Christopher Maag

Christopher Maag

Contributing writer for Credit.com, Chris graduated with honors from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, and has reported for a number of publications including The New York Times, TIME magazine and Popular Mechanics.

Credit Tools

Credit report card

Free credit score and credit report snapshot

Get your free score

Calculators

Tools to help you take control of your financial goals

Calculate your savings

Free credit repair assessment

Ensure you have an accurate credit report

Learn more
All of Christopher's posts
Is There Any Chance of Lowering Your Car Payment?
debt

Is There Any Chance of Lowering Your Car Payment?

The average length of a car loan is now more than five years. Is there any way to lower your car payment?

Christopher Maag

Help! My Boyfriend is Ruining My Credit
debt

Help! My Boyfriend is Ruining My Credit

Help! My Boyfriend is Ruining My Credit

Christopher Maag

What is My APR, Really?
Credit 101

What is My APR, Really?

So what does 'Your APR will be Prime Plus 14.74' really mean?

Christopher Maag

What to Do When Debt Collectors Break the Rules
Managing Debt

What to Do When Debt Collectors Break the Rules

Here are steps you can take to protect yourself when dealing with an aggressive debt collector.

Christopher Maag

Absurd Medical Bill: Pay or Ignore?
Managing Debt

Absurd Medical Bill: Pay or Ignore?

A Credit.com reader got a high medical bill and asks: Should I pay a bill I believe is outrageous, or just ignore it?

Christopher Maag

Lower Your Credit Card Rate for a Fee? It's a Trap!
Credit Cards

Lower Your Credit Card Rate for a Fee? It's a Trap!

It sounds like a great deal: In return for an up-front payment of a few hundred dollars, you can lower your credit card interest rate and save thousands over time. But is it legit?

Christopher Maag

Will Carrying a Balance Boost Your Credit Score?
credit score

Will Carrying a Balance Boost Your Credit Score?

Should you pay your entire credit card bill every month? Or does it give your credit score a boost to leave a small balance month after month?

Christopher Maag

Despite Attention, Payday Scammers Keep Calling
Personal Finance

Despite Attention, Payday Scammers Keep Calling

It's the scam that just won't quit. For years now, we at Credit.com have written story after story warning people about fake payday loan debt collectors.

Christopher Maag

The Scary Consequences of A Lost Smartphone
identity theft

The Scary Consequences of A Lost Smartphone

if you lose your smartphone, you have a 50/50 chance of getting it back. But chances are much higher that whoever retrieves it will try to access your private information.

Christopher Maag

Obama Unveils Privacy Bill of Rights
Identity Theft and Scams

Obama Unveils Privacy Bill of Rights

Obama Unveils Privacy Bill of Rights

Christopher Maag