Monthly Archives: April 2011

Working past retirement is good for your health

Working longer – past the standard retirement age of 65 – is not only better for your budget, but it may improve your health, experts say.
A man seated at his retirement party.

Gas boycott would not work, despite Facebook campaigns

The cost of gas is going up, and the gas boycott chain letters are going around Facebook and email again, but a gas boycott will not work.
Boycott and protest

Six payday loan companies charged with financial fraud

The FTC has filed suit against several payday loan companies run by Michael Bruce Moneymaker and others, saying fraud cost customers millions.
FTC Building

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.

Prenuptial agreements: Not just for royalty anymore

While romantics scoff at the notion, legal experts advise couples to consider prenuptial agreements before entering into marriage.
Artist's cartoon rendering of a man and woman kissing before a downtown skyline, at night.

Investors driving home sales as Americans re-think home ownership

Investors are capitalizing on historically low home prices and interest rates while many Americans question the safety of home ownership.
house made of legos

Tax refunds and tax fraud are increasing

The average amount of an income tax refund has increased over the past few years and so have fraudulent deductions on income tax returns.
Portrait of the 1773 "Boston Tea Party"

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.

CFPB to make simpler mortgage disclosure forms a priority

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau reportedly will place high priority upon simplifying mortgage disclosure forms for homebuyers.
A nonplussed man suffers the existential agony of dealing with mortgage and other financial papers.

Gold prices touch $1,500 as some question inflationary pressures

Because of several factors, the spot price of gold hit a record high today -- $1,500 per ounce. Does this mark an opportunity or a bubble?
Pure gold in vials

Free term life insurance is available now

MassMutual Financial Group of Massachusetts is offering free term life insurance of $50,000 to apply to dependents' education.
A 1950s-era photograph of a father and young daughter sitting on a grassy lawn.

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.

Fraudulent lawyers tie up payment of BP oil spill claims

The $20 billion BP oil spill fund, bogged down by questionable claims and unscrupulous lawyers, has paid out a small fraction of the money.
bp oil spill contaminates beach

Credit card use declining as more people turn to cash

Credit card use continues to decline. Fewer and fewer people are turning to the plastic because more people are trying to shed debt.
Visa logo

Four easy ways to get more money for what you are selling

Whatever you are selling, whether it is real estate, electronics or something else, a few simple steps can help you get the best price.
Condo

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.

Students optimistic about the future, despite expecting less cash

People ages 18 to 24 are optimistic about their futures, despite the fact that many of them think they won't be as wealthy as their parents.
College students graduating

China struggles to curb inflation that threatens global growth

China's central bank has raised interest rates and the deposit reserve ratio in an effort to cool the nation's overheating economy.
chinese economy

Lansing says no to payday lending as Michigan economy flails

Lansing, Mich., legislators want to zone payday lenders out. This wisdom is questionable, in light of HB 4214 and Michigan's financial woes.
A roadside stop sign in Ireland that is almost completely obscured by ivy.

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.

Jesse Jackson Jr. says iPad is killing publishing, costing jobs

Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. is saying the iPad is a job-killer, but experts say the device creates opportunities for publishers and college students.
Close up of an iPad in a man's hand. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. is clearly visible on the touchscreen display.

Tax day: Nearly half of Americans owe nothing

Income tax returns are due today, April 18. Here are some surprising facts about taxes in the U.S. For example, 45 percent don't owe them.
Internal Revenue Service building placard