Happy 2010!
Did you know that gaining control of finances consistently ranks right next to “lose weight” on surveys of the most common New Year’s resolutions?
Something else weight loss goals and financial-health goals have in common: almost no one keeps them because reaching toward them sucks. It takes energy and commitment.
But, good news! There’s a [...]
Q: What do Walt Disney and credit reports have in common?
A: Both of them may be frozen! One hidden under “The Pirates of the Caribbean,”” and the other with each of the top credit reporting agencies.
OK, Walt Disney probably isn’t frozen, but did you know you can protect yourself from identity theft by freezing your [...]
Make no mistake: Borrowing from friends and family is tricky business.
At first glance it seems like the perfect situation: They love you. They’re more likely to sympathize with your need than a bank; and you’ll definitely pay the money back.
But imagine a trip to the mailbox. You mindlessly open the door and pull out a [...]
This is a guest post from financial expert Manisha Thakor. Manisha is a rising voice in the area of women & money. If you want to get inspired about money management, make sure to visit Manisha’s website where you can sign up for her “Manisha’s Money Musings” blog. She welcomes reader questions, so don’t hesitate [...]
It might be hard to think back on that very first credit card you got. For many, that was where our credit histories began – but what, exactly, does the perfect credit card look like?
Whether you are a novice or long-time credit-card user, it helps to understand the fine print and shop with some regulations.
First [...]
It is a thought creeping into more and more consumers’ heads: how am I going to get beyond all my high-interest consumer debts?
Many might not realize that they can borrow from their 401(k) plans to pay off these higher-interest debts, although financial experts disagree about whether or not this is a smart idea.
According to a [...]
The only thing journalists and bloggers all agree on about the “Cash for Clunkers” program is its wild popularity.
In just one week, the $1 billion in funding was nearly drained as thousands rushed to their car dealerships to trade in their old cars for new, more fuel-efficient models.
While there is still no assurance of continued [...]
Today’s guest post comes from Philip Tirone. Philip speaks nationwide in an effort to change the credit laws to be more transparent to consumers. He is the author of the book, “7 Steps to a 720 Credit Score.”
Difference in Credit Scores… that NOBODY is talking about, and what it means to you!
Two [...]
Confession time: I’m carrying a credit card balance. While it’s not very high, it’s more than I have the funds to clear in a single payment, or even two. I’ve broken a cardinal rule of credit card holders, and throughout the next few months, I’m determined to correct the damage.
I’m not alone, however, in [...]
Mortgages, pension plans, joint filings -it’s a whole new world out there. Are you prepared for it? If you are like most Americans, chances are the answer is no.
Advice on being financially savvy varies, but most professionals agree on one thing: Americans need a financial reality check. Check out this brief introduction to seven important [...]
This post was written by Stephanie Cuellar Butler, Contributing Writer on January 11, 2010 
