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Do you have a puzzling personal finance question?

Our NFCC experts are here to help with answers. Ask an Expert is a way for you to get your financial questions answered in a safe place. Our experts are here to cover all kinds of tough financial topics, including student loans, military-related finances, bankruptcy, housing issues, such as first time homebuying or pre-foreclosure, as well as credit, debt and budgeting.

Retiring, $40,000 in Credit Card Debt, No Savings, What Should I Do?

Q. I’m 65 years old and my wife is 59. We’ve got about $40,000 in credit card debt and are planning to pay about 90% of it off with...

Bruce McClary / Friday September 28, 2018

Can I Back Out of a Debt Settlement Program?

Q. In March of 2018, I decided to go through a debt settlement program. Big regret! The program they put me on is for 5 years. They have settled with one co...

Bruce McClary / Thursday September 20, 2018

Our Car Payments are Too High, What Options Are There Other Than Refinancing?

Q. My husband and I recently separated from Active Duty Air Force. We have two vehicles with high payments that we will no longer be able to afford. I'm not...

Bruce McClary / Wednesday September 12, 2018

I Can’t Afford My Credit Card Payment. What Should I Do?

Q. I can’t pay my credit debts. My job got eliminated and my husband had a stroke and is permanently disabled. Interest rates are horrible and I'm over...

Bruce McClary / Thursday September 6, 2018

How can my physically disabled daughter best receive counseling for her student loan debt?

Q. My daughter owes about $15,000 in student loan debt. She is physically disabled. She works only part-time for a 501c3 organization. How can she best rece...

Bruce McClary / Tuesday August 28, 2018

How Can I Speak to Creditors About Hardship When Starting a New Job?

Q: I’m currently a graduate student and I am a few months behind on credit card payments and loans. I just signed a contract for a job and I won't startin...

Bruce McClary / Thursday August 16, 2018

Should I Consolidate All My Credit Card Debt?

Q. Can the NFCC help consolidate all credit cards, even ones under $500? Dear Reader, If you are considering loan consolidation to r...

Bruce McClary / Friday August 10, 2018

What Can I Do If My Credit Card Company is Suing Me?

Q: I have credit card debt and 2 personal loans. I have gone through financial hardship and have not been able to pay. Today I got served by court papers...

Matt Ribe / Friday August 3, 2018

Payday Loans are Taking Over, What Can I Do?

Q. Because of family emergencies the last couple years, I messed up and took out payday loans. I have seven and the interest is so high I’m falling behind...

Bruce McClary / Friday July 27, 2018

What Happens If You Pay All But One Credit Card?

Q. What will happen if I do not pay off one American Express credit card? I have three other credit cards that I am currently paying off, but American Expre...

Bruce McClary / Monday July 9, 2018