credit cards

You've sent for your credit report and paid extra for your credit score. Now what? You probably sent for it because you want to know one thing: How good (or bad) is your credit? But instead of a straight answer for your trouble, your report consists of a list of current and past debts plus a number. And what that number means can vary widely. "Every company sets its own Read more...

Consumers have plenty to worry about during a challenging economy, and making a wrong move in personal finances could make a bad situation worse. Obtaining cash through credit cards, retirement plans and home equity could end up being a costly quick fix. And complacency over personal investments and looming college costs could lead to missed opportunities for keeping hard-earned Read more...

The terrible performance in the stock market recently has some very smart people thinking about violating some of the basic rules of investing. Here’s a question I got recently that makes the point. “Paul, with all due respect, although in most instances I would agree with you that it makes sense to eliminate credit card debt, paying it off at any cost and in all circumstances does not Read more...

The government takeover of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac is designed to put downward pressure on mortgage rates and to ensure that home loans remain available. Those goals are made crystal clear in the statements made by public officials. The primary mission of the two mortgage giants "now will be to proactively work to increase the availability of mortgage finance," says James Read more...

If you're getting married and are thinking about going into debt to pay for your wedding, you should think again. You'll be married (one hopes) for a lot longer if you don't finance your wedding than if you do. The No. 1 cause of marital stress and divorce is, you guessed it, fighting over money! And why would you want to be paying off a one-day event years after the fact instead of having fun? Read more...

They are just starting to trickle in, those holiday bills. It turns out you not only took in too many calories, you also dug into your wallet too many times. If only those holiday pounds came off as quickly as the cash flies out of your account. If gaining control of your finances was a New Year's resolution, you are not alone. "One of the most important things to do is sit down and get a Read more...