Dear Dr. Per Cap: I made some mistakes a while back that appear on my credit report as collection accounts. Since then I’ve been careful managing credit but my low FICO score makes it hard to borrow. How can I prove to lenders I’m better than my credit score? Signed, FICO Failure Dear FICO Don’t […]
Dear Dr. Per Cap: How can I convince my dad he needs to save for retirement? He just spends and spends while saying “live in the now”. Signed, Worried About Daddy Dear Worried You’re an awesome daughter to show concern for your dad’s financial future. The percentage of folks not saving enough for retirement is […]
Dear Dr. Per Cap: How do I know if I’m eligible to receive the new Covid-19 monthly relief payments that were just announced? Signed, Arizona Mom Dear Arizona Mom It’s official. Starting in July the IRS will begin making monthly payments to families that qualify for a recently expanded child tax credit. This Covid-19 related […]
Dear Dr. Per Cap: My cousin has a habit of not paying back loans, but just asked to borrow more money. How can I help without getting burned? Signed, Twice Burned Dear Twice Burned I’ve learned over the years that money lent to friends and family has a bad track record of not getting paid […]
Dear Dr. Per Cap: Why does my IIM account pay so much higher interest than my bank account? Isn’t it basically the same thing? Signed, Loves Coffee Dear Loves Coffees An IIM or Individual Indian Money account is a very unique financial product that differs from a bank account in several key ways. For starters […]
Dear Dr. Per Cap: You once wrote that the most lucrative investment you ever made was a trade for a valuable hockey card at twelve-years-old. What’s the worst investment you’ve ever made? Signed, Just Asking Dear Just Asking Fair question! Back in the nineties I was working in a pizza store and had just started […]
Dear Dr. Per Cap When will we know how much June Per Cap will be? I’d like to know so I can make a budget. – Planning Ahead Dear Planning Ahead I think a lot of EBCI folks would love to know the amount of upcoming per capita sooner rather than later; however, the process […]
Dear Dr. Per Cap: I’m a server at a restaurant and get frustrated when Native customers don’t tip. I work hard to provide good service and it’s not only insulting but tough financially when my own people stiff me. What’s up with Natives who don’t tip? Signed, Tips Please Dear Tips Although I’ve heard this […]
Dear Dr. Per Cap: I received a 1099-G that lists over $3,000 in unemployment benefits paid by the state in 2020. I didn’t receive any unemployment last year. What should I do? Signed, Working through the Pandemic Dear Working Report this as fraud through your state unemployment agency website immediately. There’s been a huge surge […]
Dear Dr. Per Cap: Is Bitcoin a smart investment? Just a few years ago one Bitcoin was worth less than $10 and now it’s trading for over $50,000. Signed, FOMO Native Dear FOMO Native This is the $50,000 question and I honestly don’t know the answer. Bitcoin mania seems to be taking over the world […]
