Coming soon to a magazine, newspaper or Web page near you: emotionally charged public-service messages designed to jolt parents into having “the talk” with their kids. Not that talk. The tougher one about how to budget, save and …
Borrowing
Enough to Make You Sick: Debt Collectors Hit Up Hospital Patients
Having a medical crisis that lands you in the hospital is stressful enough, but there’s a disturbing new trend that’s so bad, it makes the indignity of wearing a hospital gown pale in comparison. Debt collectors are masquerading …
More Americans ‘Flunk’ Themselves in Personal Finance
Financial advisers have a saying: When the stock market is going up, everyone looks like a genius. These days, folks aren’t feeling so smart—and not just about their investments, but about many aspects of their personal finances.
Here We Go Again: Is College Worth It?
A new report shows that Americans are investing like crazy in college savings plans. But the financial value of a four-year degree remains difficult to assess and is often disappointing.
Why Millions Won’t Be Able to Afford Cars in the Future
By 2025, the government will require an average fuel economy of 54.5 m.p.g. for cars and trucks sold in the U.S. To meet that requirement, automakers must focus on more efficient, technologically sophisticated cars that cost more upfront to build — and whose costs are ultimately passed along to consumers. How much more will these cars …
What Teens Worry About: Drugs, Sex and … Future Salaries?
A bunch of new surveys about teens and money all point one direction: The kids are learning less and feeling terrible about it. Where is the adult supervision?
First Job? 6 Critical Steps to Long-Term Security
The Class of 2012 may be surprised to hear that they need to start saving…right now. Here are 6 ways to make saving for retirement both painless and bulletproof.
60 and Still Not Out of Student Loan Debt: Seniors Facing $36 Billion in College Loans
Student loan debt is usually thought of as a young person’s problem. Those who earned their degrees in 2010 graduated with what was then a highest-ever average of $25,250 in student loans, and considering that education costs are …
Student Loans: For a Great Deal, Borrow from Alumni
An alumni network at 40 universities looks to make student loans more affordable while cutting the default rate and providing lenders with a decent return.
A Step Backwards in Spreading Financial Literacy
A new report shows the that financial education movement is losing momentum. Fewer states are requiring coursework. In some, they’ve stopped teaching economics at a time when economics is on the front page almost daily.
When New Cars Are Cheaper Than Used Cars
Sometimes, thanks to a combination of soaring used car values and special dealership and automaker incentives, the stars align and a fluky thing happens: Buying a new car is cheaper than a used version of the same model. It’s …
Housing Math: Buying Is Now Cheaper Than Renting 98% of the Time
As the cost of renting rises and home values keep dropping, it gets easier and easier to figure out whether it’s smarter to buy or rent. A new study indicates that in 98 out of 100 U.S. housing markets, buying is the more …