Investments

Automatic 401(k) enrollment plans less effective than opt-in

Automatic enrollment of employees into 401(k) plans don't, as it turns out, guarantee that they will contribute as much as they could.
A 401k fund

How to buy and sell stocks

With some basic information, you can learn to buy and sell stock in a few easy steps. It pays to examine corporate balance sheets.
Boxtop for a boardgame called “The Stock Market Game.”

Bank of America agrees to $8.5 billion buyback deal

Bank of America has agreed to pay out an unprecedented $8.5 billion in buyback deal to 22 investors who bought mortgage-backed securities.
Bank of America logo

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.

Low CD rates prompt consumers to pay off credit cards

Extremely low CD rates have encouraged many consumers to funnel their money into paying off high-interest debt like credit cards.
Close-up of a checkbook register that reflects multiple credit card payments, including one marked “payoff.”

Fed backs off on quantitative easing

The direction of the U.S. economy appears to be headed away from quantitative easing. Will the Fed allow a long-term solution to take hold?
A close-up, high-contrast photo of U.S. $20 bills, fanned out.

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.

Value of college questioned with high loans and unemployment

As student loan balances and unemployment grow, people are beginning to question the value of college. The numbers say it does have value.
College Graduates

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

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?

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.

CFTC taking action against precious metal investment businesses

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission has filed suit against American Precious Metals, a company that offered fraudulent investments.
Gold and Silver

LinkedIn IPO sends brokers scurrying for tech bubble cover

LinkedIn is the latest internet-based company to go public with a bang – and frighten investors who are wary of a new technology bubble.
The LinkedIn corporate logo as seen on one of the walls of its corporate office.

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.

Plunging commodity prices leaving investors jittery

Prices of gold, silver, coffee, oil, gasoline, copper and other "safe haven" investments have dropped precipitously in the last few days.
Silver coins

Canadian treasury bonds: Invest in the Great White North

If you're an investor who wants to invest in foreign treasury bonds, Bankrate suggests you consider Canadian bonds and exchange-traded funds.
The Canadian national flag.

AIG returns to spotlight with collateralized death obligations

AIG's attempts to securitize bets on death have been criticized by the life insurance industry as a potential avenue for fraud and abuse.
a painting of the grim reaper

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.

Home remodeling projects worth the money today

The rate of return on home remodeling isn't as stable as it once was, but certain projects are still a capital idea, according to SmartMoney.
Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Sara Liming scrubs the walls of the Nagad School in Djibouti’s Atta Region on March 26, 2011.

Investing basics and how NOT to invest

Armed with some basic investing ideas – including knowledge of how not to invest – you can build wealth with confidence.
A blonde woman wearing a business suit.