Timeshares are notoriously difficult to resell, even at a substantial loss. As more people try to get out of unwanted timeshares, criminals are targeting owners with direct mailings, telemarketing, and offers of free lunches and dinners. The scammers claim they can get timeshare owners out of their obligations for an up-front fee, sometimes as much  … Read More

1. Checking your credit score yourself does not affect the score, but if you apply for a loan or credit card and your score is checked, it lowers your score temporarily. That is the difference between a soft pull and a hard pull. 2. Getting married does not affect your credit score since each person  … Read More

People can start benefits as early as age 62, but monthly payments increase the longer a person delays, up to age 70. One study found that 57% of retirees would build more wealth over their lifetimes by waiting until they reach age 70 to start collecting their Social Security benefits. But in reality, most people  … Read More

To prevent identity thieves from gaining access to your child’s credit and setting up phony accounts in your child’s name, freeze the child’s credit. A child is defined as anyone age 15 and under. Freezing the report is free. Visit the website of the three major credit bureaus to get specific information on what information  … Read More

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