Greek financial disaster resounds in Europe, US

Tensions in Greece continue to boil as austerity measures have met heavy civilian resistance. What does this mean for Europe and the U.S.?
A low-angle view of the columns of the Greek Acropolis at Athens.

Installment loan lenders thrive where payday lenders used to

Many states have tried to eliminate payday loan lenders, but it hasn’t eliminated the need for credit from non-bank sources. Some states have new installment loans stores where payday loan stores once existed as other forms of short term credit fill the void.
Virginians frequenting pawn shops and title lenders more
Many states have passed laws intended to closely regulate, if not outright eliminate, payday loan lending. However, such laws don’t eliminate the need or demand for a short term credit product. The state of Virginia passed laws several years ago capping the interest rate on payday loans, which has reduced use [...]

A payday loan store

Number of people taking 401(k) loans hitting record high

The number of people that are taking personal loans out from their 401(k) accounts through employers are at a record high.
Jar full of coins

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.
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.

Sites offering peer-to-peer personal loans keep growing

Websites, such as Prosper.com and LendingClub.com, that offer peer-to-peer personal loans are starting to expand quite rapidly.
A desktop computer setup

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

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.

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.
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.

Applying for loans can cause credit score drops

The point of having a good credit score is to get approved for loans with good rates. However, applying for a loan will ding a credit score.
Image of a persons' credit report

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

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.

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.
Credit checks can hurt your credit score and providing collateral for a loan is an unneccessary risk which can be avoided.

Crowdsourcing good for businesses and for personal loans

Crowdsourcing isn't just for funding personal loans or projects. Businesses can raise loan capital that way, too, or use peer to peer lending.
Laptop computer

Tips for starting a small business on the right foot

Getting your new small business up and running requires lots of work. Here are new small business ideas to help give you a running start.
A small business owner turning the sign to “Open.”

New rule makes Social Security benefits off-limits for garnishing

Social Security benefits are now a little harder to garnish, under new rules passed to make garnishing benefit payments more transparent.
Social Security card

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.
Traditional loans require a credit check which puts a hard inquiry on your credit report which in many cases lowers your overall credit rating.

Unmarried couples face different standards in finance

The Census Bureau has noted a rise in the number of cohabiting couples. Cohabitation, without marriage, can make finances trickier.
Wedding rings

Office of Servicemember Affairs to keep military loans honest

Holly Petraeus will lead the Office of Servicemember Affairs, a consumer protector created to provide financial advice to military families.
A young military family – husband, wife and baby – are seated together on their front porch.

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

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.
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.

Killing payday lending does not fight poverty

The Anti-Poverty Coalition of Greater Dallas has attacked payday lending and ignored the financial effect eliminating short term credit.
A demotivational poster for unemployment. An Imperial storm trooper from “Star Wars” sits alone on the subway. The caption reads: “Unemployment: Sucks when your job gets blowed up,” referring to the destruction of the Death Star.

Credit bureau Experian accused of fraud in California lawsuit

Experian, one of the three credit reporting bureaus, is being sued for fraud for selling credit reports information that is worthless.
Court