Talk Credit Radio With Gerri Detweiler

Justin Bieber is promoting a prepaid card and trying to teach kids to be financially responsible. Is what he's promoting a good deal? Herb Weisbaum, a.k.a. The Consumer Man joins me to discuss prepaid cards. We talk about everything from fees on these cards, the good and not-so-good cards, why they are so popular with celebrity endorsers and what you need to know about prepaid cards if you are trying to build or rebuild a credit history. This episode aired live January 14 2013.

Are you hoping to save money with a DIY bankruptcy? Are you considering working with a non-attorney service that offers bankruptcy preparation at a low cost? Before you do, make sure you listen to this interview with Jay Fleischman. He'll explain: -What these services can and cannot do for you, -What your options are if you think you make too much money to file Chapter 7, -Your options if you need to file but can't afford to, -Why some attorneys are better equipped to help you file for bankruptcy than others, and much more! This episode aired live January 14 2013.

Have you been ripped off or scammed? Christopher Elliott joins me to share the biggest scams and how to protect yourself. In this interview we also discuss: - Is customer getting better or worse? - What’s the top thing you should do to get customer satisfaction if you have a complaint. -The best time to resolve a consumer complaint. -What can you do if you are really upset and having a problem without embarrassing the people you're with. (I needed to hear this one!) -Why airline customer service has gotten so bad and what you can do about it. Plus Chris gives out his email if you have a question or problem you need help with! This episode aired live January 7, 2013.

If you've so tried to budget - or create a spending plan - with no success you'll want to listen to this interview with JoAnneh Nagler author of The Debt Free Spending Plan. She shares her story of how she got out of debt and offers proven strategies for creating a spending plan that works. She'll also reveal the biggest budget buster that many of her clients face, and a reasonable alternative. This episode aired live January 14, 2013.

Can stores require you to make a minimum purchase if you pay by credit card or debit card? Can they charge you more - a checkout fee - if you use your card to buy something? Linda Sherry from Consumer Action and KnowYourCard.org joins me to share important information you need to know when you are paying with plastic. This episode aired live January 7, 2013.

Trying to get your credit back on track? Beverly Harzog joins me to share her picks for the best credit cards for rebuilding credit - including cards for those in the military who are trying to rebuild credit. This episode aired live December 15, 2012.

One of my New Year's resolutions is to save money on groceries while eating healthier. Joining me in the studio with tips for achieving that goal is Gary Foreman, editor of The Dollar Stretcher. He offers advice on how to make healthy meals less expensive and less stressful. This episode aired llive December 15, 2012.

Will Social Security be there for you? If not, what else do you need to do to help ensure your retirement? Gary Foreman, founder of The Dollar Stretcher has read the report and shares his insights about the future of Social Security. This episode aired live December 15, 2012.

How do you talk with teens about money? Jackie Cummings Koski decided to do it through a series of letters to her daughter which she then turned into a book, Money Letters 2 My Daughter. In this interview, I talk with Jackie about how to have conversations with your children about money to help them avoid financial pitfalls. Among the topics we discuss: how to help them learn through (positive) experiences and what to do when friends and family ask to borrow money. This episode aired live January 5, 2013.

Ten years ago Max Wong's extended family took a radical approach to the holidays, saving them thousands of dollars and a great deal of stress in the process. Learn how going cold turkey on holiday spending worked for them, and find out whether this approach can work for you. This episode aired live December 22, 2012.

Are you missing out on freebies on your credit card? In this episode I describe some great credit card perks you want to make sure you take advantage of. Plus I discuss the National Mortgage Settlement and how it may help homeowners who are underwater or have lost their homes to foreclosure and offer a free resource that can help you if you are struggling with your mortgage. Finally I share how a conversation with former New York Governor David Patterson prompted me to remind you about how you may have free identity theft resolution services available to you. Yes, free is the theme of this podcast! It aired live September 15, 2012.

One of my listeners has a bunch of credit cards. Will closing them hurt hurt his credit? And another listener wants to know what average daily balance on her credit card statement means. Listen in as I answer these credit questions. And if you have a credit question, I'll be happy to answer it for free! Just tune in to find out how. This episode aired live December 15, 2012.

If you can't pay what you owe, you may need help negotiating credit card debt. In this episode of Talk Credit Radio, I talk with debt settlement expert Michael Bovee about how to settle your credit cards. You'll find out how much creditors settle for; why you may strike a better deal if your credit report "looks like a grenade hit it"; and how to negotiate if you are being threatened with a credit card debt lawsuit. Deep in debt? You won't want to miss this one! This episode aired live December 8, 2012.

The new Pay As You Earn program offers students who aren't earning enough to make their full student loans a flexible option. How does it work, and can you qualify? Lauren Asher, president of The Institute for College Access and Success, joins me to explain the program. She also recaps the relief available under the Income-Based Repayment Program. If you are a student with a lot of federal student loan debt - or just struggling to make your payments.

If you are new to the US, you probably aren't familiar with our credit reporting system and how it works. Listen as I describe the process for building credit in the US. It's not difficult - as long as you understand the steps you need to take.

How does debt negotiation work? What kinds of deals are creditors really offering? What are some of the dangers in trying to settle your debt? Plus learn how to get a free copy of my ebook Reduce Debt, Reduce Stress.

Did your credit take a hit during the economic downturn? Lou Rodriguez lost it all - his good credit, home, and his business. But he's bouncing back and showing others strategies for credit repair after tough times. Learn as I talk with Lou about how long it takes to get your good credit back, and also find out about the crucial information in credit reports that most people overlook when they review their credit reports. This episode aired live September 15, 2012.

Looking to consolidate your debt or lower your interest rates with a credit card balance transfer? CardRatings.com's Curtis Arnold shares the latest deals on balance transfers - as well as traps to avoid.

If you are one of the millions of Americans whose home is upside down, aka an "underwater mortgage" you won't want to miss this interview with Mark Moore. His company offers a unique solution that is helping homeowners keep their homes and wipe out thousands of dollars in negative equity. This episode aired live September 15, 2012.

Do you believe the kids need to learn how to better manage money at a young age? Be part of the solution! FInd out how Junior Achievement is helping more than 4 million kids each year learn valuable financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills. I am a volunteer for JA and encourage you to join their efforts too. In this episode, I talk with Maggie Haley Vice President of Operations, Executive Director Junior Achievement. What could be more important than helping the next generation? This episode aired live August 25, 2012.