financial education

Never too late for financial education with MyStartingPoint

Financial understanding is one of the cornerstones of a healthier lifestyle. With it, you can live a purpose-driven life, generally free of spiraling debt burden. Thanks to MyStartingPoint, a Web-based education portal created by the nonprofit Community Financial Education Foundation, the opportunity to develop financial literacy skills is almost always at your fingertips.
Dedicated month of financial understanding
The CFEF explains that it is possible to teach every person about finances, no matter what their age, with MyStartingPoint. It should be incorporated into education whenever possible. This is a perfect month to do it too, considering April is National Financial Literacy [...]

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.

Where Is The Best Place To Get Payday Loans Online and Why?

There are all kinds of reasons why you would want to get a loan online but what should you know about payday loans first?
There are all kinds of reasons why you would want to get a loan online but what should you know about payday loans first?

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"

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

Why Borrow Money On Installments To Keep From Defaulting On Bills And Ruining Your Credit?

Many people are shocked at how damaging it is to have a low credit score. Many though have found a temporary solution with installment loans.
Many people are shocked at how damaging it is to have a low credit score. Many though have found a temporary solution with installment loans.

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

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

How To Use Short Term Loans To Save Your Budget

There are plenty of things eating your budget and late fees on the bills is typically the biggest waste and easiest to fix with short term loans.
There are plenty of things eating your budget and late fees on the bills is typically the biggest waste and easiest to fix with short term loans.

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

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!”

Personal Loans Online Do Not Requre Credit Checks Or Collateral Deposits

Credit checks cause damage to your credit score. These are the factors that you will appreciate knowing so you can get a personal loan without ruining your credit or putting up collateral.
Credit checks cause damage to your credit score. These are the factors that you will appreciate knowing so you can get a personal loan without ruining your credit or putting up collateral.

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.

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.

Why Using a Cash Advance For a Spending Spree Is a Very Bad Idea!

Cash advances, although a modern convenience, are not to be used for for irresponsible spending. Use them wisely and you will improve your financial situation.
Cash advances, although a modern convenience, are not to be used for for irresponsible spending. Use them wisely and you will improve your financial situation.

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

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