Consumer savings are up, and credit card debt is down. But experts say the economic current is running against us, so even those who think they are swimming are probably just treading water.
Credit Cards
A Financial Cloud Over Wedding Season: How to Pop the (Money) Question
A week into wedding season, many betrotheds haven’t a clue about their soulmate’s finances. Here’s how to pop the money question.
7 “Smart” Credit Tips That Aren’t
There’s a lot of advice floating around out there about how to manage your credit cards and other debts to maximize your credit score. The trouble is, not all this wisdom is created equal, and some tips intended to help your credit can actually have the opposite effect. Here are seven supposedly “smart” tips we’ve heard bandied about
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4 Easy Steps to Raising Money-Smart Kids
We may be asking too much of schoolteachers when imparting good money habits to kids boils down to four simple rules you can practice at home.
Financial Independence? Today’s Young People Don’t Expect It Anytime Soon
In a mere two years, the proportion of teenagers who expect to be financially dependent on their parents until their mid-20s has doubled. That gives us all another reason to feel sympathy for parents who have teenagers right now.
Communication Breakdown: If You Think You’re Talking About Money, Your Kids Don’t Hear It
Parents and kids can’t seem to agree on whether they are even discussing personal finance, a new survey shows. That’s OK. Actions are what matter.
How to Master the Allowance Question and Prepaid Cards in One Shot
Virtual family banking site FamZoo has introduced a prepaid card that actually makes sense–for kids and parents.
Bold New Rule: Students in the U.K. Must Study Personal Finance
Dozens of countries, including the U.S., are searching for ways to raise the financial I.Q. of their citizens. But only a handful have taken the bold step of making personal finance a high school requirement. Here’s why the U.S. needs to move faster.
9 Easy Ways to Save Money on Your Next Vacation
In travel, cheap doesn’t have to mean bad. No matter where you’re going, there are plenty of simple ways to cut expenses and still enjoy the quality vacation you desire.
Misguided? Half of Adult Children Think Parents Made No Money Mistakes
Adults past age 30 generally feel their parents nailed it when it comes to money matters, a new survey shows. Are these people doomed to repeat their parents mistakes?
A 4% Surcharge for Using a Credit Card?! Now Legal — but Not Likely
Starting on Sunday, Jan. 27, retailers will be allowed to tack a surcharge of up to 4% onto your tab if you want to pay with a credit card. If that sounds like a lot, you’re right. Happily, though, it’s unlikely to happen very often.
Celebrity Prepaid Cards: Will Justin Bieber Fare Better than the Kardashians?
Teen sensation Justin Bieber’s prepaid debit card goes live in coming days. He can only hope he gets a better response than the Kardashians, who had to withdraw their predatory card from the market and wound up in court.