Financial News

Budgeting for Christmas in July

Posted on July 24, 2017July 21, 2017 | by Meghan Alard

You have roughly 10-12 paychecks before the start of the winter holidays. We offer tips for budgeting for Christmas in July to help avoid credit card debt...Read full article

What’s Your Preferred Payment Method?

Posted on July 21, 2017July 21, 2017 | by April Lewis-Parks

A new study finds cash is still a preferred payment method that most Americans use at least once a week How do you like to pay at checkout: Cash or credit?..Read full article

A New Face to ATM Security

Posted on July 17, 2017July 14, 2017 | by Meghan Alard

Could face recognition technology be the next step in increasing ATM security against identity theft? Two major players are betting that it is...Read full article

2017 Housing Trends

Posted on July 14, 2017July 20, 2017 | by April Lewis-Parks

From immigration orders to buying sight-unseen, these are the 2017 housing trends to note. Evaluate today’s real estate so you can make smarter choices...Read full article

Don’t Get Caught by a Deficiency Judgment

Posted on July 10, 2017July 12, 2017 | by Meghan Alard

You might think repossession and foreclosure are the end of the trouble once you default, but you don’t get caught unaware by a deficiency judgment...Read full article

Student Loan Servicers Fail to Serve Effectively

Posted on July 7, 2017July 13, 2017 | by April Lewis-Parks

Student loan complaints increased by 325% last year. These tips can help ensure you can work effectively with student loan servicers to repay your debt...Read full article

How Secure is Secure Online Banking, Really?

Posted on July 3, 2017July 5, 2017 | by Meghan Alard

We all assume that secure online banking is equipped to protect our data, but an industry study reveals most financial institutions can’t stop all attacks...Read full article

The Truth about Your Summer Vacation Trip Cost

Posted on June 30, 2017July 12, 2017 | by April Lewis-Parks

Three out of four Americans take vacations on credit, but high interest debt is not the souvenir you want. Learn the truth about your summer trip cost...Read full article

The Negative Equity Auto Loan Crisis

Posted on June 26, 2017June 26, 2017 | by Meghan Alard

Negative equity auto loan levels hit record highs. Are longer auto terms getting consumers with subprime credit into more trouble than they’re worth?..Read full article

Older Consumer Complaints Show Mortgages are a Major Issue

Posted on June 23, 2017July 6, 2017 | by April Lewis-Parks

A new CFPB report shows the differences between older consumer complaints and complaints from other age sets of consumers with some interesting results...Read full article

Don’t be Fooled by Deferred Interest!

Posted on June 19, 2017June 22, 2017 | by Meghan Alard

Deferred interest promotions offer great advantages when you buy, but people often get blindsided by higher costs once the promotion period ends...Read full article

Another Interest Rate Hike Could Mean Higher Costs for You

Posted on June 16, 2017June 22, 2017 | by April Lewis-Parks

The second interest rate hike in 2017 means higher costs for borrowers, but bigger returns for savers. What can you expect for your debts and savings?..Read full article

How Do You Decide Which Debt to Pay First?

Posted on June 12, 2017June 12, 2017 | by Meghan Alard

A new study finds people will stop paying their mortgage before an auto loan or even personal loans. So, how should you decide which debt to pay first?..Read full article

Research of the Week: Millennial Home Improvement Bucks Tradition

Posted on June 9, 2017July 5, 2017 | by Meghan Alard

America’s youngest homeowners balk at traditional financing sources. Are Millennial home improvement plans less effective due to lack of financing?..Read full article

Student Loan Interest Rates Increase for 2017

Posted on June 5, 2017June 6, 2017 | by Meghan Alard

For the first time since 2014, student loan interest rates will increase for the 2017-2018 academic year. How will the rate hike affect student loan debt?..Read full article

U.S. Household Debt Hits $12.7 Trillion

Posted on June 2, 2017June 13, 2017 | by April Lewis-Parks

U.S. household debt finally hit pre-crisis levels. Is America financially stable enough now to handle the risk or is it time to focus on debt repayment?..Read full article

Mo Money, Mo Fraud Alerts

Posted on May 29, 2017July 7, 2017 | by Meghan Alard

Higher income may mean you’re more likely to become a victim of credit card fraud. As your income increases, should you expect more fraud alerts?..Read full article

16 Million Americans have Negative Net Worth

Posted on May 26, 2017July 7, 2017 | by Meghan Alard

A new study finds more Americans are living with negative net worth, and surprisingly enough it’s not being caused by high interest rate credit card debt...Read full article

New Law Offers Student Loan Discharge During Bankruptcy

Posted on May 22, 2017May 31, 2017 | by Meghan Alard

A new law in the House Judiciary Committee could permit student loan discharge during a bankruptcy. This could spell big relief for borrowers...Read full article

Financial Service Providers Fail to Serve Effectively

Posted on May 19, 2017July 17, 2017 | by Meghan Alard

A survey finds consumers aren’t satisfied with the service they receive from financial service providers. Does your financial institution meet your needs?..Read full article

Revolver vs. Transactor: What Kind of Credit User are You?

Posted on May 15, 2017July 17, 2017 | by Meghan Alard

We compare the credit habits of revolver vs transactor cardholders so you can see the difference and choose the right credit management strategy for you...Read full article

Key 2017 Credit Score Changes

Posted on May 8, 2017July 17, 2017 | by Meghan Alard

The credit bureaus make significant changes to the VantageScore model. What do these new credit score changes mean for borrowers who are repaying debt?..Read full article

Clearing the Down Payment Hurdle

Posted on May 5, 2017July 17, 2017 | by April Lewis-Parks

Most renters say generating the down payment is their biggest barrier to homeownership. We offer two proven homebuying solutions to make that jump easier...Read full article

Fannie Mae Student Loan Solutions Offer Path to Homeownership

Posted on May 1, 2017July 17, 2017 | by Meghan Alard

If you want to buy a home, but student loan debt is holding you back, these new Fannie Mae student loan payment options may help you achieve homeownership...Read full article