Court finds American Express actions heavy handed, unlawful
How would you feel as a Texas consumer if you wanted to use a particular credit card at a store but were constrained from doing so because another card issuer forbade the merchant from accepting the card? And how would you feel upon learning that the card company imposing terms was slapping a comparatively higher […]
Are recent credit card debt-related findings, comments worrisome?
We noted in a recent blog post that, although credit card debt collectively owed by Americans is currently down from its all-time peak of a few years ago, a clearly discernible trend now shows that such debt is once again rising. We queried in our blog post dated November 19, 2014, whether that was bad […]
Should I focus on credit card payments first, or medical debt?
That above headline query is guaranteed to turn off just about anybody this time of year, right on the cusp of the winter holidays and just when many consumers in Texas and nationally are actually taking on additional debt for gifts and other purchases. And, yes, it’s virtually a thumbs-down inquiry at any time of […]
Credit card debt statistics: What exactly do they mean?
Purveyors of competing viewpoints sometimes make reference to statistical data to support their assertions. Often, the application of those numbers to a certain situation or context results in as many new questions being raised as it does in the definitive settlement of a debate or dispute. In other words: We’ve got numbers, but what exactly […]
Know your options with credit card debt
Yesterday marked the 56th anniversary of when charge cards were introduced to the public. Since 1958, the availability of credit cards to charge purchases has greatly impacted the buying landscape on a national and global level. However, while there have certainly been positives, many with credit cards also know about the negatives that can come […]
Wage garnishment: how a debt-relief attorney can help
Many Texas residents and persons living elsewhere across the country believe that things are getting better for the nation financially, following years of struggle that have challenged millions of Americans during the so-called Great Recession. And, indeed, things do seem to be improving for many people nationally, with statistics across a broad range of considerations […]
Report shows consumers are charging more, paying down less
Even the most skeptical among us can agree that the economy is finally starting to show signs of sustained recovery following the recent recession, as foreclosures have dropped, employment is up and consumers are spending more. Indeed, a recently released report by the website CardHub.com suggests that not only are consumers spending more here in […]
Credit card use: smooth ride or bumpy road?
Here’s a truism that just seems inarguable: Many Americans — a great many, indeed — find credit cards to be simply compelling. That applies to both cautious users of cards and consumers who frequently flash them and think nothing of using them to pay for most goods and services. What is it that accounts for […]
Overwhelming credit card debt may lead to penalty interest rates
When Texas consumers use their credit cards in a responsible manner, there may be several advantages. However, there could be many disadvantages if they are used without planning ahead for how to manage them. One late credit card payment can trigger a host of penalties, including late fees, higher interest rates and lower credit scores. […]
Credit card debt can be useful, if managed properly
The majority of Texas families depend upon credit on a daily basis. Credit is often required to purchase a house and even buy a car. Many lenders want to see a credit history prior to making a lending decision. Individuals will often turn to credit card debt as a way to build a credit history. […]