Gerri Detweiler

Gerri Detweiler

Gerri Detweiler focuses on helping people understand their credit and debt, and writes about those issues, as well as financial legislation, budgeting, debt recovery and savings strategies. She is also the co-author of Debt Collection Answers: How to Use Debt Collection Laws to Protect Your Rights, and Reduce Stress: Real-Life Solutions for Solving Your Credit Crisis as well as host of TalkCreditRadio.com.

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All of Gerri's posts
Why Does Negative Info Stay on Credit Reports for 7 Years?
credit reports

Why Does Negative Info Stay on Credit Reports for 7 Years?

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, most negative information can be reported on credit reports for seven years. But why is it for seven years?

Gerri Detweiler

Who Will Inherit Your Debt When You Die?
taxes

Who Will Inherit Your Debt When You Die?

Most of us would love to leave a nice inheritance to our loved ones. However, many baby boomers will instead leave a very different kind of legacy: debt.

Gerri Detweiler

3 Smart Ways to Use a Personal Loan
Personal Loans

3 Smart Ways to Use a Personal Loan

When you need financing, it helps to pick the best way to borrow. Sometimes that may mean a personal loan. Here are three smart ways to use a personal loan.

Gerri Detweiler

Could Your HOA Wreck Your Credit?
Credit Score

Could Your HOA Wreck Your Credit?

HOA dues are a fact of life in many communities, but what happens if you are unwilling or unable to pay them?

Gerri Detweiler

I Was Hospitalized Against My Will. Should I Have to Pay?
medical bills

I Was Hospitalized Against My Will. Should I Have to Pay?

John Albans says he was hospitalized against his will, then got a bill for it. Now he wants to know: Does he have to pay it?

Gerri Detweiler

Can My Credit Keep Me From Getting a Promotion?
Credit 101

Can My Credit Keep Me From Getting a Promotion?

A reader pulled her credit report and was stunned to see an old judgment. She's up for a job promotion and wonders whether this could hurt her chances.

Gerri Detweiler

Can You Use the GI Bill to Pay Off Student Debt?
Student Loans

Can You Use the GI Bill to Pay Off Student Debt?

Johnnie, a veteran, is struggling to repay his student loan debt and wonders if there is a way to tap his GI Bill benefits to help pay it off.

Gerri Detweiler

3 Signs It's Time to Buy a New Car
Personal Finance

3 Signs It's Time to Buy a New Car

You've vowed to drive your car "until the wheels fall off," but what does that mean? When is it time to buy a new car?

Gerri Detweiler

How to Stop a Credit Card Thief in 15 Minutes
Identity Theft and Scams

How to Stop a Credit Card Thief in 15 Minutes

No matter how careful you are, there's no guarantee your credit card won't be used fraudulently. So your best hope is to catch fraud quickly.

Gerri Detweiler

Can I Be Sued Even If I'm Trying to Pay Back a Debt?
Managing Debt

Can I Be Sued Even If I'm Trying to Pay Back a Debt?

Consumers being sued for unpaid debt might try to work out a payment arrangement in an attempt to keep the matter out of the courts. But does it work?

Gerri Detweiler