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At this time last year, maybe you thought the economy would be a bit more gracious by now. No such luck. But as we reflect on the year that was, here are six financial lessons that 2011 taught us all.
The world of personal finance is a lot like Halloween: Filled with treats if you're good (and clever), but rife with tricks if you're not careful. Here's some advice that will keep your money tree from getting TPed, and help you bring home a pumpkin full of sweet rewards.
How to Boost Your Odds of Getting Approved for a Mortgage
3:30PM 10/11/2011
It doesn't look like the housing market will come roaring back anytime soon, but with historically low interest rates, now's a good time to buy. The hard part is that banks in the post-bubble era are notoriously stingy with that cheap money, so figuring out how to get a smile out of a mortgage lender is task No. 1.
Personal Bankruptcy Filings Fall, But That's Nothing to Cheer About
4:15PM 10/05/2011
In this cloudy economy, we're all constantly hunting through the news and statistics for silver linings. Here's one that looks promising: In the first nine months of 2011, personal bankruptcy filings decreased 10% compared to a year earlier -- but experts say it's nothing to cheer about.
1 in 4 Spouses Is Willing to Cheat ... Financially
2:30PM 10/03/2011
Your sweetheart may be keeping a big secret from you, and it's not that there's some other guy or gal. It's the truth about their money. According to new poll from the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, 24% of respondents wouldn't tell their spouse if they were experiencing financial difficulties.
How Paying the Rent Can Boost Your Credit Score
11:30AM 9/28/2011
In these shaky economic times, your credit score carries more weight than ever, which means building a credit history is vital. Paying bills on time is one thing that buffs up your score, but until now, paying your rent meant nothing. Credit bureau Experian and RentReporters.com are changing that.
Cash-Strapped Americans Can't Break the Overdraft Habit
4:30PM 9/23/2011
Overdraft fees are like a movie monster that just won't die. No amount of public outrage or regulation can slay the beast. But the banks aren't the only ones casting overdrafts in financial sequels: Truth is, consumers keep breathing life into the overdraft dragon.
Credit Card Debt Soars as Americans Borrow Like It's 2006
4:30PM 9/12/2011
Habits are hard to break: Just when you think you're firmly in control, you backslide again. According to CardHub.com, U.S. consumers accumulated a staggering $18.4 billion in credit card debt in the second quarter -- 66% more than they accumulated in the same quarter a year ago.
What's More Important: Saving or Paying Down Debts?
7:00AM 9/03/2011
For many households, it's a personal fiance dilemma: Should they try to pay down debt first, or build up savings? In the aftermath of the Great Recession, opinions have clearly tipped toward the ditch-your-debt side. But that's not always the right answer.
Do You Still Need to Read Your Credit Card Contract's Fine Print?
8:00AM 9/01/2011
JP Morgan Chase, American Express, Bank of America, Citigroup, Wells Fargo & Co, Personal Finance, Credit Cards
It appears that complaints from consumers and regulators about the lack of credit card transparency at banks have not fallen on deaf ears. According to CardHub.com's 2011 Credit Card Application Study, the 10 biggest issuers of plastic have significantly improved transparency this year.
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| Symbol | Last | Change / % | Volume |
|---|
Most Actives
| 8.09 | -0.10 -1.16% | 144.54M | |
| 2.19 | +0.25 +12.63% | 92.86M | |
| 29.64 | -2.35 -7.35% | 23.01M | |
| 18.82 | -0.32 -1.65% | 22.24M |
% Gainers
| 32.67 | +8.77 +36.69% | 11.64M | |
| 89.23 | +12.84 +16.81% | 7.21M | |
| 2.19 | +0.25 +12.63% | 92.86M | |
| 10.56 | +1.16 +12.34% | 2.63M |
% Losers
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