Settling debt for less than the amount you owe can feel like a financial victory. However, the IRS often treats forgiven debt as taxable income, potentially leaving you with an unexpected tax burden. This article provides a comprehensive guide to avoiding or minimizing taxes on debt settlement and leveraging IRS rules, as well as highlighting … Read more
A debt validation letter is a letter from a debt collector that tells you about a debt you may owe. Collection agencies are required by law to provide validation notices and give you time to dispute the debt. If youve been contacted by a debt collection agency about a debt you may owe, its important … Read more
When someone is in their 50s, they may wonder if it’s too late to get a mortgage and buy a house. Years ago, the answer would likely be yes. However, growing numbers of Americans are working, or plan to work, well beyond the traditional retirement age of 65 in order to maintain a comfortable income. … Read more
Reasons why your credit score could have dropped include a missing or late payment, a recent application for new credit, running up a large credit card balance or closing a credit card. Your credit score can drop for a number of reasons, including a recent late or missed payment, an application for new credit or … Read more
This credit card debt statistics page tracks Americans’ credit card use each month. We check how much debt people have, how often they carry a balance from month to month, how often they pay their credit card bills late, and more, and we update this page often. Credit card debt is a growing problem in … Read more
We are often asked why the amount of money that has been paid off on the mortgage is higher than the amount that is still owed on the mortgage statement. Some people have also asked us if there is an overage or markup on our part. So, let’s just get that right out of the … Read more
Credit cards are everywhere, and now that technology lets you use them without even swiping the card, use and debt have both gone through the roof. Right now, the average American owes approximately $8,000 worth of credit card debt. Factor in the average credit card rate at just under 23%, a record high, and its … Read more
A home is a big investment, but if you have a salary in the six-figure range you’re already off a pretty good start. As long as you have manageable debt, it’s a decent bet that you can find something that meets your needs. Income is just one factor that plays into your budget, but it’s … Read more
While it’s not a bad idea to save as much as you can for a down payment, other goals and the urgency of the situation mean this isn’t feasible for many buyers. But if you get a normal loan, you can buy a house with as little as 3% down. You just have to pay … Read more
Buyers love FHA loans for their flexible guidelines and low down payment requirements. You can even use gift funds for 100% of your down payment in some cases. But sellers don’t love them as much. In fact, some sellers won’t accept an FHA offer. Many sellers look at FHA loans as ‘the last resort. ’ … Read more
