10 Signs You're Heading for a Money Meltdown
We all want to avoid facing hard financial truths sometimes, but ignore these 10 warning signs of an impending money disaster at your own peril.
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Role Reversal: Ratings Agencies to Face Review from the E.U.
The European Securities and Markets Authority has begun reviewing how Standard & Poor's, Fitch, and Moody's Investors Service evaluate banks, and if the big three ratings agencies aren't shaking in their boots, maybe they should be.
Need a Loan? Ask a Stranger: The Power of Peer-to-Peer Lending
America's big banks are still deeply hesitant to lend money to most ordinary folks. But in the year's since the financial crisis knocked the legs out from under us, an alternative borrowing option has been gaining ground: peer-to-peer lending.
Do You Really Need a Credit Card?
Business Insider tapped two of their favorite credit experts, Bethy Hardeman of CreditKarma.com and John Ulzheimer of SmartCredit.com, to weigh in on the pros and cons of carrying plastic.
Get Ready, America: The Debt Ceiling Debate Is Back
The U.S. is again closing in on its debt limit, and if a recent statement by Republican Speaker of the House John Boehner is any indication, another fight with the Obama administration over the issue is ahead. Here's a preview of what we might expect.
Greek Default Sets Record: No Problem, Says Bernanke!
On Friday, Greece reached a deal to "restructure" its national debt downward by about $133 billion. That's the biggest sovereign restructuring in world history. But don't worry. According to Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke, it's no big deal for the U.S.
Dow Rises Despite Europe's Woes
On Friday, it looked like this week would be ugly. Standard & Poor's had just downgraded the credit ratings of France and several other E.U. countries, the latest domino to fall in Europe's slow-motion economic train wreck. But at least in the U.S., the stock market has shrugged off that news.
New Face of Foreclosure: Strategic Defaults
Attitudes toward mortgage default are shifting in America. People who've never missed a payment on anything in their lives are walking away from underwater homes, even when they can afford their monthly payments, because staying doesn't make financial sense. But how good a business decision is a strategic default?
Will U.S. Downgrade Bring On a Bear Market?
Standard & Poor's downgraded the U.S. debt rating for the first time on Friday. Coming on top of concerns of a second recession, the move has investors worried that we're headed into a bear market for stocks. Here's what that would look like.
Five Reasons You Shouldn't Cut Up Your Credit Cards
Recently, Wall Street Journal columnist Brett Arends wrote about how he's giving up credit cards and going all cash. He cited some compelling advantages to dumping his plastic, but it may not be right for you. Here are five things you give up by switching to an all-cash lifestyle:
The Financial Landscape: Moody's Mulls Debt Ceiling
Looks like rough sailing ahead: Moody's warned the GOP that its game of chicken with the debt ceiling risked a downgrade of U.S. debt. But there are some things that investors can look forward to.
Eight Money Lessons for New College Grads
Members of the Class of 2011, you're about to be tossed head first into the real world, and -- surprise -- you probably need a little more education about how to handle your personal finances. Here's a Cliffs Notes crash course in Money 101.
This 'Fear Trade' Could Bring You 87% Gains
Fear is in the air on Wall Street. Unemployment is high, housing sales are sluggish and the dollar is weak. Now, to add insult to injury, Standard & Poor's has lowered its U.S. debt outlook to negative, putting the nation's AAA credit rating at risk. Fortunately, smart traders can benefit from these worries.
S&P Downgrades Ireland's Debt to A-
Standard & Poor's downgraded Ireland's debt rating by one notch on Wednesday due to concerns over possible increased capital requirements by the country's banks.