Investopedia

Credit & Loans

  1. Reduce Interest With An All-In-One Mortgage

    "Offset" mortgages combine a checking account, home-equity loan and mortgage into one account.
  2. Bounce Back From A Credit Score Disaster

    If the recession has wrecked havoc on your FICO score, these tips will help you rebuild your credit.
  3. Because I missed a few credit card payments, the issuer raised my interest rate from ...

    You should first check that your credit card company is operating within your rights as a card holder. The U.S. Congress and President Obama signed the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility, and Disclosure Act on May 22, 2009. The law is designed to protect an increasing number of people that are ...
  4. Worst Financial Decisions Of 2009

    Given the information they had at the time, these were the worst financial decisions of the year.
  5. Fight Back Against Inflation

    Inflation is often a consequence of economic recovery. Here's how you can protect your financial portfolio.
  6. What's Eating Away Your Money?

    It's the little things that count. This is especially true in the world of finance.
  7. Choose To Beat The Bank

    From internet banking to credit unions, it's in your power to cut fees and maximize service.
  8. Green Mortgages Save Money And The Environment

    This emerging type of loan is not just for treehuggers. It rewards you for eco-friendly housing, in the form of cold, hard, cash.
  9. Is life insurance good for mortgage protection?

    If you are the primary wage earner in your family and you carry a current mortgage on your home, it is important that you consider risk management in the event that something bad were to happen to you. This is especially important if you do not have adequate savings for your family to pay bills and live ...
  10. My mortgage payments are no longer affordable; is there anything that I can do to ...

    The most important thing for you to remember if you find that you may not be able to make this month's mortgage payment is to act immediately. You do not want several months to pass without making a payment or taking some initiative towards working out your debt.First, you should contact your lender ...
  11. Interest-Only Mortgages: Home Free Or Homeless?

    These loans can be beneficial, but for many borrowers, they present a financial trap.
  12. Getting A Loan Without Your Parents

    Use the 5 "W"s to finance your dreams without banking on a second signature.
  13. Underwater Mortgage: Should You Hold Or Fold?

    When your mortgage is more than your house, there are options other than walking away.
  14. Things To Know About The Home Modification Plan

    This program allows FHA borrowers to reduce monthly mortgage payments through negotiation with lenders.
  15. 5 Best Financial Choices For College Students

    Smartest credit cards, checking accounts and more.
  16. Christmas 2009 Vs. 2008: What Can We Expect?

    Outlining last years sales results and economic figures with this years stats and expected sales numbers.
  17. Measuring The Benefits Of Home Ownership

    Price appreciation is the biggest factor, but it's not the only thing to consider.
  18. 5 Costs Of Financial Procrastination

    Though the costs of procrastination are not easy to measure, the effects can be financially devastating.
  19. Home-Equity Loans: The Costs

    Learn the factors to consider when comparing the different programs offered by various lenders.
  20. Do-It-Yourself Projects To Boost Home Value

    These simple projects can add value to your property without taking too much out of your wallet.
  21. Is A Reverse Mortgage Right For You?

    Home equity can be a viable financing alternative, but it depends on how you spend the funds.
  22. Prepaid "Credit" Cards: Convenience At A Cost

    These cards offer convenience and security, but are they worth it?
  23. Is it wise to consolidate credit card debt?

    In most cases, credit card consolidation is a wise decision if you are able to get a lower interest rate with the new company at no or minimal cost to you. A credit card balance of $15,000 with a 19.9% interest rate could cost you as much as $2,985 in interest charges alone in a year if you continue ...
  24. How Credit Cards Built A Plastic Empire

    A decade before Mastercard or Visa existed, the first credit card company was introduced.
  25. What is PMI, and does everyone need to pay it?

    Also known as "Primary Mortgage Insurance," PMI is the lenders (banks) protection in the event that you default on your primary mortgage and no longer make payments and the home ends up going into foreclosure. When applying for a home loan, lenders typically require that a borrower provides a 20% down ...
  26. Your Financial Life: From Stressful To Stress-Free

    Find out how to get the ball rolling on your future financial security. Then sit back and watch things unfold.
  27. 4 Steps To Attaining A Mortgage

    It starts with knowing your choices as well as your price range. We show you how to get there.
  28. 8 Financial Tips For Young Adults

    You don't need an MBA to learn how to save money and invest in your future.
  29. How do I know if I should refinance my mortgage?

    The typical rule of thumb is that if you can reduce your current interest rate by 0.75-1% or higher then it might make sense to consider a refinancing move. First step is to calculate your monthly savings should you do the refinance, for example:Suppose you have a 30-year fixed rate mortgage loan for ...
  30. Would You Walk Away From Your Home?

    It's a tough choice, but some people will be forced to foreclose. Others won't. Find out which factors are likely to make the difference.
  31. Will jointly filing taxes have the effect of joining a couple's credit?

    The only thing that "joins" the credit of a married couple is the ownership of joint accounts. In other words, if there is a credit card, line of credit, mortgage or loan in both names or one party is an authorized user on one of the other person's account, then the credit report agencies include this ...
  32. Run Your Finances Like A Business

    Think of yourself as your own little company. To make it run smoothly, you need to take a look at your books.
  33. Foreclose On High Housing Prices

    Foreclosed homes may be financially appealing, but there are many obstacles to consider before buying.
  34. New Credit Scoring Forgives Small Debt

    FICO 08 means that certain types of old debt won't affect your credit score, but it's not all good news.
  35. Are You Living House-Poor?

    Budgeting your living expenses doesn't have to put you in the poor house. Read on for some tips on efficient money management.
  36. Financial Mistakes That Could Haunt You Forever

    Learn from others and don't fall prey to these financial pitfalls.
  37. Top 6 Scariest Neighborhoods For Homebuyers

    If you're looking for a spooky spot this Halloween, these communities boast the most horrifying foreclosure rates in the country
  38. Score A Cheap Mortgage

    Hidden costs can create what looks like a good deal. Find out how to find the best mortgage possible.
  39. Payday Loans Don't Pay

    Hold too tightly to this rescue line and you'll soon be drowning in debt.
  40. Lending Clubs: Better Than Banks?

    If you need to borrow money and your credit is making it tough, this new option may be just what you're looking for.
  41. Are College Students Passing Recession 101?

    The recession is a wakeup call for students in post-secondary schools.
  42. Conquering The Terms Of Your Mortgage

    Buyers with big down payments should get the best mortgage terms. Unfortunately, the equation isn't that simple.
  43. Bankruptcy Filing Changes That Could Affect You

    When the economy is down, more people file for bankruptcy. Make sure you know about the changes that have been made to this process.
  44. You CAN Afford To Study Abroad

    Before you jump on the plane, understand the rules and regulations in place. Then, enjoy your time studying aborad!
  45. 6 Financial Moves That Sound Good - But Aren't

    Have you weighed the consequences of your choices against their apparent benefits? In many cases, the answer is no.
  46. What Is A Corporate Credit Rating?

    Is the bond you're buying investment grade, or just junk? Find out how check the score.
  47. Retirement Savings Tips For 25- To 34-Year-Olds

    Keep saving when mortgages, marriages and debt demand your attention.
  48. If my spouse passes away, will I have to sell my home to meet creditor obligations?

    There are laws that can protect, to a certain extent, the value of a home from property taxes and creditors following the homeowner's death. A homestead exemption is a legal doctrine preventing the forced sale of a home and protecting the home's value from property taxes and creditors.
  49. Identity Theft: Who To Call For Help

    If your identity is stolen, it's critical to act fast. Find out what to do if it happens.
  50. 6 Steps To Personal Economic Recovery

    Take charge of your finances and make them work for you.
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  5. Is Cyber Monday The New Black Friday?

    Cyber Monday is becoming more popular than Black Friday. Here's why.
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