In the Student Loan Battle, Neither Plan's a Win for Borrowers
As President Obama takes aim at Congress' student loan proposal, it becomes clear that neither side is offering a flawless plan.
loans
Finding the Best Deal on New Wheels this Memorial Day Weekend
New car sales abound this Memorial Day weekend. Here's how to be a savvy shopper and land the best deal.
Used Cars Get More Affordable as New Car Sales Pick Up
With new car sales revving up, consumers are trading in old cars, resulting in lower prices for used cars.
To Co-Sign or Not to Co-Sign? That Is the Question
If you're in a shaky financial state, having someone willing to co-sign for a loan can be a lifesaver. But for the co-signer, it's not about altruism; it's a question of risk.
Student Loan Debt Isn't Just a Horror. Now It's a Horror Movie
A horror movie takes aim at the most terrifying thing in the world ... student loan debt!
Consumers Cut Back Credit Card Use in March
Americans cut back on using their credit cards in March, suggesting many were reluctant to take on high-interest debt to make purchases.
Public vs. Private Student Loans: Why the Differences Matter
College acceptance season is here, which also means it's time to think about how to pay for it. Student loans are practically a must, but there are big differences among them.
GE Halts Financing to Gun Shops Following Sandy Hook
General Electric discovered it was financing a small number of firearm purchases in the wake of the Newtown, Conn., school shootings and has moved to stop future loans.
JPMorgan Chase Plans to Limit Payday Lenders' Fees
The nation's second-largest bank says it will take steps to protect its customers from fees and other charges that payday lenders may slap on them.
US Consumers Upped Their Borrowing in March
U.S. consumers swiped their credit cards more often in March and took out more loans to attend school, driving overall borrowing up by the most in more than a decade. Total consumer borrowing rose $21.4 billion in March, the Federal Reserve said Monday. That's the seventh straight monthly increase and the largest since November 2001.
How to Raise Your Odds of Getting a Mortgage
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.
Refinancing Tips: How to Snag Today's Low Rates
With the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage down to 4.09%, -- another record low -- it's a great time to refinance. But before you go running off to your lender to catch the best rates since 1951, avoid making these major mistakes that can cost you dearly.
Young Real Estate Investor Seeks Best Use for Cash
Andy Buman has been financially responsible, and invested wisely in two rental properties and a home of his own in the Omaha, Neb., area. His small real estate empire is doing well, and he has saved an extra $20,000. His question for DailyFinance's Laura Rowley: Which loan should he apply it to for the best return?
The Trouble with Online Payday Loans
If you're strapped for cash and need money quickly, an online payday loan can be tempting. But these high-interest loans can lead to financial trouble. Here are some tips on selecting a provider, as well as some alternatives to payday loans.
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.
Denied Credit? New Fed Rule May Interest You
Have you ever been turned down for a loan? Had your credit line slashed or interest rate bumped up? Well, starting Thursday, banks and other lenders will be required tell you a bit more about why. The FTC and the Fed are implementing a new rule requiring lenders to show consumers the credit score data they used to make their decision.
Six Financial Myths Your Father May Have Taught You
You love your dad, but you don't have to buy everything he taught you about money. DailyFinance celebrates Father's Day by debunking six financial myths he might have held held true. He still deserves the socks and the cologne. Just don't necessarily trust him with your portfolio.
Borrowing From Retirement Plans Hits New Highs
Like a tree laden with ripe summer fruit, plump 401(k) accounts can appear as tempting sources for an easy loan, especially when other financial resources have dried up. And more people than ever have been plucking from that tree. It's not always the wrong move, but here's why it should be a last resort.
Rising Expenses Cut Into Wells Fargo's Outlook
Wells Fargo's stock dropped by about 5% after it announced its earnings last month, due to lower than expected home mortgage originations. While rising interest rates could be one factor, non-interest expenses jumped from a year ago. Will those expenses lower the target price for the stock?
Is Your Financial Situation Grave? Try Zombie Economics
If you've ever felt like your debts were going to eat you alive, the authors of Zombie Economics have some advice for you: Battle for your financial survival with the same methods you'd use to fight off an approaching horde of the shuffling, brain-chomping undead.
How to Lend Money to Friends Without Losing Both
Lending money to friends and family ranks among the most pernicious of relationship stressors. It's not just the cash -- it's the emotions we all carry about it. But with a little planning, you can help someone out of a financial bind without putting your friendship in the red.
The Mortgage Mess Settlement Proposal: Off to an Awful Start
A partial settlement plan has been constructed by a group of state attorneys general and federal regulators. In theory, it addresses banks' flawed mortgage servicing, modification and foreclosure practices. In reality, it just lets the banks off the hook.
Career Risk-Taking Hits a New Low, Thanks to the Still-Weak Economy
Whether it was a fresh startup or a fresh start, fewer Americans seemed willing to take career risks last year, according to a new report by Challenger, Gray & Christmas. The percentage of job-seekers starting their own businesses or relocating for new positions fell to historic lows in 2010.
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.
Home Prices Fall to Pre-Bubble Levels
The drop in home values caused by the mortgage crisis has resulted in one positive outcome: Prices have fallen so far that home affordability is back to pre-housing-boom levels, reports Moody's Analytics. But a quarter of households with a mortgage are underwater on their loan.