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| News Archive Advice | Auto loans | Banking and the economy | Beating Bankruptcy Blog | Book review | Checking and ATMs | College financing | Credit cards | Credit Cards Adviser | Credit management | Credit repair | Credit reports and credit scores | Credit unions | Debt consolidation | Exclusive: 2008 CD study | Exclusive: 2008 Credit Card Study | Exclusive: 2009 CD study | Fame & Fortune | Frugal U | Home equity | Home improvement | Insurance | Investing | Money markets | Mortgage Matters Blog | Mortgages | Online banking | Personal finance | Plastic Rap Blog | Rate Trend Index | Real estate | Retirement Channel | Savings | Small business | Special reports | Taxes | Your Wealth Blog | | |||
| Advice | |||
| 'Official' owner wants cash for a clunker -- This owner may be out of the money. You must be the car's owner for a least a year to get the cash. Story | |||
| Home equity can be used to buy car -- Home equity products can be used to fund a car purchase. But there are risks for the homeowner. Story | |||
| Watch for 'cash for clunkers' scams -- Don't give out personal data to a middleman, and make sure a dealer isn't sneaking in unwanted fees. Story | |||
| -- More Advice news Back to top | |||
| Auto loans | |||
| Winner or loser: Auto loans -- Rate changes by the Fed can affect consumers' budgets. Here's how the Fed's announcement affects auto loan rates. Story | |||
| Winner or loser: Credit cards -- Rate changes by the Fed can affect consumers' budgets. Here's how the Fed's announcement affects credit card interest rates. Story | |||
| Winner or loser: Home equity loans -- Rate changes by the Fed can affect consumers' budgets. Here's how the Fed's announcement affects home equity loans and lines of credit. Story | |||
| -- More Auto loans news Back to top | |||
| Banking and the economy | |||
| Winners and losers: Certificates of deposit -- Rate changes by the Fed can affect consumers' budgets. Here's how the Fed's announcement affects CD investors. Story | |||
| Winner or loser: Auto loans -- Rate changes by the Fed can affect consumers' budgets. Here's how the Fed's announcement affects auto loan rates. Story | |||
| Winner or loser: Mortgage shopper -- Rate changes by the Fed can affect consumers' budgets. Here's how the Fed's announcement affects mortgage shoppers and ARM holders. Story | |||
| -- More Banking and the economy news Back to top | |||
| Beating Bankruptcy Blog | |||
| Consumer bankruptcy filings surge in 2007 -- The number of Americans filing for bankruptcy is on the rise, and is unlikely to stop soon. Story | |||
| Is reducing your debt taking a backseat to reducing your weight? -- Miss a payment? You're not alone. Try these tips for the future. Story | |||
| Your debt resolutions -- Welcome to a new year when you will finally reduce your money troubles and handle that debt. Story | |||
| -- More Beating Bankruptcy Blog news Back to top | |||
| Book review | |||
| Are you spending smart? -- Bankrate reviews the book "Living Rich by Spending Smart," that examines how everyday spending choices can sink your budget. Story | |||
| Surviving mob mentality in finance -- Bankrate reviews the book "Mobs, Messiahs, and Markets," by William Bonner and Lila Rajiva, which examines what the authors allege is the mass hysteria that overcomes investors in the stock market. Story | |||
| Could you retire in a weekend? -- In the book "Retire in a Weekend," by Bill Losey, baby boomers are encouraged to make work optional by following their passion. Story | |||
| -- More Book review news Back to top | |||
| Checking and ATMs | |||
| Does the FDIC have enough money? -- With more bank failures rumored, the FDIC may be paying billions of dollars to consumers. How will it handle the crises? Story | |||
| Best ways to get cash outside the U.S. -- Traveling abroad? Find the most cost-effective way to get cash before you go. Story | |||
| Banks can make 'reasonable' ID requests -- Banks have the right to make "reasonable" requests when trying to verify someone's identification. Story | |||
| -- More Checking and ATMs news Back to top | |||
| College financing | |||
| Combine 529 plan with other credits -- Taking two or more tax benefits means splitting college expenses between them, but don't double dip. Story | |||
| College consultants match teen with school -- The college search can go more smoothly with help from a consultant but is it worth the cost? Story | |||
| College saving options: Roth IRA vs. 529 -- Each choice has its pros and cons. Find out which one is right for your college education. Story | |||
| -- More College financing news Back to top | |||
| Credit cards | |||
| Winner or loser: Auto loans -- Rate changes by the Fed can affect consumers' budgets. Here's how the Fed's announcement affects auto loan rates. Story | |||
| Winner or loser: Credit cards -- Rate changes by the Fed can affect consumers' budgets. Here's how the Fed's announcement affects credit card interest rates. Story | |||
| Winner or loser: Home equity loans -- Rate changes by the Fed can affect consumers' budgets. Here's how the Fed's announcement affects home equity loans and lines of credit. Story | |||
| -- More Credit cards news Back to top | |||
| Credit Cards Adviser | |||
| Fixed-rate cards going away? -- Credit card issuers have been converting fixed-rate cards to variable. Why is this happening? Story | |||
| How is debt settlement reported? -- Settling a debt for less than the full amount will scar your credit report. Story | |||
| How does zero card balance impact score? -- A tiny reported balance on your credit card may help your credit score. Story | |||
| -- More Credit Cards Adviser news Back to top | |||
| Credit management | |||
| Pay credit card bill early and save -- Cardholders who carry a balance lose money every time they make a payment near the due date. Story | |||
| The dangers of debt consolidation -- Before you bundle your bills, check out the pros and cons of these consolidation options. Story | |||
| Select credit counselor carefully -- Credit counseling is just one option for dealing with debt. Do your homework before choosing this route. Story | |||
| -- More Credit management news Back to top | |||
| Credit repair | |||
| How to spend extra money smartly -- Pay down credit cards, but also set a budget and save some cash in an emergency fund for hard times. Story | |||
| Refi second mortgage to pay off card debt -- Paying off your credit card is only half the task. Don't start the cycle over by creating new debt. Story | |||
| Bad credit can hurt job prospects -- If you default on a loan after losing a job, it could become harder finding a new one. Here's why. Story | |||
| -- More Credit repair news Back to top | |||
| Credit reports and credit scores | |||
| How to spend extra money smartly -- Pay down credit cards, but also set a budget and save some cash in an emergency fund for hard times. Story | |||
| Refi second mortgage to pay off card debt -- Paying off your credit card is only half the task. Don't start the cycle over by creating new debt. Story | |||
| Bad credit can hurt job prospects -- If you default on a loan after losing a job, it could become harder finding a new one. Here's why. Story | |||
| -- More Credit reports and credit scores news Back to top | |||
| Credit unions | |||
| Ignoring bank cutoff can be costly -- Bank cutoff times determine when a transaction is official, so know your institution's rules. Story | |||
| Credit unions help young adults save -- Credit unions can be a great choice for savers with little money and a thin credit history. Story | |||
| Video: Credit union branches expanding -- New credit union networks making joining one more convenient. Story | |||
| -- More Credit unions news Back to top | |||
| Debt consolidation | |||
| The dangers of debt consolidation -- Before you bundle your bills, check out the pros and cons of these consolidation options. Story | |||
| 15 signs you need debt-reduction help -- These 15 signals let you know you're drowning in debt and it's time to call in a financial fitness expert Story | |||
| Defend yourself against debt collectors -- Even if you owe a company money, you have rights -- and it pays to know what they are. Story | |||
| -- More Debt consolidation news Back to top | |||
| Exclusive: 2008 CD study | |||
| Detailed results of the 2008 CD study -- Check out the results of a survey of 10 banks that offer CDs online and through their branches. Story | |||
| Exclusive: 2008 CD study -- Can you get a better yield on a CD online or through a traditional bank? It depends on what you're looking for. Story | |||
| -- More Exclusive: 2008 CD study news Back to top | |||
| Exclusive: 2008 Credit Card Study | |||
| June 15 filing deadline for some -- Don't panic. This month's IRS due date only affects folks who must pay estimated taxes. But if you are required to submit a 1040ES, don't miss your payment or it could cost you more later. Story | |||
| No company can erase bad debt -- Be careful of false claims. A credit repair firm can only advise you on ways to improve your credit. Story | |||
| Managing the stress of debt -- While grappling to pay your bills, you may find the darkest side of debt is the mounting stress. Story | |||
| -- More Exclusive: 2008 Credit Card Study news Back to top | |||
| Exclusive: 2009 CD study | |||
| No records for this selection | |||
| -- More Exclusive: 2009 CD study news Back to top | |||
| Fame & Fortune | |||
| Fame & Fortune: Monica Seles -- After facing depression and eating disorders, the tennis great wrote a book about how she beat both. Story | |||
| Fame & Fortune: Milla Jovovich -- The stunning actress made millions as a supermodel before gaining fame in "The Fifth Element." Story | |||
| Fame & Fortune: Martina McBride -- A fixture on country music's top 10, she multi-tasks to keep family and career on track. Story | |||
| -- More Fame & Fortune news Back to top | |||
| Frugal U | |||
| Want a vacation? Deals are everywhere -- The recession has produced phenomenal travel opportunities. Here's how to find them. Story | |||
| Credit card rewards help foil recession -- Choosing the right credit card rewards program can help a smart borrower get through the recession. Story | |||
| Home, condo rentals trim vacation costs -- Renting a home or condominium can make your next vacation less expensive and more luxurious. Story | |||
| -- More Frugal U news Back to top | |||
| Home equity | |||
| Home equity can be used to buy car -- Home equity products can be used to fund a car purchase. But there are risks for the homeowner. Story | |||
| Interest Rate Roundup -- Here are the latest interest rates and commentary on five common consumer banking products from Bankrate.com's weekly national survey of large banks and thrifts. Story | |||
| Interest Rate Roundup -- Here are the latest interest rates and commentary on five common consumer banking products from Bankrate.com's weekly national survey of large banks and thrifts. Story | |||
| -- More Home equity news Back to top | |||
| Home improvement | |||
| Utility firms help some pay bill -- Some needy customers stay cool in summer with financial assistance from Sun Belt utility firms. Story | |||
| Video: DIY or hire a pro? -- DIY saves money, but sometimes the job is more than you can handle. Here's how to tell when you need help. Story | |||
| Do math before remodeling -- The best source for home remodeling funds? It depends on the math and your repayment time frame. Story | |||
| -- More Home improvement news Back to top | |||
| Insurance | |||
| Don't kill your life insurance policy -- Certain factors can invalidate a life insurance policy. Protect your heirs by taking these steps. Story | |||
| Shopping for a health insurance plan -- Getting the right health insurance policy can make a big difference to your financial health. Story | |||
| A mini-primer on permanent life insurance -- Permanent insurance is more far complicated and expensive than term. Here's a rundown on the different types. Story | |||
| -- More Insurance news Back to top | |||
| Investing | |||
| Does the FDIC have enough money? -- With more bank failures rumored, the FDIC may be paying billions of dollars to consumers. How will it handle the crises? Story | |||
| 10-year Treasury-buyer beware -- Yields on Treasuries may look good now, but weigh the risks before you make the investment. Story | |||
| Fame & Fortune: Monica Seles -- After facing depression and eating disorders, the tennis great wrote a book about how she beat both. Story | |||
| -- More Investing news Back to top | |||
| Money markets | |||
| FDIC: Safety net for your savings -- Our special report explains how the FDIC protects deposits and what you need to know to keep your investments secure. Story | |||
| No-penalty CDs: Good deal or not? -- If you want the safe haven of a CD and access to your money, make sure to shop for the best yields. Story | |||
| Despite penalty, CD rivals money market -- Despite early withdrawal penalties, CDs can top money market accounts as a place to park short-term cash. Story | |||
| -- More Money markets news Back to top | |||
| Mortgage Matters Blog | |||
| Mortgage mods for profit -- Mortgage rates have held fairly steady since the middle of last week. Story | |||
| A successful MHA refi -- A note, sent yesterday, from a reader named Matthew. Story | |||
| Wrong-headed regulators -- I have an article up today -- "Want to refinance? Know the details" -- in which I describe the Home Affordable Refinance program as confusing. Story | |||
| -- More Mortgage Matters Blog news Back to top | |||
| Mortgages | |||
| Winner or loser: Auto loans -- Rate changes by the Fed can affect consumers' budgets. Here's how the Fed's announcement affects auto loan rates. Story | |||
| Winner or loser: Mortgage shopper -- Rate changes by the Fed can affect consumers' budgets. Here's how the Fed's announcement affects mortgage shoppers and ARM holders. Story | |||
| Winner or loser: Home equity loans -- Rate changes by the Fed can affect consumers' budgets. Here's how the Fed's announcement affects home equity loans and lines of credit. Story | |||
| -- More Mortgages news Back to top | |||
| Online banking | |||
| 4 benefits to desktop money management -- Online applications are becoming popular, but here's why you should stick with a desktop program. Story | |||
| Is mobile banking safe? -- Banking by cell phone is gaining popularity. Here's what you need to know to be secure. Story | |||
| Phishing e-mails get more sophisticated -- While the actual volume of phishing attacks has gone down, the number of unique phishing attacks has gone up. Story | |||
| -- More Online banking news Back to top | |||
| Personal finance | |||
| 8 ways to find and keep a temporary job -- In tough times, the path to a permanent job might be through temping. These tips can make it happen. Story | |||
| 5 low-tech ways to manage cash -- Here are tried-and-true ways to budget that require little more than diligence and a pencil. Story | |||
| 'Sage of Aquarius' sees epic bear loss -- Humor columnist Jay MacDonald talks to an astrologer and financial adviser who sees trouble ahead. Story | |||
| -- More Personal finance news Back to top | |||
| Plastic Rap Blog | |||
| All bureaus offer FICO 08 -- FICO, the Minneapolis company that created the popular credit score, announced on Wednesday that the latest version of its scoring model, dubbed FICO 08, will be available at the three largest credit reporting agencies by the end of July. Story | |||
| Got your rate lowered? -- Last week in all of the Bankrate newsletters, we asked readers to tell us if they had tried to negotiate APRs or fees with a credit card issuer. Story | |||
| Chase raises fees and minimum payment due -- With the change, Chase will have the highest fees of any major credit card company. Story | |||
| -- More Plastic Rap Blog news Back to top | |||
| Rate Trend Index | |||
| Rate Trend Index -- Mortgages -- Each week, Bankrate.com surveys experts to gauge which way interest rates are headed on mortgages -- a vital tool if you're about to buy a home. Story | |||
| Rate Trend Index -- Mortgages -- Each week, Bankrate.com surveys experts to gauge which way interest rates are headed on mortgages -- a vital tool if you're about to buy a home. Story | |||
| Rate Trend Index -- Mortgages -- Each week, Bankrate.com surveys experts to gauge which way interest rates are headed on mortgages -- a vital tool if you're about to buy a home. Story | |||
| -- More Rate Trend Index news Back to top | |||
| Real estate | |||
| Forged signature puts kibosh on home sale -- If an agent signs your name to a sales contract, it voids the deal but could also land you in court. Story | |||
| Will mortgage assumption solve crisis? -- Having someone take over your existing mortgage is fraught with potential problems. Story | |||
| New appraisal code causes chaos -- Home sales and refinances are taking longer and are more expensive as a result of the new rules. Story | |||
| -- More Real estate news Back to top | |||
| Retirement Channel | |||
| IRA penalty has multiple exceptions -- The IRS makes it clear that taxpayers can withdraw IRA money early for more than one purpose. Story | |||
| Best times to shop for bargains -- Instead of trawling stores all the time, shop at the right time to get the best deals Story | |||
| Remarriage saps Social Security benefit -- Remarriage will affect an ex-wife's ability to claim spousal Social Security benefits. Story | |||
| -- More Retirement Channel news Back to top | |||
| Savings | |||
| Winner or loser: Auto loans -- Rate changes by the Fed can affect consumers' budgets. Here's how the Fed's announcement affects auto loan rates. Story | |||
| Winners and losers: Certificates of deposit -- Rate changes by the Fed can affect consumers' budgets. Here's how the Fed's announcement affects CD investors. Story | |||
| Winner or loser: Mortgage shopper -- Rate changes by the Fed can affect consumers' budgets. Here's how the Fed's announcement affects mortgage shoppers and ARM holders. Story | |||
| -- More Savings news Back to top | |||
| Small business | |||
| 5 small-biz expenses to cut, and 5 to keep -- When it comes time to cut business expenses, which ones are expendable, and which do you keep? Story | |||
| Small-biz owners save rent by moving home -- You can save big by moving your office home, but make sure you take into account the drawbacks. Story | |||
| Small business ROBS may hurt retirement -- Using a ROBS to fund a small business can create tax problems and put your retirement at risk. Story | |||
| -- More Small business news Back to top | |||
| Special reports | |||
| 6 tips for savvy holiday shipping -- Here's how to determine what shipping options will get your gifts to their destination safely, on time and without busting your budget. Story | |||
| 7 best holiday budget busters -- Retailers are pulling out all the stops to get you to overspend this holiday season. Here are seven surefire ways to make it easy for them. Story | |||
| Understanding credit scores -- Understanding the factors that go into your credit score will help you manage it. Story | |||
| -- More Special reports news Back to top | |||
| Taxes | |||
| When a HELOC is used for a business -- A couple wonders if interest on a HELOC is tax-deductible if the loan is used for an LLC. Story | |||
| Deducting moving expenses -- Job-related moving expenses are deductible on your tax return if you meet certain IRS tests. Story | |||
| Healthcare reform & taxes -- The best reality show right now is playing out on Capitol Hill as congress works on health care reform. Story | |||
| -- More Taxes news Back to top | |||
| Your Wealth Blog | |||
| Philanthropy at risk -- Charitable contributions are down, and it's the first decline in giving in more than 20 years, and only the second drop in 50 years. Story | |||
| Wealth gone bad -- Ill-gotten wealth builds a prison even for those who have not been found guilty. Story | |||
| Estates, encrypted -- What happens if you die and your computer passwords, and all your financial information, go to your grave with you? Story | |||
| -- More Your Wealth Blog news Back to top | |||
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