Staff Writer

Bill Fay

Bill “No Pay” Fay has lived a meager financial existence his entire life. He started writing/bragging about it in 2012, helping birth Debt.org into existence as the site’s original “Frugal Man.” Prior to that, he spent more than 30 years covering the high finance world of college and professional sports for major publications, including the Associated Press, New York Times and Sports Illustrated. His interest in sports has waned some, but he is as passionate as ever about not reaching for his wallet.

Credit card and flying coins on blue background.

What Is a Balance Transfer Fee?

By Bill Fay | September 6, 2024

Credit card debt has skyrocketed to more than $1.1 trillion. So has looking for ways to avoid paying interest on that mountain of money. For millions of Americans, the search…

Woman paying of her charged off credit card debt

Should I Pay a Charge-Off in Full or Settle?

By Bill Fay | March 27, 2024

Borrowers who’ve gotten themselves tangled in a charge-off situation face difficult choices. Pay the debt in full? Try to settle for a lesser amount? Run away and hide? “The world…

A toy car next to a judge's gavel

When Do You Have to Surrender a Vehicle in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?

By Bill Fay | December 14, 2023

For those seeking a fresh financial start, Chapter 7 bankruptcy has plenty of upsides. It’s the cleanest, most straightforward, least time-consuming, and least expensive of the various bankruptcy options. The…

Couple discussing bankruptcy together

How Bankruptcy Will Affect Your Spouse

By Bill Fay | December 6, 2023

When people get married, they often vow to take each other through thick and thin. Bankruptcy can get pretty thick for a husband and wife. Bankruptcy is when a person…

Senior citizen reading loan offer

Loans for Seniors With Bad Credit

By Bill Fay | September 7, 2023

Growing older never was for the fainthearted, but it takes exceptional courage to navigate those Golden Years with dents on your credit report and a need for cash. Chins up,…

Attorney discussing converting Chapter 13 to Chapter 7 with his client

Converting Chapter 13 to Chapter 7

By Bill Fay | August 23, 2023

Choosing to declare personal bankruptcy can be among the most difficult decisions ever to confront an individual. Tougher still: Having to pick, under unmatched duress, which type of bankruptcy best…

Woman paying her car payment with a credit card using her phone

Paying a Car Payment with a Credit Card

By Bill Fay | August 3, 2023

There are plenty of reasons to consider making car loan payments with a credit card — everything from piling up rewards points or cash back, to scoring a bit of…

Two individuals negotiating at a table

How To Negotiate With Debt Collectors

By Bill Fay | July 14, 2023

With President Biden declaring an end to pandemic emergency provisions effective May 11, and states and companies already having rescinded most of their debt collections suspensions, debt collectors are totally…

Judge discharging debt in bankruptcy

Bankruptcy Discharge

By Bill Fay | June 7, 2023

A bankruptcy discharge is the legal holy grail for anyone who files for bankruptcy. A discharge means there’s a court order in the bankrupt’s case that erases all qualifying debts.…

Downtown Charleston, South Carolina

Debt Relief Options in South Carolina

By Bill Fay | March 10, 2023

Debt Relief Programs in South Carolina Those who are struggling to pay off debt in South Carolina can find programs to help through banks, credit unions, online lenders, and for-profit…

Bridge in Missouri

Debt Relief Options in Missouri

By Bill Fay | March 8, 2023

Debt Relief Programs in Missouri Missouri residents struggling to pay off debt can find assistance programs at banks, credit unions, online lenders, and for-profit and nonprofit debt relief companies. These…

Man discussing with lawyer about debt limits for chapter 7 bankruptcy

How Much Debt Do You Have To Be In to File Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?

By Bill Fay | February 24, 2023

If you have so much debt that you’re considering filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you have enough debt to qualify. The U.S. bankruptcy code doesn’t specify a minimum dollar amount…

Bridge over a lake in Minnesota

Debt Relief Options in Minnesota

By Bill Fay | February 8, 2023

Debt Relief Programs in Minnesota There are banks, credit unions, online lenders, and debt-relief companies (for-profit and nonprofit) in Minnesota that specializes in helping consumers pay off credit card debt. These companies…

Couple discussing whether or not they should use a personal loan to pay off credit cards

Should You Use Personal Loan to Pay Off Credit Cards?

By Bill Fay | December 14, 2022

A rare silver lining to the Covid pandemic was Americans managed to pay down billions of dollars in credit card debt. Those days have screeched to a halt. Credit card…

Covered bridge in rural Indiana

Debt Relief Options in Indiana

By Bill Fay | December 14, 2022

Debt Relief Programs in Indiana There are banks, credit unions, online lenders and debt-relief companies (for profit and nonprofit) in Indiana that specialize in helping consumers pay off credit card debt.…

Wisconsin state capitol building

Debt Relief Options in Wisconsin

By Bill Fay | December 12, 2022

Debt Relief Programs in Wisconsin Wisconsin residents struggling to pay off debt can find assistance programs at banks, credit unions, online lenders, and for profit and nonprofit debt relief companies.…

Washington mountain view

Debt Relief Options in Washington

By Bill Fay | November 3, 2022

Debt Relief Programs in Washington There are a number of resources available for residents of the Evergreen State who find  themselves in financial peril. Banks, credit unions, online lenders, for…

Smoky mountains in Tennessee

Debt Relief Options in Tennessee

By Bill Fay | October 26, 2022

Debt Relief Programs in Tennessee Tennessee has a number of companies that specialize in helping consumers pay off credit card debt including banks, credit unions, online lenders, and both for…

A lake in Colorado with mountains in the background

Debt Relief Options in Colorado

By Bill Fay | September 22, 2022

Debt Relief Programs in Colorado Colorado has a number of companies that specialize in helping consumers pay off credit card debt including banks, credit unions, online lenders, and both for…

Senior couple filing the paperwork for banruptcy

Senior Citizens & Bankruptcy

By Bill Fay | June 29, 2022

Bankruptcy is a legal proceeding that could provide relief when a person can’t repay debts. Consider bankruptcy a legal life preserver for those drowning in debt. Chapter 7 bankruptcy is…

Save money while helping the planet

Save Some Money While Saving The Planet

By Bill Fay | April 22, 2015

Most people know their financial footprint in the world, but probably couldn’t tell you their carbon footprint on the planet. Earth Day celebrations, which happen every year on April 22,…

prepaid card

Prepaid Cards Gaining Popularity, Despite Fees

By Bill Fay | April 14, 2015

Would you pay your bank $5 a month (or more?) just so you can withdraw money you have deposited there? As absurd as that sounds, a growing number of consumers…

woman in despair over finances

Katy Learns the Cost of Financial Ignorance

By Bill Fay | April 9, 2015

McClary, B. (2015, April 7) Americans Are Overly Confident When It Comes to Finances, Yet Unprepared For The Future. Retrieved from https://www.nfcc.org/press/multimedia/news-releases/americans-are-overly-confident-when-it-comes-to-finances-yet-unprepared-for-the-future/
NA, (2013, January) College Students are Put to the Test: The Attitudes, Behaviors and Knowledge Levels of Financial Education. Retrieved from file:///C:/Users/bfay/Downloads/Inceptia_FinancialAptitudeAnalysis_researchbrief.pdf
http://newsroom.transunion.com/one-third-of-americans-have-never-checked-their-credit-report-reveals-transunion-study

family vacation

How To Raise Money For Your Family Vacation

By Bill Fay | April 9, 2015

Want to put a smile on your face? Google images for summer vacations and take a look at what’s out there! Beaches, mountains, water parks, national parks, white-water rafting, arts…

mobile phone

Five Mobile Phone Lines for $150 per Month: It’s Possible

By Bill Fay | March 27, 2015

In the summer of 1985, I was a sports writer in Tampa and an athlete I used to write about invited me to lunch to discuss a new professional summer…

three generation family

Multi-Generational Living Might Be Solution For Financial Woes

By Bill Fay | March 13, 2015

There is a significant social, cultural and economic change happening so quietly in America that you may not even be aware of it: Multi-generational family living is back. Multi-what? Multi-generational…

graph showing upward economic trends

2014 Great Year For U.S. Economy, Can We Repeat In 2015?

By Bill Fay | January 8, 2015

By most accounts, the United States economy had a glowing year in 2014. Unemployment was down, spending was up, housing prices continued to bounce back and gas prices plunged to…

frugal beach wedding

Married On A Monday: A Wedding You Can Afford

By Bill Fay | December 2, 2014

Billy Sexton is not a frugal man. In fact, he chuckles at the idea of cutting corners to save money. “I’m the guy who believes you get what you pay…

manage debt goal

Debt Consolidation Or Debt Management Could Help Cure ‘Holiday Hangover’

By Bill Fay | November 17, 2014

The day of reckoning is fast approaching for annual budgets and it may not be a good one for people who rely on credit cards. Annual bills often collide with…

holiday deal sign

Ignore Monthly Bills At Your Own Risk During Holiday Season

By Bill Fay | November 6, 2014

Get ready America, the Holiday Shopping Circus is rolling into your town again this year and no one is immune from the excitement it generates. Least of all someone with…

mobile phone and money

Fact Is, Opinions Don’t Say Much In Cellphone Argument

By Bill Fay | November 6, 2014

What settles arguments in your house: Facts or opinion? That seems like a loaded, but relatively easy question. Facts win, right? Well, sometimes. A study by Dartmouth College suggested that…

Tamara Holleman

Credit Counseling Helps Family Dream Of Solid Financial Future

By Bill Fay | October 15, 2014

Tamara Holleman wants a new car and at first glance, she could easily afford one. Holleman and her husband work in the medical profession, bring home comfortable incomes, live in…

Credit Scores Image of Woman

Credit Scores Going Up … Without Any Help From Consumers

By Bill Fay | October 13, 2014

The average credit score for American consumers is at an all-time high, but will almost surely go higher within the next year as credit bureaus and government tinker with one…

retired couple counting money

Debt Weighs Heavily On People Near Retirement

By Bill Fay | October 7, 2014

The duel between debt and income is spilling over into the retirement years for more and more people. At one time, it was common to have all the major bills…

top secret envelop

Your Credit Score: Secret, Especially From You

By Bill Fay | September 4, 2014

Do you think you know your credit score? Credit scores – the numeric measure that shows lenders whether a person is likely to repay a loan – are a must-have…

close up of iPhone 5 screen

Frugal Man – Cell Phone Virgin Stumps Apple on iPhone 6 Release

By Bill Fay | August 27, 2014

I went shopping for a cell phone the other day and found out I’m not as special as I thought I was. I have never owned one and for at…

ALS Ice Bucket Challenge is sweeping social media by storm.

Ice Bucket Challenge: Ways To Give Back Without Spending Money

By Bill Fay | August 26, 2014

Admit it. You’ve considered de-friending the person that challenged you to the Ice Bucket challenge on Facebook.  The videos that are flooding your news feed are all apart of the…

cell phone money holder

Frugal Man — Might Buy a Cell Phone

By Bill Fay | August 25, 2014

Not sure you are aware of this, but the cell phone industry will pass a fairly significant milestone this year and there is a good chance I could be the…

empty desks in front of chalkboard

Student Loan Debt Continues To Make News Over Summer

By Bill Fay | August 15, 2014

When the bell rings to start a new school year, college students, especially the 70 percent using loans to pay for expenses, need to catch up on a few news…

Cindy and Michael Hufnagel

California Couple Learns Financial Lessons the Hard Way

By Bill Fay | March 21, 2014

The phone rang at Michael Hufnagel’s desk nearly every day for three years. Hufnagel is an accountant for a production company in California and phone calls are part of doing…