Jan 6, 2009

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Notes from the Editor

“Debt Help for a Changing World”

This week we answer Warren B. of Tennessee’s question, “With mortgage rates at an all time low, why are my credit card interest rates at an all time high?”

Well Warren, you aren’t alone in wondering about this one. We liked your question so much it became the feature article of the week. “Just Who Sets Interest Rates Anyway?


Unable to let sleeping dogs lie, Mel Goodman has once again stepped into the fray with his article, “Loan Shark or Loan Officer” in which he finds more similarities than exceptions. “Charging economically vulnerable Americans outrageous interest rates and fees is simply not acceptable”.


In this week’s ‘new Bankruptcy Law’ series, we have a closer look at the Homestead Act. (Proof positive that in some states, you can take it with you).


One of the main reasons that we undertook the construction of this website was the alarming increase in debt related illnesses brought on by debt related stress. Should you feel a bit stressed out we highly recommend you try the stress test. It’s very short and amazingly insightful.

Suggestion Box

If you have an article suggestion, a nagging debt question, or an opinion on any debt related subject, we would love to hear from you.

Quote of the Week

Feature Article

Just Who Sets Interest Rates Anyway?

by Debthelp-USA, Oct. 14, 2005

Many of you may be wondering if the bank's prime rate is low, then why are we paying such exorbitant interest rates on our credit card bills? The answer is, because the banks and credit card companies can get away with it!

More 

National Debt Clock

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For a detailed breakdown on national debt, click here.

Opinions of the Week

Are Credit Card Interest Rates Justified?

PRO:

Credit card debt is unsecured, meaning that the lender has no collateral to collect should the debt go into default. To protect themselves, the banks and credit card companies MUST charge interest rates that many will consider to be usury. It’s just the cost of doing business. It’s up to the individual cardholder to act responsibly.
Elmer F., Anaheim, CA

CON:

The banks are making record profits every year even in times of restraint. The obscene interest rates charged on credit cards harms the regular working stiff. It’s time the banks gave a little back, it’s time they took some the burden from the shoulders of the working poor.
Michael M., Phoenix, AZ

Are Payday Loans a Form of Usury?

PRO:

At the end of the day it's a matter of choice. You weigh your options. Do you want to bounce a check, have your utilities cut off, whatever it may be, you look at your options and then make the choice.
George B., Seattle, WA

CON:

Any institution that preys on desperate people to the tune of triple digit interest is in my books clearly engaged in the practice of usury. Some of these companies have been known to charge 500% when all is said and done and that’s just wrong.
Elizabeth R., Idaho

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Debt Help

The Homestead Act

by Debthelp-USA, Oct. 14, 2005

The Homestead Act has nothing to do with covered wagons or buckskin pants. In most states you can legally protect your personal residence in a bankruptcy.

More  

Poverty Rate (USA)

Debthelp-USA (Nov. 2005) — A sample survey of 100,000 households was conducted to reflect the poverty estimates for the year 2004.

And the survey says  

New Bankruptcy Law

New Bankruptcy Law In Affect October 17, 2005

October 2005
by DebtHelp-USA

Now that the new Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention Act is in affect, we thought that a simple clarification was in order.

More 

Self Help Corner

Million Dollar Baby — The Magic of Compound Interest.

Inspired by the Investors Group

You too can have a million dollar baby! The one investment strategy guaranteed to let your baby retire a millionaire!  More 

Popular Searches

  • New Bankruptcy Laws
    On April 20, 2005, President Bush signed into law a new Bankruptcy requirement that any person contemplating bankruptcy; must attend Credit Counseling at an approved non-profit credit counseling service prior to the filing of any bankruptcy petition.
  • 25 Changes to Bankruptcy Law
    More details on the latest and upcoming changes to the bankruptcy law. A must read for those contemplating bankruptcy!
  • How did your Congressperson vote on the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention Act?

Debt Advice

Dear DebtHelp,

I have been paying down my credit card debt and medical bills but my situation is looking more dismal each month. I am afraid of losing my home and concerned that I am so broke I can’t afford the cost of filing for bankruptcy let alone the attorney’s fees! What can I do?

  — signed, Sylvia in Seattle

Dear Sylvia in Seattle,

Stop paying your credit card and medical bills. It makes no sense to continue ...   More