After cutting back for three years, Americans are feeling more relaxed about borrowing and have started increasing their debt levels again. Is that smart? And how does your own financial situation compare?
Can Banks Lower Crime Rates (and Increase Home Values)?
Man Gets $330,000 Home for $16
Thanks to a little-known Texas law, a man found an abandoned $300,000 home, moved his stuff in and filled out some paperwork. It cost him $16. Now, apparently he’s a homeowner.
Surprise, U.S. Debt is Falling
Is debt in the U.S. rising or falling?
If you have been following the fight in Washington about the debt ceiling and whether the US should be allowed to borrow more money, the answer probably seems obvious. But the obvious answer, as usual, is wrong. The U.S., when you look at our overall debt, is in a much better position that the …
The Sneaky Art of Getting Consumers to Spend More at the Supermarket
Every shopper should know that when a grocery store advertises a “10 for $10” sale price, it’s usually not necessary to buy ten items in order to get them at $1 apiece. You could buy 7 for $7, or 2 for $2, or even 16 for $16 if …
It’s a Deal: Extra 40% Off at Coldwater Creek
Already-discounted apparel and merchandise in Coldwater Creek’s outlet section is being marked down by an additional 40% for purchases made by Tuesday, July 19. Use the coupon code AFLC782 to get free shipping as well.
Richard Cordray, Top Consumer Advocate Nominee, in 10 Quotes
President Obama nominated Richard Cordray, the former attorney general of Ohio, to officially have your back. If and when Cordray is confirmed, he’ll run the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the agency created last summer to …
Mastering the Art of the Informational Interview
Finding a job in this economy can be tough. Competition is fierce, and even if you have the skills, it can be a challenge to make yourself known to the right people. To gain an edge over other applicants, Michael Hampton, Director of Career Development and Services at Linfield College, recommends that job-seekers master the art of the …
I Hate My Job and I Don’t Know What to Do About It
How do you leave a job you can’t stand so you can pursue a career you love? We try to tackle that and the problem of getting a job in the legal field.
A New Way to Get Your Credit Score for Free
Almost everyone gets at least a little anxious when applying for an auto loan or a mortgage, but it’s even more stressful for people who get stuck paying higher interest rates or are turned down because of their credit. These …
News Corp.’s Tabloid Troubles: The Downside of Competition
The U.K’s phone hacking story is tailor-made for the New York Post: a high-powered celebrity businessman and his top lieutenants caught up in a major scandal involving Hollywood stars, top pols, and royals, with a murder thrown in for grisly good measure. The newspaper loves cutting powerful figures down to size in 120-point type …
Debit Card Rewards Aren’t Dead
Most banks have been killing off or scaling back their debit card reward programs. JP Morgan Chase, for instance, is scheduled to end its programs for nearly all debit card customers next week, with interchange swipe fee changes cited as a main reason for the debit reward demise. Just as the typical brick-and-mortar-based bank’s perks …