Retirement money
Photo by: Billy Alexander (Stock Exchange)

Every time there’s a dip in the stock market or a big company falls into dire straits, you can hear people fretting about three things: debt, the mortgage, and the value of their 401(k). For many, a 401(k) is a critical part of retirement savings. For others, especially young folk entering the workforce or professionals for whom retirement is a long way away, the 401(k) is something else entirely: a mystery, off in the unforeseeable realm of the future.

But, as with any long-term savings goal, the sooner you start saving for retirement, the sooner you can plan to enjoy it. Since retirement can mean many years of your life – and there’s just no telling what kind of Social Security protections or other government programs will be healthy twenty, thirty, or forty years down the line – it’s important to start thinking about it now. So we begin with an introduction: just what is a 401(k)?

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Don't let your expired debts "rise from the grave!"
Photo by: dhollister (Flickr)

In a previous post, we focused on debt collectors and unfair collection practices.

Today, we’ll discuss “zombie debt”: debt that continues to linger “in collection” long after it is paid.

This is a recent phenomenon, owing to the huge proliferation of third-party debt collectors and debt buyers touched on earlier.

Because of low levels of communication between these middlemen, not to mention the possibility of unscrupulous practices, different companies may attempt to collect on the same debt multiple times as it passes from hand to hand.

Zombie debt can be the result of honest error, but requires even more vigilance and persistence to solve than other forms of debt collection abuse. (more…)

Bill collector acting like a pirate? The law's on your side
Photo by: Bill Davenpot (Stock Exchange)

Every day, thousands of Americans get calls from debt collectors.

If you’re in the middle of settlement, debt consolidation, or even in the early stages of seeking debt relief, you don’t deserve unwanted and harassing calls; and you don’t have to let them disrupt your life.

Today, we’ll discuss facts and resources to help you use existing consumer credit protection laws to your advantage and cut through the climate of fear that a small minority of abusive debt collectors create for hard-working people. (more…)