Monthly Archives: May 2011

Strategic defaults starting to decline slightly

The number of people entering into strategic defaults, or walking away from a mortgage when advantageous to do so, is starting to decline.
An abandoned house

Teen spending affected by the recession

The recession has curbed spending even among the teen demographic and leads to their keener financial awareness, according to a new survey.
Impulsive teen shopper

How to avoid common contractor scams

Exercise caution when dealing with a home remodeling contractor. Be aware of ways to avoid the most common contractor scams.
A contractor at work on an interior wall.

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.
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.

Pawn loans having a renaissance thanks to television

Pawn loans, once usually reserved for the desperate and poor, is starting to become a booming business. Recent TV shows may be partly why.
Front of the store the show "Pawn Stars" is filmed at

Home prices drop as foreclosure rates soar

Home price index reports home prices down nationally by the largest margin since 28008, partially due to increased number of foreclosures.
House in foreclosure

Are you using Credit Card Act resources like you should?

The National Foundation for Credit Counseling says too few people use the free resources provided by the Credit Card Act.
A young man views his credit card statement with a tinge of horror in his eye.

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.
Budget shocks are something very common these days. Many middle class Americans have started using installment lending products to get through tough times.

Entrepreneur concocts easy way to spend gold and silver in Utah

In March, Utah enacted a law making gold and silver coins legal tender. Craig Franco plans a new way to spend them as easily as paper money.
Silver coin

Working from home benefits employees and employers

Despite living in the 21st century, many companies don't recognize the value of telecommuting. It's better for both employers and employees.
A two-laptop telecommuting routine is interrupted by a cute puppy face.

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?
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?

Loss of tax loan funding causes Jackson Hewitt bankruptcy

Jackson Hewitt, the tax preparation firm, has gone into bankruptcy protection because of loss of revenue from tax refund anticipation loans.
Income tax form 1040

Price hikes affect the value of McDonald’s shares

McDonald's is making small price increases throughout the year to offset the rising cost of food and paper. Stock prices fell as result.
Big Mac at McDonald's

Big banks debut clearXchange mobile payments service

Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo have created clearXchange, a mobile payment service to compete with systems like PayPal.
Close-up of a hand holding a cell phone.

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.
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.

Limited payday-lending regulation bills passed by Texas Senate

Monday, the Texas Senate passed two bills regulating the payday loan industry. Critics, however, say the legislation does not go far enough.
Payday lonas storefront

Google to unveil its own near-field mobile payment system

Google, in conjunction with Sprint, is unveiling its own mobile payment system for smartphones using near-field communication technology.
A Sprint smartphone

Consumers trust banks less than bankers think

Surveys like the Index of Bank Sentiment and Edelman Trust in U.S. Financial Services tell a tale of consumer distrust in commercial banks.
The Bank of America flag logo.

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.
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.

Payday loans on the rise in Great Britain

Payday loans in the U.K. are sharply on the rise following the May Day Bank Holiday as prices rise and wages stagnate in Great Britain.
Fan of fifty pound notes

Personal loans to attend for-profit schools can be risky

Borrowing personal loans to attend a for-profit college may not be the best choice, as they are riskier than their nonprofit counterparts.
College graduates