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.
Tuesday, July 5th, 2011 by By Ron Ford
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.
Tuesday, April 26th, 2011 by By Steve Tarlow
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.
Tuesday, April 19th, 2011 by By Peter Stone
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.
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.
Tuesday, April 19th, 2011 by By Steve Tarlow
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.
Tuesday, April 19th, 2011 by By Peter Stone
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.
Monday, April 18th, 2011 by By Peter Stone
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.
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.
Friday, April 15th, 2011 by By Steve Tarlow
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.
Thursday, April 14th, 2011 by By Peter Stone
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.
Wednesday, April 13th, 2011 by By Thomas Hart
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.
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.
Tuesday, April 12th, 2011 by By Peter Stone
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.
Thursday, April 7th, 2011 by By Steve Tarlow
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.
Wednesday, April 6th, 2011 by By Steve Tarlow
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.
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.”
Wednesday, April 6th, 2011 by By Steve Tarlow
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.
Thursday, March 31st, 2011 by By Steve Tarlow
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.
Thursday, March 24th, 2011 by By Peter Stone
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.
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.
Thursday, March 24th, 2011 by By Thomas Hart
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.
Wednesday, March 23rd, 2011 by By Steve Tarlow
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