Search Results for 'cfpb'

Why Freezing Your Credit Won’t Fully Protect You After the Equifax Breach

Karla Bowsher on September 30, 2017

Financial protection measures aren’t enough to prevent all forms of identity theft in the wake of Equifax’s hacking. Here’s what else you can do.

Why a Credit Freeze Beats Equifax’s Free ‘Credit Lock’

Karla Bowsher on September 29, 2017

Before you sign up for this free-for-life service, make sure you understand what a credit lock is — and how it compares with a credit freeze.

4 Reasons You Should Never Pay for Credit Monitoring

Stacy Johnson CPA on August 28, 2018

The Equifax data breach has raised the question of whether or not credit monitoring services are a good deal. My advice? Save your money.

Ask Stacy — How Can I Rebuild My Credit After a Bankruptcy?

Stacy Johnson CPA on January 31, 2018

Starting out or starting over: Not easy, maybe, but simple.

Beware This Common Retail Credit Card Promotion

Karla Bowsher on July 7, 2017

Many shoppers fail to understand deferred-interest financing. Here’s how to avoid being surprised by the terms of a store credit card.

House Votes to Scrap Dodd-Frank Rules

Krystal Steinmetz on June 8, 2017

The GOP took the first step to dismantling key consumer protections and banking oversight rules established during the Obama era. What does it mean for you?

Would Proposed Federal Law Give High-Interest Lenders a ‘Free Pass’?

Karla Bowsher on May 31, 2017

Republicans say their Financial Choice Act will benefit consumers, but one provision of the legislation is stirring up controversy.

12 Ways Donald Trump Is Crushing Consumers

Stacy Johnson CPA on November 2, 2020

Love him or hate him, you can’t deny that President Trump is attacking regulations and funding that was intended to help regular American consumers.

These 19 Card Companies Offer Free Credit Score Info

Karla Bowsher on March 6, 2017

The U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has released a list of credit card companies, banks and credit unions that let customers check their credit score for free.

Tips for Singles and Couples Searching for the Best Mortgage

Karla Bowsher on February 14, 2017

Mortgage shopping differs depending on whether you are single or part of a couple. Here are some things to keep in mind when trying to land a great rate.

Ask Stacy: Should I Pay for Identity Theft Protection and Credit Monitoring?

Stacy Johnson CPA on January 31, 2018

We’ve all seen the ads: Protect your credit for just $9.95 a month! Worth the money? Here are three reasons why it’s not.

Consumer Protections Under Threat From Executive Order

Geof Wheelwright on November 2, 2020

Initiatives by President Donald Trump and GOP lawmakers promise major changes to financial regulations that could undermine some recent consumer protections.

Obama’s Legacy — From Main Street and Wall Street to the Amazon

Krystal Steinmetz on March 4, 2021

The president’s eight-year stint in the White House is coming to a close, but his presence will be felt for a long time — in laws, ongoing debates and even books about birds and bugs.

Giant Credit Bureaus to Pay Millions for Alleged Deception

Bob Sullivan on January 4, 2017

Ever get sucked into a paid subscription or click through pages of ads while trying to get your free credit score? This may explain why.

Study Names ‘Most Hated’ Credit Card Companies

Krystal Steinmetz on December 8, 2016

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has received more than 3,500 complaints about one provider.

Three Powerful Companies That Make Consumers Hopping Mad

Christopher Elliott on November 30, 2016

These influential and little-regulated institutions operate in seemingly mysterious ways, prompting a steady flow of consumer complaints.

Consumer Watchdog’s Structure Ruled Unconstitutional

Krystal Steinmetz on October 12, 2016

A federal appeals court has ruled that the structure of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is unconstitutional. Find out what this means for the CFPB’s future.

New Protections for Prepaid Debit Cards Unveiled

Karla Bowsher on October 6, 2016

A new federal rule will mean better protections for people who use one of the fastest-growing financial products.

Never Read Your Credit Card Contract? It Might Cost You

Karla Bowsher on September 9, 2016

Only 26 percent of cardholders regularly read the legal contracts that govern credit cards. Find out why that’s a mistake.

Wells Fargo to Pay $190 Million for Illegally Opened Accounts

Krystal Steinmetz on September 8, 2016

Federal regulators say bank workers secretly opened more than 2 million unauthorized accounts to boost their sales figures, leaving unwitting consumers on the hook for charges.