Unicredit America, a now-defunct debt collection agency based in Erie, New York, has been hit with a renewed suit from the states attorney general.
The suit is designed to hold the companys president and vice president, Michael and Anthony Covatto, personally liable for its violations of consumer protection laws, according to a report from the Erie Times-News. The original suit alleged that Unicredit operated a fake courtroom in Erie and used deceptive and intimidating practices to draw debtors into making payments.
The attorney generals office originally sought to add the Covattos to the suit in June, but a personal Chapter 13 bankruptcy filing by Michael slowed the process, the report said. In November, a bankruptcy court judge ruled that the personal filing did not insulate Covatto from the Bureau of Consumer Protection.
When consumers owe money to lenders or have their balances sold to debt collections agencies, its important for them to know their rights. Read full post…
As if college wasnt already a bank breaker, public colleges and universities around the nation continue to hike tuition costs. In fact, two and four year public universities will experience an average 7% tuition increase in 2012, according to the College Board Advocacy & Policy Center.
Naturally, these tuition hikes will prompt students and their parents to take out more costly loans which may lead to debt—especially with low income students. While some students may think that skipping college all together is a more feasible decision, there may be a more cost-effective alternative that can give you the quality education you desire while saving you money: online education.
While online education is designed for those that need a more flexible schedule due to career and family obligations, it can also serve as a platform for anyone looking to save a few thousand dollars in the long run. To learn how online education can be cheaper than traditional college, continue reading below.
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In such a bustling time of year, I wanted to take a moment to wish you and your families a happy, healthy holiday season. It’s been a terrific year, and I look forward to helping you with your finances in the coming year—always a good time to rethink priorities and begin better habits. Speaking of which…
If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to save money, here’s a fun fact: A University of Toronto study just out shows that if you stick to one goal, as opposed to many, you’ll increase your likelihood to save and you’ll increase the amount you save. So, instead of saving for that new car, a vacation, and an iPad… you might want to pick just one.
Here’s to a year of joy, good health, peace… and saving!
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This is a common question, as well as a common misconception. The short answer is no, paying off old debt does not hurt your credit score. It also doesnt improve your credit score that much either. Heres why..
Once a debt hits the 180 days past due mark, it is recorded on your credit history and carries forward as a negative mark for 7 years. Nothing you can do will remove this prior to that 7 year expiration, so in effect the damage has already been done. Paying off that debt is the responsible thing to do, but you wont be rewarded with a higher score for doing so. It does look better to lenders that you paid it off however, no matter how long it took.
So for debts 180 days past due, its better to pay them than not but dont expect a big bump in your score for doing so.
The underlying reason for this is that creditors weigh your ability to remain current with your bills more than your ability to pay them back eventually.
Debt is a like a cancer that eats up your peace of mind bit by bit. It is no less than a social evil today. However, it seems to take such critical shape that lives become insurmountably difficult to lead. Bankruptcy knocks at the door and the debt ridden people seems to become helpless while failing to undergo the repayment act in the most suitable way. So, what is the necessary solution? Isn’t there any suitable way to enjoy debt relief help? Don’t worry my friends; there surely are ways through which such relief helps can be availed. The only thing that needs to be done from your side (if you are the debtor) is to keep your eyes and ears open while searching for the right person who can help you out in this case.
There are a whole lot of private as well government agencies available, which can be really helpful in this situation. I mean to say that the there are several financial institutes available both private independent organizations as well government ones which are quite helpful in providing guidance and suitable solutions in the process. Peo

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