The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is pumping up its budget for 2013, in part because it will start regulating large debt collectors and credit reporting companies, two sectors of that have heretofore had little federal oversight.
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.
Although credit card delinquency rates still hover near record lows, more consumers are starting to fall behind on their payments. The rate rose 0.71% in the third quarter, the first time it has moved up since 2009.
U.S. credit card debt shrank 5% in the second quarter from a year ago, approaching 10-year lows. It's not just due to banks, which have written off uncollectible debts. Learn how consumers are taking control of their finances and how you can too.
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.
You should always know what's in your credit report -- especially if you're planning any major purchases or intend to apply for a new job in the near future. But creditors and credit agencies aren't the only ones who can contribute to your report. You can have your say, too.
In the past year, millions of Americans have significantly cut their use of credit cards in an effort to take control of their financial lives. But some people are taking an even more radical step -- going cold turkey on plastic and paying for everything with good ol' cash.
A smaller percentage of mortgage holders were delinquent on their payments in the third quarter than in the second quarter, although the percentage of delinquencies remains up from the same period last year.
