Credit

Can You Really Get a Free Credit Report Once Per Year?

Having a great credit score has never been more important than in today's times. The economic downturn has forced us all to really take a look at our credit to try to improve it as much as possible as many lenders will only lend money to tho...

Defenses to Debt

There are circumstances under which a consumer may take issue with a debt. In other words, when a debtor has legitimate claims against owing a debt, he or she can claim that all or a portion of the debt is not owed, using defenses to debts (...

Credit - Collection Statues

Bill collectors have to eat. As such, they'll go after debts that they feel have a high probability of collection. Collectors are even issued accounts based on how much favor they have with the powers that be. Quality accounts are ones that...

Debt Collection - Record Phone Conversations

You might consider recording phone conversations with collectors using a small mini cassette recorder. You may also record using your computer, a microphone, the telephone listening adapter, and a recording software. Be advised that in some...

Debt Collectors - How to Negotiate, Part 3

�Ensure that the person with whom you are negotiating has the power to give you what you want. You can spend months negotiating a deal, only to find that the person has no power to help you. (Yes, it happens!) The person you need to speak...

Debt Collectors - How to Negotiate, Part 2

�Don't tell anyone who isn't in a position to help you what you are trying to do. These people will hamper you and waste your time if you engage in specifics, and you'll usually be met with negativity. Simply explain that you wish to conta...

Debt Collectors - How to Begin to Deal

Once you contact the collector or collection agency on your terms, politely make it clear that you understand the rules and will not tolerate any breach of the law. Once you have established some ground rules, you can begin negotiating, and...