Alex and James last week's show with Bill Ipsan from Prestige Financial. Helpful websites, the 5 basic options to get out of debt, and contact information are also given during this segment.

Alex and James discuss debt in the News. They discuss how the FTC won a major lawsuit over AmeriDebt Consumer Credit Counseling and new credit card changes and tricks and tactics to watch for. James and Alex also visit the popular topic of pay-day loans and the troubles and unethical practices they inforce, tips and tactics to do to improve your credit score

James and Alex continue to express their concerns about resorting to using pay-day advance companies that charge enormous amounts of interest for small cash advances. They discuss possible alternatives to use to avoid having to use cash advance companies and other options to consider to save you from losing your home such as note modification or repayment plans to catch up on missed payments.

James describes a recent experience that he had regarding phishing, a tactic commonly used through email or actual phone calls, used to steal your personal information by pretending to be your bank or creditor and requesting personal information to verify your account. He describes way to know if emails are valid and/or secure.

Bill Ipson, a Credit Repair Specialist, join Alex and James on the show. Bill describes tactics to repair credit scores through the Fair Credit Reporting Act, which gives consumers the right to dispute information that may not be accurate or may not be yours. Also, when repairing your own credit report, use a professional because you do NOT want to eliminate information that may be beneficial and not detrimental to your score.

Bill Ipsan continues on the subject of Credit Repair. Is Credit Repair legal? What makes a Credit Repair Agency better than the others? How long does credit repair take? Does the Fair Credit Reporting Act have any mandates in place? How do you permanently remove negative effects on your credit report?

Your credit score can affect almost anything and everything in your life. Without a good credit score, it can make your life very difficult. Is it true that frequent credit report requests can have a negative effect on your credit reports? What makes up a credit score? Payment history? Debt-to-Income Ratio? Length of credit history?

If you are experiencing financial issues and credit woes, the best thing to do is get it taken care of it now, instead of later. The worst thing you can do is procrastinating. Is it possible to have a bankruptcy removed? No matter what type of situation you are in, there is help. Prestige Financial does not charge for calling. You can reach Bill Ipsan at:

Bill Ipsan
PrestigeCreditInc.com
Toll Free: (888)2-RESCORE
Direct: (858)523-1647

Alex and James discuss why to contact us and the methods to do so. They also review the previous weeks show and discussions.

Alex discusses your credit report and what affects your credit score and for how long. James gives a number of useful websites that can be used regarding different types of debt.

Alex and James discuss listener's emails and new high technology SCAMS used to steal credit card information.

James talks about Debt in Entertainment.

James and Alex review last week's show that featured Detective Dan from Opt Out Detectives, a ID theft prevention company.

Alex describes a call her received from one of his initial clients. Sam was in debt and had a rocky marriage because of the financial problems. Sam now owns 4 businesses and has now bought a house. James also provides more useful websites that can be beneficial for all types of debt. Alex talks more about the difference between Consumer Credit Counseling (CCC) and Debt Settlement/Debt Negotiation.

Continued conversation about the comparison between Consumer Credit Counseling and Debt Settlement.

Alex and James discuss factors that are taken into consideration when determining your credit score. Not everything negatively effects your credit score. Check your credit report at least one time a year. Alex also discusses credit report myths, explains what a charge-off is, and how long it says on record.

James talks about a notice that he received from a bank. Alex talks about "Maxed Out", a movie about debt. Revisits prior topics.

James and Alex welcome detective Mike from Opt Out Detective, an officer who works undercover to protect ID from ID theft. They talk about criminals buying social security off the streets and using their social securities and using as their own. They also talk about what to watch for to check if someone is using your child's social security number. What safety steps can people take to avoid having their ID stolen?

James and Alex continue their conversation with Detective Dan about Opt Out Detectives. What can they help with? What information can they find on their website. Can anyone do it? How to prevent ID Theft.

Arizona and California are among the top states with ID theft. Mike talks about basic things people can do to prevent ID theft.

James and Alex review financial planning and tactics to use to start saving money. PAY YOURSELF FIRST!

The DUH Award! Articles in the media that deserve the "DUH" Award. Children are now learning the use of a credit card. Teach your children now that credit cards are not the answer to emergency funds. James and Alex talk about helpful websites to use with various types of debt.

Alex and James continue the discussion on helpful websites and review the 5 basic options of getting out of debt.

5% of complaints were from people 18 years old and over. 500,000 who are children are victims of ID theft. Credit issuers don't have a way to verify age. If you child receives an offer for a credit card, call the credit bureaus to see why your child is receiving offers. RED FLAG! James also discusses the signs of Child ID Theft and safe guard ways to protect from ID Theft of your children.

James and Alex review the previous show.

Gloria Palma, a financial planner, discusses her business, and mistakes people make in their finances. A lack of financial planning can be a disaster. Get in the habit of saving. Another mistake is starting a retirement account, and the first sign of trouble, they pull out of their retirement, which is the biggest mistake you can make because of penalties. Gloria also discusses what they younger generation can do to start savings.

Gloria, Alex, and James discuss the Rule of 72. They discuss what to look for when investing your money. The recommended investments that the banks offer are not what it seems. The recommended investments they offer yield a larger return for the bank and not the investor. What do you look for when looking for what to invest in.

Other factors to pay attention to when choosing investments. Gloria also explains her business Goddess Force, an empowerment company who helps promote woman and teach them to love themselves.

Alex and James discuss new links that can be found at DebtFreeHour.com. These links are simply informative information not regarding debt, but beneficial to our listeners. Alex talks about last week's show, and Note Modification, what it is and what it's NOT, and helpful websites and the 5 basic options to get out of debt.

Alex talks about a man who has been battling with a local rent-a-center about a debt he owed. Debt stress can be very overwhelming and frustrating. Alex and James reiterate that when the debt problem begins to arise, take care of it IMMEDIATELY! Alex explains the importance of reading the terms and conditions of your credit cards.

James speaks about credit card swiping scams and "creditor" collection call SCAMS. James reviews an email about a female who was doing fine, financially, however, had unforeseen expenses and the need to take care of her parents. Went through a Consumer Credit Counseling program and had her interest rate lowered. Unfortunately, she is still struggling and needs assistance to lower her monthly payment.

A couple owns a farm and is experiencing financial issues. The husband suffered a stroke and the wife is in need of surgery. With extreme weather, their crops have taken a hit and can no longer keep up with their debt. Alex reviews the situation and gives the reasonable possibilities to get out of debt and which options may be beneficial.

Alex and James review websites that provide assistance. Where to find information about various types of debt. And where to look. James discusses the signing of the Hope to Homeowners Act that provides assistance to troubled homeowners. Mike Hobbs from the Mortgage Police discusses his experience within the mortgage industry, the Hope for Homeowners, note modification, etc.

Mike, Alex, and James discuss the ins and outs of Loan Modification. How to qualify, types of loan modification, how often you can have a modification done. An explanation of Repayment plans, stipulations, etc.

Mike, Alex and James continue on the topic of Loan Modification. How long does it take? Are all loan modification specialists true and worthy of trust? You have to be able to be active in helping yourself with your mortgage issue. Everyone has hardships, but help is available through the Mortgage Police.

How to tell a loan modification specialist is truly interested in help you save your home. Everyone makes mistakes and everyone has had issues. Ask the question, "When was a time you made a mistake and how did you handle it?

Alex briefly discusses forbearance as a temporary option. James briefly introduces Gerri Detweiler, one of the nations top Consumer Debt Advocates.

Gerri Detweiler, author of "The Ultimate Credit Handbook", speaks with Alex and James regarding debt. Gerri discusses tips to begin paying off your debt, tactic to analyze where your money goes, what to do if financial problems begin to arise. Gerri explains that the worst thing to do when troubling signs begin show is to procrastinate. Not doing anything and continuing to let your debt linger on can be devastating in the long run.

Gerri continues to discuss debt, specifically student loans and the risk associated with them, help dealing with debt collectors, and get out of debt scams. Gerri and Alex discuss the 14 questions to ask when looking for a debt settlement company. Lastly, Gerri describes when it is a good time to consider debt settlement, the idea of speaking with both a Consumer Credit Counseling Service and a Bankruptcy Lawyer, to hear and understand your rights as a consumer.

You can contact Gerri at:
CreditBloggers.com
Gerri@Credit.com

Gerri describes the current situation in the economy, traps and tactics used in the credit card industry, and people cutting down the use of their cards.

James and Alex review last week's show and the 5 basic options.

Continued review of the 5 basic options. James discusses workplace issues with mass layoffs, mortgage payments by credit cards. Unfortunately, credit card charge offs and delinquencies have increased in the last quarter of this year. Cities are beginning to increase every day expenses such as water, parking, gas, etc. James and Alex talk about Maxed Out, a movie regarding debt.

Alex and James discuss forbearance, which is when the creditors defer your payments for a given time period. Alex explains how forbearance can benefit you and how to use it to your advantage. He also explains the difference, advantage, and disadvantages of using a Credit Union. James how to maintain good credit score and credit card scams and new tactics people are using to get your account numbers and personal information in order to steal your identity.

Credit Card scams continued. Alex and James also discuss the recent FDIC take over of local banks such as IndyMac Bank and why they are being seized. James reads about another email. An older gentleman says: "I'm very depressed. I have a son in law and daughter who are serving in Iraq on duty. I am watching their little one. I can't keep up with my debt. I've tried to keep up, but fell behind and getting harassing phone calls. My home is paid off, but with my low FICO score, I can't get a loan. Plus my wife ran up $22,000 on credit card bills."

James reviews warning signs of needing debt help. Alex explains the importance of watching your credit report, and where to get your credit score. Is it bad to constantly check your credit score? Where do you go for information about your FICO score. Brief overview of the 5 basic options.

Special guest, Coco Ramirez, from Debt and Credit Advisors, an organization designed to provide consumers with free advice and resources to guide them to just about any debt solution. Coco discusses what they do, what types of situations they can help with, what type of debt they can help, etc. James and Coco discuss the issues they commonly hear about.

James, Alex, and Coco continue their conversation. Coco explains the type of people she talks with, how they are able to help people who are in financially tough situations.

Alex explains how to get the 14 points to discuss when shopping. James describes tricks and tactics that banks and creditor use to trick you into late fees, interest, and over the limit fees. They also give you information on how to stand up and fight for your rights and change the ways banks operate.

James and Alex briefly review last week's show. Review the signs of a potential financial problem.

James and Alex welcome Sherryl Ferguson from the Consumer Justice Group, an advocacy organization that specialized in protecting the rights of consumers that is afforded to them by the FDCPA. Sherryl discusses the rights of all consumers, and harassment and abusive language used by creditors. Other topics that Sherryl discusses include: Threat of Legal Action, exercising consumer rights, guidelines set forth by the FDCPA.

James, Alex and Sherryl continue to discuss the FDCPA and consumer rights. What type of debt does the FDCPA refer to? What do consumers need to know? James discusses debt in the news about a company pinpointing spending habits and where they spend their credit, while penalizing bad trends or habits by lowering credit limits. Alex continues to talk about warning signs.

Alex and James review another email. She has two Credit Unions. One is going legal and the other is threatening wage garnishment and jeopardizing other properties. She also has other cards that have high balance transfers. Alex explains the difference between Credit Unions and Banks.

James discusses more celebrities that are having financial problems. Alex follows up with how the economy is looking. They also review the previous week's show. Again, Alex explains all 5 options to get out of debt. `

Alex and James go into thorough detail about debt settlement. Who qualifies for Debt Settlement? What are the requirements of debt settlement? Why are the banks willing to negotiate on your overall balance? Can you do it yourself? Most importantly, when shopping for a debt settlement company, Alex gives the 14 most important questions to ask.

The 14 questions to ask a debt settlement company when shopping for a debt settlement company, continued. James explains consumer rights afforded by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). What is legal? What is considered harassment? When can they call?

Consumer rights, continued. James and Alex discuss another email. Female writer who is having lots of personal issues. She has less than $10,000 in total debt, and a couple of accounts that are less than $750. What is the best alternative to get out of debt? Another email is discussed. Female writer is having job issues. Total of $16,000 in debt. Minimum payments are $1700 total and only bringing in $1800 a month. Needs to lower monthly output and get a little bit of breathing room.

James and Alex recap the transferability of debt, in regards to horizontal and vertical debt transfers. They also discuss the tips and tactics you can use to avoid ID theft. Both, Alex and James, also quickly review the 5 basic options for debt relief. And lastly, they discuss a celebrity who are in similar financial situations

James and Alex discuss health issues associated with debt and the stress level that is associated with it. Also discussed, are some harassing tactics the creditors and collection agencies use to get you to pay your debt. James discusses options to help stop the harassment.

James and Alex talk about the many signs that give you clues that it may be time to look into debt help. Alex talks about an article he read about Banks v. Consumers.

James and Alex talk and review the 5 basic options to get out of debt.

James and Alex briefly recap last weeks Debt Free Hour #2. James also gives the warnings about the attractive 0% introductory interest rates that can get you every time. A good way to manage your interest rate is to play the 7-month interest rate game with the creditors, which is thoroughly discussed in this portion of the Debt Free Hour #3. Floating Due Dates is something to also watch for. This is a tactic that creditors use to trick you into being late and accruing late fees. Alex also touches on maintaining a good credit score and how to keep it from falling. Alex and James also temporarily visit the basic 5 options of getting out of debt.

How much debt was racked up by fast food restaurants? Lets just say 11 figures. Alex discusses the two most influential people in his life. Two kids, Sean Moyer and Mitsy Pool, who were featured on a 60 minutes Television special. Both Sean and Mitsy were both in debt, and had issues dealing with it. Unfortunately, it was too unbearable and they made fatal decisions on how to deal with it. James and Alex discuss alternatives to help avoid getting too far into debt. If you are in pretty deep, certain strategies to help get out.
Alex also explains the characteristics of debt. Can it be transferred? Who can it be transferred to? What's the difference between an authorized signer and an authorized user? Alex and James review another email from a female who is going through relationship hardships and has questions about debt transferring, and what she can do about it.

In this section, Alex and James discuss IDENTITY THEFT. Alex speaks about his personal experience dealing with identity theft. What happened to him. How he found out he had been a victim of identity theft. Precautions to take to help prevent identity theft. James and Alex review another email from a gentleman who was doing fine with his finances... Until he had a stroke and was unable to return back to work. Now he and his family have gone from two incomes to one.

James and Alex recap topics they visited on the Debt Free Hour #3. Identity theft, precautions to take, and how to deal with it when it happens to you.

Recap on the Debt Free Hour #1. Gimmicks and incentives that the credit card companies offer to encourage cardholders to use their cards more often, such as point systems and frequent flyer mileage. Other factors that make out time very unique and difficult, financially.

Brief overview and explanation of Consumer Credit Counseling. Discussion on the pros and cons, length of program, and who's best interest do they have in mind. A review of debt settlement. Also known as debt negotiations, the debt settlement company will negotiate down the total balance of your debt, paid in full.
The fifth and final option is Bankruptcy. The option that everyone would like to avoid. An explanation of the two types of bankruptcies, chapter 7 and 13, and their differences. The changes to the Bankruptcy Reform Act. What effects does bankruptcy have and for how long? What types of debt is not excused by filing for bankruptcy.

James gives advice to parents about how to handle their student loans and teach them about how to handle their finances and managing their credit score. Alex touches on student loan debt. What can you do about Student Loans? What options are available if you are in default? What can you do about Student Loans? A review of an email. In the loan industry. Business has slowed. Used up all of savings and credit cards, and about to fall behind. What can she do? Alex and James give advice to her. What she needs to do. What is available and not available. And for the options that are available, which option is the best.

James and Alex discuss habits and common trends that typically get in you more and more in debt. James also shares about a couple of experience of people misusing their credit and paying enormous prices due to interest rates, late fees, and over the limit fees.

Introduction to the show. James and Alex introduce themselves, explain the purpose of the show, and why people are in debt. They also have a discussion about the top three reasons why people are in debt: job loss, relationship split, and medical situation/health issues. James and Alex explain the difference between secured and unsecured debt and how creditors harass delinquent cardholders.

James and Alex initially discuss Alex's transition within the financial industry and why Alex decided to enter into the debt help industry. Alex talks about his 24 years of experience, going through his own debt settlement program and the amount of money he saved, and the effects of the downward spiraling economy and mortgage industry. Alex and James also discuss the first option to get out of debt, Debt Stacking, which is a systematic strategy to eliminate one card at a time, starting with the highest interest rate card.

A brief review of the Debt Stacking method. A thorough discussion about the second available option to get out of debt, debt consolidation. Debt consolidation is taking all of your debt, borrowing from another lender, and paying off all your debt and paying one single payment. The pros and cons of consolidation. When is it a good idea, and when is it not such a good idea. Alex also explains why it's never a good idea to consolidate your debt using the equity in a home... given any equity is available.
The third option is also discussed. Consumer Credit Counseling, which typically claims to be a "nonprofit organization", works by negotiating down the interest rate, however, still paying the full debt amount. How do they make their money? How are they funded? Who's best interest do they have in mind?

A continuation of the discussion about the third option, Consumer Credit Counseling, and the negative effect on your credit when using Consumer Credit Counseling. Debt Settlement, the fourth option, is when the debt settlement company will negotiate on behalf of the borrower. Alex and James discusses Debt Settlement and who is a good candidate for Debt Settlement. How you can tell a good Debt Settlement company from a bad one. How much of your total debt will you end up paying back? Why would creditors allow you to pay less than what you actually owe?