As we all know, we are in the midst of a recession that has left millions of people without jobs, and millions more searching for ways to save cash and cut down on spending. As more people lose employment, those with less experience will find the most difficulty, leaving younger workers and recent college graduates being hit especially hard.

In a business column dated January 20, Baltimore Sun writer Jay Hancock seems to be thrilled by the fact that a prominent accounts receivable management firm filed bankruptcy in the midst of an unemployment-driven recession. Speculation suggests Hancock’s intentions were to threaten violence against collectors.

When you find yourself in a situation that may lead to larger complications down the road, you try to find the fastest and most headache-free solution to the problem. It is always the best way to nip the problem in the bud before it even starts.

Exactly who is trying to get me to pay up? The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act was unleashed in the 1970s and provided many protections for consumers. There are strict rules and regulations that a debt collector must abide by, and if any of these regulations are violated, there is a good chance that you could sue that agency. But what about that friend of yours who owes you five bucks? Do you have to grant them thirty days to refute the claim? Clearly, you do not.

Your credit history. It could be your best friend, or your worst enemy. Most of the time it’s like a nosy mother in law coming to visit. You know that she’s coming, and that’s always bad news, but you are too afraid to ask or even consider how long she will be staying. Even though that was the worst analogy ever, read on to see how long negative marks stay on your credit history!