Mary Hunt is the founder of www.DebtProofLiving.com and author of 18 books, including "Can I Pay My Credit Card Bill With a Credit Card?"
Everyday Cheapskate
- Settling can be really bad for you
- Dear Mary: What do you think about settling a debt with a creditor? I recently agreed to one for a credit card, and the bank did notify me that the forgiven debt will be considered income by the IRS. I will have to file taxes on this amount using fo... Full story
- You can bounce back from bankruptcy
- Dear Mary: Please give me some pointers about bouncing back from bankruptcy. Will this have any effect on future employment opportunities? — Henry, email Dear Henry: Live on cash. Have only one credit card, and if you use it, pay it in full ev... Full story
- Get back on that wagon
- Dear Mary: My husband and I were excited to start our rapid debt-repayment plan and did well the first month. Now we have fallen off the wagon and are behind on payments again. We haven't used our credit cards, but we feel discouraged. Now what? &mda... Full story
- Choose wisely when building credit
- Dear Mary: I am 24 and will be a senior in college next year. I plan to apply for my first credit card to start building credit. I am also planning on traveling, so I would like a card that can be used abroad. However, looking into credit cards has ... Full story
- Pay kids a 'salary' instead of allowance
- If you've been reading this column for long, you know that I am passionate about the subject of kids and money. In addition to the many articles I've written, my book about raising financially confident kids has been revised and updated several times... Full story
- Condensed soup recipe saves money
- Dear Mary: I am trying to find recipe substitutes for the popular creamed soups, like cream of celery, cream of mushroom, etc. These condensed soups are killing my budget. I don't even want to pay a buck a can for the generic option at Walmart. &mdas... Full story
- When it comes to credit, knowledge is power
- Dear Mary: My credit card company raised my minimum payment from 2 to 5 percent of my outstanding balance each month and added a $10 monthly administration fee on top of interest. I complained. They offered to let me keep my lower minimum payment, bu... Full story
- Self employed? Don't break these money rules
- Dear Mary: My husband and I have really gotten ourselves in deep. We thought at the time that starting a franchise using our personal credit cards was a good idea. The manager we hired was inept and untrustworthy. Now we are in credit card debt to th... Full story
- Insurance policies bring confusion
- Dear Mary: My mom bought 20-year term life insurance policies for my two sons when they were young in the 1970s. I know she finished paying on them, and I know she didn't cash them out. When my kids were in their late 20s, Mom told me she was going ... Full story
- Mom ready to stay at home
- Dear Mary: I am eager to be a stay-at-home mom to my 2-year-old. We are paying down the bills. What are some of the common mistakes working moms make when changing their lifestyles to be at home with the kids? — N.R., email Dear N.R.: Your No.... Full story
