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.
A young female graduate in black cap and gown.

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.
30-year fixed-rate mortgage

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.
A “For Rent” sign.

Payday loan APR Fees and How They Compare To Other Financing Rates

A fee of $32 on a $100 bounced check can have an APR as high as 2,336%. You would be surprised to see how other fees measure up.
A fee of $32 on a $100 bounced check can have an APR as high as 2,336%. You would be surprised to see how other fees measure up.

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.
The corner of a credit card with a Visa logo.

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.
coffee prices

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.
Credit Card

Installment Loans Online and How They Differ From The Average Payday Loan

One of the most liked features of installment loans is being able to pay them back over a much longer period of time then normal loans you may find locally.
One of the most liked features of installment loans is being able to pay them back over a much longer period of time then normal loans you may find locally.

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.
Lawsuits

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.
Community Garden

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.
The old version of U.S. food stamps, from 1980.

The Ease and Convenience of Short Term Loans Needs To Be Managed In A Smart Way

It is not wise to go crazy with short term loans just because you can get them online with no credit checks, no collateral and without having to fax in tons of documents.
It is not wise to go crazy with short term loans just because you can get them online with no credit checks, no collateral and without having to fax in tons of documents.

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.
Organic

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.
The state flag of Missouri.

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.
u.s. taxcode

What You Need To Know To Keep From Getting Trapped By Cash Advance Addiction

Cash advances are not a long term financial fix for spending spree addictions. Using them should be done so responsibly and in a realistic manner.
Cash advances are not a long term financial fix for spending spree addictions. Using them should be done so responsibly and in a realistic manner.

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.
Applying for a loan

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.
food inflation

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.
Room for Rent

No Credit Check Personal Loans From The Comfort Of Home - A Good Thing or a Bad Thing?

Personal loans are so easy to get it worries some consumer groups. Like anything on the internet it pays to be informed before you pursue any online transactions.
Personal loans are so easy to get it worries some consumer groups. Like anything on the internet it pays to be informed before you pursue any online transactions.

Does Groupon hurt small business?

Groupon and other deep discount coupon websites are great for marketing. Small businesses should approach – but with some caution.
The Groupon corporate logo. The subtext reads “Collective Buying Power.”

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.
Warner Brothers