It's no secret that Americans are in debt up to their eyeballs. And to what can we attribute this colossal "living beyond our means" phenomenon? I don't think it's because we've had so many emergencies. It's because we don't ever want to feel poor...

Dear Mary: What do you think about settling a debt with a creditor? I recently agreed to one for a credit card, and the bank did notify me that the forgiven debt will be considered income by the IRS. I will have to file taxes on this amount using ...

With food prices going up faster than you can get through one grocery shopping trip, it's more important to your wallet now than ever to prolong the life of your food. Unfortunately, freezing food doesn't always guarantee a tasty preservation, so ...

For decades, I've pleaded with you to not use debit cards because they are not safe. And for years, I warned my sons about the dangers of riding motorcycles because they are not safe.

Has anyone listened and taken heed? Debit cards are more ...

Bill Smith sits down to his most dreaded chore -- paying bills. Every month, it's the same story: Pay the most urgent, and leave the rest. There's never enough money, no matter how hard he works.

Jane Miller flies into the school office frazzled ...

Dear Mary: Please give me some pointers on bouncing back from bankruptcy. Will this have any effect on future employment opportunities? -- Henry, email

Dear Henry: Live on cash. Have only one credit card, and if you use it, pay it in full every ...