Avoiding Layoffs
How to stay employed in a tough economy.
Haggling With Your Credit Card Company
Negotiating terms duting tough economic times.
Protect Yourself From Credit Repair Scams
Can they really take accurate information out of your report?
Dealing With Debt Collectors
Federal law requires fair treatment.
Declaring Bankruptcy
Is it really a "get out of jail free card"?
Debt and Finding Employment
Can bad credit keep you from getting a job?
Poor Credit and Checking Accounts
Where can she open a checking account?
Negotiating down card debt and your credit score
You can ask a card company not to report your debt settlement to the credit bureaus, but there's no guarantee that it will comply.
Is reaffirming card debt during bankruptcy wise?
When filing for bankruptcy, a reader want to reaffirm credit card debt, with the hope of still being able to use the card. Chances are slim the card will still be usable.
Beware of IRS tax bite that may follow canceled debt
Tax attorneys and consumer advocates say many consumers aren't aware that forgiven credit card debt may be taxable income on a 1099-C form.
Survey: Debt collection calls growing more frequent, aggressive
A new survey reveals that debt collection calls have become more aggressive, and collectors are abusing laws that protect debtors.
Your options when paying the minimum isn't possible
When living from paycheck to paycheck, any disruption in income can have immediate effects on your financial situation, including not being able to pay the minimum on your cards.
5 tactics of bad debt collectors and what to do about them
The recession has put debt collectors under added pressure, too. Some are reacting by cutting legal corners.
Bankrate: Fighting Foreclosures

Bankrate's guide to understanding your debt and getting it under control.
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Debt treadmill
Savings are at an all-time low in America, while the debt load continues to climb. How bad is it?
Debt quiz
Find out just how bad your debt and credit problems are. Take our Debt-o-meter quiz.
How credit works
It's tough to manage debt if you don't know how credit works. Learn about good credit and living with no credit.
All about credit reports Very few documents affect your life like your credit report. Learn how to read your financial history.
Joys of good credit Good credit can improve your financial health in a lot more ways than most people realize.
Danger ahead Debt problems don't just suddenly appear. If you're alert for signs of trouble, you can probably avoid them.
Bad credit Bad credit can hurt a consumer in many ways. Understand how debt negotiation and bankruptcy work.
Getting help The bad news is that you are in financial trouble. The good news is that there is plenty of help available.
Tools to use Having trouble getting your finances in order? Here are some tools that will help you work things out.
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Bankrate Calculators and Tools