News

New mortgage shopping sheet attempts to simplify and clarify

The CFPB today offers two prototypes of a new disclosure form for mortgage borrowing in an attempt to clarify the process for consumers.
glasses resting on mortgage application

Senate wants 401(k) accounts off-limits as personal loan funds

The United States Senate proposing a bill to limit the use of 401(k) accounts as a source of personal loans when people fall short.
Piggy Bank

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.

7 easy ways to qualify for 2011 Energy Tax Credits

The 2011 Energy Tax Credits program has dropped back down to $500 per project, but every bit helps with energy-saving home updates.
Air conditioners in a line

Credit rating bureaus have double standard for handling disputes

Credit rating bureaus have a V.I.P. list for preferential treatment when it comes to error corrections.
Consumer hand squeezes credit card

Some payday lenders welcome consumer protection bureau

Many people thought the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau would regulate payday loans out of existence, but some lenders welcome scrutiny.
Payday loan store

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.

Credit card hotline is latest issue in consumer bureau fight

The latest fight over the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau involves a credit card hotline that would compile complaints about card companies.
Visa credit card logo

North Carolina installment loan bill H810 aids industry

North Carolina installment loan bill H810 would raise loan and processing fees to keep the industry open to consumers during the recession.
Protestors outside the North Carolina capitol building in Raleigh.

Three congressional bills trying to weaken the CFPB

Despite the fact it is not yet operational, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau already is facing challenges from Congress.
Department of the Treasury

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?

Wisconsin Republicans attempting to re-legalize auto title loans

The Joint Finance Committee in the Wisconsin State Senate has suggested re-legalizing auto title loans in the state.
Title Lender

Recession survival tips for small businesses

Surviving a recession can be tough for small businesses. With these tips, it is possible to break even or even raise the bottom line.
Pictured is Charlie Jones, Kroger grocery store manager in Worthington, Ohio, 1941. Jones is showcasing a variety of items in this black and white photo.

Texas legislature passing new payday lending regulation

The Texas legislature is slowly changing regulations on payday lending with three separate bills under consideration.
Texas statehouse

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.

Credit card companies still marketing to college students

College students are supposed to have greater barriers between them and credit card companies, but the laws still have loopholes.
Visa logo

Prepaid benefit cards exploit the unemployed, says study

Prepaid benefit debit cards for the unemployed nickel and dime them to death with fees, according to a National Consumer Law Center report.
A Bank of America ATM machine.

Payday loan amendment threatens to gridlock Colorado legislature

An amendment tacked on the end of the Rules Bill in the Colorado legislature could end up costing taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Payday Loans

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.

Microfinance industry becoming troubled by scandals

The microfinance industry is becoming rocked with a series of scandals, and it appears to be unraveling despite many lenders noble aims.
Muhammad Yunus

Master the metrics of small business success

How can you tell if your business is doing well? Benchmark your business, with an eye for some of these key ratios you'll want in your favor.
A woman in a business suit is seated before a laptop computer. Her arms are in the air in celebration, and the in-photo text reads “I won!”