6 things you think add value to your home - but really don't
Certain projects, such as adding a well thought-out family room can be a wise investment, as they do add to the value of the home. Other projects, however, allow little opportunity to recover the costs when it's time to sell.
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How the 2014 Obama budget could affect your finances
Depending on which estimate you believe, Obama's proposed budget would raise the tax bill of a household with a yearly income of $50,000 to $75,000 between $63 and $100 per year. However, that's not all you should know.
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How to handle and prevent identity theft
Every year, identity thieves misuse the personal information of more than 11 million Americans. This makes identity theft one of the fastest-growing crimes in the country.
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Browser extensions that save you money
There is a widening range of online tools that have been designed to help save hard-earned cash. The following Internet browser extensions have achieved popularity among consumers, thanks to a series of unique and practical benefits.
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Financial considerations for college grads moving home
Tips for making the transition work for everyone.
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Will Obama's chained CPI help keep inflation from eating into your savings?
This week we examine ways in which inflation nibbles away at your retirement income, especially in light of the President's proposal for Chained CPI adjustments to Social Security.
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Why you need an emergency fund
An emergency fund will help see you through an unexpected and potentially costly life event, such as a health crisis, a job layoff or a major home repair.
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Save money for Mother's Day, or any day
Whether you've always wanted to take mom to Mexico or splurge on a day at the spa, here are some easy tips for saving up dinero for Mother's Day and all year round!
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Post-grad degrees that pay the highest
Post-graduate degrees can often lead to a better paycheck as long as you choose the right field.
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Play the market like Tiger plays golf
Both Warren Buffett and Tiger Woods do a few simple things spectacularly well to achieve their goals. While odds are quite high that you will never become Woods or Buffett, you don't have to in order to succeed.
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4 ways to make next year’s tax time easier
With just a little bit of planning and foresight, next year's tax season can be less headache-inducing.
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Mutual fund ratings: Crucial or insignificant?
Many financial services firms try to help investors by sharing their opinions on a mutual fund. But other factors should come into play as well.
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10 golf tips to help investors tee off
Surprisingly, there are actually a lot of similarities between the game of golf and investing.
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5 smart ways to use your tax return
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If you don't have a plan for the money when that refund check comes, consider these five options for letting the savings you accumulated last year bring you greater financial security and peace of mind in the years to come.
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How to safeguard your tax returns from identity theft
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Identity thieves are sophisticated and may get your information despite your best efforts. That doesn't mean, however, that common sense precautions don't work.
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Know these bankruptcy facts before you file
How getting out of debt can cost you.
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Should you consider debt settlement?
Weigh the benefits and drawbacks before you settle.
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Determine if credit counseling is right for you
The demand for credit counseling has risen over the last decade. Here are the risks and benefits.
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Eight facts about debt consolidation
The payoff might not be worth the risk
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Are headhunters worth it?
Some recruiters and recruiting firms use more methods to source suitable candidates than others do.
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How to save to start an investment portfolio
How should aspiring investors best allocate funds for investing, and how much money should you have before you begin?
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Spring clean your home finances
7 strategies to freshen your financial situation
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Can you trust credit card offers?
With the number of credit cards in circulation exceeding the nation's population, card issuers have developed various ways of sweetening the deal.
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Does online tax software really save you money?
Both online tax software and tax professionals have their own set of advantages, but which one is actually better for your bottom line?
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The best way to get out of debt
Two of the most popular methods are nicknamed the "snowball" and the "avalanche" methods. To determine which path is best for you, check out these pros and cons.
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What does filing as head of household mean for your taxes?
In order to file as head of household, you must meet several requirements. Find out whether being head of household comes with any tax benefits.
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Use your tax refund wisely
Eight smart ways to spend that bonus paycheck
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How to check your credit report for accuracy
One in five consumers found at least one potentially major error on their credit reports, according to a recent FTC study.
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Credit CARD Act showing strong results for most consumers
It has been three years since the Federal Reserve's Credit CARD Act went into effect. In these three years, the act has had mostly positive impacts.
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How to say no to your boss
To create a good work-life balance, you might have to learn to say no to your bosses.
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Most expensive states to raise a child
Planning a family in one of these 5 states? You may be surprised to learn that they're the most expensive states to raise a child.
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The special rules for condo mortgages
A condominium offers many of the advantages of home ownership with fewer of the hassles. That is, unless you're talking about getting a mortgage for one.
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Are home equity loans coming back?
Wondering if you can qualify for a home equity loan? Recent indications suggest that second mortgages are on the rebound, but that doesn't necessarily mean they're easier to get.
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Last chance to refinance?
Mortgage rates have been on the rise. Is this your last, best chance to refinance and save money with a super low rate?
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Why you might consider an adjustable-rate mortgage
You don't hear much about adjustable-rate mortgages these days, but for the right kind of borrower, they're still an attractive option.
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5 questions for potential homebuyers
With housing prices and mortgage rates as low as they are, many are tempted to take the plunge and become first-time homeowners. But how do you know if you're truly ready?
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8 budget trimming tips
Here, a list of eight money wasters offer a chance to keep more of your money in the bank.
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6 ways to make more money without a lot more work
If your income falls short, consider some creative ways to bring in some extra cash without adding too many hours to the work week.
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What the new mortgage rules mean for borrowers
The CFPB has rolled out long-awaited new rules for residential mortgages. So what will be the impact on mortgage borrowers?
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New qualified mortgage rules released
Long-awaited "qualified mortgage" rules have been issued by the CFPB, setting forth guidelines to protect borrowers from predatory lending.
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Borrowers to get $8.5 billion in foreclosure and mortgage settlement
Some 3.8 million homeowners will share in an $8.5 billion settlement over improper foreclosure and mortgage servicing practices.
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6 ways to get your finances on track in 2013
If you are among those who want to focus on making financial gains this year, follow these suggestions to ensure that 2013 is a robust year.
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Six steps to maximize your home appraisal
The home appraisal is very important when refinancing a mortgage. So how can you make sure you get the highest appraisal possible?
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Dealing with the post-holiday debt blues
It is time to face a sobering reality: Creditors want to collect on the charges you made while you were caught up in the holiday festivities.
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Should you cash in on the gold rush?
8 things to know before you sell precious metals.
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Extended warranties: Useful or wasteful?
What you should know before you buy.
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Should you refinance your home again?
The way mortgage rates have been falling the past three years, a lot of homeowners are not only refinancing their mortgages, they're doing it for a second or even a third time.
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Fiscal cliff: Mortgage deduction is safe for most
Should you be worried that Congress will take away your mortgage interest deduction as part of the "fiscal cliff" negotiations? For the great majority of homeowners, the answer is "no."
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Avoid online holiday shopping pitfalls
Protect yourself from identity theft and fraud with safe-shopping tips.
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Mortgage issues to watch during Obama's 2nd term
Now that the election is behind us, current and potential homeowners may be wondering what will be the impact of Obama's re-election on the mortgage and housing markets?
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6 most damaging credit report errors
You've probably heard that it's a good idea to check your credit reports for errors once a year. But which errors are the ones that do the most damage to your credit score?
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Buying a home for the holidays?
Been thinking about buying a home? Well, maybe you should put it on your Christmas list.
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HARP now available for second homes, income properties
You probably knew that homeowners can refinance underwater mortgages through the Home Affordable Refinance Program. HARP is now available for other types of properties as well.
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7 mortgage mistakes to avoid
If you're applying for a mortgage for the first time, the whole process can seem pretty intimidating. There's a lot to understand and it can get confusing at times.
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How debt relief has changed, two years after new FTC rules
The new rules exist to protect consumers who need help with unmanageable debts, but it is still important to understand what these rules mean when seeking debt relief help.
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How to ditch your debt before the holidays
5 steps to starting the New Year with a better financial plan.
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5 good reasons not to refinance your mortgage
There are a lot of good reasons to refinance your mortgage, especially with rates as low as they are. But there can be some pretty good reasons not to refinance as well.
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4 options for a low down payment
There are a lot of people with decent incomes who would like to buy a house right now but are afraid they can't come up with the down payment.
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Bank of America to forgive 150,000 second liens
Bank of America is erasing the debt on 150,000 second liens for mortgage borrowers in financial difficulty.
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5 credit tips for recent college grads
Here's a look at five ways to maintain a healthy credit score.
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Mortgages and the younger borrower
With home prices and mortgage rates as low as there are, it's an attractive time for young people to buy their first home.
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9 things to consider before loaning money to a loved one
Perhaps the only thing more difficult than watching someone you love struggle financially is having that person ask you for money.
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Is it time to rethink adjustable-rate mortgages?
You don't hear a lot about adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) these days. That's too bad, because they're still a good choice for many homebuyers, believe it or not.
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"Scrooge Index" shows that New York is America's least charitable city
America's richest communities have been cross-referenced with how much, or little, those who live there give to charity. If you're looking for donations, you may want to avoid New York.
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15 ways to save on groceries
Grocery bills are a big weekly household expense, so it's important to shop smartly. Follow these tips to keep your spending low while filling your grocery cart.
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7 credit card pitfalls to avoid
Watch out for these common pitfalls as you use your credit card.
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Can you qualify for a mortgage?
Can you qualify for a mortgage to buy a home? It's a straightforward question, but often one without a simple answer.
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10 ways to pay for college without student loans
The average cost of a public college education is $21,000 per year. Private schools can cost twice that. You want your children to have the best, but how to pay for it all?
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New rule proposed by CFPB would require no-fee home loan option
Mortgage lenders would have to offer borrowers a straightforward "no fee" home loan to make it easier to compare competing offers under a set of new rules proposed.
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Which cards are better to use, credit or debit?
Using a credit or debit card is certainly easier than carrying a wad of cash, but both carry some risks. Here is what you should be aware of.
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10 ways to save money on back-to-school expenses
It can cost $500 to get an elementary school student ready for class, and twice that for a high school student. Here are some ways to lower that number.
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Should you consider a 40-year mortgage?
Though home prices and mortgage rates are both unusually low right now, many borrowers are also short of money. So the 40-year mortgage may be an attractive option for them.
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Should you tap your IRA or 401k for a down payment?
If you have a retirement account, you may be able to borrow from it to help pay for a home, but it's an area where you ought to proceed with caution.
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How to save money on closing costs
When shopping for a mortgage, most borrowers focus on trying to get the lowest rate. But you can also save a lot of money by paying attention to the fees paid at closing.
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Zillow: Home prices have bottomed out
U.S. home values appear to have bottomed out, posting their first annual increase in five years, according to the newest Zillow market report.
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When a 30-year loan is better than 15
With interest rates as low as they are, a lot of borrowers are being tempted by 15-year fixed-rate mortgages. But for many, a 30-year loan may still be the best option.
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Money woes weaken the institution of marriage
Money problems, drinking and drug use are among the social and economic factors that make low-income couples less likely to marry and more likely to divorce than couples with more money, a new study suggests.
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Do's and don'ts for closing credit card accounts
Regardless of your reasons for wanting to close a credit card account, review these basic do's and don'ts before you take action.
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Getting a mortgage when you are self-employed
While being self-employed can offer a lot of advantages, it can also make it more difficult to qualify for a mortgage when you want to buy a home.
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7 things you may not know about your credit card
Did you know that you may be able to negotiate certain changes to your account? Learn how to use your card holder power to your advantage.
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12 ways to plan a wedding without going broke
If wedding bells are in your future, read on for more cost-saving tips guaranteed to give you a beautiful, memorable day without breaking the bank.
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4 tips for a tough summer job market
If you're a high school or college student looking for work in the coming months, here's some tips on how to make your own form of employment, whether you're looking to pad your resume or line your pocketbook.
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10 ways to save on everyday expenses
A penny saved is a penny earned, so the saying goes, and in these challenging economic times, it pays to find creative ways to save as many pennies as you can.
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Mortgages 101: Understanding APR
One of the most important terms you'll come across when shopping for a mortgage is APR, or annual percentage rate. But what exactly does it mean?
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The new HAMP home loan mod guidelines
New rules that recently took effect are giving financially pressed homeowners a fresh opportunity to qualify for a HAMP loan modification.
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What size cellphone data plan is best for you?
Choosing the right size data plan will let you use your phone to its fullest, without overpaying for a plan you don't use or expensive overages. Here's how to size up your usage.
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Housing recovery underway as home prices, sales show strong gains
Existing home sales and home prices showed strong annual gains in April, with both posting 10 percent increases over their April 2011 levels.
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Should you rent-to-own a home?
Renting (or leasing) can be a good stepping stone toward home ownership, but before you sign on the dotted line, find out the answers to these all-important questions.
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Should you switch to a lower interest credit card?
Making a balance transfer may save you money, but it also could hurt you in the long run. Here are six steps to take before switching credit cards.
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Answers to 10 top money and debt questions
Figuring out finances can be confusing... but it doesn't have to be.
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8 financial questions to ask before you say ‘I do'
Before you embark on a new relationship, or if you are seeking to make your partnership stronger, consider these eight questions couples should ask about love and debt.
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How to regain your financial health after a disaster
Here are steps to take for financial recovery after health problems, fire or natural disaster.
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Plan the perfect staycation
