Monthly Archives: March 2011

Airline fare hikes blamed on rising fuel prices

A sixth increase in airline ticket prices for the year has brought the average price of a ticket up to $260 as gas prices continue to rise.
Jet Fuel

Android selling more smartphones than Research in Motion

Android is now the best selling operating system for smartphones. It has finally dethroned Research in Motion, maker of the Blackberry.
Blackberry

US considers replacing paper dollar bills with dollar coins

The U.S. Government Accountability Office wants $1 bills to be replaced entirely by $1 coins. Hundreds of billions of dollars could be saved.
The back of a 2006 Benjamin Franklin silver dollar. The classic U.S. colonial slogan “E Pluribus Unum: Join, or Die” and drawing of a segmented snake adorn the back of the coin.

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.

Consumers borrowing more money but not from credit cards

A recently released Federal Reserve report indicates that more people are borrowing money, but fewer of them are doing so with credit cards.
Credit Card

Libya needs food: The struggles of humanitarian aid

The crisis in Libya rages on, and refugees are finding it difficult to obtain food. The U.N. and U.S. are spearheading food delivery efforts.
El Saharara oil field in Libya. Fire billows from a vent.

Million-dollar home sales increase as prices continue to slide

Wealthy Americans are taking advantage of depressed prices and low mortgage rates on large loans while the housing market continues to decline.
luxury real estate

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.

At final hearing for TARP, critics call bailout program a failure

As TARP ends, the Treasury official in charge of it defended the program, but critics said that it only helped Wall Street, not Main Street.
wall street banks

Gas price rises nationwide fueling speculation of energy crisis

The quickly rising gas prices are fueling fears of a global energy crisis, though the unrest in Libya has not created a shortage of supply.
Gas prices

Peanut butter recall 2011 highlights danger of cutting funding

In a recall expected to cost $50 million or more, peanut butter in 16 states has been recalled; it's one of hundreds of recalls each year.
Skippy Peanut Butter

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.

Small business hiring big reason for drop in unemployment rate

Small businesses, which have been bearing the lion's share of job creation in the economic recovery, are picking up the pace. Unemployment is dropping.
labor market

Blue Shield of California audit deems 59% rate hikes reasonable

Some insurance customers in California are facing rate hikes of up to 59 percent. Though the state can review, it does not have legal recourse.
Doctor's office

Plunging interest rates make mortgages low cost loans for now

Those who can qualify for financing could make a killing in the current real estate market. Low interest rates make mortgages low cost loans.
Home

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.

CFPB directorship post in doubt for Elizabeth Warren

The White House still hasn't been able to secure spots for CFPB and OFR leadership. The gridlock is a palpable manifestation of the status quo.
Side-view close-up of CFPB director candidate Elizabeth Warren, who also happens to be in charge of the search for the position.

More carry-on luggage costing TSA millions

As travelers balk at airline baggage fees, more are carrying their luggage through security. Extra inspection costs TSA $260 million per year.
A cat sleeps atop a piece of carry-on luggage.

Tapping US oil reserves will not lower gas prices, Obama says

Oil industry analysts and the White House administration insist tapping the oil reserve would do little to combat rising gas and oil prices.
tapping oil reserve

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.

February jobs report shows decline in unemployment

The Labor Department has just released the February jobs report, which shows that unemployment has continued to decline so far this year.
Unemployed

FDA recalls 500 medicines; low cost can mean unsafe manufacturing

The FDA has recalled more than 500 prescription medications that have been sold without being tested for safety, a relatively common problem.
Pills