Can't Afford That New Fridge? Sears Will Let You Lease-to-Own
If you need to make a big purchase and can't wait for layaway, Sears is introducing a lease-to-own option for appliances, furniture and other large items.
bad credit
Prepaid Cards: 5 Good Reasons to Put Them in Your Wallet
Lately, many banks and celebrities have been encouraging us to switch from credit or debit cards to prepaid cards. And even though these tools have their downsides, we can think of five situations when prepaid cards are the right plastic for the purpose.
5 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Buy a House Right Now
Interest rates are at historic lows, and the housing market is showing signs of rebounding. Still, many people who want to are unable to get in on the action. But what if that's actually good for them? Here are five reasons why people with damaged credit maybe shouldn't buy a house right now.
Solid Reasons for the Unbanked to Shun Chase's 'Liquid' Card
When bankers come up with a new wonder product, it's rarely good news for consumers. JPMorgan Chase's new "Liquid" card is no exception. This reloadable debit card for the poor is loaded with fees.
Online and Unbanked? Walmart.com Lets You Pay With Cash
Taking aim at the many Americans who don't have a credit card or checking account but are inclined to shop online, Walmart is now allowing customers to pay in cash for online orders.
Money Guru Suze Orman Pushes Her Brand of Plastic
Suze Orman is trying to succeed where the Kardashians failed. The host of the popular TV money show is offering a new prepaid card that works much the same way as a debit card. Her goal: Offer a credit card alternative that doesn't charge you an arm and a leg.
Can't Get Credit? You May Be Living in the Wrong State
Credit is ever so personal, and ultimately it's your responsibility -- but it's not solely about you. Your state's creditworthiness can impact you too. For that reason, CardRatings.com's recently released rankings of the 10 Best and Worst States for Consumer Credit is worth a look-see.
Identity Fraud More Prevalent Than You'd Imagine
At least 16% of Americans have engaged in some kind of identity fraud -- lying about their Social Security number, name or birthday -- on applications for goods and services, a new study reveals. That's 45 million people trying to game the system, and every time one succeeds, he or she may be making trouble for you.
Peering Into the Peer-to-Peer Lending Boom
For those who can't get bank loans, the new business of peer-to-peer lending can be a lifesaver. Internet companies connect people who need cash with folks willing to lend -- for a fair profit, of course. Here's how it works, risks and all.
Borrowing Trouble at Microlender Prosper.com
Peer-to-peer lending site Prosper.com has stopped letting high-risk borrowers use its site because too many of them failed to repay their loans. The site's problem, says columnist and one-time lender Alex Salkever, is that Prosper got in the way of letting a social bond form between microborrower and microlender.
More Car Loans Go to Borrowers With Bad Credit
If you've been rejected for a car loan due to poor credit, you might want to apply again. The automotive credit industry increased the share of new car loans going to credit-challenged borrowers by 12.7% in the third quarter, a sign that lenders are loosening their credit criteria.
GM's a Day Away From Making Its Own Car Loans Again
General Motors will once again have its own in-house financing unit starting Friday, when the auto giant closes on its $3.5 billion purchase of AmeriCredit. The new unit, to be renamed General Motors Financial, will allow GM to offer consumers more financing and leasing options.
