Archive for 'Credit & Debt'

On-Time Rent Payments May Now Improve Credit Score
Feb 17, 2011 - One major credit-reporting agency is now including rent payments in credit histories. If more follow suit, it could help renters become homeowners.

The Average American Debt? Over $10,000
Feb 10, 2011 - The recession may be easing up, but three new reports show that the average American debt is more than $10,000 and collection abuse is soaring.

For the First Time in Years, Credit Card Debt Rises
Feb 09, 2011 - Another sign the economy is making a comeback: During the recession, Americans gave their plastic a rest. But for the first time in years, credit card debt is increasing.

5 Mostly Unknown and Little-Used Credit Card Perks
Feb 03, 2011 - Credit cards have gotten a bad rap in recent years - in many cases, deservedly so. But some offer benefits you may not be aware of unless you dig. Example? One card is now offering free admission to over 100 museums.

7 Sneaky Ways Lenders Scope You out
Feb 02, 2011 - Used to be that the only thing a bank or other potential lender would look at before deciding whether to offer or refuse you credit was your credit report and score. Not anymore...

Free FICO Score: How You Can Get One
Jan 31, 2011 - Fair Isaac recently raised the price to see FICO scores by 25%. But you might be able to get a free FICO score if you know where to look.

Paying via Smartphone: Convenience at a Cost?
Jan 27, 2011 - Shifting to a system of virtual money is convenient, but it's been proven that paying with your smartphone leads many to overspend. Six tips to make sure you don't fall into the trap...

Banking Fees to Be Reincarnated As ‘Choices’?
Jan 25, 2011 - Last year, the federal government passed new laws to protect bank customers from onerous fees. So this year, the banks are testing out new ways to charge us for once-free services like checking accounts.

Ask Stacy: I Need Help With Debts Other Than Credit Cards!
Jan 21, 2011 - Lots of agencies out there are falling all over themselves to help you with your credit card debt. But why are so few willing to tackle other stuff?

Resolutions 2011 – Finding Help With Debt
Jan 19, 2011 - In this economy, more people than ever are resolving to find help getting out of debt. And there's a lot of help out there, both good and bad: Learn to tell the difference.

Some Banks Charge Checking Fees to Recover Lost Revenue
Jan 13, 2011 - Banks have added a number of new fees in the past two years, and now they are testing fees on checking accounts, something that could affect millions of consumers by the end of 2011.

Resolutions 2011 – 5 Steps To a Debt-Free Life
Jan 12, 2011 - Paying off debt is always one of the most popular New Year's resolutions, and one of the hardest to accomplish. But combine a little commitment with this advice, and maybe you'll finally pull it off this year.

Banks Pushing Cash-Back Credit Cards
Jan 06, 2011 - Cash-back credit cards are more popular than ever - here's a look at some of the most popular cards, along with pitfalls to watch for.

How to Fix the Deficit? Most Americans Say Tax the Rich
Jan 05, 2011 - According to one recent survey, when given four choices, more than 60 percent of respondents said they'd fix our ballooning budget deficit by choosing to tax the wealthiest Americans. Which method would you choose?

How to Put Your New Year’s Resolutions to the Test
Jan 04, 2011 - Are you worried about ruining your 2011 resolutions already? Then it might be time to re-assess your goals with free online tests of everything from your wealth to your health.