Personal Finance Advice | Banking, Credit Cards, Insurance, Loans, Phone and more

The push to include student loan debt under bankruptcy protection

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 09:03:39 PST

As the law currently stands, student loans are not dischargeable in bankruptcy. However, there is a possibility that private, not federal, student loans may be allowed to be discharged in bankruptcy in the future.

When will banks start lending again?

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 09:15:50 PST

Mortgage rates are as low as ever recorded. Refinance rates could save homeowners hundreds of dollars per month with lower payments. Why, then, are mortgage loans closing at an amazingly low number? Banks are simply not lending.

The Visa & Mastercard settlement and what it means for consumers

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 11:22:14 PST

The VISA/MasterCard settlement means a lot to merchants, but its effect on consumers is still unknown. While this settlement will help the stores and e-commerce websites you favor, what might this settlement mean to you, as a consumer?

Ten tips for buying a home

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 09:28:08 PST

Purchasing a home is not an endeavor that is done on a whim. Instead, it is a major enterprise that should take into consideration several different facets. It is possible to trim the cost of this purchase with a few simple strategies such as research and investigation.

About compulsory auto insurance states and the coverage you need

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 09:21:09 PST

Compulsory auto insurance is a classic good news/bad news subject. If you need it, you'll be forever grateful that you had it. Should you be fortunate enough to never have a car accident or any liability issues, you'll be disappointed with all the monthly premiums you've paid.

Has there ever been a better time to refinance?

Thu, 21 Oct 2010 08:39:42 PST

With mortgage interest rates lower than previously recorded, many homeowners wonder if there's ever been a better time to refinance their property. The best answer is "yes and no."

When to introduce credit cards to your children

Wed, 13 Oct 2010 09:01:10 PST

Unless you are committed to avoid using credit in any form, you should educate your children about credit cards and other loans at some point. They won't learn any meaningful information about credit during the typical school day, nor will they normally increase their knowledge base from their friends or family.

Money saving tips for the car insurance you need

Mon, 04 Oct 2010 09:25:54 PST

Car insurance may be a necessary purchase, but it can be an expensive one as well. Fortunately there are some things drivers can do to keep the cost of insuring their vehicles affordable. Some of these strategies are obvious, while others may not be.

Is the end of free checking on the horizon?

Tue, 28 Sep 2010 11:15:42 PST

Free checking accounts may be on life support, but these accounts are still breathing as of 2010. Indeed, free checking accounts may disappear in the future because of new regulations, but you can still find a free account.

The CARD Act and potenital new credit card fees

Fri, 17 Sep 2010 11:53:52 PST

The CARD Act eliminated some credit card fees, but may spur others, including some former fees to be reinstated. The new and/or reinstated fees may come as credit card companies attempt to make up some potential revenue losses.

The difference between classic and no-fault auto insurance

Mon, 13 Sep 2010 09:35:38 PST

It's true: auto insurance policy language can tax the patience of even the most informed reader. Here's the real difference between the tort system and no-fault auto insurance - much of it lies in the speed of processing claims.

Five proven ways to maintain - or even boost - your credit score

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 09:01:23 PST

With so much at stake it is important for every individual to know their credit score. Fortunately there are some (relatively) painless things consumers can do to maintain - or possibly even boost - their credit scores and ease their financial lives.

Public adjusters: When and why you might hire one

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 09:45:35 PST

The National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (NAPIA) identifies public adjusters as experts on property loss adjustment. They are retained by policy holders in order to provide assistance in the preparation, filing and adjustment of insurance claims.

Credit card industry changes to the remainder of 2010

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 10:23:51 PST

The CARD Act has generated many changes for credit cards and cardholder accounts. Credit card industry changes in the remainder of the year should include increased fees, fewer rewards, harder approvals, and higher rates.

Mortgage rates fall to another new low

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 09:21:12 PST

First, the good news: Mortgage rates are at all-time lows. The bad news: The housing market is still severely depressed. This apparent conflict is real and, unfortunately, understandable.

What you need to know about recent overdraft protection changes

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 09:01:39 PST

Beginning July 1, 2010 for new accounts and August 15, 2010 for existing depositors, banks will no longer offer automatic overdraft protection for ATM and debit cards.

Pros and cons of each type of equity financing

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 09:44:28 PST

A home is perhaps the biggest investment anyone can make in his or her lifetime. Investing in a home can tie up a large portion of a homeowner's funds to the point where he or she may not have much left to utilize now or in the near future.

Factors that can increase your car insurance premium

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 10:46:04 PST

Several factors can influence how much a driver pays for his or her car insurance coverage. These factors include, but are not limited to, the no-claims discount, age, gender, storage of the vehicle and more.

Future effects of the CARD Act

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 09:53:38 PST

What are the potential future effects of the CARD Act for consumers? Debate rages about the future effects of the CARD Act and whether it will really help consumers or result in credit limit restrictions.

Will mortgage rates increase or decrease in 2010?

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 10:43:35 PST

Predicting mortgage rates is difficult, even for experienced observers. Some financial components indicate a potential mortgage rate increase in 2010, but the real-estate industry and the government want to keep rates low.