It’s happening again. Earlier this year, we were sued by a debt collector who was already getting regular payments but decided they wanted all of the money now. Meanwhile, the debt relief company we were using provided spectacularly bad customer service. Fortunately, there was only $150 left of that debt and we were able to…
SmarterBucks vs Upromise: Which is Better for Helping Pay Student Loans?
For over a decade, Upromise has been helping students and their parents save money for college and pay back student loans. More recently, SmarterBucks has stepped out onto the scene offering a similar benefit, but targeted directly at student loans instead of upcoming college expenses. If college is in the future instead of the past, then Upromise is the obvious choice. But which is better for helping to pay back existing student loans?
Is Fear Paralyzing You From Being Frugal and Getting Out of Debt?
Fear is a powerful motivator. It can force people to action, such as when a bill is due or a bear is chasing someone. It can also cause people to shrink back in paralysis, such as when a person closes their eyes to said bill or is eaten alive by the bear.
People get into debt for a plurality of reasons. The least of which is not being frugal. Racking up credit, loans they can’t handle, or bad investments that came as a fleeting opportunity. Some people get into debt for legitimate and even honorable reasons. Helping out a family member, unexpected medical bills, your house loses your value at the same time you lose your job.
But sometimes people get into debt, or at least spiral further into it, because of fear.
CareOne Credit Services: Avoid at All Costs
I’ve mentioned my debt struggles numerous times on this blog. As part of our journey towards becoming debt free, my wife worked with debt consolidation company, CareOne Debt Relief Services, to consolidate all of her outstanding medical debts into one payment. Of course that didn’t last long when we discovered that our local hospital does…