We cover the basics and more about personal finance, answering frequently asked questions about credit and debt, identity theft, saving for college, retirement, estate planning, insurance, taxes, job hunting, and raising money-savvy kids. Check out the articles, columns, blog posts, radio shows and videos for tons of personal finance advice.
Software That Can Help
If you're having trouble keeping track of your medical expenses, try Quicken's Medical Expense Manager software. It retails for $60, but you can buy i...
Filling in for Clark Howard This Week
We're talking about money -- and diets. This is the time of year when New Year's resolutions to save more money and lose weight seem to fall apart. So...
How Consumer Credit Counseling Services Affect Credit Ratings
Consumer credit counseling services and debt management programs can affect a person's credit rating. Entering a debt management program is a much better move than filing for bankruptcy protection. While some lenders may view it negatively, those that work with debt management companies and the participants in their program will view it more positively.
Saving Money When Getting Married
Getting married is frightfully expensive. No one's disputing that. But do you have to spend $10,000 on a Vera Wang dress? Perhaps not. What guys have...
Ilyce Glink on WSB Radio – February 19, 2006
Ilyce starts her radio show talking about very long-term mortgages. Ilyce then takes calls on real estate, personal finance and consumer issues topics -- from paying for home remodeling to using retirement money to pay off a mortgage.
Thursday Is Column Day
I'm often asked how I choose topics for columns. Honestly, sometimes I'll read something in a newspaper, magazine or online and it sparks an idea. Or...
Managing Credit Scores With A Debt Management Payment
There is a lot of confusion in the world of credit counseling, which is why so many consumers have unpleasant experiences. The issue is less whether you are enrolled in the debt management program, but more whether you pay off all of your debts in full. If you negotiate a partial payment with all of your creditors, your credit score may take a hit.
Finding Which Insurance Is Right For You
There are many types of insurance available: homeowner's or renter's insurance, auto insurance and health insurance, life insurance (term or some version of whole life), long-term care insurance, disability insurance, business insurance, and excess liability coverage, also known as umbrella insurance. These days, it seems as though there is an insurance policy for every sort of situation a consumer might face. Which insurance is right for you?
High Debt And Low Credit Score Spells Trouble
A homeowner and business owner has a low credit score and extremely high credit card debt but wants to refinance an investment property. Having high debt and a low credit score is a bad combination to try to get a mortgage. A high interest rate will be the likely result of trying to refinance with the low score and high debt.
Understanding Home Lenders Debt To Income Ratios
When creating a budget it is important to understand what percentage of your income should be going to you housing costs. The 28/36 debt to income ratio is commonly used by home lenders. Lenders will allow you to spend up to 28 percent of your gross monthly income on your mortgage, real estate taxes, and homeowners' insurance premium. The 36 number refers to total debt.