Debt

Today’s Money 911

This morning’s expert panel looked into your financial emergencies. How can a single parent save money for college? What is the process to remove negative activity from your credit report? For answers to these questions and more watch the video clip below.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Today’s Consumer Scam Alert

In this tough economy some are praying on our nations most vulnerable. Watch the video clip below to learn what scams to look out for and tips to protect yourself from becoming a victim.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Ask Jean: $100K+ Earnings, $55K in Credit Card Debt, What to Do?

Money Question 1“Hi Jean- I watch you often on the Today show and am really in need of serious intervention-to say the least. My husband and I really don’t know what to do or where to go for help. So here goes:
We have been married for 4 years and have 1 daughter, Lucy 20 months.
We have $0 in savings and nothing for her. We both went to college and work-combined we make over $100K. But we have SO much credit card debt that we are overwhelmed and can’t save. I set up my cc for the hardship programs. I have-just in my name $35K in cc debit. My husband has about $20k in his name and he is working to pay them down. Should we go to a consumer credit place, file bankruptcy, get a loan? We just don’t know what to do and we really really want to save!
We got in this trouble from our first home-the taxes were $1500 a month and we just couldn’t afford that along with the mortgage payment so we started using credit to pay the taxes and utilities.
HELP please.” – Stacy

Hi Stacy,
I know how frustrating this is. You are making good money yet feel as if you’re getting nowhere. I’d give a credit counseling service a try — though I’m not sure how much lower this will make your payments (find one at debtadvice.org). More…

Money 911: Early Retirement, IRS Debt & More on Today

Today’s panel looks at ways to reduce debt and plan for a lengthy retirement. What’s the best way to lower student loan payments? How do you handle a large debt to the IRS? What should you do if you are upside down on your mortgage? For answers to these questions and more watch the video clip below.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Bankruptcy to Saving on Money 911

This morning, Today’s experts answered your tough financial questions. How do you keep a business bankruptcy from going personal? No employer 401K, what’s the best way to save? Should you refinance your home loan? For answers to these questions and more watch the video below.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Ask Jean: Debunking Debt Settlement

iStock_000006670727XSmall“I get a lot of letters in the mail from companies that say they can cut my credit card debt in half. Are these companies legitimate? I feel like I’m drowning.” – Alicia, Georgia

For the most part, no. I’m sure you’ve heard a lot in the news recently about debt settlement scams that target those in dire financial situations. Unfortunately, many of these companies don’t deliver what they promise – your debt cut in half, an end the collection calls, and a fresh start. “The truth is, the process can take years to complete, your credit is going to take a big hit and the large upfront fees mean that you can end up drowning in even more debt,” says Alison Southwick, a spokesperson for the Better Business Bureau (BBB). More…

Stopping Overshopping — Once and For All

iStock_000007557621XSmallWe all know that shopping makes us feel good. It’s a scientific fact – when we see something we want, it triggers the release of feel-good endorphins and hormones that inspire us to make a purchase – something I talk about in my book, The Difference. But I know from reading many of your e-mails that, in some cases, this kind of feel-good shopping can become a real issue. When you shop compulsively – buying things you don’t need, and racking up debt – it can take a real toll on your life.
 
My good friend April Lane Benson, PhD, is an expert in overshopping – and how to stop. She authored a book – To Buy or Not to Buy: Why We Overshop and How to Stop – to help compulsive shoppers curb their behavior and live a financially responsible lifestyle. Recently, April let me know about a new study she’s working on to test her treatment for compulsive buyers. The treatment has been a success for more than 100 shopaholics – and it incorporates a series of steps that help to re-shape buying behavior, and keep you from falling back into a bad habit once you’ve fixed it. More…

Tackling Life’s Challenges on Today’s Money 911

Today’s expert panel touches on what to keep in mind when co-signing for a student loan. Should you rent or buy a home after retirement? What is the best way to handle payments due for medical expenses? Plus, get some tips on green investing. To learn more, check out the video clip below.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Ask Jean: Settling Small Business Debt

Coins and plant, isolated on white backgroundMy mom and I own a salon and day spa and like many businesses are having trouble paying off our credit card debt. We have several credit cards that we have made hardship payment arrangements with, but one of our cards was turned over to an attorney and the court awarded a judgment “by default.” What options, if any, do we have to settle this debt ($11,600), and can they garnish our business account to collect this debt? — Anonymous

The very first thing I want you to do is watch the Today Show segment that I did on this subject.  It’s not only happening to you.  It’s happening to many people — and many small business owners. More…

From Debt to Retirement on Money 911

This morning on the Today Show, the Money 911 panel talked about credit card debt, savings bonds, 401(k)s, and more. How can you get out of high levels of debt? What’s the best thing to do with your childrens’ savings bonds? After a job loss, what’s the best thing to do with your 401(k)? If you’re experiencing one of these money problems, or have another of your own, check out the clip below for answers.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

 

Appearances

NBC’s Today Show, Money 911

Wednesdays, 9am EST

Past Appearances

View Jean's past appearances online