I write for anybody struggling to manage their money.

The key to making sure your credit stays good is paying the bill on time. If you are paying the balance off even if there is something on the card in recent purchases, you are good.

Many debt collectors offer a lump sum option so ask. And if you get it, make sure it's in writing and you keep the payoff statement FOREVER.

If you haven't saved, your child may have to work. But do what you can to NEVER take out student or parent loans.

You made a decision given your life circumstances and you have to be ok with that. Regrets that can't be change is just torturing yourself.

If we don't want the companies to cheat on us, we shouldn't be cheating on them.

I understand why many are still poor or struggling to make just a middle-income lifestyle. I'm a fiscal conservative, but I also have compassion for people who make financial mistakes.