Credit card debt reduction companies: The Real Deal -Fri, 30 Jul 2010

Everyone has heard the ads for companies that promise to reduce credit card debt. For years, they've been charging big bucks upfront to help but, very soon, they'll have to...

Government cracks down on debt-settlement companies -Sat, 31 Jul 2010

Companies promising to reduce or eliminate credit card balances and other debt for customers will no longer be allowed to charge an upfront fee. The Federal Trade Commission said last week that the new restrictions are a crackdown on the debt-settlement industry, which flourished during the economic downturn as borrowers ...

Some credit card companies squeeze most responsible customers -Sat, 31 Jul 2010

Washington Post Friday, July 30, 2010 iStockphoto.com After the recession forced credit card companies to purge their rosters of the riskiest loans, the industry is facing a new dilemma: customers who are too good. Card issuers have long found their bread and butter in penalty fees and high interest rates paid by consumers who carry a balance. But that business model has been upended by the ...

Credit Card Management Services, Inc. D.B.A. Debthelper.com is Now Also Licensed in South Carolina to Provide Debt ... -Fri, 30 Jul 2010

Debthelper.com is licensed in many states throughout the nation to provide debt management, pre- and post-bankruptcy counseling, reverse mortgage counseling and other financial education options. For community groups, schools and businesses located in the South Florida area, Credit Card Management Services also offers free, on-site personal finance and credit education seminars catered to your ...

Free-spending, debt-laden: Credit woes can have roots in emotional needs -Sat, 31 Jul 2010

Personal-finance experts estimate that at least 10 percent of debt woes are a direct result of overspending pure lack of discipline. Overspending and accumulating debt may be manifestations of deep, unresolved emotional issues and unmet needs. Shopping becomes like a drug, just as work is for workaholics, and provides a temporary escape from worry and anxiety.

Alabamians Paying Down Their Credit Card Debt -Sat, 31 Jul 2010

BIRMINGHAM , AL (WIAT)---A new study shows the people of Alabama are paying down their debt, and cutting back on those credit cards. "Hopefully it's not just a fad. Hopefully it's not just a trend that something's come up because of the economy because, oh, all of a sudden, everybody's talking about it, so it must be the 'in' thing to do, said Dr. Stephanie Rauterkus, finance professor at UAB ...

FTC ends debt firms' upfront fee -Sat, 31 Jul 2010

Companies that promise to reduce or eliminate credit card balances and other debt for customers will no longer be allowed to charge an upfront fee.

FTC cracks down on advance fees to debt settlement companies -Sat, 31 Jul 2010

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) adopted strict new rules on Thursday that ban debt settlement companies from charging advance fees for elimination of credit card balances and other consumer debt. Effective Oct. 27, for-profit companies that sell debt relief services by telephone will no longer be allowed to charge a fee before they successfully settle or reduce a consumer's outstanding debt ...

3 Tips for Judging Credit Card Offers -Fri, 30 Jul 2010

Credit card offers: They come through the mail unasked for and they all scream about the great deal waiting for you when you sign on the dotted line. But not all credit card offers are created equally. There's something very important to keep in mind: The interest rates for credit card offers are going up. So to ensure you're getting a good credit card, here are some tips to help you judge the ...

New rules restrict credit counselors -Sat, 31 Jul 2010

The North Platte Telegraph We've all seen the ads, we've received the phone calls. Buried in credit card debt? Want to settle what you owe for pennies on the dollar? Falling for the pitch of companies who promise to help you pay off your debt can cost hundreds of dollars and leave consumers facing the same amount of debt. It's called "front loading," and the Federal Trade Commission is going to ...