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bcl 12 pages
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bill-consolidation 1 page
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bk 1 page
Bankruptcy
Admonishes the reader to consider bankruptcy only as a last resort. Discusses briefly the hurdles that must be cleared to file bankruptcy, what protections it offers, and what it does not cover.
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blog 1 page
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2008-depression 1 page
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2008-losses-the-real-numbers 1 page
2008 Losses: The Real Numbers
The impact of this recession is felt by everyone in a different way. We finally have all of the data from 2008 to examine just how extensive the losses for the year ended up being. How has your personal situation changed compared to the average American?
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2009-bank-failures-surpass-2008 1 page
2009 Bank Failures Surpass 2008
Four small banks failed to end this past week, making the total number of failed banks higher in 2009 than in all of a very difficult 2008. The FDIC has become very good at efficiently handling bank failures, usually finding new banks to take over deposit bases and provide a smooth transition for customers. When it comes to bank failures, unfortunately there is no end in sight.
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3-tips-for-finding-the-right-line-of-credit 1 page
3 Tips for Finding the Right Line of Credit
A line of credit can be a great source of cash in an emergency or when you need access to liquid funds quickly. Having that line of credit in place long before you need it is the key. Because not all lines of credit are the same, it’s essential that you do your homework and understand how the credit line works before completing the application process.
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3-ways-to-address-merchant-credit-card-fees 1 page
3 Ways to Address Merchant Credit Card Fees
One of the most annoying fees for many consumers is a fee charged for the ability to use a credit or debit card to make a purchase. Many consumers look at this practice as a merchant trying to squeeze a few extra pennies of profit out of each purchase, but the reality is that merchants pay a hefty price every time one of their customers pays with plastic. Opponents of these fees have some good ideas that could result in a more fair system for consumers and merchants.
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4-alternatives-to-401k-contributions-without-a-match 1 page
4 Alternatives to 401K Contributions Without a Match
Has your company continued to offer its 401K match throughout this recession? If it has, there’s a good chance that you know someone who has lost their match. Without the company match, putting money into a 401K may be a less attractive alternative than other available options. Consider the other uses for the money that you set aside each month that could be a better use of your funds if the match has been eliminated.
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5-benefits-of-using-credit-cards 1 page
5 Benefits of Using Credit Cards
It’s easy to take shots at credit card companies these days as they’re under fire from lawmakers and consumer protection groups for the way they’ve treated their customers recently. In spite of the negative press, there are still several financial benefits to using credit cards if the cardholder is disciplined and responsible. Too often the abuse is not from the credit card company but from the consumer swiping their card without worrying about how they’ll ever pay it off!
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6-important-areas-for-financial-record-keeping 1 page
6 Important Areas for Financial Record Keeping
Every month, you probably receive a stack of mail related to various financial accounts in your life. It can be hard to know what’s most important, which should be kept and for how long, and how to keep it all straight. The best way to get organized financially is first to determine the types of statements and documents that are most important and when these statements are generally received
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6-steps-to-repairing-a-bad-credit-score 1 page
6 Steps to Repairing a Bad Credit Score
Your credit score is one of the most important numbers in your financial life, yet many people have no idea what their credit score is! If you have poor credit and you hope to be able to get loans in the future, start now to work on repairing your credit score. Here are six easy steps that will get your score moving in a positive direction.
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787-billion-dollar-economic-stimulus-bill 1 page
$787 Billion Dollar Economic Stimulus Bill
Finland’s government is begging citizens not to feed the recession by saving money. Americans are saving more too, but in order to climb out of the economic hole we’re in, spending in some form will have to increase. The government stimulus package could provide a way for spending to spur growth without depleting the personal savings accounts of Americans.
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a-history-of-credit-cards 1 page
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a-new-credit-scoring-system-is-coming 1 page
A New Credit Scoring System Is Coming
With lending criteria becoming more stringent, your credit score is more important than ever. There are changes coming to the credit scoring system that you should be aware of.
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a-record-number-of-car-dealerships-close-in-2008 1 page
A Record Number of Car Dealerships Close in 2008
The auto industry has had a very difficult time navigating this economic storm, and car dealerships are paying a heavy price as customers have disappeared and financing has been nearly impossible for car buyers.
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advantages-of-a-roth-ira-conversion 1 page
Advantages of a Roth IRA Conversion
Beginning in 2010, the income limits for Roth IRA’s will be lifted, allowing anyone to contribute to a Roth IRA regardless of income. This will also be a great opportunity to convert traditional IRA’s to Roth IRA’s to take advantage of the tax treatment and liquidity of a Roth IRA.
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advice-for-tax-procrastinators 1 page
Advice for Tax Procrastinators
With over a third of the country still not finished with their taxes and only days left until the tax deadline, this will be a busy week for taxpayers. It’s easy to make mistakes when you’re in a hurry. Keep these tips in mind to maximize your tax return, reduce the amount you owe, or save both time and money by avoiding tax mistakes.
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all-college-loans-to-be-nationalized 1 page
All College Loans to Be Nationalized
The proposed Federal budget for 2009 and beyond has been released by President Obama, and one of the provisions calls for all student loans to be processed directly by the Federal Government instead of by third party FFELP lenders. This change comes on the heels of a 2007 scandal in the student loan industry. While the proposal could save billions of dollars each year, not everyone is in favor of the government taking over all student loan decisions.
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americans-debt-to-income-ratio-as-compared-with-other-countries 1 page
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are-tax-refunds-a-reason-to-celebrate 1 page
Are Tax Refunds A Reason To Celebrate?
Each spring, millions of taxpayers anxiously wait for their tax return to arrive. It’s a substantial amount of money for the average taxpayers, and the average taxpayer is receiving a larger refund each year. It’s important to remember that this is not the result of a more generous government deciding to give you money; rather it’s a refund that you receive because you overpaid throughout the year. Your goal should be a smaller refund to make the most of each paycheck.
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assistance-for-car-buyers-could-boost-sales 1 page
Assistance for Car Buyers Could Boost Sales
The auto industry is in big trouble, but a new effort to lure buyers could increase sales by offering support to customers who lose their jobs after buying a new car. Both Ford and General Motors have announced programs to increase confidence among customers as the companies work to avoid collapse in this difficult economy.
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atm-machines-becoming-a-one-stop-shop 1 page
ATM Machines Becoming a One Stop Shop
For the past 40 years, we have made ATM a part of everyday life for making bank deposits and withdrawing cash. ATM machines are doing much more for customers than just dispensing cash today though, making a wide variety of other goods and services available.
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automaker-troubles-hurting-state-budgets 1 page
Automaker Troubles Hurting State Budgets
The bankruptcy of General Motors has been in the headlines over the past several days, but the impact of slumping car sales spreads way beyond GM and Chrysler. State budgets are facing massive deficits due to the substantial drop in sales tax revenues thanks to lower car sales. The problem is likely to get much worse before it gets better.
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avoid-costly-mistakes-when-buying-a-house 1 page
Avoid Costly Mistakes When Buying A House
With millions of homes being lost to foreclosure right now, it’s vital that you make wise decisions when purchasing a home. Consider these tips to help ensure you’re not getting in over your head the next time you take on a mortgage payment.
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bad-credit-loans 1 page
Bad Credit Loans
A poor credit rating does not necessarily mean you cannot obtain a loan. However, you may only be able to apply for and be approved for one of the few bad credit loans that available.
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bank-bailout-version-20 1 page
Bank Bailout Version 2.0
A new plan released by the Treasury to buy toxic assets from banks was well received on Wall Street Monday. The plan relies on a combination of funds from private investors and the federal government to buy risky assets from banks in an effort to encourage banks to being lending activities again. There are risks and challenges to the plan, but also a great deal of optimism and hope that it could be a viable solution.
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bank-of-america-next-to-increase-credit-card-rates 1 page
Bank Of America Next To Increase Credit Card Rates
Banks are under fire for changing the rules on credit card holders, with Bank Of America becoming the latest to increase interest rates for cardholders carrying balances. Rules are being put in place to combat this practice, but customers are paying the price for the financial industry’s struggles in the meantime.
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bank-rescue-plan-lacks-specifics 1 page
Bank Rescue Plan Lacks Specifics
Financial Markets tumbled Thursday after the Treasury failed to deliver a specific plan to support banks and get the credit markets moving again.
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bankruptcy-alternatives 1 page
Bankruptcy Alternatives
Bankruptcy should never be used simply as a means of getting out of debt. It should not even be considered unless there is no other option.
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bankruptcy-judges-won%e2%80%99t-have-ability-to-modify-loans 1 page
Bankruptcy Judges Won’t Have Ability to Modify Loans
A major element of President Obama’s loan modification plan to help stem foreclosures was to give bankruptcy judges the ability to modify home loans. The Senate voted that part of the plan down today, the same day that another record spike in foreclosures was reported. Lawmakers will have to find new ways to address the growing foreclosure problem now.
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banks-complain-to-government-about-fees 1 page
Banks Complain To Government About Fees
We are used to being nickel and dimed by banks as we carry out various banking transactions. We don’t like the fees, but it’s hard to be a bank customer without incurring some of these senseless fees at some point. With banks in trouble the tables have turned and banks are now the ones complaining about fees associated with paying off the bailout loans they’ve received.
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banks-need-to-raise-more-capital 1 page
Banks Need To Raise More Capital
The results of the bank stress tests are in and while there are some major banks that will need more capital to ensure stability and survival, the overall results of the testing were fairly possible. Over the next few months, banks will make sure they have the capital they need to withstand further losses tied to mortgages, credit card defaults, consumer loans, and other troubling assets.
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banks-that-received-tarp-money-lending-less 1 page
Banks That Received TARP Money Lending Less
One of the buzzwords that we keep hearing in relation to the TARP money given to banks over the past several months is “transparency.” The Treasury released data today in an effort to be transparent that suggest that although more than $200 billion has been given to banks in TARP money, lending activity is actually still declining.
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banks-unsure-about-small-business-loan-program 1 page
Banks Unsure About Small Business Loan Program
Beginning on June 15th, small business owners can apply for American Recovery Capital (ARC) loans to gain access to interest free financing. Many business owners are eager to apply, but they may have a hard time finding banks eager to extend the loans, even though they are virtually risk free.
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bargain-hunters-eying-real-estate 1 page
Bargain Hunters Eying Real Estate
With many Americans struggling just to stay in their homes, there are real estate investors that are looking for the right time to get back into the market at distressed prices. One vehicle that some will use to invest in real estate is a real estate investment trust, or a REIT. Investors are looking for access to values in the real estate market, and REITs are raising cash that they will use to add to their portfolios of real estate holdings.
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benefits-that-could-put-money-in-your-pocket 1 page
Benefits That Could Put Money in Your Pocket
The end of each calendar year usually means open enrollment for employee benefit packages. Every company’s benefits package is different, but most offer several options that can help you save money and reduce your annual tax liability. Do your homework on your benefits package to see if any of these four benefit options are available from your employer.
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beware-of-misleading-job-postings 1 page
Beware of Misleading Job Postings
Millions of job losses mean that millions of people are looking for jobs right now, and they’re turning to the Internet for leads more than ever before. Be careful though, as many listings for jobs are not what they appear to be.
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big-banks-to-provide-capital-to-fdic 1 page
Big Banks to Provide Capital to FDIC
Just about every bank failure requires the FDIC to dip into their coffers to cover customer deposits. With more banks failing, the FDIC is seeing their funds diminishing quickly, and they’re calling upon banks to come up with the money to re-capitalize the FDIC. Banks aren’t pleased, but they need their customers to have the confidence that the FDIC is backing their deposits, especially in today’s environment.
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buffett-says-it%e2%80%99s-time-to-buy 1 page
Buffett Says It’s Time to Buy
Famed investor Warren Buffet has often looked at the relationship between stock values and national production to determine good buying opportunities in the stock market. Stocks have cheapened to the point that they look very attractive for buyers according to Buffett’s metric.
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buying-foreclosed-homes 1 page
Buying Foreclosed Homes
More and more homebuyers and real estate investors are looking at foreclosed properties as a way to get homes at bargain prices in this market. Banks may be desperate to sell, but it’s not always an easy process. Here are some tips that should increase your chances of success in buying a foreclosure.
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can-you-get-bailed-out-on-your-credit-card 1 page
Can You Get Bailed Out On Your Credit Card?
Credit card issuers are going to great lengths to work with cardholders in financial hardship, hoping to at least collect on some of what is owed to them. Your minimum payment amount, interest rate, and various credit card fees can all be negotiated in forbearance programs with credit card companies.
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car-loans-becoming-harder-to-obtain 1 page
Car Loans Becoming Harder To Obtain
Now is a great time to be a car shopper. Desperate carmakers and dealerships are having huge sales, with major discounts and rebates in place to lure buyers and reduce inventory levels. The problem is not a lack of buyers so much as a lack of available financing though. Even people with great credit are having a harder time getting a car loan than ever before.
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changes-coming-for-deadbeat-credit-card-customers 1 page
Changes Coming For Deadbeat Credit Card Customers
If you’re one of the 50 million Americans that pays off your credit card balance each month, you may find yourself faced with fees and interest charges very soon that you’re not used to paying. Card issuers are considering turning to the customer base that is currently not producing revenue to offset the losses they expect to incur in the coming months and years.
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changes-to-the-new-homebuyer-tax-credit 1 page
Changes to the New Homebuyer Tax Credit
The tax credit for first time homebuyers that has been offered over the past several months was a big success for the housing market and lawmakers recently amended the program and extended it into 2010. The new program offers tax incentives to existing homeowners as well as those buying for the first time and closes some of the loopholes that were taken advantage of during the original program.
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characteristics-of-effective-credit-counseling 1 page
Characteristics of Effective Credit Counseling
Credit Counseling can be a very effective tool in the battle against debt problems but finding a good credit counseling agency can be challenging. Not all credit counselors are created equal but the best counselors share some common characteristics that you should look for before making a decision.
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citigroup-extends-help-to-unemployed-homeowners 1 page
Citigroup Extends Help to Unemployed Homeowners
With unemployment growing every month, an increasing number of homeowners are slipping into default on their mortgage payments. Citigroup is extending aid to unemployed homeowners in the form of reduced monthly payments. There are qualifications that need to be met, but this program could be a huge help both to unemployed homeowners and to Citigroup.
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consumers-saving-instead-of-spending 1 page
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credit-card-balances-could-be-the-next-toxic-asset-for-banks 1 page
Credit Card Balances Could Be the Next Toxic Asset for Banks
After writing off billions of dollars in bad assets related to mortgage loans over the past year, banks are discovering that credit card balances are the next level of toxic assets on their balance sheets that could end up hurting their bottom line. Some of the banks experiencing the most difficulty today are also the biggest players in the credit card industry.
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credit-card-cancelations-could-hurt-your-credit-score 1 page
Credit Card Cancelations Could Hurt Your Credit Score
Credit card companies are closing outstanding credit lines, eliminating customer accounts to reduce the risk of defaults in a poor economy. Losing available credit can have a major negative impact on your credit score, and many consumers are losing lines of credit even if they have never carried a balance or been late on a payment. It’s important to understand how losing a line of credit hurts your credit score.
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credit-card-companies-willing-to-settle-for-less-with-account-holders 1 page
Credit Card Companies Willing To Settle For Less with Account Holders
If you owe your credit card issuer money and you’re late on your payments, you are definitely not alone. This recession has increased credit card delinquency to record levels and card issuers are desperate to collect something on outstanding balances, even if it’s not the full amount owed. Settling for less is becoming more and more common.
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credit-card-defaults-at-record-levels 1 page
Credit Card Defaults at Record Levels
It’s not a surprise that more Americans are having trouble making their credit card payments, but the rate at which defaults are increasing is alarming. The default rate is at a new record after several large banks recorded big jumps in the amount of debt that they now consider uncollectable.
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credit-card-numbers-improve-in-spite-of-rising-default-expectations 1 page
Credit Card Numbers Improve In Spite Of Rising Default Expectations
We’ve grown accustomed to bad news over the past several months, especially from financial institutions. The numbers for credit card defaults during the month of March are in, and they were surprisingly upbeat. We’re not out of the woods yet, but there is some room for hope that we may be getting closer to recovery.
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credit-starting-to-loosen-up 1 page
Credit Starting To Loosen Up
The credit crisis has been difficult for borrowers and lenders alike as banks have worked to stabilize themselves during this recession. March’s lending numbers are in though, and it looks like banks are increasing lending activity again, a great sign for a financial system that has spent the past year virtually frozen.
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current-economic-turmoil-have-we-been-here-before 1 page
Current Economic Turmoil: Have We Been Here Before?
If you could step into a time machine and go back to 1990-91, you could pick up a newspaper and be surprised to see headlines that are strikingly similar to headlines we’re seeing today. We have been here before as a nation, and we survived. We will survive this recession as well.
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dealing-with-debt-collectors 1 page
Dealing with Debt Collectors
With debt on the rise and more people falling behind on payments, debt collectors are working overtime to collect. Consumer complaints about abusive practices from collectors are up, and many consumers are unaware of the rules in place to protect them from these practices. These steps can help you to get debt collectors off your back without taking drastic measures.
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debate-over-%e2%80%9csecret%e2%80%9d-credit-scores-intensifies 1 page
Debate Over “Secret” Credit Scores Intensifies
As of February 14, Experian is no longer making their information available to individual consumers, choosing to sell this information only to lenders considering loan applicants. This means that consumers may enter negotiations for mortgages or other lines of credit without knowing exactly what information the lender is using to determine rates and credit worthiness—a scary proposition.
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debt-rising-for-college-students 1 page
Debt Rising For College Students
For college graduates, the first several years in a new career are spend paying off student loans. More and more however, students are graduating with a heavy credit balance to add to their debt burden. The recession and weak job market make it unlikely that the problem will improve anytime soon.
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demographics-of-the-jobless-changing 1 page
Demographics of the Jobless Changing
Companies are choosing to downsize by cutting employees that are older and more educated than the majority of laid-off workers in past recessions.
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do-payday-loans-deserve-their-bad-reputation 1 page
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does-race-play-a-role-in-getting-a-loan 1 page
Does Race Play A Role In Getting A Loan?
The years leading up to the collapse of the housing market saw minorities making great strides in home ownership. A new study reveals that minorities are having a much more difficult time getting new mortgages or refinancing existing loans compared to Caucasians. The credit market has tightened up for everyone, but this study shows that it is likely more difficult for minorities to work with mortgage lenders than it is for white Americans.
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does-using-a-credit-card-make-financial-sense 1 page
Does Using A Credit Card Make Financial Sense?
Having a student credit card is a productive way to earn credit. Choose a credit card that provided a low APR and a rewards program in order to get the most for your financial future.
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education-loans 1 page
Education Loans
Funding a child’s education can be difficult. Education loans offered from the government can include subsidized and un-subsidized variations.
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fdic-holds-off-on-selling-toxic-loans 1 page
FDIC Holds Off On Selling Toxic Loans
A major element of the Obama stimulus plan has been put on hold thanks to confidence returning to the financial system more quickly than anticipated. The Legacy Loan program, which would have helped banks to rid their balance sheets of toxic assets, has been put on hold as bank stocks have rallied and financial institutions have been able to strengthen themselves by adding billions to their capital base through common stock offerings.
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fdic-increases-extended-through-2013 1 page
FDIC Increases Extended Through 2013
In an effort to preserve faith in the fragile banking system, the FDIC announced that they have extended their insurance increases that protect bank deposits and that the higher coverage will now last through at least the end of 2013. This extension assures bank customers that their deposits are protected as financial institutions work to strengthen their shaky foundations and restore the confidence of customers.
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financial-implications-of-mortgage-loan-modification 1 page
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five-credit-card-facts-you-should-know 1 page
Five Credit Card Facts You Should Know
With the growing use of credit cards among consumers and the importance of a healthy credit score, it’s important to understand the truth about credit cards. There are a lot of misconceptions about credit cards, but these facts will help you to use these financial tools effectively and avoid situations that could hurt your credit score.
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five-financial-mistakes-to-avoid-at-all-costs 1 page
Five Financial Mistakes to Avoid At All Costs
No one likes making mistakes with their money, but most mistakes teach us a lesson and we move on. However, there are some major financial mistakes that can cause problems for several years or even decades after a poor decision is made. Knowing the common financial traps that people fall into every day can help you to stay out of harm’s way.
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five-questions-to-ask-when-loaning-money-to-relatives 1 page
Five Questions to Ask When Loaning Money to Relatives
One of the most delicate situations for lending money comes when making a loan to a family member. There’s nothing wrong with having the desire to help a loved one, but it can also cause problems within families if the loan is not handled appropriately. There are several things that should be clear prior to lending money to a relative.
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five-reasons-to-keep-contributing-to-your-401k 1 page
Five Reasons to Keep Contributing To Your 401K
One of the negative consequences of a recession is that people often jeopardize their financial future by halting contributions to their 401K. The hardest part when someone stops contributing is getting them to start contributing again. There are several good reasons to continue with 401K contributions regardless of what’s happening in the stock market.
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five-reasons-to-value-dividends 1 page
Five Reasons to Value Dividends
Investors have a variety of reasons for investing in a particular stock but one of the areas of growing interest for many investors is the dividend. There are several reasons to favor stocks that pay a strong, consistent dividend to build a portfolio that generates a steady income stream and a buffer against lagging stock performance. Dividends aren't the only important factor in selecting stocks, but they should certainly be strongly considered.
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five-signs-of-continuing-weakness-in-the-economy 1 page
Five Signs of Continuing Weakness in the Economy
Economists are optimistic that the economy is poised to break out of recession before the beginning of 2010. In spite of the recession ending though, Americans are still hurting. By many measures, the US now trails other developed nations and instead of being an economic leader in many categories, the US has a long way to go to catch other developed economies. Things will almost certainly get better, but the pain from this recession is far from over.
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five-ways-credit-card-companies-can-still-abuse-customers 1 page
Five Ways Credit Card Companies Can Still Abuse Customers
Most people have heard about the CARD Act and the way that the government is working to protect cardholders from abusive changes to the terms and conditions associated with their credit cards. Even with the new laws that have been signed, there are still changes to your interest rate, card fees, minimum payment amounts, award programs, and outstanding credit lines that you should monitor closely, especially for the next several months before the new laws take effect.
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foreclosures-down-in-january 1 page
Foreclosures Down in January
A report on foreclosures in January provided some hope that the troubled housing market might finally begin a recovery, but there is still a long way to go before we can jump to that conclusion. Corporate action and government intervention will play a major role in determining which direction the foreclosure numbers go from here.
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foreclosures-soar-in-april 1 page
Foreclosures Soar In April
After some signs of hope that the housing market had bottomed out and was on the way back up, data this week on falling prices and rising foreclosures has stolen some of that hope away. With the moratorium on foreclosures over, many lenders are initiating the foreclosure process with homeowners once again, and they’re doing so at record rates.
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four-effective-debt-reduction-plans 1 page
Four Effective Debt Reduction Plans
Financial experts don’t always agree on the best strategies for getting out of debt, but most recommend a strategic, organized process for reducing debt little by little. There are several common methods that work effectively and your personal financial situation will dictate which of these methods is the best fit for you.
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four-issues-putting-pressure-on-banks 1 page
Four Issues Putting Pressure on Banks
Even though the recession seems to be ending and the economy is showing signs of improvement, banks are still on fragile ground as they work their way out of the worst financial crisis since the great depression. The problems facing banks are far from over and it could be years before banks are back to offering business as usual.
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four-keys-to-charitable-giving 1 page
Four Keys to Charitable Giving
The end of every year is a common time to consider charitable giving and this year, giving is expected to be much lower than in past years. As you consider your goals for philanthropy, there are several keys that you help you determine the right amount to give and how to make the most of the money you plan to donate.
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four-quick-financial-fixes-to-avoid 1 page
Four Quick Financial Fixes to Avoid
Desperate times call for desperate measures and when people need money in a hurry, they often don’t think about the drawbacks to easy methods of obtaining cash. In difficult economic times it’s even more important to make responsible choices with your money. Here are some pitfalls to avoid.
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four-reasons-to-buy-gold 1 page
Four Reasons to Buy Gold
With inflation likely to increase, real interest rates very low, and political unrest very high, many investors are putting at least a portion of their portfolios in gold. The demand for gold is moving gold prices higher and that trend is likely to continue. This is an environment where it makes sense to consider owning at least some gold, and there are several ways that you can choose to do so.
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four-things-you-need-to-work-from-home 1 page
Four Things You Need To Work From Home
Who doesn’t like the idea of working from home? Most people imagine rolling out of bed whenever they feel like it, working in their pajamas while they watch TV in the background, ridding themselves of the hassles of a commute and of dealing with managers monitoring their every move. There’s a little more to it than this, of course, but working from home is becoming a more popular option for both employees and employers. Here are 4 things you’ll need so that you can be in a position to work from home.
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four-ways-to-avoid-overdraft-fees 1 page
Four Ways to Avoid Overdraft Fees
Nothing is more annoying to bank customers than excessive fees, and overdraft fees are some of the biggest offenders. Many large banks are changing their policies surrounding overdraft fees, but you still need to be careful not to spend more than the amount in your account. Here are 4 ways to avoid overdraft fees.
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four-ways-to-finance-your-small-business 1 page
Four Ways to Finance Your Small Business
With unemployment on the rise and a growing number of employees unhappy with their career situations, more people are considering starting a business of their own than ever before. One of the challenges facing any small business owner is to arrange to finance the startup of a small business. There are several options for potential entrepreneurs in need of financing, each with advantages and disadvantages.
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fourteen-greatest-dot-com-bombs 1 page
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get-paid-to-close-your-credit-cards 1 page
Get Paid To Close Your Credit Cards
Most of us are used to being flooded with credit card offers almost daily in our mailbox. You know the economy is a mess when a credit card company will actually pay you to close your credit card account!
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getting-a-personal-loan 1 page
Getting A Personal Loan
You get a personal loan in order to go on a vacation, pay medical bills, or buy something for the house (such as a new appliance). It is not supposed to be
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good-deals-available-for-savers 1 page
Good Deals Available For Savers
Americans are saving a larger percentage of their income than they have in over a decade, and banks are working hard to attract new customers. Savers who are willing to spend some time researching bank incentives can find banks offering cash and attractive interest rates for new customers.
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good-time-to-get-a-home-equity-loan 1 page
Good Time To Get A Home Equity Loan?
With interest rates steady and fairly low, homeowners all over the country are wondering if it's an ideal time to get a home equity loan. While there are some
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great-deals-in-a-tough-economy 1 page
Great Deals in a Tough Economy
With companies struggling to survive this recession, consumers can find great deals if they know where to look. Items like, cars, electronics, vacations, and stocks are on sale and now could be a great time to take advantage of this weak economy.
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groups-that-benefit-from-new-stimulus-legislation 1 page
Groups That Benefit From New Stimulus Legislation
After months of debate about the best ways to continue efforts to stimulate the economy, Congress finally has a bill approved and ready to be signed by President Obama that will provide immediate relief to unemployed workers, home buyers, and businesses that have suffered losses during the recession. The government is counting on the relief to trickle to areas of the economy not directly impacted by the new legislation.
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help-is-on-the-way-for-small-businesses 1 page
Help Is On the Way for Small Businesses
Small Businesses are the heart and soul of the US economy and they are struggling mightily to survive this recession. A new head of the Small Business Administration was confirmed by the Senate on Wednesday, and she assured lawmakers that help was on the way for small business owners.
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home-sales-rise-as-prices-continue-to-fall 1 page
Home Sales Rise As Prices Continue To Fall
Statistics on home sales continue to produce mixed results, and May was no exception. Home sales were up compared to a month earlier, great news for a struggling housing market. However, home prices fell by a staggering amount, and the number of homeowners in financial distress could mean that prices will continue to fall.
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housing-market-still-faces-obstacles 1 page
Housing Market Still Faces Obstacles
Some upbeat news about new home construction provided some optimism, but the numbers aren’t quite as exciting as they seem. We may have hit a bottom in the housing market at some point recently, but we have a long way to go before the housing market is booming again.
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how-bad-is-the-housing-market 1 page
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