Zulika van Heerden

It is all in the advertising. You see articles, books and other literature around you, all suggesting that you need one kind of professional or another to help you get out of your credit rut.

Building equity is important because not only does it protect you from becoming upside down in your mortgage (owing more than what the property is worth) but it also allows you to obtain credit more easily.

While the idea of cash rebates is very appealing, it is important to be cautious any time you open a new credit card account.

If you are spending more money than you earn each month with the help of your credit cards, you are on your way to financial problems.

When buying a home, it is important not to bite off more than you can chew. If a homeowner fails to pay on his home loan, the lender can repossess the home and the homeowner is left with nothing, except maybe bad credit.

If you are like most people, chances are you have had your share of sleepless nights due to debt or other financial problems. We have all heard the stories about spiraling household debt, the dismal savings rate and gloomy odds for a happy, healthy and financially secure retirement.