Jean Chatzky

A little personality goes a long way.

— Jean Chatzky

It's not about having it all. It's about having what you value most.

— Jean Chatzky

One thing I want to make clear: You never want to hide from your debts. It doesn't work.

— Jean Chatzky

Even in the days of the tightest credit in 2008, HELOCs [ home equity line of credit ] and home equity loans were being made.

— Jean Chatzky

If you default on an unsecured debt, you won't lose anything (except points on your credit score).

— Jean Chatzky

By definition, saving - for anything - requires us to not get things now so that we can get bigger ones later.

— Jean Chatzky

If you'd asked me a few years ago about debt settlement companies, I probably would have told you to avoid them.

— Jean Chatzky

Rolling all of your debts into a single loan is a good idea - in theory. In fact, it can be a…

— Jean Chatzky

You must be sure - and I mean absolutely positive - that you have the willpower to pay off those credit cards…

— Jean Chatzky

You won't be caught off guard and you won't feel guilty, because you'll be spending money that you've allocated for the occasion.

— Jean Chatzky

Save for your goals. Take note of what's coming your way - vacations, the holidays, what ever is going to cost you…

— Jean Chatzky

You also need to understand that when you consolidate credit card debt into mortgage debt - like a home equity loan or…

— Jean Chatzky

You fall a bit behind on a credit card bill, your interest rate soars, your minimum payment rises, and you start falling…

— Jean Chatzky

Pay cash. For some reason, it's harder for people psychologically to part with their cash than it is to swipe a card.…

— Jean Chatzky

Unless you have multiple accounts that you need to negotiate and you think the project is just too big to tackle on…

— Jean Chatzky

Take the cards out of your wallet. A debit card is accepted just about everywhere that credit cards are, and you'll be…

— Jean Chatzky

Get your friends involved. Let your shopping buddies know that you're on a tight budget, and they can help you out when…

— Jean Chatzky

If you are, consolidating at a lower interest rate can help you pay off your debt faster. But if there's even a…

— Jean Chatzky

Most people don't know this, but if you settle a debt for less than the amount you owed, you are potentially responsible…

— Jean Chatzky

In most cases, if you've gotten to this point, you've already received a letter or phone message from your creditor with the…

— Jean Chatzky

Debt settlement companies work as a middleman between you and your creditor. If all goes well (and that's a big if), you…

— Jean Chatzky

The debt settlement company will direct you to stop paying your creditor and instead send the money directly to them each month.…

— Jean Chatzky

A consolidation makes sense only if you can lower your overall interest rate. Many people consolidate by taking out a home equity…

— Jean Chatzky

You need a clear, legitimate excuse for why you're behind [the bankruptcy], such as a layoff, divorce, or medical emergency. Be prepared…

— Jean Chatzky

Once the settlement is completed, the credit card company will report it to the credit bureaus, which will then make a notation…

— Jean Chatzky

You settled a debt instead of paying in full will stay on your credit report for as long as the individual accounts…

— Jean Chatzky

No company can promise an end date, but if you have multiple debts, the first one should be settled within a year.

— Jean Chatzky

The interest rate you receive, however, is contingent on your credit score.

— Jean Chatzky

Don't let the fact that you're spending time getting organized result in late fees on your credit card bills.

— Jean Chatzky

You can have a do-over starting today. But you have to get over the feeling that it's too late

— Jean Chatzky

You really don't need to hire a debt settlement company to negotiate with your creditors.

— Jean Chatzky

If you have even a smidgen of doubt that you'll be able to stay away from racking up additional debt, don't do…

— Jean Chatzky

Sometimes a creditor is willingto do this as a bargaining point - you give the creditor cash in hand, it gives you…

— Jean Chatzky

Buy experiences, not things. Spending on experiences makes people happier than spending on things. Things get broken and go out of style.…

— Jean Chatzky

If you're filing bankruptcy, you will likely want to hire an attorney. But for debt settlement, a company is sufficient, or as…

— Jean Chatzky

Turn down offers for new cards or credit line increases on your current cards. Credit's tight, and chances are, you're not getting…

— Jean Chatzky

You'll get much better results by being upfront, answering creditors calls, and responding to their letters. Delaying the inevitable only digs a…

— Jean Chatzky

After explaining why you're in trouble, ask the creditor if the company would be willing to accept a smaller amount. Start negotiations…

— Jean Chatzky

If you are able to settle, you'll be getting off rather easy. Debt settlement companies can sometimes get you off the hook…

— Jean Chatzky

In fact, the bigger the bill, the less likely you are to spend it. If you want to really save money, spend…

— Jean Chatzky