They make a living by hounding deadbeats (or presumed deadbeats) to pay off debts. Reports have surfaced that they routinely break the law in pursuit of payoffs. Now, debt collectors are asking for your respect, and even a little …
Borrowing
Canadians Catch Up, Finally Think It’s OK to Use Credit Cards for Groceries
How quaint. Our old-fashioned, debt-averse neighbors to the north are reluctantly accepting the notion that swiping plastic to pay for groceries and other essentials is not such a bad thing.
Will Banks Target the Unbanked Next?
During the recession, the number of people categorized as unbanked — without a checking or savings account — or underbanked — without access to credit — increased. In a new study, consulting firm KPMG suggests that banks can make money from this group, not by bringing them back into the financial mainstream, but by offering them …
Who You Calling a Deadbeat?
Turns out that all mortgage defaulters are not created equal.
Credit CARD Act Turns Two: Are Consumers Better Off?
It's been two years since Congress passed credit card reform. Since then, it's gotten mixed reviews on how effective it is in protecting consumers.
Congratulations, College Graduates! But Did You Just Waste Your Money, and Four Years of Your Lives?
There seems to be no stopping the argument that college is overpriced, overvalued, and not particularly good at preparing students for their lives after being kicked out of the dorms. Upon hearing some of the factoids gathered by …
Help for Home Buyers: Everything You Need to Know About Your Mortgage on One Page
OK, so the page will be double-sided. But still, with the possibility of a new simple and straightforward form that can be reviewed and understood quickly, “consumers will be in a better position to answer two basic questions: Can I afford this mortgage, and can I get a better deal somewhere else?”
Everything You Need to Know About Consumers, Part II
In Part I of this consumer factoid extravaganza, we learned all sorts of weird info about spending habits, housing costs, and family expenditures. For the sequel, we’re dealing with moms, Mexicans, McDonald’s, men’s dwindling DIY skills, the earning power of maiden names, how using a cell phone can be a sign of poverty, grandparents …
134 Money Tips, Special Mother’s Day Edition
In this week’s link roundup: wisdom, tips, and lessons about money and family from moms everywhere—and tons of affordable, heartwarming gift ideas that’ll show much Mom is appreciated.
Cheapskate Wisdom … About Credit Cards in the Hands of Young Consumers
A credit card is the “quickest way for young adults to build good credit”—and it’s also the “quickest way to destroy a young adult’s credit.”
Consumer Phrase of the Day: “Anti-Dowry”
It may prevent or delay you from getting married, buying a house, having kids, starting a business, or otherwise getting on with your life. It’s … student loan debt.
78 Money Tips: Why It’s Sexy to Be Frugal, Secrets Your Jeweler Never Reveals, and More
This week’s roundup of consumer tips and personal finance advice also includes a list of actions to take right now that promise to “change your financial life forever.” One such suggested action: Do something nice for your spouse today, so that you don’t have to buy her something nice later on.