Lifestyle and Budget

It can be easy to overspend during the holidays, here's what to do if you find yourself swimming in massive credit debt.

Experts say that 2014 will be the year that the traditional magnetic stripe credit card will start to slowly make its exit in the U.S.

Experts say that 2014 will be the year that the traditional magnetic stripe credit card will start to slowly make its exit in the U.S.

Many business cards require excellent credit -- but what qualifies as 'excellent' depends on the scoring system.

With FICO scores in the low 600s and numerous hard inquiries on his credit reports, will card issuers accept or reject his card application?

If you have more than just a missed payment or two, American Express gives itself the right to cancel your account for any reason.

Starting a business at age 20 often requires credit--but it can be hard to establish credit at that age.

Data breaches have become a common event in today's world--but it's important for consumers to take them seriously.

Taking out a new mortgage is one possible way to reduce your large debt burden.

Forging a spouse's signature here and there may be OK, but never on a credit card or loan application, and not if it's done secretly.

If you're trying to recover from bad credit, will canceling old cards and opening new cards improve your credit score?

Paying the minimum amount could leave you in debt forever. Here's the way to pay it off feasibly.

After you default on a loan, collectors often try to puff up the debt, heaping interest and fees atop the balance you already owe. How bad can it get?

Ignoring medical bills could leave your credit in more pain than you went to the doctor for.

If you just got new plastic, but a more attractive offer comes in the mail, would it be OK to cancel the first card and apply for the second?

By fully understanding the nature of store credit cards, you can make the right decision when asked to apply for one this year at the checkout counter.

Some people mistakenly believe that when a debt is charged off, the obligation to pay disappears. Not so. 

When a review of your credit report says you have too many card accounts open, will your otherwise stellar credit take a nosedive if you cancel some?

Some lenders are using alternative data to measure the risk of consumers with poor credit.

Trying to refi if your home wasn't reaffirmed in bankruptcy? It can have consequences.