Are you managing your debt? Or is it managing you? If you're stuck in a money quicksand trap, you may not even realize at first that you're in a financial predicament, especially if you're sinking slowly and have been poorly managing your cash for a long time.
Are you managing your debt? Or is it managing you? If you're stuck in a money quicksand trap, you may not even realize at first that you're in a finan...
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Read MoreIf the primary borrower fails to make payments, the co-signer is fully legally responsible. This unexpected financial obligation can instantly strain their finances, damaging their credit and budget.
Most issuers offer online pre-qualification using a "soft" credit check that doesn't affect your score. Use these tools to see likely offers and rates before formally applying, which requires a "hard" inquiry.
In moderation, yes. It is reasonable to improve your quality of life as your income grows. The key is doing it intentionally, in alignment with your values, and only after securing your financial foundations (debt freedom, emergency fund, retirement savings).
Yes, time-barred or "zombie" debt is too old to be legally enforced through a lawsuit, though collectors may still try to collect. The statute of limitations varies by state and debt type.
Ignoring it is risky. The debt can be sold to aggressive collection agencies who may sue you. If they win a court judgment, they could garnish your wages or levy your bank account. The negative mark will also continue to damage your credit for the full seven-year period.