financial education

Renting smart in a landlord market

More people are trying to rent and available rentals are down. Landlords have the upper hand. A renter has to be savvy to get a good deal.
Landlord Tenant Law

Obama, HUD considering home renters tax credit

President Obama and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development have proposed a home renter's tax credit to offset soaring rents.
Hardy's Hill House in North Deer Isle, Maine.

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"

How Can Your Credit Score Be Saved With Something As Simple As A Payday Loan?

Millions of people every year fall short on various bills and lose credit points. Payday loans are a no credit check option that can ease the pain.
Millions of people every year fall short on various bills and lose credit points. Payday loans are a no credit check option that can ease the pain.

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.

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

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

Facts About Installment Loans Everyone Should Know Before Applying Online

Are installment loans online safe and secure? Is applying a big hassle with tons of hoops to jump through? We have the facts you want to know.
Are installment loans online safe and secure? Is applying a big hassle with tons of hoops to jump through? We have the facts you want to know.

First-time homebuyer tax credit: Get ready to pay

The first payment on the $7,500 first-time homebuyer tax credit from 2008 is due with the 2010 tax return for anyone who received the credit.
A young couple dreamily contemplates their first new home.

Banks fighting to corner market for EMV chip credit cards

JPMorgan and Wells Fargo are launching EMV chip equipped smart cards for high-end credit card customers who travel overseas frequently.
Smart card

Child identity theft victims often targeted by loved ones

No child is too young for identity theft; it happens to children 51 times more often than adults. More than 10 percent in a study had stolen IDs.
toddler

How To Get A Cash Advance Without Providing Collateral or Submitting To A Credit Check

Credit checks can hurt your credit score and providing collateral for a loan is an unneccessary risk which can be avoided.
Credit checks can hurt your credit score and providing collateral for a loan is an unneccessary risk which can be avoided.

Consumers advised to avoid credit card protection plans

Credit card debt protection plans are great for credit card companies but end up being not very beneficial for people who enroll in them.
Credit Card

Consumers opting to pay credit cards over mortgages

Underwater mortgages have encouraged consumers to pay credit cards instead, according to a recent study by the TransUnion credit bureau.
A man poring over his bills contemplates a Post-It note that reads “Pay off credit cards!”

City of San Francisco grants Twitter a payroll tax break

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors has voted in favor of granting Twitter and other technology companies a sizable payroll tax holiday.
The “dead Twitter” graphic, complete with dead whale and lots of Twitter birds covering the carcass.

How Personal Loans Online Can Prevent Your FICO Credit Score From Going Down

Traditional loans require a credit check which puts a hard inquiry on your credit report which in many cases lowers your overall credit rating.
Traditional loans require a credit check which puts a hard inquiry on your credit report which in many cases lowers your overall credit rating.

Bizarre tax deductions to brighten your tax day

Here are some of the more bizarre tax deductions ever attempted in the United States. File under “Don't try this at home.”
An infant dressed in a white onesie. Text on the chest reads “tax deduction.”

Avoid the debt settlement agreement benefit on your credit card

The Government Accountability Office urges consumers to think carefully before opting for a debt settlement agreement on their credit card.
A credit card secured by chains and locks.

Mortgage rates rise despite crippled demand for housing

Mortgage interest rates are steadily climbing away from the near record lows that were recently observed, but home sales are staying low.
House

How To Use Short Term Loans To Get Through a Budget Crisis Wisely

Everyone finds themsevles in a budget crisis from time to time and short term loans are only the answer in some circumstances when used wisely.
Everyone finds themsevles in a budget crisis from time to time and short term loans are only the answer in some circumstances when used wisely.

Frivolous tax arguments are amusing, but the IRS penalty is not

When it comes to frivolous tax arguments, the Internal Revenue Service has zero tolerance for clowning around in the name of tax evasion.
irs penalty

Understanding the down side of avoiding credit

Eschewing credit is not a good way to build a credit history. Creditors want to see the borrower can handle credit responsibly.
A stack of credit cards against a black tabletop.