Search Results for 'cfpb'

Report Calls for Changes at Consumer Watchdog

B.T. Ballenger on September 27, 2013

The Bipartisan Policy Center says there are several things the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau could do better. What do you think?

Thinking About a New Home? The Clock is Ticking

B.T. Ballenger on September 20, 2013

Next year, it’ll become more expensive and harder to qualify for a mortgage. If you’re sitting on the fence, now’s the time to get off it.

Chase Ordered to Refund $309 Million to Credit Card Customers

B.T. Ballenger on September 19, 2013

Yet another big bank is in trouble with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau for the way it sold credit card add-on products to customers.

Is Your Bank the Target of Consumer Complaints?

Susan Ladika on September 18, 2013

A new report shows which banks received the most complaints to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Why Disputing an Error in Your Credit Report Has Been a Frustrating Experience

B.T. Ballenger on September 6, 2013

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has warned companies that provide information to credit bureaus that they need to do a better job of investigating mistakes in credit reports.

2 Years In: What the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Did

B.T. Ballenger on July 26, 2013

Despite political hurdles, the federal watchdog agency has made many changes to the way financial companies operate.

Consumer Bureau to Banks: Be Nice When Collecting Debts

B.T. Ballenger on July 11, 2013

The federal government is warning banks they face penalties for mistreating consumers who owe money. It’s also giving consumers ways to challenge debts and debt collection practices.

Are Fees, Fraud Eating Away at Your Social Security?

Guest Blogger on July 8, 2013

Getting Social Security payments by prepaid debit card or direct deposit hasn’t worked out well for all recipients.

Feds Order Bank to Refund Fees to Military Members

B.T. Ballenger on July 5, 2013

U.S. Bank and Dealers’ Financial Service will return $6.5 million to service members who used the MILES program to finance car purchases.

Despite New Rules, Banks Make More in Overdraft Fees

B.T. Ballenger on June 12, 2013

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau studied the impact of new regulations on how much people pay in overdraft fees. It’s still a lot.

Payday Lenders Evading Regulation With Longer Loans?

B.T. Ballenger on May 30, 2013

Some payday lenders plan to offer longer-term loans, hoping they can evade rules designed to protect consumers.

Debt Settlement Company Charged With Fraud

B.T. Ballenger on May 9, 2013

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is ready to play hardball with the largely unregulated industry, and for the first time has referred a case for criminal prosecution.

Feds Give Stay-at-Home Spouses Easier Access to Credit

B.T. Ballenger on May 1, 2013

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has revised a 2009 rule in order to help people with shared incomes qualify for credit cards.

Government Collecting Consumer Data From Banks and Credit Agencies

B.T. Ballenger on April 29, 2013

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau wants anonymous financial information to improve its oversight of the banking and credit industries. Banks don’t see the point.

Difference Between Payday Lenders and Banks? Not Much

B.T. Ballenger on April 26, 2013

A government study finds that banks’ deposit advance products frequently trap consumers in a cycle of debt just as payday lenders do.

Consumer Watchdog Eyeing Student Loan Business

B.T. Ballenger on March 19, 2013

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau wants to take a role in overseeing student loan companies to make sure borrowers are treated fairly.

Is the Consumer Watchdog Doomed?

B.T. Ballenger on February 20, 2013

Some Republicans are trying to stop the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau from operating, despite the protections and money it’s won back for wronged consumers.

Consumer Group To Investigate Products Banks Market to College Students

B.T. Ballenger on February 8, 2013

Concerned about how college kids get or spend money? The government wants your opinion, which could shape new regulations.

Consumer Bureau Chief Renominated

B.T. Ballenger on January 25, 2013

President Obama isn’t done wrangling with Republicans over consumer rights, and wants Richard Cordray to stay.

Consumer Watchdog Is Just Getting Started

B.T. Ballenger on January 4, 2013

In its first couple years, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has fined big banks millions and assumed oversight of credit reporting agencies. That was a warm-up.