The next Great Depression? You've probably heard the media comparisons between the current economic crisis and the 1929 stock market crash that preceded the Great Depression, but is there really any reason for the scare tactics? Well yes, we have recently experienced a number of similarities with the series of events that led up to the worst financial crisis in history, but there are also some very important differences. Due to the many complex issues that...
Think things through before you panic out of the market at a loss.These days, the market's been taking investors on a pretty scary ride. Many of us watch helplessly as the value of our investments fall, recover a little, and then drop some more. Times like these can really test those nerves and bring doubt to any one's well thought-out investment strategy. And though many of us probably wish we had the insight to cash out...
Are you a homeowner who fears that you won't be able to keep up with your ARM payments once they reset? Or are you already struggling with your mortgage payments? The HOPE for Homeowners Program may be able to help you refinance into an affordable FHA loan so you can avoid foreclosure and keep your home.The HOPE for Homeowners Program, also known as H4H, launched on October 1, 2008 and will be available through September 30,...
Start saving regularly for short-term needs.It's just a fact of life that some months will be more expensive than others - you can't predict emergency medical expenses, last-minute travel plans, or an unexpected car repair. Work on building an emergency savings to cover those kinds of additional expenses. Financial experts often recommend an emergency savings funds of three to six months' living expenses for working adults, but it really depends on the individual's circumstances. Students who...
It seems like the current economic difficulties have many people working harder to earn extra money - and that includes thieves and scam artists.The Federal Trade Commission, the nation's consumer protection agency against fraud, issued an alert on Thursday about a scam where fraudsters attempt to trick people out of their money by calling people on the phone and telling them they've won a lottery.The scam artists claim to be from the FTC, and even use...
Stopping to fill up the tank isn't as painful as it has been in the past year; regular unleaded is now $2.80 a gallon here in my town, right at about the price it was in September 2007. This is a big change from the record-high prices in mid-July, when regular unleaded cost well over $4 a gallon in many areas in the U.S. The lower gas prices reflect the sudden drop in the price of...
Cold winter weather brings up every one's energy bill, and effective weatherization can ensure efficient heating and lower energy bills. But those who are on a tight budget and hit the hardest by winter's higher energy costs often can't afford to put the extra money into making their home more energy-efficient. If you or a loved one survives on limited income and lives in a home with poor insulation, leaky windows, or outdated heating, you should...
The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act (EESA) of 2008 temporarily increases the federal insurance of savings deposits from $100,000 to $250,000. The increased insurance limits apply to banks insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and to credit unions insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) until December 31, 2009. The increased insurance limits can be an important consideration for older citizens who have amassed a small fortune over their lifetime and are looking for...
The Federal Trade Commission has recently put out a warning that scammers have been using the wave of recent bank failures as an opportunity to con unsuspecting people out of their private information. Financial institutions are falling in these difficult economic times, and the bank you've done business with all your life may have a new name by Wednesday. Consumers may be confused about who they'll be doing business with next, and these ruthless scammers have...
Taking a few simple steps in getting your home ready for winter can amount to saving big bucks on your heating bill. And this is the perfect time of year to do it, before the weather gets really cold and catches you off guard. Save on heating your home.Adjust your thermostat to no more than 68 degrees Fahrenheit for maximum energy-efficiency. If you've been keeping it set much higher and feel uncomfortable with such a big...
