By STEVE BUCCI, bankrate.com
Debtadviser: Should you pay off your mortgage?
Dear Debt Adviser,
My question is whether or not to pay off my house. It would wipe out my CDs. I have an emergency fund of $2,000. Is this a good idea? I live fine on my Social Security income.
-- Sharon
Dear Sharon,
Debtadviser: Use passbook or CD loans to boost credit score
Want to improve or establish your credit? Try a passbook loan or a CD loan.
Debtadviser: No government bailout on credit-card debt
Dear Debt Adviser,
Do you know of any official, government-sanctioned, consumer-credit-card-bailout programs? If these programs don't exist, are there legitimate services that can actually assist consumers in reducing debt without adverse credit-score or credit-report consequences? Any insight is appreciated.
-- Joe
Dear Joe,
Debtadviser: Help friend by listening, not loaning
Dear Debt Adviser,
My best friend has a problem with a lawyer representing a credit-card bank that's trying to collect on a debt. I have a credit card with this bank myself, and I have never had any problems. ... I'm going to help my best friend by paying what debt he owes because it is not that much. How should I pay (the bank) to get documentation or a receipt?
-- Roberto
