FTC Busts Bogus Debt Counseling Company
The Federal Trade Commission has busted yet another operation that preyed upon cash‑strapped consumers who were seeking relief from their credit card debts.
Survey Shows Baby Boomers Put Kids’ College Costs Ahead of Retirement
Yet another study shows us the ways in which Baby Boomers and those with children are sacrificing their retirement for the sake of paying for college costs for their offspring.
6 Ways to Get Out of Debt Now
Becoming debt-free is an admirable financial goal, but one that is a big struggle for many Americans. Let’s face it: some people who are now starting to get credit card bills from their December spending are also still paying off holiday debt from a year ago. Even if you’re not among those folks, you probably […]
Precious Metals Dealers Charged $24 Million in Settlement with FTC
The Federal Trade Commission has charged some precious metal dealers for conning consumers into buying precious metals on credit without disclosing all of the costs and risks involved with the transaction.
A Teenager’s View on Why Parents Should Give Their Kids Holiday Gifts
As a sophomore in high school, the holiday season is an exciting time: there are winter break projects, class-wide Secret Santa missions, and of course getting to spend the Season of Giving with my family and friends. However, I’m noticing a growing trend in the blogosphere: parents saying they will give their kids far fewer presents than […]
Get Your FICO Credit Score Free and Help Your Credit Rating
Checking your FICO credit score at least once a year is a good way to stay on top of your credit rating. That’s why you may be happy to learn that myFICO.com – the consumer website of Fair Isaac, creator of the FICO score – is offering you the opportunity to get your FICO score […]
Stolen Credit Cards Used to Buy 85 iPads Worth $50,000
Two men have been accused of using stolen credit cards to purchase high priced electronics like iPads. The iPads were then resold for cash. Police say the men are are part of a large-scale credit card fraud operation that hit Target stores in Illinois. The suspects, who were under surveillance, were nabbed after they made […]
The 3 Smartest, Best Gifts to Give Someone You Love This Holiday Season
This holiday season, your husband, kid or best friend doesn’t need yet another gadget, toy or sweater. So why fall for all the holiday marketing hype promoted by retailers this time of year? Instead, consider giving someone you love another type of gift – one that will have enduring value for a lifetime.
The Fiscal Cliff Explained: What the Fiscal Cliff Means to Your Finances
There’s been a lot of talk in Washington D.C. and in the media about the so-called “fiscal cliff.” But what exactly is the fiscal cliff and how will impact you and your family? Let me offer a definition of the fiscal cliff and provide some context about how this issue will directly affect your finances.
At What Age Can Your Kid Start to Build Credit? The Surprising Answer
Most of us know that you have to be at least 18 years old in order to sign a legally binding contract. But did you know that, under specific circumstances, your teenager could actually start to build credit and improve their credit rating prior to age 18?
Important Car Lease Terms You Should Know
Ads enticing you to buy or lease new cars are everywhere during the holiday season and into the new year. But not everyone can afford to pay cash for a vehicle or finance one — especially since the average monthly car loan payment in 2012 was $462, and the average price of an automobile has risen to […]
How Much You Can Save by Making Extra Mortgage Payments
If you’re thinking of making extra payments on your mortgage in order to more quickly eliminate your house note and become debt free, you may be wondering: “How much money will I save or how many years will I knock off my mortgage if I send in extra payments to my bank?”
Tax Tips For Holiday Giving and Donations
If you’re in the giving mood this holiday season, there’s certainly no shortage of charities, non-profit groups and social services agencies that could use a helping hand.
Actor Stephen Baldwin Arrested for Alleged Income Tax Evasion
Actor Stephen Baldwin was arrested for alleged state income tax evasion, according to authorities in New York. The New York Daily News reported that Baldwin owes more than $350,000 in back taxes to the Empire State for the years 2008, 2009 and 2010.
Will a Late Payment Hurt My Credit Rating?
Q: If I am a little late with a credit card payment, do you automatically get late fees, a higher interest rate or will it hurt my credit rating? A: You should try your very best to be timely with all your credit card payments, because if you are late on a bill, you do […]