Consumers Apply for Fewer Mortgages

During the first week of February the number of mortgage applications dropped. This was not particularly good news for the economy because it means that the demand for new homes is falling even as the recovery tries to find stronger footing. The falling demand for mortgages occurred despite the availability of some of the lowest rates seen on 3-year mortgages since December. Mortgage application figures include new mortgages and refinancing requests. [Read more]

What Can Consumers Expect in 2010?

Pick up any newspaper right now and there is plenty of discussion about the economic recovery being underway. But many consumers have a hard time understanding that a recovery is in progress as they wonder if they will have a job by the time unemployment benefits run out. [Read more]

Census Bureau Looks at Recession Families

The Census Bureau decided to look at the changes in family statistics after a two-year recession. Millions of families have experienced significant changes in their lives that include unemployment and foreclosure. These changes have led to new trends. By documenting these trends the government is able to collect useful information that can help agencies establish policies and procedures in the future that will be anticipatory and beneficial. [Read more]

Union Workers Target of Credit Card Scam

Credit card scams appear every day and many of them are right on the border between illegal and legal. In other words, credit card offers may be technically legal but are deceptive because of how information is presented to the consumer. Recently it was union workers in Ohio who were targeted by a credit card scam. [Read more]

Overcoming Destroyed Credit History Focus of Consumers

The consumer credit market all but came to a standstill for months over the last year. But even worse is the fact that many consumers watched their credit histories destroyed after years of timely payments. Rising foreclosures, and credit card and loan delinquencies, have created many black marks on credit reports that will haunt consumers for many years. [Read more]

New York Senator Schumer Tries to Make “Free” Credit Reports Free

Most people can sing along with the commercials about free credit reports. These commercials are entertaining and funny, but are they offering an honest product? New York Senator Charles E. Schumer doesn’t think so. He believes these ads are the equivalent of scams and wants to do something about it. [Read more]

Credit Reporting Rules Are Changing

The word “credit” is being tossed around constantly these days, and it has everything to do with the recent credit crunch and new legislation regarding credit cards. The Credit CARD Act of 2009 has a lot of provisions regarding what credit card companies are going to be allowed to do in the future, but there is also a sneaky little addendum regarding credit reports. [Read more]

Good Credit Not So Good?

In a shocking turn of events, credit card companies have recently concocted a new scheme to make more money. Unlike in the past, when credit card companies could rely on a small percentage of their customers to pay a lot of interest for their profit, there are now too many customers who cannot pay anymore. The credit card companies are suddenly owed way too much, and they have lost billions as a result of the economy. [Read more]

Don’t Become a Ponzi Scheme Victim Through Online Fraud

It’s really difficult not to dredge up the old saying, “There’s a sucker born every minute!” Almost everyone has heard it, but do they pay attention? Apparently not because there is a whole industry of Ponzi schemes that is thriving even after Bernard Madoff was sent to prison. [Read more]

Government Struggles To Keep Loan Rates Affordable

The good news for many Americans is that now may be one of the best times to borrow money for a house, car, or small business. [Read more]

Next Page »