Debt Relief News

Want to learn even more about debt relief, credit counseling, and debt consolidation? Take a look at the articles below for the latest news in the debt management industry.

The Damagae of Card Rewards

The New York Times 3/8/2010
For several years, I've wondered whether my agressive pursuit of credit card rewards made me a selfish consumer... Read More.

Hard Times Turn Coupon Clipping Into the Newest Extreme Sport

The Wallstreet Journal 3/8/2010
Under a futon in her Charleston, S.C. apartment, Stacey Smith has stashed boxes of soy bars, bags of potato chips, bottles of vitamin water, canned vegetables, barbecue sauce, and antibacterial wipes... Read More.

Why Was My Credit Card Limit Lowered?

The Crhistian Science Monitor 3/8/2010
You pay your bills on time.  So why did the credit card company lower the limit?... Read More.

Marylanders Joining Move Your Money Campaign

The Baltimore Sun 3/7/2010
A nationwide campaign to stick it to the big banks seems to have caught on with consumers who are withdrawing their money and moving on... Read More.

Are Tax Refund Splurges Starting to Come Back?

The New York Times 3/2/2010
Many Americans used last year's tax refunds to pay down debt or save for the future... Read More.

BBB Warns Against Deceitful Online Payday Lenders

BBB.org 3/2/2010
BBB is warning cash-strapped families to beware of some online payday lenders that claim they are not beholden to state or federal laws... Read More.

State Lawmakers Seek to Bolster Consumer Protections Against Collection Agenices

The Colorado Independent 3/2/2010
The House passed legislation Monday meant to tighten guidelines on debt collection agency practices... Read More.

It's America Saves Week, So Why Aren't You Saving?

WalletPop 2/22/2010
It's officially America Saves Week, but according to the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC), far too many Americans aren't saving... Read More.

Fewer People Falling Behind on Home Loans

MSNBC.com 2/19/2010
The end of the foreclosure crisis is finally in sight... Read More.

Banks: We'll Give You Money to Save Money

CNNMoney.com 2/18/2010
Millions of low and middle-income Americans don't have a savings account... Read More.

Layoffs May Be Hitting the Brakes on Recovery

Associated Press 2/18/2010
Layoffs aren't slowing as fast as some analysts had expected... Read More.

Debts a Risk to Love and Family

thestar.com 2/13/2010
Debt, marriage and children are three of the nine most important financial decisions of a lifetime... Read More.

Yay!(?) Jobless Rates Under 10 Percent

Planet Money 2/5/2010
The Bureau of Labor Statistics just announced the unemployment rate fell to 9.7 percent in January... Read More.

Financial Reform Bill May Be Near Make-Or-Break Point In Senate

CNBC.com 2/4/2010
Senate banking committee members have made major progress in long-running negotiations over a financial reform bill, but time appears to be running out... Read More.

More Wives Are the Higher Income Spouse

The Washington Post 1/19/2010
Women are increasingly better educated than their husbands and have emerged as the dominant income provider in one of five marriages... Read More.

Six Steps to a Lower Prepayment Penalty

Nashua Telegraph 1/15/2010
As the economy has dradded, many people are seeking to reduce their monthly financial obligations by paying off pesky... Read More.

Retirees Split Advice on Lifestyle, Savings Goals

ABC News 1/14/2010
Only half the affluent retirees surveyed in December would save more, given the chance to prepare all over again... Read More.

After 6-Year Wait, Protection from Bad Credit Reports

The Washington Post 1/9/2010
For mortgage applicants and home purchasers, it has been a six-year wait... Read More.

Counseling Service Offers Advice on Avoiding Credit Card Misuse

The Palm Beach Post 1/9/2010
Credit cards are almost a necessity these days, but it is important to remember that the responsible use of credit cards has a significant impact on your credit score... Read More.

Soaring Rate of Bankruptcies Expected to Continue in 2010

The Washington Times 1/8/2010
Not only did U.S. consumer bankruptcies jump by nearly a third in 2009, but bankruptcy analysts expect matters to worsen again in 2010... Read More.

85,000 Jobs Lost in Dec., but Nov. Revision Shows Jobs Growth

USA Today 1/8/2010
The construction and service industries, such as leisure and hospitality reversed improving trends...  Read More.

Credit Card Balances Plummet by Nearly $14 Billion

CreditCards.com 1/8/2010
Americans dumped a record $14 billion in credit card debt in November... Read More.

Put Away Debt, Put Money Into Savings

Detroit Free Press 1/7/2010
There's still no way to save money other than actually saving money. Worrying does nothing. So suck it up, and make some moves... Read More.

How to Save for a Summer Vacation

The Faster Times 1/7/2010
If you follow a serious course between now and the summer solstice, you can plan this year's vacation and expect to leave your credit cards at home... Read More.

Top Five Credit Card Predictions for 2010

WalletPop 1/6/2010
Predictions for the trends of 2010, from credit score stabilization to increased spending... Read More.

Six Ways to Cut the Cost of a Gym Membership

The Wall Street Journal 1/6/2010
Tips for finding a gym that is fiscally fit and will work for you!... Read More.

Christmas Sales Brought a Move Toward Stability

The New York Times 1/5/2010
Christmas 2009 was better for retailers than 2008, a positive sign for the economy... Read More.

Economy Project: Living Simply

KERA.com 1/4/2010
The move to easy credit in America created a lifestyle of luxuries. But recession layoffs have forced numerous families to live on less... Read More.

New Rules Ring in New Power for Consumers

The Miami Herald 1/3/2010
Here's a roundup of some key rule changes that consumers need to keep an eye on in 2010... Read More.

U.S. Resuscitated the Credit Markets, but Work Remains

The Wall Street Journal 1/3/2010
Help from the U.S. government gave credit markets a huge boost as many asset classes rebounded from sharp declines in 2008... Read More.

Erase Holiday Debt

The Wall Street Journal 1/3/2010
The holidays are over. But you may have an unwelcome reminder of all the festivities coming your way: the bills for your merry spending... Read More.

For More Workers, Home Is Where the Office Is

The Wall Street Journal 1/3/2010
For those who have temporarily joined the ranks of the self-employed, a home office is the natural (and cheapest) place to get work done... Read More.

Gen Y-ers Got the Message from Recession

Star Tribune.com 1/3/2010
Twenty-somethings are coping with the recession by reining in spending and growing more risk-averse, setting the stage for lifelong behaviors... Read More.

In Recession, Americans Doing More, Buying Less

The New York Times 1/2/2010
Nearly half of Americans said they were spending less time buying nonessentials, and more than half are spending less money in stores and online... Read More.

Job Losses Cut Into US Driving

The Wall Street Journal 1/2/2010
Even though gas prices decreased, with fewer commuters, US driving was down in 2009... Read More.

How to Outsmart Retailers in Post-Holiday Sales

Yahoo Finance 12/29/2009
For deal-seekers, the truly huge discounts come just after Christmas - but this year it may pay to wait a few extra days... Read More.

Personal Incomes and Spending Rose in November

USA Today 12/23/2009
Personal incomes rose in November at the fastest pace in six months while spending posted a second straight rise... Read More.

Tamer Cards for Tougher Times

The Wall Street Journal 12/22/2009
After decades of collecting dust, charge cards are returning to consumers' wallets... Read More.

You Can and Should Check Your Credit Profile for Free

USA Today 12/22/2009
In recent months several companies have launched websites that provide a credit profile at no cost... Read More.

Decade in Review: A Wild Ride in Personal Finance

Associated Press 12/21/2009
With interest rates low and lending standards lower, credit became the currency of the decade... Read More.

One Debit-card Overdraft Can Trigger an Avalanche

Los Angeles Times 12/20/2009
Many banks rack up fees by counting the biggest transactions first and enrolling customers in overdraft programs without their knowledge or consent... Read More.

Unemployment Will Peak Soon, but Full Recovery Will Take Years

The Washington Post 12/20/2009
Unemployment will peak around 10.5 percent in the first part of next year. Despite this prediction, it is also predicted that it will take years for the job market to make a full recovery... Read More.

7 Ways to Help Unemployed Friends and Family

Bucks, a New York Times Money blog 12/15/2009
Tips intended to lend a hand to people whose income has gone down or disappeared... Read More.

Fewer Consumers Plan to Carry Debt in 2010

South Florida Business Journal 12/14/2009
Fewer Americans expect to carry credit card debt into next year, according to a survey released on Monday by LowerMyBills.com, a part of Experian. Those who plan to carry on new debt into the new year said they would pay it off in the first two months... Read More.

New Consumer Agency Passes One Hurdle

Bucks, a New York Times Money blog 12/14/2009
The agency outlined in the legislation that passed on Friday is not as comprehensive as the one originally proposed, and the legislation still has a number of additional hurdles to pass... Read More.

Credit Rules Mean Pain for Industry, Consumers

Des Moines Register 12/13/2009
Welcome to the new normal in credit cards - higher costs, less availability and, yes, even decreased consumer demand. Credit card companies face a perfect storm of economic and regulatory pressure... Read More.

Being Frugal is Back in Fashion

Los Angeles Times 12/12/2009
If there's a silver lining to today's recession, it's that it caused a lot of people to hit rock bottom and realize the lives they were living weren't sustainable... Read More.

Highlights of the Financial-Overhaul Bill

The Wall Street Journal blog 12/11/2009
The House of Representatives voted Friday to make sweeping changes to the oversight and operation of U.S. financial markets. Here are some highlights of the measure passed by the House... Read More.

Start 2010 on the Right Foot: How to Meet Your Financial Goals

Atlanta Journal Constitution Bargain Hunter blog 12/11/2009
If your goal is to put a halt to wasteful spending and poor money management in the New Year, there's no time like the present to get started... Read More.

Share Some Financial Lessons with These Gifts

Associated Press 12/10/2009
Lists available items to help teach kids money saving lessons... Read More.

Plastic-Free

Baltimore Sun 12/6/2009
More holiday shoppers this year are using cash or debit cards to avoid overspending with credit cards... Read More.

Obama Puts Renewed Focus on Job Creation

USA Today 12/3/2009
Obama to focus on job creation in December 3 summit... Read More.

Unemployment Rises in Almost Half of Metro Areas

USA Today 12/3/2009
Unemployment has risen in half of metro areas as joblessness continues to be a national problem... Read More.

Average Debt for Graduating College Seniors Rises to $23,2004:06 PM 12/29/2009

The Choice, a New York Times blog 12/2/2009
The average debt with which a college student graduates has risen significantly in the last year... Read More.

Fewer Shoppers Using Credit Cards for Gifts

The Wall Street Journal 12/2/2009
According to retailers, there has been a clear shift from credit to debit cards this holiday season... Read More.

Holiday Debit Card Drawbacks

ABC 7 Chicago 12/2/2009
12 million people still have purchases on their credit cards from last holiday season. Here's some advice on how to avoid similar problems... Read More.

Supreme Court to Decide on Student Loans and Bankruptcy

USA Today 12/2/2009
The Supreme Court is deciding on how to handle student loans when an individual files bankruptcy... Read More.

Economy Shuffling Toward Recovery, Reports Indicate

USA Today 12/1/2009
The manufacturing sector grew for the fourth straight month in November, though at a slower pace, and questions remain about the staying power of the incipient economic recovery... Read More.

More Shoppers Search for Coupons Online

USA Today 12/1/2009
This holiday season, traffic on the major online coupon websites is higher than previous years... Read More.

Working Two Jobs and Still Underemployed

The Wall Street Journal 12/1/2009
Mr. Crane is part of a growing group of underemployed -- people in part-time jobs who want full-time work or people in jobs that don't employ their skills. Since the recession began two years ago, the number of people involuntarily working part-time jobs  Read More.

Some Borrowers Find Little Relief

The Wall Street Journal 11/30/2009
The Treasury Department announced plans Monday to beef up its foreclosure-prevention effort by pressuring mortgage companies to complete more loan modifications. But the new initiatives don't address significant shortcomings of the program, which often pr Read More.

Cash in the Forefront for the Holidays

The New York Times 11/29/2009
The National Retail Federation���s Holiday Consumer Intentions and Actions survey reported that consumers planned to rely more heavily on cash and debit or check cards than on credit cards this season... Read More.

Saving is Something You Should Do Every Day

The Wall Street Journal 11/29/2009
Really good article on saving. People finally have again realized how important it is to save. Gives a few simple ways on how to save a little each day... Read More.

Shoppers Showed Up, but Spent on Bargains

The New York Times 11/29/2009
But with retailers dangling rock-bottom prices and consumers only biting at less expensive merchandise like small appliances and winter clothes, the average amount spent by each shopper declined from last year. Online shopping rose 11 percent since last y Read More.

Credit Card Users Being Slammed Ahead of New Regulations

The Salt Lake Tribune 11/27/2009
Reeling from high levels of delinquent accounts and bracing for even greater federal oversight, card companies are taking steps to shore up their bottom lines... Read More.

Congress' Next Trick: Pull Jobs Out of a Hat

CNN Money.com 11/25/2009
There are many tools that Congress can use to stimulate the economy, but job creation is still a challenge... Read More.

Military Debt Protection Could Hold Lessons for Congress, Consumers

PBS.org 11/24/2009
The military has learned some important lessons about debt and financial health that are useful for everyone... Read More.

Senators to Pair Up on Financial Reform

Politico.com 11/24/2009
Senate Banking Committee Chairman Chris Dodd has asked key members of his committee to split off into bipartisan working groups in an effort to break the logjam on financial reform legislation... Read More.

The Spirit of the Season: Be Thankful, Spend Less

USA Today 11/24/2009
This holiday season, many families are saving money on travel and being thankful for what they have... Read More.

Banks' Newest Card Game: Debit Card Fees

CNN Money.com 11/24/2009
Banks are starting to charge fees associated with your debit card... Read More.

5 Ways to Pump Up Your Income

CNN Money.com 11/23/2009
Your bank, your boss, and your portfolio aren't doing much to boost your bottom line - reason enough to try these additional revenue-raisers... Read More.

AP Poll: Debt Stress Turns Shoppers into Scrooges

The Associated Press 11/23/2009
A lot more Americans are feeling stressed out by debt this holiday season, raising the glum likelihood they'll behave like Scrooge rather than Santa. In fact, fully 93 percent say they'll spend less or about the same as last year... Read More.

Holiday Shoppers Turn to Cash and Layaway

NewsObserver.com 11/22/2009
Faced with job worries and credit-card companies that are slashing credit limits and raising interest rates, many have turned to some old strategies. They're using layaway plans... Read More.

Want Lower Credit Card Interest? Keep Spending, Citi Says

USA Today 11/20/2009
Very interesting article- Consumers can escape banks rate hikes by meeting a monthly spending requirement. Consumers who meet this minimum can get a rebate on interest charged that month... Read More.

Better Paydays Ahead

WSJ.com 11/19/2009
Many employers are planning to reinstate merit increases in 2010, but some compensation experts say base salaries are unlikely to return to pre-recession levels anytime soon, if ever... Read More.

Checking Account Fees are Making a Comeback

SmartMoney.com 11/19/2009
Monthly maintenance fees are creeping up on consumers. The article outlines some options on how to avoid monthly maintenance fees like shopping around for the right card, pooling resources and taking advantage of special offers... Read More.

Group: Loss of Jobless Benefits for More Than 1 Million Looms

USA Today 11/19/2009
Unless Congress takes swift action, at least 1 million people will lose their jobless benefits in January... Read More.

More Members of Middle Class File for Bankruptcy

USA Today 11/19/2009
A new study shows that personal bankruptcy is now being filed by college educated home owners... Read More.

Author Beth Kobliner Offers Advice for Using Credit Cards Wisely

NJ.com 11/19/2009
Consumers’ mindset towards debt has changed and credit cards are being used much differently now than in the past. Kobliner offers advice on how to incorporate credit cards into your life without debt... Read More.

Dumbest Things You Do With Your Money

CBS News.com 11/18/2009
You could be wasting money in one account that could be better served paying off your debt. Here are some red flags to look for in your financial situation... Read More.

Get Creative to Land a Holiday Job

The Washington Post 11/15/2009
A holiday job can be a great way to eventually land a full-time position... Read More.

Holiday Shopping Without the Financial Headaches

Chicago Sun Times 11/12/2009
Set priorities — and a budget — so you don't break the bank... Read More.

Credit Companies Track Shopping Habits

MyFoxOrlando.com 11/11/2009
It used to be that credit card companies basically looked at your credit score to figure out how much credit they'd give you and what your interest rate would be. But now, some credit card experts say some companies could be profiling your behavior - where you shop, what you buy and possibly much, much more... Read More.

Credit to Debit: Should You Make the Switch?

SmartMoney.com 11/10/2009
With two of the largest card issuers making the leap, it is only a matter of time until other banks introduce some form of an annual fee themselves... Read More.

Beware of 'Debt-Relief' Offers

WSJ.com 11/8/2009
For consumers drowning in thousands of dollars of debt, the lure of paying pennies on the dollar to their creditors in a process known as debt settlement is tough to resist... Read More.

Frugality Falling Out of Fashion?

The Washington Post 10/19/2009
A returning hunger for retail therapy thaws out the credit card... Read More.

Money Management Lessons Need to Start Early

Dallas Morning News 10/17/2009
New rules restricting the availability of credit cards to people under 21 are an attempt to save them from themselves and from succumbing to temptations... Read More.

The Democratization of Credit is Over - Now It's Payback Time

The Wall Street Journal 10/10/2009
The recession has forced a financial reckoning for Americans across the income spectrum. The pressure is especially acute for the low-income Americans who relied on borrowing for daily expenses or to gain the trappings of middle-class life... Read More.

Banks Try to Beat Reform by Upping Credit-Card Rates

OC Register 10/9/2009
It's not often that the effective date of a law gets much attention in this town. In the case of the Credit Card Act of 2009 it's become a national controversy... Read More.

Loan Delinquencies Hit Record Highs in 2nd Quarter

USA Today 10/2/2009
Rising unemployment and falling incomes were the main culprits for the higher delinquency rates for bank cards, home equity loans and home equity lines of credit... Read More.

Sallie Mae and Gallup Research Reveals Families of All Incomes Are Saving For College Yet Most Fall Short of Goals

Reuters 9/17/2009
Families of low and modest incomes who are saving for college save as much or more as a percentage of income as families in higher income brackets, says a new study released today from Sallie Mae and Gallup… Read More.

Considering Bankruptcy? Consider This

WRAL.com 9/16/2009
With today's economy and unemployment situation, many families are deep in debt with no way to pay their bills… Read More.

Consumer Prices Rise on Energy Costs

NY Times 9/16/2009
The rising cost of gasoline pushed overall consumer prices higher in August even as prices for most other goods and services remained in check, the government reported on Wednesday… Read More.

Credit Card Issuers Introduce Cards With Simpler Terms

The Washington Post 9/16/2009
Credit card agreements have become increasingly complicated over the years, forcing Congress to pass a new law in May that would restrict banks' ability to modify rates and fees on a whim… Read More.

Consumer Protection Bill Seen in U.S. House: Sources

Reuters 9/15/2009
The Obama administration's proposal to create a federal watchdog for financial consumers was under discussion in the U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday, with legislation seen emerging soon… Read More.

Credit Cards Take Steps to Help Their Users Manage Debt

USA Today 9/15/2009
After years of encouraging consumers to load up on debt, the credit card industry is trying a novel tactic: helping borrowers manage their debt… Read More.

U.S. Economy: Retail Sales Rise More Than Forecast

Bloomberg.com 9/15/2009
Sales at U.S. retailers surged in August by the most in three years, showing unexpected strength in consumer demand that extended beyond auto purchases spurred by the government’s “cash-for-clunkers” program… Read More.

Credit Card Transactions Declining: Visa

Credit.com 9/14/2009
Are Americans continuing to be wary of using charge cards because they're concerned about credit card debt? The latest figures from Visa - the largest payment network worldwide - suggest the answer is yes… Read More.

Financial Reform on a Rough Road

Politico 9/14/2009
One year after the collapse of Lehman Brothers, President Barack Obama will travel to Wall Street on Monday to push for new rules to ensure such a crisis doesn’t happen again… Read More.

Americans are Financially Illiterate

SunSentinel.com 9/11/2009
Most people don't understand personal finance. There are plenty of efforts to change that. Is anything working? Read More.

Recession Takes Toll on Living Standards

WSJ.com 9/11/2009
Earnings Declined Across Incomes and Races in 2008, According to New Report; More Reach for Government Safety Net… Read More.

Family Finances: Initiating Family Money Talks

Pittsburgh Post Gazette 9/11/2009
Do you ever meet as a family to talk about money? If not, you might think the root of your financial woes is the fact that money is in short supply... Read More.

A reluctance to retire means fewer openings

USA Today 9/2/2009
American workers are turning grayer: Older adults are working longer, and younger adults are delaying entry into the labor force… Read More.

On the Money: What to do with a windfall

The New York Times 9/2/2009
A surprise inheritance, a lawsuit settlement, a lottery prize or perhaps a buyout from your employer could mean you suddenly find yourself… Read More.

How to make peace with your credit cards

SmartMoney.com 9/1/2009
Consumers are increasingly dissatisfied with their credit cards, according to a new survey… Read More.

Money 101: How to avoid going broke in college

Today Show 9/1/2009
You’ve done it! You’ve moved out! You’re finally living on your own! Watch out, though: If you’re not careful… Read More.

Amid job fears, debt, consumer thrifts slows recovery

USA Today 8/31/2009
Consumers are still missing in action as the economy shows signs of recovery. No wonder: Their incomes are being squeezed, and they're worried… Read More.

Debt consumers senior citizens in retirement

The Washington Times 8/31/2009
Rising health care and energy costs and the phasing out of traditional pensions have been making that widely sought goal tougher to reach for some tim Read More.

Warn college students about credit cards

Chicago Tribune 8/31/2009
As students go off to college some parents give their kids a briefing on sex and others warn about drugs. But amid all the goodbye hugs… Read More.

No Limits: Credit Card Law Skips Notice on Cuts

The New York Times 8/28/2009
They used to tell you ''don't leave home'' without your credit card. These days, more helpful advice might be… Read More.

Americans Struggling More with Personal Finances

Nasdaq.com 7/29/2009
A new report provides some insight into the role credit cards are playing in many Americans' personal financial struggles... Read More.

Credit Card Debt Rises Faster for Those 65 and Older

USA Today 7/28/2009
Cash-strapped older Americans are racking up credit card debt faster than other consumers amid dwindling retirement portfolios and rising medical costs, a study shows... Read More.

7 Tips for a Successful Credit Card Dispute

msnbc.com 7/27/2009
As far as tools go, credit cards are not exactly what you’d call reliable. That’s because disputing a card charge is a more of an art than a science... Read More.

More Americans Paying Bills On Time, Still Feeling Skittish On Spending

WSJ.com 7/27/2009
The savings rate is up, the Dow is over 9000 and fewer American households are falling behind on their debt payments. But are we out of the woods? Looking at the exit to the woods? Still hopelessly surrounded by trees? New data is making some economists perk up... Read More.

Opposition Mounts for Obama's Consumer Plan

CNNMoney.com 7/23/2009
Proponents of plan to protect consumers of financial products have called a timeout. Fed doesn't like the idea, but top Democrats are pushing hard... Read More.

Your Stake in the Health Overhaul

WSJ.com 7/22/2009
For months, politicians have been debating how to overhaul health care. Now it’s time for consumers to start paying attention... Read More.

5 Secrets Travelers Need to Know When Dealing with a Collection Agency

The Baltimore Sun 7/20/2009
What's going on here? And what should you do if a travel company sends a collection agency after you? Here's what you need to know, according to the experts... Read More.

Using the Lottery Effect to Make People Save

7/20/2009
Based on recent headlines, you might think that Americans are finally saving again. Want to bet? In 2007, the latest year for which final numbers are available, Americans spent $92.3 billion on legalized gambling, according to Christiansen Capital Advisors; that same year, says the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Americans saved only $57.4 billion... Read More.

Personal Finance: Recession Prompts New Spending, Saving Strategies

Pittsburgh Tribune 7/19/2009
Financial advisers say that for those who have money, it's smart to have a savings strategy in place. Generally, that means three things: putting money away for retirement, cutting out unnecessary expenses and, for those who can afford it, paying ahead on mortgages... Read More.

Virtual Finance 101

CBS News 7/16/2009
Consider these statistics for a moment. 62 percent of college seniors have four or more credit cards. That's not a typo. Four or more. Crazy, right? With an average balance on these cards of more than $4,000 these seniors are entering the real world already saddled with hefty credit card debt... Read More.

How Credit Cards Are Getting Meaner

Consumerist.com 7/15/2009
What's going on inside the minds of credit card companies now that the CARD credit card reform act is coming down the pike? A customer service supervisor for a major credit card company emailed us to give us the low-down... Read More.

In Finance, Recent Signs of Hiring

WSJ.com 7/15/2009
Large and midsize financial-services institutions are hiring again, albeit modestly. Recruiters cite improving financial markets and increasing investor confidence as catalysts... Read More.

One Reason Why We Need a Consumer Financial Protection Agency

ConsumerReports.org 7/14/2009
Choice and innovation always are welcome in our economy. When they're marketed inappropriately, as they often were in the last several years, consumers suffer. The new bill focuses on reducing that suffering... Read More.

Cash: Your Wallet’s Best Friend

WSJ.com 7/13/2009
Thanks to rising fees associated with using plastic, now more than ever, cash is king. Credit-card issuers are scrambling to change annual fees, interest rates on existing balances and over-limit fees before credit-card reforms take effect in February... Read More.

Obama’s Consumer Finance Plan Stirs Turf Tussle

CQ Politics 7/12/2009
The Obama administration’s proposal to create a consumer money watchdog may get roughed up a bit in Capitol Hill turf battles... Read More.

Jobless Rate High? So Are Late Payments

The New York Times 7/11/2009
Credit can be a lifeline after a layoff, but beware of the line becoming too long... Read More.

5 Kinds of Stores Discounting Deeply

Yahoo.com 7/9/2009
Summer has just started, but retailers are already feeling the heat... Read More.

565K New Jobless Claims, Lowest Level Since Jan.

Yahoo.com 7/9/2009
The number of newly laid-off workers filing initial claims for jobless benefits last week fell to lowest level since early January, largely due to changes in the timing of auto industry layoffs... Read More.

Banks' 'Courtesy' Loans at Soaring Rates Irk Consumers

USA Today 7/9/2009
Even as regulators crack down on abusive mortgage and credit card practices, another type of lending threatens to mire consumers in a credit trap... Read More.

Consumer Bankruptcies on Pace to Hit Pre-Reform Levels in 2009

insideARM.com 7/8/2009
The American Bankruptcy Institute said that consumer bankruptcy filings in the first half of 2009 are higher than at any point since bankruptcy reform in 2005, and are on pace to hit levels seen before the legislation passed... Read More.

JP Morgan, Bank of America Adopt Variable Card Rates

Bloomberg.com 7/8/2009
JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America are replacing fixed interest rates on some credit cards with variable rates, citing changing costs and new U.S. curbs on pricing... Read More.

Law May Force Parents, Children to Talk About Credit Cards

CreditCards.com 7/8/2009
It's time for parents of college-age children to have that big talk. But not about safe sex, drugs or even binge drinking... Read More.

Use This Calculator to Help Wipe Out Your Credit Card Debt

ConsumerReports.org 7/8/2009
If you’re carrying credit card balances and have joined the growing ranks of consumers who are resolved to wipe out that debt, the Federal Reserve offers a useful tool that can motivate you to translate your good intentions into action... Read More.

Recession Threatens To Stagnate Black Middle Class

npr.org 7/7/2009
The U.S. Dept. of Labor Department reports that 467,000 jobs were lost in June, far more than expected... Read More.

N.C. Consumer Bankruptcies Lower

Charlotte Business Journal 7/6/2009
Five states, including North Carolina, that prohibit or limit the practice of seizing consumers’ wages have much lower personal bankruptcy rates than the nation as a whole, according to an analysis by The Associated Press... Read More.

What the Consumer Financial Protection Agency Means for You

Mint.com 7/6/2009
Fresh off of the heels of Congress’s passing of the Credit Cardholders Bill of Rights, President Obama sent a proposed law to Congress, which if enacted, would create a shiny brand new Consumer Financial Protection Agency (CFPA)... Read More.

Banks Keep Hiking Rates as Credit Card Law Looms

Associated Press 7/1/2009
Credit card reform may be looming in the headlines, but for now the fine print is still hitting consumers hard... Read More.

Citi Raises Rates on Millions of Credit Cards: Report

Reuters.com 7/1/2009
Citigroup Inc has increased interest rates on up to 15 million U.S. credit card accounts just months before curbs on such rises come into effect... Read More.

Consumers Hit Again as Some Banks Raise Credit Rates, Fees

USA Today.com 6/30/2009
The ink has barely dried on credit card reform signed by President Obama in May, and already, issuers are raising prices again... Read More.

FICO Scores Show Flaws as U.S. Banks Cut Credit Lines

Bloomberg.com 6/30/2009
At least 30 million Americans had their credit limits reduced arbitrarily during the second half of 2008, FICO estimates... Read More.

States Gain More Power Over Banks

LA Times.com 6/30/2009
Supreme Court says local governments can enforce some of their consumer protections against national financial institutions... Read More.

Administration Sends Congress Consumer Legislation

Yahoo.com 6/29/2009
President Barack Obama asked Congress on Tuesday to create a new agency to police the fine print on credit card bills and mortgage documents and determine what fees, penalties and interest rates are fair... Read More.

Banking Broken Consumers Need Help: Watchdog

Reuters.com 6/24/2009
The outspoken head of a U.S. Congressional watchdog panel will strongly urge lawmakers on Wednesday to set up a new government agency to protect consumers from tricks and traps set by banks... Read More.

Living Without the Plastic Cushion

msnbc.com 6/24/2009
Why some people cut up their credit cards and live a cash-only lifestyle... Read More.

Recession Generation? Young Adults Brace for Simpler Lifestyle

USA Today.com 6/24/2009
The Millennial generation, or Gen Y, ranges from people in their 20s to those still in grade school. But what they all have in common is the knowledge that the recession has in some way shattered the world they thought they knew... Read More.

A Personal-Finance Workout

WSJ.com 6/23/2009
The central idea behind the Obama administration's effort to protect the personal finances of Americans boils down to this: put laziness to work... Read More.

Despite Recession, High Demand for Skilled Labor

The New York Times 6/23/2009
Just as the recession began, Chris McGrary, a manager at the Cianbro Corporation, set out to hire 80 experienced welders. Only now, 18 months later, is he completing the roster... Read More.

The Boundaries of Unemployment

WSJ.com 6/23/2009
Economists say jobless benefits soften the blow of recessions by offering laid-off workers money for necessities like food and housing while they seek new jobs... Read More.

A Fairer Credit Card? Priceless

The New York Times 6/22/2009
Industry representatives would have you believe that the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure Act enacted last month spells the end of the credit card as we know it... Read More.

Credit Score Shell Game

The Washtington Post.com 6/22/2009
As high scores vanish, borrowers luck runs out... Read More.

Obama's Financial Fix

The Baltimore Sun 6/21/2009
The president's regulatory overhaul is a thoughtful, practical approach... Read More.

Fed's Hoenig: Consumer Protection Agency Tricky

CNBC.com 6/19/2009
The Obama administration's plans to create a new consumer protection agency in the financial sector could be tricky and create conflicting oversight... Read More.

More Families Pull The Plug On Their Home Phone

NPR.org 6/19/2009
The concept of a home phone may soon be going the way of the corner pay phone... Read More.

Loan Redos Get Tangled in Thicket of Red Tape

WSJ.com 6/17/2009
Clobbered by the recession, millions of homeowners are asking for help... Read More.

Better Planning Needed for Health Expenses

US News 6/16/2009
Health-care costs are the dominant cause of personal bankruptcies, according to a recent study based on detailed 2007 records and extensive interviews with people who filed for bankruptcy that year... Read More.

Forecast: TV Services Spending to Rise

USA Today 6/16/2009
Cable, satellite and phone company video providers should get through the recession relatively unscathed, according to a new report by PricewaterhouseCoopers... Read More.

Making an Easy Re-Entry Into the Work Force

WSJ.com 6/16/2009
If you've been unemployed for months and have finally found a job, you're likely thrilled at first. But anxiety often follows that excitement... Read More.

Life as A Bond - How To Manage And Make Money

NPR.org 6/15/2009
With the stock market edging toward positive territory, you may be wondering what to do with whatever money you have left to invest... Read More.

Some Bright Spots Emerge in Tough Job Market

USA Today.com 6/10/2009
Signs of stabilization in the job market are emerging, according to several private surveys, as restaurants, mortgage servicers and health centers step up hiring... Read More.

You Can Still Retire Rich...Really

CNNMoney.com 6/10/2009
Yes, you may have to work longer, and you definitely have to save more. But today's lower stock prices will lead to bigger gains in the long run... Read More.

Credit Card Delinquencies Jump 11 Percent

msnbc.com 6/8/2009
Credit card holders who in ordinary years might have used their tax refunds to pay down their balances apparently spent the money elsewhere as the recession deepened in the first quarter... Read More.

The High Cost of Cheap Credit

The Boston Globe 6/7/2009
The new credit card law has been widely hailed as a David vs. Goliath victory of hapless consumers over venal lenders... Read More.

Consumer Borrowing Plunges by $15.7B in April

Associated Press 6/6/2009
Borrowing by consumers fell by $15.7 billion in April as U.S. households continued to trim spending and put away their credit cards amid a severe recession... Read More.

Harvard Study: 60% of Bankruptcies Caused by Health Problems

consumeraffairs.com 6/4/2009
A new study finds that more than 60% of personal bankruptcies in the United States in 2007 were caused by health-care costs associated with a major illness... Read More.

The Importance of Deciphering Your Insurance

WSJ.com 6/4/2009
Health insurance is getting more complicated, and consumers don't always grasp the details. But there are some steps they can take to avoid being surprised by unexpected bills and coverage limits... Read More.

The New Class Divide: Debt

MSN Money.com 6/4/2009
In hard times, how much money you make matters less than how much you owe. Many of today's have-nots are yesterday's gotta-have-it-alls... Read More.

Get Creative in Tough Times

SunSentinel.com 5/31/2009
One of the fundamental tenets of financial planning is you should build up enough of a cushion to withstand an unexpected financial emergency... Read More.

Leap in U.S. Debt Hits Taxpayers with 12% More Red Ink

USA Today.com 5/29/2009
Taxpayers are on the hook for an extra $55,000 a household to cover rising federal commitments made just in the past year for retirement benefits, the national debt and other government promises... Read More.

U.S. Online Shoppers Hit with Foreign Fee

msnbc.com 5/29/2009
In case you had any doubts that credit card firms would find ways to make up for revenue lost through recent reforms passed by Congress, let me put them to rest... Read More.

8 Surprising Ways to Hurt Your Credit Score

ocregister.com 5/28/2009
As the ongoing credit crunch forces lenders to tighten their wallets, your credit score has become more important than ever... Read More.

Retiring Debt-free Should Be Your Goal

Fox Business.com 5/28/2009
Not so long ago, Americans retired debt-free. Then, somewhere along the way, that changed... Read More.

Before Help Arrives, Work at Saving Yourself From Debt

The Washington Post.com 5/27/2009
The credit card law President Obama signed will help many people by stopping companies from arbitrarily raising interest rates on existing balances and charging certain fees... Read More.

Bucking the Trend: One Credit Card Issuer Lowers its Interest Rate

ConsumerReports.org 5/27/2009
Many credit cardholders already have been hit with higher interest rates on their cards in the wake of the economic meltdown, and industry analysts anticipate that credit card reform also may lead to more annual fees and stingier mileage or cash-back perks on rewards cards, as has been reported by The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal... Read More.

Credit Protection May Not Protect

WSJ.com 5/27/2009
Cardholders anxious about the economy and their own financial security may be tempted to sign up for a so-called credit-protection plan... Read More.

Debt-help Options Grow with Economic Challenges

KIVITV.com 5/27/2009
Today, millions of Americans owe too much. Individuals owe $2.55 trillion in consumer debt -- excluding mortgage debt... Read More.

Insured Workers Skip Medical Care

CNNMoney.com 5/27/2009
One in four employees are choosing not to receive care to save on out-of-pocket costs; many others are either splitting their pills or not taking them at all... Read More.

Save Money, Online and Off

The Washington Post.com 5/26/2009
Here are six money-saving tips that can help you reduce bills, avoid financial pitfalls, get cheap event tickets, and more... Read More.

Early Retirement Claims Increase Dramatically

LA Times.com 5/24/2009
Instead of working longer as the economy worsens, more Americans are calling it quits before age 66. The ramifications could be profound for the retirees, families, government and social institutions... Read More.

Students Not Following National Credit Card Use Trends

NewsandSentinel.com 5/24/2009
A national study says college students in 2008 used credit cards more than ever before... Read More.

Credit Card Law a Consumer Benefit with Bugs

The Associated Press 5/22/2009
The new credit card law is receiving widespread kudos as a victory for cardholders over the lenders that impose "gotcha" fees and penalties with scant justification and little notice... Read More.

Put Focus on Consumers

Las Vegas Sun.com 5/22/2009
Congress should remember who was really hurt in the nation’s financial meltdown... Read More.

What the New Credit Card Law Means for You

MSN Money.com 5/22/2009
The new credit card law will bring sweeping changes to the credit card industry and make cards easier to understand for consumers... Read More.

A Good Credit Card Bill

The Washington Post.com 5/21/2009
WHY, YOU MIGHT ask, did Congress pass new credit card legislation just months after the Federal Reserve Board adopted what Fed Chairman Ben S. Bernanke described as 'the most comprehensive and sweeping reforms' of credit card accounts? Read More.

What the Credit Card Bill of Rights Means for Consumers

boston.com 5/21/2009
Yesterday, Congress passed the Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights Act of 2009 and sent it to President Obama for his signature. This bill amends the Truth in Lending Act and provides consumers with many reforms to the way credit cards are issued and administered today... Read More.

Senate OKs Restrictions on Credit Card Industry

ChicagoTribune.com 5/20/2009
The Senate on Tuesday passed a landmark bill that gives consumers new protections in their agreements with credit card companies, but one result may be a return to annual fees and other costs for the most creditworthy customer... Read More.

Don't Jump at that Credit Card Offer

CNNMoney.com 5/19/2009
You might be surprised to find lower credit limits and higher interest rates and fees... Read More.

What the New Credit Card Rules Mean for You

WSJ.com 5/19/2009
Today, the Senate overwhelmingly passed legislation that aims to reform the credit-card industry. The bill marches on to the House and could land on President Barack Obama’s desk by the end of this week... Read More.

Who is Complying With New Credit Card Rules? An Update

WSJ.com 5/1/2009
The House yesterday passed a version of the Credit Cardholders’ Bill of Rights. It’s the latest in a wave of proposed legislation aimed at helping consumers deal with the credit-card industry... Read More.

Here Comes Your Stimulus Bonusl

Yahoo.com 3/31/2009
Employers should be ready for the Making Work Pay credit by Wednesday. That means some extra take-home pay. Here's what you need to know... Read More.

Lawmakers Hear the Cries for Credit Card Reform

MarketWatch.com 3/31/2009
Senate panel passes tough new rules to curb abuses... Read More.

How to Blow Your Credit Limit -- Without Spending

Yahoo.com 3/12/2009
If you haven't had the credit limit cut on your credit card recently, count yourself lucky. Risk-averse card issuers are getting slash happy... Read More.

New FICO Credit Score Debuts

The Wall Street Journal 1/29/2009
Fair Isaac Corp. is rolling out its new-and-improved FICO score... Read More.

Tax Credits Worth Pursuing This Year

Yahoo.com 1/29/2009
The very factors that have many consumers worried about affording this year's tax bill could actually work in their favor this tax season... Read More.

U.S. Aims to Rein In Credit-Card Rates

The Wall Street Journal 12/15/2008
WASHINGTON -- U.S. federal regulators are poised to adopt tough restrictions to make it harder for credit-card companies to raise interest rates on millions of existing customers, reversing decades of light regulation of the industry... Read More.

5 Card Deals That Can Destroy Your Credit

SmartMoney.com 12/9/2008
Such deals are incredibly enticing to cash-strapped consumers trying to make it through the holidays — and both credit-card issuers and retailers alike know it, says Gail Cunningham, spokeswoman for the National Foundation of Credit Counseling (NFCC)... Read More.

Consumers Feel the Next Crisis: It’s Credit Cards

New York Times 10/28/2008
First came the mortgage crisis. Now comes the credit card crisis. After years of flooding Americans with credit card offers and sky-high credit lines, lenders are sharply curtailing both, just as an eroding economy squeezes consumers... Read More.

AmEx Rates Credit Risk By Where You Live, Shop

msnbc.com 10/7/2008
Credit-card firm confirms members' mortgage lenders also may be a factor... Read More.

Credit Card Rates That Jump Overnight

Yahoo.com 9/5/2008
While you might have so far avoided any direct effect from the storm clouds in the economy, they're causing the credit-card industry to change in ways that could hurt all consumers. Whether you have good credit or bad, Consumer Reports' analysis reveals that now is an essential time to do a credit-card checkup to make sure your accounts haven't changed for the worse... Read More.

5 Steps to Building an Emergency Fund

CNNMoney.com 8/7/2008
The Heinekes may be good savers, but like most Americans, they need to put more cash into a rainy-day fund... Read More.

Senate Passes Landmark Housing Bill

CNNMoney.com 7/26/2008
Controversial measure aims to help borrowers, bolster the housing market and provide a fail-safe for Fannie and Freddie. Bush is likely to sign it soon... Read More.

Five Signs that You're Living Beyond Your Means

Yahoo.com 7/14/2008
If you are concerned that your finances could be in danger, there is a way to tell whether you're in over your head... Read More.

'Short-term' loans are a long-term headache

msnbc.com 5/29/2008
'They prey on the most desperate working people in our society'... Read More.

Your Credit Card Personality: The Diva/Big Spender

CreditCards.com 5/2/2008
You work hard. You play hard. You like the best of everything. After a tough day at work, you'll tell yourself you deserve a treat, whether it's a new pair of shoes or the latest gadget on the shelf. Many of your purchases are impulse buys. Occasionally, this gets you into trouble when your purchases extend beyond your financial means... Read More.

Bankruptcy Filings Jumped 38 Percent Last Year

msnbc.com 4/15/2008
WASHINGTON - Bankruptcy filings jumped 38 percent last year compared with 2006, as many consumers struggled with higher mortgage payments and other debt loads... Read More.

Even at Megastores, Hagglers Find No Price Is Set in Stone

The New York Times 3/23/2008
Shoppers are discovering an upside to the down economy. They are getting price breaks by reviving an age-old retail strategy: haggling... Read More.

Credit Scores 101: What they Are -- and Aren't

MSNBC 3/14/2008
If American consumers feel like they are back in school again, angling for a few more points and good grade, that’s no accident. The aggressive marketing of three-digit credit scores has practically turned a high figure into a status symbol – but it’s so much more than that... Read More.

Rogue debt collectors -- how to fight them

CNN 2/29/2008
If you've faced a financial catastrophe -- an illness or job layoff -- and you've fallen behind on some bills, you're well aware that debt collectors are eager to collect those payments... Read More.

First the jingle bells, then debt-stress calls ONLINE ASSISTANCE TIPS FROM THE PROS

The Free-Lance-Star 1/10/2008
Just as many people associate the ringing of sleigh bells with December, credit counselors have traditionally linked January with a surge in ringing phones... Read More.

Tips for Avoiding Foreclosure

USA.gov 1/2/2008
Are you having trouble keeping up with your mortgage payments? Have you received a notice from your lender asking you to contact them?... Read More.

The Consumer Crunch

BusinessWeek 11/26/2007
Recession or not, American families will be forced to tighten their belts... Read More.

You Get No Credit for Overspending

Boston Herald 11/26/2007
Rising gas prices, falling home equity and pressure to shower family and friends with gifts could add up to big holiday debts for shoppers this season... Read More.

Prisoners of Debt

BusinessWeek 11/12/2007
In a financial version of Night of the Living Dead, debts forgiven by bankruptcy courts are springing back to life to haunt consumers ... Read More.

Collection Agency's Threats Deemed Illegal

Los Angeles Times 11/11/2007
The Texas firm's case is a lesson in how far a company can go to force payment of a bill ... Read More.

Smart Credit Moves Can Improve Financial Health

American Chronicle 11/5/2007
With the news so full of stories lately about how so many people have damaged their finances and their lives with credit card debt and other types of financing ... Read More.

Countering Credit-Card Pushers

businessweek.com 10/11/2007
A Ford Foundation-funded guerrilla marketing campaign on campuses is out to help students become savvy credit consumers ... Read More.

Debt Management Company Watch Outs

About.com 9/22/2007
Choosing a debt management solution isn't a decision that can or should be made with ease. There are companies that promise they can relieve your debts if you send them money, but just how trustworthy are these companies?... Read More.

Breaking the Bank on the Kids, too much spending can have costly consequences

The Coloradoan 9/16/2007
Beth Rutherford figures that an upcoming birthday party for her 5-year-old daughter Haley will set her back about $350... Read More.

Consuming Fire: Debt Slowly Killing The Big Spenders

New York Post 9/16/2007
Consumer spending - the jet fuel that supplies 70 percent of the economic activity in this country - is in danger of being choked off, the result of mounting credit card debt and falling house prices... Read More.

Credit Crunch Attracts a Wave of Opportunism

The San Diego Union Tribune 9/16/2007
The first time Sandra Barranon heard that her home in Potrero had been foreclosed on and sold in a courthouse auction was when the new owner came to her door and told her she and her children had two weeks to vacate... Read More.

Budgeting for your regular expenses each payday

PR-GB.com 7/26/2007
When it comes to your job, many individuals are unsure how much they bring home in a given pay period. Instead of taking the number provided on your paycheck, you must first take a number of expenses into account. Factoring in these expenses will allow you to determine the exact amount of money you bring home each month that is available to your disposal... Read More.

In Over Your Head? Ask Your Body

The Washington Post 7/24/2007
Persistent Stress Caused by Financial Worries Can Lead to Physical and Mental Problems Such as Hypertension and Eating Disorders, Say Experts... Read More.

Paying off credit cards with home equity loans has pluses, minuses

New Haven Register 7/23/2007
When facing mounting credit card balances, taking out a home equity line of credit can sometimes allow borrowers to get back on solid financial ground while paying lower interest on their debt... Read More.

Some tips to avoid credit card debt

dailysouthtown.com 7/16/2007
Some people find themselves deep in credit card debt and don't know why. If you are a person who loves to shop, when you get home and look through the bags and cannot understand why you purchased a particular item, you may have a spending problem... Read More.

When Two Become One Become One: Living on one income is more doable than you think! Here's how.

ChristianityToday.com 6/1/2007
Georgia and Thomas Gentry of Des Moines, Iowa, were tired of their consumer debt. After eight years of escalating debt, they threw up their hands. 'It seems as if the more we pay down, the more we charge. We don't want to work just to pay our credit card bills!'... Read More.