If your spending habits have you digging for pennies before the next payday, maybe it’s time for a change. Unfortunately, running out of money before payday, especially if you do it over and over, causes a lot of undue stress that can negatively affect your health as well as your pocketbook.

If debt collectors are pursuing you for payment, you know how frustrating the situation can be. However, with knowledge and tact, you can diplomatically navigate the rough waters. Try these strategies when you feel like you’re drowning in debt and debt collectors.

No matter what time of year it is, it's never too late to dust off your credit reports and learn exactly where you stand. Especially these days when the average boomer is swimming in debt and the long-term unemployed are relying on credit just to make ends meet. Worse still, a recent study found it isn't uncommon for consumers to spot errors on their report, which can cost them a much-needed job or loan.

You take the advice you've heard so many times and you get your free annual credit reports to make sure they are correct. Then you take it one step further and get a free credit score. Perhaps a lender provides it when you are turned down for credit, or your order it from a service such as Credit.com. But the number you see is a complete surprise.

It is very common to receive convenience checks from your credit card issuer. These promotional checks look like free money, with 0 percent offers in bold print. These offers may seem like a tempting way to pay for holiday shopping, but consumers need to read the fine print to know exactly what you are getting.

The convenience check is linked to your credit card account. The promotional letter describes the checks as an easy way to get cash, transfer balances, or make a purchase that…

It's so easy to get carried away during the holiday season! The excitement of the season makes carefree living seems like the only way to go during the holiday.

As fun as the season is, however, it’s important to keep an eye on your budget during Christmastime so you're not faced with a financial crisis later on.

How can you resist the urge to spend frivolously in the name of gifts and having a jolly good time?

Consider these tips to manage your holiday…

We all know that our credit score can help determine loan eligibility and interest rates. After all, credit scores are an indicator of how well you handle debt. But if you’re not in the market for a mortgage or a personal loan, it’s easy to assume that your not-so-hot credit can’t really hurt you. The truth is, lenders and banks aren’t the only ones checking credit reports and making decisions based on your credit history. Even if you have no plans for new debt, ignoring…

You've heard about the Credit Crunch and its tightening effect on lending guidelines in the mortgage industry, but what does it mean to millions of Americans who need student loans to help pay their college tuition?

The student loan market looked pretty bleak during the first quarter of 2008. Not only did the reduced benefits created by the College Cost Reduction and Access Act in 2007 kick in, but for the first time in 40 years, no bonds backed by student loans were purchased during…

Who's responsible for debts after a death?

When a spouse dies, the surviving mate may be burdened with more than just grief and loneliness. Credit card debt may also haunt the partner that is left behind.

The responsibility for the credit card debt of a deceased spouse will depend on the type of account it was and, in some cases, where you live.

According to recent statistics from the Bureau of Justice Statistics and the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS), in 2010 seven percent of U.S. households–or about 8.6 million households–had "at least one member age 12 or older who experienced one or more types of identity theft victimization." The NCVS defines identity theft as "the misuse or attempted misuse of an existing credit card or another existing account or the misuse of personal information to open…