Here’s something you won’t hear often – or ever: “Student loans are a privilege.” (I Googled it: Six results.) Considering loans make it possible for millions of people to get a college education, they’re something to be thankful for. Yes, college can be ridiculously expensive, loans often don’t cover all the costs and unaffordable debt is a… Read More

There’s a new bill in the Senate aimed at making student loan payments more affordable. Sens. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Mark R. Warner (D-Va.) introduced the Dynamic Student Loan Repayment Act on July 16, which proposes an automatic income-based adjustment to monthly payments for loans exceeding $10,000. The effort follows last month’s unsuccessful attempt by… Read More

At the start of the foreclosure crisis, struggling consumers got into the trend of trashing their houses. People poured paint on the carpet, let their animals defecate indoors and punched holes in the walls as a sort of retaliation for the banks taking their homes away. In Fort Worth, Texas, a recently evicted business left… Read More

It’s amazing Frances Marshall hasn’t disconnected her phone service yet. The North Carolina woman says she has received harassing debt-collection calls incessantly for the past two years, even though she says she has no outstanding debts, reports FOX8 in High Point, N.C. The collectors have threatened her, saying she’ll be subject to prosecution and jail time… Read More

You’ve been warned about the evils of debt, and there is plenty to be wary of. But debt isn’t always bad. “There’s a difference between good debt and bad debt,” says attorney Garrett Sutton, founder of CorporateDirect.com. “Bad debt takes things out of your pocket; good debt puts money in your pocket.” For example, he… Read More

Americans’ satisfaction with their banking services has improved significantly during the past few years, but banks are struggling to meet the needs of young people, minorities and the affluent. Midsize banks are having a particularly difficult time pleasing these consumer groups, according to the J.D. Power 2014 U.S. Retail Banking Satisfaction Study. The disconnect stems from poor… Read More

Tightening your budget doesn’t have to mean cutting out the things you need or even want. Thrift shops, garage or yard sales, online resources, flea markets and pawnshops are great sources of savings. Turning to these options can bring you the most value for your dollar because there are some things that most people simply… Read More

Having excellent credit has never been more important than it is right now. Credit history is used to decide applications for apartment rentals, home mortgages, car loans and new credit cards. It even can be used to set insurance rates and be checked as part of a pre-employment background check. Because it’s so important to… Read More

Getting your vitamin C is going to cost a little more this year. National Geographic reports that the price of Florida citrus is expected to rise nearly 23 percent from what it was last May. You’ll probably pay more for pork, beef, and for other fruits and vegetables, too. With rising prices putting a bigger strain on your grocery… Read More

Home buying can be a whirlwind and, unless you are a lottery winner or heir to a fortune, likely includes taking out a mortgage. Choosing the right mortgage loan for your budget includes assessing your income, lifestyle, credit history and qualifications. But it’s not just a matter of finding an affordable option – it’s also… Read More