Credit & Loans

Learn about the components and considerations of personal and financial data that determine your credit score.

This year, find out how to stretch these dollars further to strengthen your future.

For these Americans, there is still a long way to go before the credit card balance reads zero.

Learn how to make your house appealing to the largest number of buyers and increase your chances at a fast sale.

Find out the benefits of fixed- and variable-rate mortgages, and learn which option is best for you.

Learn how to get your bank account back in the black and reach your financial goals.

Find out what you can do to improve your chances of having a quick sale.

Learn how to make filing for bankruptcy less painful so you can successfully rebuild your financial life.

Before you can get serious about buying a home, you need to get pre-approval for a mortgage. Learn what you need to speed up the approval process.

Inflation has doubled in the past 25 years while college tuition has increased by more than 450%. Find out how to fight back.

Tired of credit card offers filling your mail box? Take advantage of these options to reduce the amount of credit card junk mail you receive.

The amount of money you save by paying your mortgage off quickly will far exceed any benefit from the mortgage interest tax deduction.

Most Americans don't really understand their credit scores. Find out what you need to know.

Understanding your partner's situation is an essential step before combining your finances - but the perks can be plentiful.

These may be a handy way to borrow money, but this convenience does not come without risk.

A "for sale" sign won't sell your house. Find out what it takes and whether you can do it all yourself.

After the banking crisis, banks have tightened their lending standards. Find out how the current mortgage-lending standards have changed in the last five years.

When low mortgage rates are everywhere, it might seem like a good time to refinance. Make sure you are doing it for the right reasons.

We'll look at six situations where a prepaid debit card might seem like a good idea, but it really isn't necessary.

In two months, the first batch of 2011 graduates advance into life's next big experience - the real world.

President Obama recently passed the CARD act into law. Find out how these credit reforms will affect the predatory lenders who've been taking advantage of consumers.

Understanding how to manage business credit is the key to obtaining small business loans.

These methods are legal and legitimate - but are they worth it?

Life is unpredictable, but if there's anything you can do to stave off disaster, it's to be prepared and be careful.

Most of these are illegal scams at worst and a waste of time at best. Here are five extreme credit repair techniques we do not recommend.

It's good to find a credit card that fits your lifestyle, but read the fine print to make sure you're not overpaying for the benefits.

These cards have many differences from traditional debit and credit cards that can cost you money if you don't know what to watch out for.

While children and adult offspring often look to their elders for wisdom, not all seniors are the best source for financial advice.

Find out what you can do to polish up some of the common flaws that put off lenders.

Not all insurance companies are out to get you, but you should still learn how to save money when dealing with unscrupulous insurers.

The more you understand about delinquency, the better prepared you'll be to handle it.

Consumer credit card debt rose in December, so it's time to think twice about rekindling your relationship with that piece of plastic.

Canada is changing the rules for issuing mortgages, including length and equity requirements. Learn how these changes will change the real estate market and the economy.

It's not as easy as it once was to save for a down payment, but these tips can help give you a head start.

If the U.S. government were treated like a regular person, how would lenders view it?

Closing a credit card can help improve your credit score by freeing up your available credit or getting out of a high interest rate agreement.

Find out how to split your finances without coming up short.

If you're the unfortunate victim of identity theft, it can be very difficult. Here's a checklist to make it as easy as possible.

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

With new laws, credit card companies are forced to get creative to attract new customers.

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

These structured products contribute to keeping borrowing rates low.

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

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

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.

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

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