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How to Steer Clear of Car Loan Scams

by admin | Mon, 08/30/2010 - 10:59

As consumers continue to struggle under the weight of a lagging economy, many Americans are trying to refinance their car loans.
Unfortunately, scammers have taken notice and are increasingly trying to bilk people of their hard earned cash. According to Rosemary Shahan, the president of Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety, car loan scams are a “problem just about everywhere.”

Debt after Death: What Happens when a Debtor Dies

by admin | Fri, 08/27/2010 - 11:00

What happens to your debt after you die is not a topic that’s likely to come up on its own at the dinner table, but it’s a good idea to talk about this matter anyway. It’s important for you and your loved ones to know when you’re responsible for each other’s debts post-mortem—and when you’re not.
A recent post from WalletPop.com offers an outline of what to expect after the death of a family member who owed money. Here’s a summary.

Study: Credit Card Application Disclosures Improving

by admin | Tue, 08/24/2010 - 11:01

Here’s some good news from the world of credit: according to a study conducted by the web site CardHub.com, the language on applications for credit cards has improved in clarity in recent years. Specifically, the transparency and completeness of disclosure of a credit card’s terms in the large print has gotten better.
The study looked at several elements of a credit card agreement, including these:

Dealing with Debt Collectors: What Not to Do

by admin | Mon, 08/23/2010 - 10:42

As the Great Recession continues to take its toll on the economy and employment landscape, millions of Americans are finding themselves struggling to manage and eliminate their debt. But that’s rarely an easy task, especially during high-stress interactions like contact from a debt collector.

Student Loan Debt Tops Credit Card Debt in U.S.

by admin | Sun, 08/22/2010 - 13:30

The Wall Street Journal reported this month that the amount of money Americans owe on student loans has officially surpassed what we they owe on credit cards.
How did student loan debt come to outweigh credit card debt, which seems to dominate the headlines and personal finance blogs?
Here’s a look at the numbers behind the scenes:

Jobless Numbers Rise Unexpectedly in Early August

by admin | Fri, 08/20/2010 - 11:51

The Department of Labor reported last week that initial unemployment claims for the week ending August 7 rose 2,000 from the previous week, to 484,000. This rise was apparently unexpected, and marks the highest rate since February of this year.
The news sent stock markets tumbling earlier this week as job growth remains frigid.
Here’s a closer look at the latest numbers from the Labor Department and what they mean:

Back to School Doesn’t Have to Break the Bank

by admin | Wed, 08/18/2010 - 10:47

Each year, retailers and shoppers alike anticipate back to school sales with the intense focus of a professional athlete. This focus is a result of the high stakes of the event, as reports show the average family of four spends almost $600 getting their children prepared for school.
Even worse, the weakened state of the American economy has heightened the anxiety with which consumers approach late summer shopping. Fortunately, there are ways ensure that you don’t have to break the bank while shopping for school necessities.

Families Struggle with Skyrocketing College Costs

by admin | Tue, 08/17/2010 - 10:06

If you think college costs are on a rapid ascent, recent statistics released by Sallie Mae and Gallup support your belief. According to reports, the average cost of college attendance rose a staggering 17 percent in 2010.

CARD Act Review: Debit Card Rules

by admin | Mon, 08/16/2010 - 10:40

The Credit CARD Act, passed last year, will take full effect later this month (August 22), so there’s no better time to review the changes you can expect to see when that deadline arrives. Here’s what to look out for from your debit card and bank.

Protect Your Money and Credit: Scams to Watch For

by admin | Sat, 08/14/2010 - 09:58

The ever-evolving technology that makes our lives easier and more fun has a flip side: it gives the “bad guys” and endless stream of options for tricking us out of our hard-earned money, racking up debts on our accounts and even stealing our identities.
Here’s a look at some of the latest scams that can pose a threat to your money and identity, adapted from this post from WalletPop.com.