Many people reeling under the debt burden often seek outside help, mostly in form of credit counseling. But many also ask the important question; does credit counseling affect you credit (score)?

Now, there have been many horror stories about credit counseling gone wrong. Some consumers have fallen prey to credit scams. Others have found themselves not only still owing the debts they had to start with, but also fees charged by the credit counseling agency. But there are many others too who have been happy with their experience. More on Does Credit Counseling Affect Your Credit or Score?

There are two kinds of credit inquiries, one of which can hurt your (Fico) credit score. We shall look at how to remove inquiries from credit reports, especially when they are not authorized. But what exactly are the two types of inquiries?

First, there is what is commonly known as a “soft inquiry”. When you request your own credit file, this creates a soft inquiry. Likewise, when a credit card or other creditor-type company is checking you out for marketing purposes (the result of which is junk mail), this creates a soft inquiry. More on How to Remove Inquiries from Credit Report

The phrase “debt consolidation” has erroneously become synonymous with being debt free. This has something to do with how this service is marketed in the media. But there are hurdles and pitfalls to look for. This article will show you how to find the best debt consolidation company.

The commercials are enticing: Eliminate debt (they just stop short of saying yesterday). Pay only a small potion of what you owe. Eliminate interest and penalties. And the list goes on. But just how true are they? More on How to Find Best Debt Consolidation Company for Your Needs

Debt collectors ringing your phone off the hook and sending intimidating letters can frazzle anyone’s nerves. But you have various forms of protection and many techniques available to deal with them.

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act sets guidelines for what debt collectors may or may not legally do when attempting to collect a debt. They can’t, for example, call before 8 a.m. Or after 9 p.m., nor threaten to garnish wages in states in which it’s illegal, or harass you with continual phone calls if you tell them to stop. More on More Tips on How To Deal With Debt Collectors

One very important element in your overall credit worthiness package is your FICO credit score. But what exactly is that and how does it affect your debt management choices?

FICO is an acronym formed from the letters of its founder, the Fair Isaac Corporation. It is a number between 300 and 850 that ranks credit worthiness according to a proprietary algorithm invented by the company, with 300 being worst and 850 being best. Other companies now have their own variations. More on FICO Credit Score – What is That?

Do you need a loan until payday? If this is the case, you are not alone. Many people these days find themselves in need of a funding source to cover their bills. Then again, it may not be the proper word to use the term “these days” because there will always be instances where someone may be in dire need of a lending source.

Thankfully, no matter what the current economic climate may be there is a way of gaining a loan until payday. This often comes in the form of a payday advance. More on A Loan Until Payday Can Be a Big Help in Times of Need