Money Terms to Know: What Is Inflation?
It's Financial Literacy Month, so throughout April we'll be examining key economic concepts that affect your everyday finances. Today's term: net worth.
interest rates
Hidden Trap in Obama's Proposed Student Loan Debt 'Remedy'
As controversy grows around President Obama's latest student loan relief proposal, one fact is becoming clear: Most former students won't get much relief from it.
Which to Do First? Pay Down Debt or Save for a Rainy Day
Millions of Americans have heavy debts and limited savings, so when a rare bit of spare cash appears, they face a conundrum: Should they pay down debt or build up savings?
6 Smart Moves to Boost Your Credit Score
Even if you're not planning on applying for a mortgage or credit card anytime soon, you need a good credit score. Here are some lesser-known strategies to help boost yours.
Drop in Interest Rates Boosts Demand for Home Mortgages
Applications for U.S. home mortgages rebounded last week as interest rates pulled back for the first time in three weeks, fresh data show.
Federal Reserve Maintains Stance on Record-Low Interest Rates
The Federal Reserve said it plans to keep its benchmark rate near zero as long as unemployment exceeds 6.5 percent -- a level expected into 2015.
How Risky Are Your Bonds? Here's How to Tell
Interest rates have to start rising again soon, and while higher rates are generally good for people looking to put new money to work in the bond market, those who already own bonds could take a bath on their supposedly "safe" investments.
Young Adults are Too Broke to Get Loans
Young adults are in less debt than they were a decade ago, but it's not because people under 35 have suddenly become fiscally responsible. It's more likely that their shaky economic status keeps them from qualifying for loans.
Bernanke Signals Continued Fed Support for Low Interest Rates
The Federal Reserve's low interest-rate policies are giving key support to an economy still burdened by high unemployment, Chairman Ben Bernanke told Congress on Tuesday. Bernanke signaled that the Fed's efforts to keep borrowing costs low -- buying treasuries and mortgage bonds -- will continue.
Her Financial Goal: Win at the Refinancing Game
Everyone has things they want to improve about their financial lives -- and we at DailyFinance are no exceptions. So we asked money expert Jean Chatzky for advice on how to reach our goals. Today: An editor who wants to get the best deal on refinancing.
Stock Futures Rise as Fed Chairman Bernanke Heads to The Hill
Futures are rising as Chairman Ben Bernanke heads to Capitol Hill to explain what the Federal Reserve will do to accelerate the economic recovery only days before a series of mandatory budget cuts kick in.
Without Taxpayer Aid, Too Big to Fail Banks Would Only Break Even
Today brings a new milestone in big banks' fall from grace: a Bloomberg editorial alleging that Wall Street's largest financial firms wouldn't be profitable without taxpayer backstops, and calling for an end to the perverse incentives the current arrangement produces.
Suddenly, Bonds are Riskier than Stocks
Bonds have outperformed stocks over the last 30-year period, but things are changing and bonds are no longer the safe haven they once were. In fact, bonds already look overvalued, and if rock-bottom interest rates keep moving higher, bond funds could plunge.
Late-Payment Rate on U.S. Mortgages Hits 4-Year Low
Homeowners who took on mortgages well after the housing bubble burst are doing a better job in keeping up with payments, a trend that has helped push the national rate of late payments on home loans to the lowest level in four years.
Fed Governor Signals Strong New Stance on Economic Bubbles
In the past, the Fed believed it had no business trying to deflate asset bubbles -- even though when they pop, they can wipe an economy out almost overnight. But a speech made by recently appointed Federal Reserve Governor Jeremy Stein suggests that policy may be about to change.