current value of your home minus the balance on your  … Read More

Get a free credit report at www.annualcreditreport.com. You can get one free credit report from each of the three major credit reports, once a year. You do not have to pay for a credit report. Make sure to check all three credit reports for any mistakes. The three reports may contain different information. When disputing  … Read More

Thieves are increasingly stealing children’s Social Security numbers and using them to create phony identities under which they take out loans or credit cards. In 2017 the Federal Trade Commission received 14,000 complaints of identity theft targeting people age 19 and younger. The fraud can go unnoticed for years unless parents check their children’s credit  … Read More