Steve Moore and Rob West explain how best to pay off old debts without causing undue damage to your credit rating. Paying off old debts in the wrong order can actually hurt your score. Here's what they suggest:
1. Pay off any debts that are simply past-due first. Making them "current" will automatically improve your credit score.
2. If a debt has been written off and you still want to heed the Biblical admonition to pay back what you owe, it may be better to save up until you have enough to pay it off in full rather than making payments along the way. Making payments could make the debt show up as new on your credit report which would lower your score further in the short term. Paying it off in full would not do this.
3. It's perfectly acceptable to agree to a lower settlement if the creditor offers it, but understand that doing so may lower your credit score in the short term. There may also be tax consequences.
4. Learn from your mistakes and don't repeat them. Set up a spending plan and don't spend money when it's not in your budget. Also have a long-term plan for your finances. Goals make it easier to follow the plan and stay on track.
Next, Steve and Rob answer your questions at (800) 525-7000 and [email protected] about the following:
- Should I give money to a person who often stands outside of our church with as a sign that says she needs help?
- What is the wisest way to help an adult child with renovating their home?
- What is the best way to finance building a garage/shop onto a house?
- We paid off our mortgage recently and, since then, our credit score has plummeted. Can paying off your mortgage really have that great an effect on your score?
Mentioned on today's program: Howard Dayton's book Your Money Counts. Be sure to check out our website, Compass1.org, for a number of helpful resources. Also, join us on Facebook: Compass - finances God’s way. And thanks for your prayers and generous financial support which allow us to keep MoneyWise on-the-air!
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