A reader overcharged on her credit cards while unemployed, and some of her debts went into collections. Now, she's back on her feet and ready to take an ax to her debt load. Credit expert Erica Sandberg outlines six steps she can use to clear her debt for good …

A reader is worried that her 81-year-old mother's credit card-fueled home shopping habit is getting out of control. Credit expert Erica Sandberg weighs her options and breaks the bad news: If her mom is healthy, then she can charge to her heart's content.

A reader is rebuilding his credit and is starting to see credit card offers in his mailbox for the first time in years. But how does he avoid the debt trap on his second time around? Credit expert Erica Sandberg weighs in …

A reader spent the first eight years of her 20s blissfully without credit, but now she's realizing she needs a credit history to buy a condo. What should she do? Credit expert Erica Sandberg lays out her options …

A reader is being sued for old credit card debt and wants to dispute it. Can the law firm that's suing him prove the debt is his? Credit expert Erica Sandberg lays out his options and offers some tough love advice.