Yearly Archives: 2011

Economists: US is still in a growth recession

The United States isn't out of the woods, argue economists. Plenty of signs point to the fact that growth recession is still going strong.
An unemployed (or underemployed) father begging for diaper money.

Nearly 60 percent of parents help support adult children

Nearly 60 percent of U.S. parents are continuing to help support their adult children who are not in school, according to a new survey.
Dad pays the bills

Gri.pe about bad service with a free app

Consumers who want to make a difference with complaints against bad service can Gri.pe all they want with a new free mobile app.
A sample screen from the Gri.pe mobile app.

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.

Little extras equal billions for airlines

A newly released report says that baggage fees and other non-transportation charges add up to billions yearly for the airline industry.
airline baggage

Debt relief and consolidation scams still rampant post-recession

As the number of debt relief or debt settlement companies has grown in the past few years, many companies have proven to be outright scams.
Penny coins

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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