Jean Chatzky blog :: The Difference :: Personal finance, debt, and money advice

Daily Finance: Interest Rates

Last week I spoke with Nikhil Hutheesing from Daily Finance about ways to reduce your debt before interest rates rise. Check out the video clip below to learn more.

Daily Finance: Identity Theft

This week I spoke at Daily Finance on the increasing costs of identity theft and how you can protect yourself. Check out the video clip below to learn more.

Money 911: Years of Unfiled Taxes

On Today’s Money 911 we talked about who to call first if you’re years behind on your taxes and if credit cards could lead to future debt problems. To learn more check out the video clip below.

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Today’s Money: Debt Diet

This morning on Today I spoke with Ann Curry and Consumer Reports’ Mandy Walker about five ways you can stick to a debt diet. Check out the video clip below to learn more.

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Ask Jean: Lowering Credit Card Interest Rates

iStock_000005912769XSmall Why would the Visa Credit Card people at my bank tell me the reason they cannot reduce my interest rate is due to the “Credit Bureau Act of 2009″?????? What exactly is this? Is this just a put off tactic or is there something to this? I’ve never heard this mentioned by advisors who say to ask for a reduction and give examples of people who get it. Thanks for your help.

Hi Betsy,
You’ve got me. The Credit Card Act of 2009 may be what they’re referring to, but I don’t know of anything in it that would prevent them from reducing your original interest rate. It prevents them from raising your interest rate on new purchases unless you pay 60 days late. What it doesn’t do is force them to reduce your interest rate. That they don’t have to do unless they feel like it and often they don’t feel like it unless they think they’re going to lose you as a customer. Here’s what to do: Call customer service back and ask again. If they say no, speak to a supervisor. And if that supervisor says no, speak to his or her supervisor. If you still strike out, look for a cheaper card to transfer your balance to (go to lowcards.com to find one). But don’t close the old card unless the annual fee is ridiculous. Closing it will take your credit score down.

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Money 911: Using Your Income Tax Refund

On Today’s Money 911 we discussed financial planning for living with a chronic illness and how best to allocate your income tax refund. To learn more check out the video clip below.

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American Express OPEN Forum: Bartering

In my latest American Express OPEN Forum article, I discuss what you need to know to go about structuring a barter agreement.

Ask Jean: Shopping for Lower Credit Card Rates

Hi Jean,
I watch you all the time on channel 4 news. I like the way you answer everyday questions, rather than Suze Orman. I am thinking about your debt free diet. Right now I have a question regarding what else! Credit Cards. I just applied at my local credit union for a card at a lower finance rate to consolidate another card I have which I pay $100 a month and the interest takes up half the amount. I do have some cd’s that I can cash in to pay off. I do not use them but I did not close them. I do not have much left in life as far as savings goes. Help Please – MaryAnn

Hi MaryAnn,
Thanks so much for watching. You did exactly the right thing — when our interest rates are too high and our current creditors won’t lower them, we look for lower interest rates in the form of a balance transfer somewhere else. More…

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Money 911: Debt While on Disability

On Today’s Money 911 we talked about tips to help clean up your credit score, and how to juggle paying student loans when you’re on disability. To learn more watch the video clip below.

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