Finance Globe

Lower home values are contributing to the student loan crisis as parents can’t get the funding to help their kids through college, according to a report released by the National Association of Home Builders.“The rising student loan debt problem is another consequence of the housing downturn,” said NAHB Chairman Barry Rutenberg. “As more and more parents face tighter budget restraints as a result of lower home values, this is forcing an increasing number of students to...

Of all the types of information that can be stolen, thieves steal credit card numbers the most. According to an Identity Fraud Report from Javelin Strategy & Research, most data breach victims in 2011 had their credit card numbers stolen – 43%. And only 22% of debit card numbers were stolen. Fewer people had their social security numbers compromised – 16% - and only 9% of checking account numbers were compromised. Credit card numbers could be...

Key reports released this week point to the economy losing steam. Consumers are nervous about the economy despite the recent drop in fuel prices. Only 22 percent of people surveyed felt the economy was heading in the right direction in June - the lowest percentage in five months, according a Bloomberg consumer poll.“The steady drip of dreary economic data and deteriorating labor market is reshaping public expectations,” said Bloomberg LP senior economist Joseph Brusuelas in New...

Consumers can now check up on credit card issuers on the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau website and find out what types of complaints have been filed against lenders as well as whether the issues were resolved within a reasonable time frame.CFPB Director Richard Cordray said in a press briefing, “The Consumer Complaint Database is a major milestone for consumers and all those who are interested in knowing more about their day-to-day experiences.” The beta version...

Paying your credit card balance in full each month is the ideal way to use your credit card. You don’t risk getting into debt and you never have to pay interest on the balance (as long as the card has a grace period). However, many of us have fallen into the habit of carrying a credit card balance because it’s easier. Even if you carry a balance, do it the smart way. Avoid carrying a balance...

Picking out the car is the fun part of the car buying process. The loan, on the other hand, isn’t so much fun. You’ll be stuck with the loan for four or five years, so make sure you shop carefully. Just like you don’t want to end up driving a lemon for the next several years, you also don’t want to be saddled with a bad loan at the same time. Check your credit first. Before...

When it comes to credit, thin is not in. In fact, you want a fat credit file full of lots of positive information. What is a “thin” credit file and how do you know whether you have one? More importantly, how can you get a more desirable credit report? The word “thin” is used to describe a credit report that’s either short or that doesn’t have very many accounts or both. If you’ve just recently started...

Debt collectors are known for using intimidation tactics to bully people into paying outstanding debts. Don’t get me wrong – there’s nothing wrong with a creditor or collector pursuing you for a debt that you’ve agreed to pay. However, it’s often the way collectors go about collecting debts that keeps them in trouble with the authorities. No matter how much weight they throw around, you’re not totally powerless against debt collectors. You don’t have to live...

The amount of outstanding student loan debt has surpassed that of credit card debt for the first time in history. Studies predict the amount of student debt could pass $1 trillion this year. Student loan borrowers all over the country are crushed by student loan debt. What makes student loans more burdensome than other types of debt is that it’s nearly impossible to have the debt discharged in bankruptcy. The Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection...

“You can run, but you can’t hide” is never truer than when it comes to money, more specifically to owing money. You can get away with not paying your bills for a little bit, but eventually your creditors, lenders, the IRS, and every other person you owe will all catch up to you. The longer it takes, the worse the consequences can be. Credit card delinquency Credit card debt seems harmless. The creditor doesn’t have the...