Mortgage Rate Increase
February 29, 2008
Recently, the rates on 30-year mortgages increased to their highest level in five weeks. However, they remained below the 6 percent level.
California Home Prices Sink
February 28, 2008
Data from January on the housing market in California has revealed that home sales in the state have plummeted to a 20 year low.
Congress May Hit Back
February 22, 2008
Credit card companies have been pulling some pretty smooth moves lately on consumers. Now, Congress is hitting back with a Federal bill that is aimed at giving credit card holders some protection against capricious and unwarranted increases in interest rates. The bill is scheduled to go before the U.S. House of Representatives soon.
Are Your Bank Accounts Safe?
February 21, 2008
The vast majority of people have their money deposited in FDIC insured banks, but a surprising large number of people have also deposited money into banks that are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. For the most part, these are online banks.
Credit Card Shenanigans
February 20, 2008
Here they go again. Some of the nation’s biggest credit cards issuers have decided to raise rates as a measure to boost their falling profit levels. The problem with this idea is that those who may be impacted by the rate hike are often the best customers on the company roll book.
Banks Tightening Credit
February 19, 2008
For months it has been suggested that banks and other lenders will begin to tighten their credit standards which would result in fewer loans being approved. It would appear that the suggestion has become a reality.
Speed Trap Cameras May Increase
February 18, 2008
You may want to watch your speed more closely. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recently finished a study conducted in Scottsdale, Arizona, and the Washington, D.C. suburb of Montgomery County, Maryland. The results of the study suggest that speed cameras work in slowing down motorists who may be tempted to speed.
Choosing a Bad Credit Credit Card
February 13, 2008
In a perfect world, we would all have perfect credit and the best credit cards available. We don’t live in a perfect world and many consumers who have had bad credit histories in the past may find it impossible to get low interest, top of the line, credit cards. When a consumer simply must have a credit card, perhaps for work or travel reasons, they may be faced with getting what is known as a “bad credit” credit card.
Early Credit Counseling is Key
February 12, 2008
Consumers who are facing issues with their debt payments should make it a priority to seek credit counseling as soon as possible. Many consumers wait too long before seeking professional advice on the debt. This can lead to many problems that might otherwise have been avoided had assistance been more timely.
Increase in Delinquent Car Loans
February 11, 2008
It isn’t just home mortgage payments that are being sent in late these days. An increase in late payments for car loans is also being seen. In fact, delinquent car loan payments are at their highest level in years. The bad news is many financial experts estimate that this will only get worse with time.