The Money Crusade

            The first thing we all hear when learning how to repair our credit is to pay off old debts so they will be removed from our report.   That is partially true.   You do want to pay off the credit cards.   Pay off anything that is still open.   However, DO NOT pay the collections companies. It can actually harm your credit in the long run and make you use money that could be spent elsewhere….for example towards rent or food.   I know this advice is contrary to just about everything people will tell you (especially the collections companies).   But I’m actually going to tell you why.             When the credit card companies turn over your outstanding balance as a charge-off, what this means is that they’ve cut their losses and sold your account for pennies on the dollar.   Then, they’ve reported this on their year-end busines...

     Here's a little about me.  I'm a single mom.  I have a decent job.  However, the area I live in is expensive.  I'm sure you're probably wondering why we don't just move.  Well, my kids and I have a good life here.  Over the years, I've learned how to make a dollar stretch while not forcing my kids to eat Ramen constantly (which they would probably actually enjoy). 1)  We don't go out to eat constantly.  We will go out to a nice restaurant maybe once every week or two.  However, we won't go during dinner hours when the menu prices are at their highest.  Instead, we will either go for lunch or during happy hour when the prices are lower and there are usually really good half price specials. 2)  When I buy meat at the grocery store, I buy the huge family packs.  They are usually cheaper by the pound and most of the time on sale as well.  When I get them home, I won't freeze the entire pack.  ...