Credit & Loans

Reverse mortgages can be a valuable financial tool, but the mortgage market is fraught with scams and schemes.

University payment plans are a great option for reducing student loan borrowing, but only if you know the details.

These structured products contribute to keeping borrowing rates low.

Federal and state laws offer protection to consumers when credit card charges are in question.

2010 was another tough year for banks. Find out the biggest mistakes these financial giants made in the past year.

If you are part of 13.5 million Americans who are saddled with holiday debt, it's time to enact a plan for paying off your credit cards quickly and efficiently.

Learn when it's a good idea to close a credit card, and how to make sure you do it right.

Don't let these slipups wreck your financial resolutions in 2011.

Financial disagreement is one of the top reasons couples split, and often after one person has ruined the other's finances.

Follow these five steps to manage debt without cutting up your credit cards.

Buying your first home can be an exhilarating experience, provided you do some research, stay within a comfortable budget and work with reputable professionals who will guide you through the process.

Financial disagreement is one of the top reasons couples split, and often after one person has ruined the other's finances.

There are plenty of ways to end up with a bad mortgage. The risks of these five should make every homebuyer think twice before signing.

Instead of rationalizing, learn to talk yourself out of buying things you can't afford.

Find out why good intentions can put consumers in an even bigger hole than before.

Start the year off right by evaluating your financial health and setting new goals.

How will the year compare to 2010? What's likely to be different?

There are plenty of ways to end up with a bad mortgage. The risks of these five should make every homebuyer think twice before signing.

The New Year is the perfect time to clean up your messy financial habits.

Here are some easy steps you can take to get your debt under control in the New Year.

Discussing finances with you partner can save you loads of stress down the road.

Learn about the good, bad and the ugly behind store credit cards.

Consolidating your student loans offers convenience, but there are drawbacks.

We look at how the average person pays for every day expenses, gifts and bills. Are you an average consumer?

Everyone wants a great credit score, but few know exactly how to achieve perfection. Find out how your credit score is kept and what it takes to reach a perfect 850 rating.

Find out the meaning of this popular asset-backed security and its benefits for banks and investors.

Find out how your holiday spending habits compare to average consumers.

'Tis the season to purchase new wheels, and these tips will help you drive away with the best price.

If you're considering one of these careers, this article is designed to help you make a logical choice between the two.

And extra $500 may not seem like a lot around the holidays, but what else could that money be going towards, that would help you in the future?

Love it or hate it, there are some things in life that get to be very tricky when you don’t have plastic in your wallet.

Follow these simple steps to get you ready for April 15.

The mortgage crisis can still be felt all over the economy - and it is leading to some nasty side effects that will linger for some time.

The tier system of credit scores leaves borrowers with little wiggle room.

Find out how the fall of mortgage-backed securities has changed the financial landscape.

It may not seem to be the case, but there are several reasons to be thankful this year, both economically and financially.

There is no shortage of foreclosure properties. Find out how you can buy one for yourself.

It's possible to use a second mortgage to avoid this fee, but is it in your best interest?

The traditional real estate market isn't the only place to conduct your home search. Auctions also bring many buying opportunities.

We explain how a strategic default works, what its implications are and whether there are any good alternatives.

According to recent news reports, robots are taking over U.S. banks. Here, we separate fact from hype.

Microfinancing allows people in poverty to safely take on reasonable small business loans in an ethical manner.

Don't let these concerns stop you from owning your own home. Learn how to overcome common home-buying fears and feel confident in signing your mortgage.

Your banker is not your friend, and the more you know about their motives, the better you can protect your money.

These service charges could nickel and dime you right out of your nest egg.

The rise and fall of the stock market makes many investors unsure of when to sell their shares. Learn the key factors to consider before liquidating your portfolio.

This week in financial history, Wall Street suffers some disastrous days.