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Credit & Loans
Getting into and out of debt with the least risk and cost. Identify fraud.
CREDIT & LOANS
If you’re paying the interest on the interest, you will rapidly get into trouble with debt.
CREDIT & LOANS
If you’re paying the interest on the interest, you will rapidly get into trouble with debt.
CREDIT & LOANS
Many of the dirty tricks played on credit card users aren’t mistakes at all--in fact, they’re quite deliberate.
CREDIT & LOANS
Consumers can now get a glimpse of the three-digit number that often determines whether they can get a car loan, a home mortgage or even a job.
CREDIT & LOANS
Reviewing--and, if necessary, fixing--credit files should be an annual ritual.
CREDIT & LOANS
A Checklist.
CREDIT & LOANS
If you’re planning to apply for credit or a loan, or hoping to improve your overall credit rating, consider the following steps. Credit scorers won’t reveal exactly what goes into their formulas, but say these actions can generally boost a credit score.
CREDIT & LOANS
Bad credit? There’s no quick fix, but the nonprofit Consumer Credit Counseling Service can help you devise a budget and deal with creditors.
CREDIT & LOANS
Under pressure from the government, lenders are disclosing details of the loan approval process
CREDIT & LOANS
Shopping leisurely for rates over an extended period can be interpreted as a sign that you're applying for vast amounts of credit.
CREDIT & LOANS
Identity theft is the fastest-growing crime in North America. It's a boon for criminals because so many businesses and individuals have a careless, "can't-happen-to-me" attitude toward the crime. During the holiday season, with all the shopping, parties and travel involved, ID theft is an even bigger issue.
CREDIT & LOANS
Fraud "clusters" are becoming more common.
CREDIT & LOANS
Jon Golinger, consumer advocate for the California Public Interest Research Group, offers a short list of protective steps to minimize the risk of being a victim of identity fraud:
CREDIT & LOANS
Consumer advocates and security experts warn credit card customers to beware of so-called convenience checks that may arrive in their mailboxes.
CREDIT & LOANS
Credit reports and troubles; family debt and paying off creidt.
CREDIT & LOANS
Some people are putting their savings it on their credit cards--and most of them don’t even realize it.
CREDIT & LOANS
Some lenders make it harder than others to escape the dreaded PMI.
CREDIT & LOANS
Adjustable-rate mortgages come in a stunning array of choices.
CREDIT & LOANS
Q: I read a column about how much interest you could save by paying a home mortgage off early. Would you give the same advice to someone who has student loan payments? I have approximately $10,000 remaining on my student loans. Payments are to run until 2007, and I pay a total of $225 a month. Does it make sense to reduce my principal by adding to my monthly payments?
CREDIT & LOANS
On the line may be your future ability to get a job, rent an apartment or buy insurance.