Have a Question?

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.

Will paying off a closed account help my credit score enough to rent an apartment?

Q. I just paid off a closed account with a $2160 balance this month. Will this have a positive affect on my credit score? The account h...

Bruce McClary / Tuesday May 26, 2020

When Does It Make Sense to Declare Bankruptcy?

Question: At what point does it make sense to declare bankruptcy?Dear Reader, The general con...

Bruce McClary / Friday May 8, 2020

Should I Pay Off a Debt in Collections and Will it Help My Credit?

The NFCC often receives readers questions asking us what they should do in their money situation. We pick some to share that others cou...

Bruce McClary / Friday May 8, 2020

Should I File for Bankruptcy?

Q. Should I file for bankruptcy? I lost my job in 2007. I became unable to pay my credit card debts about two years later. My d...

Bruce McClary / Wednesday April 22, 2020

What Can Credit Counseling Help Me With?

Question: My husband and I need financial guidance and are not sure who we need to go to? A financial advisor? Debt counselor?...

Bruce McClary / Friday April 10, 2020

What are options for boosting my credit score without getting retail credit cards after a DMP?

Question: My credit took a massive hit when I graduated from college. I signed for a debt management program at the age of 26! Now I need options to boo...

Bruce McClary / Monday April 6, 2020

What will happen if my house is in foreclosure and I don’t file for bankruptcy?

Questions: What will happen if my house is in foreclosure and I don't file for bankruptcy?Dear...

Bruce McClary / Friday April 3, 2020

Can you apply for a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) on a home you are about to purchase?

Q. I have several question about mortgages and HELOC's. We recently sold our home and have a nice nest egg of cash from the sal...

Bruce McClary / Friday March 13, 2020

Student Loan Round-up

The NFCC often receives readers questions asking us what they should do in their money situation. We pick some to share that others cou...

Bruce McClary / Thursday March 5, 2020

Does my Income-Based Repayment Affect My Husband Buying a Home?

Q. Hi! I have some questions about my student loan. I have the regular federal student loans and I already graduated. We are ma...

Bruce McClary / Thursday February 13, 2020