Articles written by Michael Killian - Page 3

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About me - Michael Killian

Mike has been an Internet Guide/Writer in the field of Credit/Debt Management for over 10 years. His site was awarded Best Of Net by Forbes Publication from 2000 to 2005 with site visitation doubling to over 500,000 average views per month in the last year.

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Personal Finance > Life Insurance How to buy life insurance: 7 of 12
Life Insurance - How Much and What KindLife insurance is not about leaving the kids and grandkids 75% of the free world.What you want to find out is how much, and what kind of Life Insurance you should purchase.This may not be the most relished article by the insurance industry but it is what I see and what I believe. It is a... More..
Personal Finance > Credit Cards When credit cards become an addiction: 9 of 15
Credit cards are just like drugs. There is no better analogy. They offer short-term pleasure and long-term pain. They give the illusion of having more money than you actually do. Then you live with less because each month a portion of your income is siphoned away paying past credit debt.A Building Block of LifeDid you know th... More..
Personal Finance > Managing Debt Creating a debt elimination plan: 14 of 22
You can eliminate all debt in the fastest possible time by starting an avalanche.I recognize that starting or getting caught in an avalanche probably would not be your idea of an enjoyable time. But what if I told you that the principles of an avalanche are very similar to the principles used to eliminate all debt in the fast... More..
Personal Finance > Managing Credit Understanding credit scores: 8 of 12
What is a credit score? Is there a good or bad side to credit scoring? How is a score calculated? What is "FICO"? What are the benefits of credit scoring? What are the down sides?In a nut shell, a high credit score helps your request for credit to be approved. It can also mean lower interest on loans or even insurance rates. ... More..
Personal Finance > Personal Finance (Other) 'Til debt do us part: Discussing money problems with your partner: 9 of 12
Whether you are thinking of getting married, you are a newly wed, or you are a seasoned couple of marital bliss, you must have a joint talk about debt and credit. Debt communication is simply not an option. This debt and money talk article can open doors of communication and enhance the success of your marriage. In the case o... More..
Personal Finance > Taxes Do instant tax refunds exploit low-income earners?: 9 of 12
A couple years ago the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel ran a story about Rapid Refunds entitled Poor Workers Got Fast Cash at High Prices. I was really shaken by the following."Nearly $2 billion in tax credits earmarked for low-income workers instead went to businesses that offer high-interest loans against pending tax refunds [Ra... More..
Personal Finance > Smart Spending Gift cards: Great idea but be wary of the pitfalls: 8 of 10
Gift Cards Can Be GoodYou can barely walk thru a grocery store or many other outlets without seeing racks and racks of gift cards. Are they safe and are they as convenient as promoters would have you think they are?The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) offers guidelines for issuance of Gift Cards. Unfortunately ... More..
Personal Finance > Budgets & Saving Budgeting: How to develop a realistic spending plan: 4 of 5
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) says, "If you or someone you know is in financial hot water, consider these options: realistic budgeting, credit counseling from a reputable organization, debt consolidation [debt negotiation], or bankruptcy. How do you know which will work best for you? It depends on your level of debt, you... More..
Personal Finance > Auto Insurance Auto insurance: Money-saving strategies: 13 of 16
You may not realize it, but the insurance rates you pay for your car can vary dramatically depending on the insurance company, agent or broker you choose, the auto coverage you request and the kind of car you drive. Thanks to some public information from our friends at Pueblo, other public domain sites, as well as my own arti... More..
Personal Finance > Managing Credit How to receive a free credit report: 6 of 7
Would FREE copies your credit report be of interest? If you are committed to repairing your credit or simply want to know what is on your credit report, I have good news for you. A free copy of your credit report is available to every consumer annually. This article discusses the free report as well as repairing your credit r... More..