Debt News & Latest Debt Headlines

A 4-Step Plan to Start Climbing Out of Debt Today

10:00AM 11/11/2011

It can happen anytime after you get your first credit card. One day you look at the bill, and even the minimum payment is almost out of reach. Years of purchases spell out what seems to be a lifetime of repayments and a fortune in interest. Don't despair. You can climb out. Here's how.

As Italian Drama Persists, Fears of Credit Crunch Spread to Small Businesses

3:00PM 11/10/2011

By Catherine New

Economy, Debt

The Atlantic Ocean is wide, but maybe not wide enough. On Thursday, markets had a mixed reaction to the deepening economic crisis in Europe. Some sources reported that the European Central Bank would step in. But in the U.S., small business owners are growing nervous.

Average Student Debt Hits Record High in 2010: $25,250

10:25AM 11/03/2011

By Eamon Murphy

College Finance, Debt

A report released on Thursday by the Institute for College Access & Success's Project on Student Debt shows that members of the class of 2010 who took out loans to finance their educations owed an average of $25,250 in student debt at graduation -- a 5% increase from the year before.

Who Says the Worst Is Over? Financial Security Index Dips Again

2:15PM 11/01/2011

By Sheryl Nance-Nash

Economy, Personal Finance, Debt

A new poll from Bankrate.com shows that only 17% of Americans feel better off financially than they were a year ago. The Financial Security Index fell from 93.9 to 92.8 in October to its second lowest level this year.

Abusive Debt Collection Agency Ordered to Cease Operations

3:20PM 10/26/2011

By Loren Berlin

Debt

As part of its effort to crack down on scams that target Americans in financial distress, the FTC has sued more than 30 debt collection companies. On Wednesday, another one, Rincon Debt Management made the list and was shut down. Do you know your rights against abusive debt collectors?

Tips for Pricing a College Before You Apply

6:00AM 10/24/2011

By Laura Rowley

Debt

How do you avoid sending your kid off into the world without a pile of student loan debt? One key is to figure out the real, bottom-line price of a specific college -- before you apply. DailyFinance's Laura Rowley explains.

Should You Cash in an Annuity to Pay Off Your Debts?

6:00AM 10/19/2011

By Laura Rowley

Video, Personal Finance, Debt

Stacy is on a fixed income. She could free up more cash if she paid off her credit cards and mortgage. Should she cash in an annuity to make that happen? DailyFinance's Laura Rowley explains the key factor Stacy should consider in making the decision.

How to Stretch Out a Home Foreclosure for Years

10:00AM 10/18/2011

By Laura Rowley

Economy, Bank of America, Real Estate, Debt

Janet's a lawyer who's losing her home, and she knows: When it comes to foreclosure, bureaucracy and paperwork can be your friends. Her foreclosure process has lasted for nearly 900 days, and counting. For homeowners in dire financial straits, her story is a lesson in how to keep a roof over your head as long as possible.

What to Do When Mom and Dad Need Money Help

11:15AM 10/12/2011

By Chuck Saletta, The Motley Fool

Debt

One of the toughest days in many people's lives comes when they realize that their parents need financial help. Especially if your mom and dad were always there for you when you needed them, it's only natural to want to return the favor when they need you. Here's how you can help your folks -- and what you definitely shouldn't do.

Slovakia's Recession Link

12:30PM 10/11/2011

By Eamon Murphy

Economy, Biz Brief, Banking, Debt

Tiny Slovakia looked set on Tuesday to reject the expanded eurozone bailout upon which global investors were pinning their hopes -- and at this moment, the Slovak Parliament could veto the Continent's plan for economic salvation. How did it it come to this, and what could happen next?