Latest financial news and information

National debt ceiling debate affects us all

Congress debates as U.S. nears the debt ceiling. If it is not raised and no compromise is reached by August, the effects will be felt by all.
Nationald debt clock

Goldman Sachs takes aim at Senate report

Goldman Sachs is preparing to fire back at the Senate subcommittee that drew attention to the firm's gross profits from subprime speculation.
Night view of the Goldman Sachs building on the harbor front at Paulus Hook in, Jersey City, N.J.

FTC sues another get rich quick infomercial company sued

The Federal Trade Commission has slapped a company promising people they can "get rich quick" through real estate, with fraud suit.
A Jackalope, a fictional type of rabbit with antlers

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.

Credit unions enter the payday loan business

Many credit unions are now offering short term, high interest loans similar to payday loans, and the practice is getting mixed reactions.
Credit union sign

Economists: US is still in a growth recession

The United States isn't out of the woods, argue economists. Plenty of signs point to the fact that growth recession is still going strong.
An unemployed (or underemployed) father begging for diaper money.

Nearly 60 percent of parents help support adult children

Nearly 60 percent of U.S. parents are continuing to help support their adult children who are not in school, according to a new survey.
Dad pays the bills

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.

Gri.pe about bad service with a free app

Consumers who want to make a difference with complaints against bad service can Gri.pe all they want with a new free mobile app.
A sample screen from the Gri.pe mobile app.

Little extras equal billions for airlines

A newly released report says that baggage fees and other non-transportation charges add up to billions yearly for the airline industry.
airline baggage

Debt relief and consolidation scams still rampant post-recession

As the number of debt relief or debt settlement companies has grown in the past few years, many companies have proven to be outright scams.
Penny coins

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?

Strategic defaults starting to decline slightly

The number of people entering into strategic defaults, or walking away from a mortgage when advantageous to do so, is starting to decline.
An abandoned house

Teen spending affected by the recession

The recession has curbed spending even among the teen demographic and leads to their keener financial awareness, according to a new survey.
Impulsive teen shopper

How to avoid common contractor scams

Exercise caution when dealing with a home remodeling contractor. Be aware of ways to avoid the most common contractor scams.
A contractor at work on an interior wall.

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.

Pawn loans having a renaissance thanks to television

Pawn loans, once usually reserved for the desperate and poor, is starting to become a booming business. Recent TV shows may be partly why.
Front of the store the show "Pawn Stars" is filmed at

Home prices drop as foreclosure rates soar

Home price index reports home prices down nationally by the largest margin since 28008, partially due to increased number of foreclosures.
House in foreclosure

Are you using Credit Card Act resources like you should?

The National Foundation for Credit Counseling says too few people use the free resources provided by the Credit Card Act.
A young man views his credit card statement with a tinge of horror in his eye.

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.

Entrepreneur concocts easy way to spend gold and silver in Utah

In March, Utah enacted a law making gold and silver coins legal tender. Craig Franco plans a new way to spend them as easily as paper money.
Silver coin