Monthly Archives: March 2011
College financial aid advice for middle-class families
Finding financial aid for middle-income families is easier if you have a plan. Search for need- and merit-based, and don't forget tax breaks.
Thursday, March 10th, 2011 by By Steve Tarlow
30-year fixed-rate mortgage tied to demise of Fannie and Freddie
The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, which only exists because of mortgage insurers Fannie and Freddie, is likely to disappear along with them.
Thursday, March 10th, 2011 by By Thomas Hart
Experian to include rental data in credit reports
Thanks to Experian RentBureau, some tenants will now be able to contribute to a good credit score by maintaining consistent rental payments.
Thursday, March 10th, 2011 by By Steve Tarlow
Payday Loans and How You Can Protect Your Personal Information From Identity Theft
Encryption of your data is just the basic level of protection you need to look for. You can also check to see if the page has HTTPS in the address bar when on application page.
Avoid bad buying practices and use credit cards to your advantage
Responsible credit card use can be beneficial to you and your credit report. Be careful; it's easy to develop bad habits with credit cards.
Thursday, March 10th, 2011 by By Ace Campbell
Climate change in Columbia driving US coffee prices sky high
Hot weather and heavy rains have hurt Columbian coffee production as global demand catches up with coffee drinkers in the United States.
Thursday, March 10th, 2011 by By Thomas Hart
Costs and benefits of financial reform laws
A year after the CARD Act passed, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau did a study to see whether reforms are working -- and they are.
Thursday, March 10th, 2011 by By Peter Stone
How People Are Taking Advantage of Installment Loans To Cover Budget Shocks Today
Budget shocks are something very common these days. Many middle class Americans have started using installment lending products to get through tough times.
Lawsuit lending the latest target of legislation
Lawsuit lending is a new industry that some legislatures are calling usury -- and others are calling a much-needed service.
Thursday, March 10th, 2011 by By Mary Rice
How to save money when world food prices are rising
Global food prices are rising and will likely continue to do so. However, there are ways to save money for the do-it-yourself inclined.
Wednesday, March 9th, 2011 by By Peter Stone
Welfare payments make up 35 percent of total US wages, study says
Recession recovery has led to a disturbing statistic: Social welfare payments and services make up 35 percent of wages in the United States.
Wednesday, March 9th, 2011 by By Steve Tarlow
Short Term Loans Are Available Without Credit Checks - What Does That Mean For You?
Having access to a short term loan online when every you want without credit checks is a tempting offer but what should you know before applying?
The best and worst organic grocery buys
Organic groceries are more expensive because they cost more to produce. USDA tests show that for some products it's more worth it than others.
Wednesday, March 9th, 2011 by By Mary Rice
House financial committee considers Missouri payday loan bills
Missouri HB 132 and HB 656 are a study in contrasting payday loan legislation. One would kill the industry, the other would deal reasonably.
Wednesday, March 9th, 2011 by By Steve Tarlow
Keep an eye out for commonly overlooked tax deductions
Millions of Americans hand the IRS hard-earned money that they could keep because they overlook deductions hiding in complicated U.S. tax code.
Wednesday, March 9th, 2011 by By Thomas Hart
You Are Not Supposed To Know Cash Advances Online Do Not Require Any Credit
Credit is not a factor with cash advances online. There are not credit checks so their is no hard inquiry on your record to lower your credit score.
Applications for mortgage modifications spike with low rates
Mortgage applications have risen recently, though the spike was due to low interest rates spurring interest in mortgage modifications.
Wednesday, March 9th, 2011 by By Peter Stone
Global food inflation starting to hit US grocery budgets harder
Global competition for basic agricultural commodities is increasing pressure and causing higher food prices for consumers in the United States.
Wednesday, March 9th, 2011 by By Thomas Hart
The four basics of renting out your space
It is a great market for landlords to rent out housing, but you should take a few simple steps to protect your wallet from unexpected hits.
Wednesday, March 9th, 2011 by By Mary Rice
Personal Online Lending and How It Can Make or Break Your Family Budget During Hard Times
Hard times befall us all but you do not have to break your budget to pay your bills. Use personal loans responsibly to avoid penlaties and late fees.
Does Groupon hurt small business?
Groupon and other deep discount coupon websites are great for marketing. Small businesses should approach – but with some caution.
Tuesday, March 8th, 2011 by By Steve Tarlow
Facebook Movies streams films directly with Facebook Credits
Warner Bros. has released its first Facebook Movies option. Social network movie streaming might end up being a viable Netflix competitor.
Tuesday, March 8th, 2011 by By Mary Rice
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