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Over four weeks, fewer people have gone to the unemployment line for benefits.
11.19.09
By Lewis Green Recent numbers regarding unemployment from the federal government show that there may be signs fewer people need debt relief. Full Article | News Home 
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- Senate plan would strip Fed of power 11.12.09
With a recent proposal presented by Senate Banking Committee Chairman Chris Dodd, now both branches of Congress are working on reforms for the country's financial system, which would include regulations regarding credit cards. - Some may not have received returns from taxes 11.11.09
Though filing for taxes may feel painful for some people, one of the perceived rewards for doing so is the possibility of getting a refund, which people often use to catch up on paying off credit cards and other debt. - Layaway programs could replace credit cards for some holiday purchases 11.10.09
People looking to pay down their credit cards could hit a rough patch in the coming holiday season because of shopping and other expenses. - Bankruptcy stats raise questions about recovery 11.07.09
Recent indicators generally show signs of a slowly-improving economy, although some things are running against that trend - such as the latest nationwide bankruptcy rates. - Improved employment outlook could ease debt woes for many 11.05.09
New government statistics show a moderate drop in the number of Americans filing for first-time unemployment benefits, suggesting that job creation could slowly be picking up. - Economy keeps Americans focused on budgeting 10.31.09
Americans have focused increasingly on budgeting in recent months with help from a recession that has produced some of the tightest economic conditions in years. - September sees drop in consumer spending 10.30.09
Though the economy seems to be improving, consumers are still pulling back on spending, which is an indication they may be concentrating on debt management. - Economic growth could make budgeting easier in the long term 10.29.09
Improved economic growth could be just the thing many Americans need to get caught up on their budgeting. - Large number of people still feeling the recession 10.26.09
As consumers continue to try and find debt relief, a recent poll shows many of them do not feel the recession is over. - House committee passes creation of consumer protection agency 10.23.09
The House Financial Services Committee recently approved a new federal consumer protection agency that is intended to help people with things like personal loans. - College tuitions up for the academic year 10.22.09
A recent report shows that the cost of going to college is going up, which could mean more young people will need student loans to get an education. - Even the young should be concerned with protecting their credit score 10.18.09
College students are expected to benefit under the Federal Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act, which will protect them from unscrupulous marketing tactics that can ruin their credit score for years to come. - Low inflation good for debt management prospects 10.17.09
One potentially bright sign for consumers struggling with debt management woes is that inflation appears to be largely under control. - Websites offer credit scores and details 10.09.09
As the economy has taken a tumble during the recession, many Americans have seen their credit scores also take a hit. Because a credit score can affect everything from employment to insurance costs, many people are turning to online sources to get more information about how their credit ranks and see what they can do to improve it. - Retailers nervous as consumers beef up credit scores 10.03.09
Consumers may be gaining ground when it comes to lowering their credit score, but that has some retailers nervous as the holidays get underway. - IMF: U.S. economy to grow by end of year 10.01.09
Although the nation's unemployment figures continue to rise and Americans continue to struggle with credit card debt and home loans, there is new word that the U.S. economy may be getting back on track and could show marked improvements by the end of the year. - Interchange fees said to affect cost of using credit cards 09.28.09
Consumers tend to follow interest rates on their credit cards, but one major company is working to remind them that other factors also contribute to how much they end up paying for items they charge.
- Credit delinquencies expected to remain tied to unemployment 09.24.09
The economy may be showing signs of improvement, but that doesn't mean Americans' credit scores are getting any relief yet. - Credit card debt rises as Americans fall into 'asset poverty' 09.24.09
It seems that the recession has taken a toll on most Americans, who are facing credit card debt and falling into "asset poverty." - Holiday shopping expected to remain flat 09.22.09
It seems that consumers won't be adding to their credit card debt this holiday season in the same kind of numbers they have in previous years as a new report predicts that the ongoing recession will cause sales to remain flat. - Unemployment taking toll on workers' credit scores 09.18.09
A grim sign for many Americans struggling with credit card debt is a rising unemployment rate that in some states tops the national average. - Americans say economy is poor, yet retail sales on the rise 09.16.09
Although many Americans are facing credit card debt and mortgage loans they struggle to pay each month, some economic indicators show that the recession may be coming to an end. Yet a new poll released this week shows that most Americans still view the state of the economy as poor. - Woman calls for 'revolt' on credit card debt 09.15.09
With so many Americans facing credit card debt, a great number of people have probably considered saying "forget it" to the credit card bill that comes in the mail each month. But one California woman is doing just that after she says Bank of America raised her interest rate to 30 percent. - Credit card transactions declining: Visa 09.14.09
Are Americans continuing to be wary of using charge cards because they're concerned about credit card debt? - Incomes decline, poverty rises for Americans 09.14.09
It seems that the rising rate of unemployment isn't the only thing causing problems for people trying to make credit card payments or home loans, as a new report from the Census Bureau finds that Americans saw their personal incomes fall in 2008 while the poverty rate increased. - Unemployment trends continue upward 09.10.09
With many Americans facing credit card debt and trying to stop foreclosure, the last thing they need is negative employment figures, but that seems to continue to be the case as a new report from the Conference Board finds that employment trends continue to sink. - With many struggling with credit card debt, president urges saving 09.09.09
As the economic downturn continues, many people are having trouble making payments to their credit card debt and home loans, making thoughts of retirement a pipe dream. But in his weekly radio address, President Barack Obama outlined new steps which are aimed at help increase savings and allowing more Americans to retire. - Those keeping their jobs are seeing pay stagnate 09.08.09
With the unemployment rate nearing 10 percent and expected to continue to remain high well into 2010, those who have been able to keep their jobs have considered themselves lucky. But a new report finds that they may not be as blessed as they think as paychecks have shrunk or remain stagnant, making it harder to pay off their credit card debt or mortgage. - Unemployment rates tick up for August 09.04.09
Despite some positive economic indicators in recent months which has given many hope that paying credit card debt might be easier soon, job figures keep sagging as new numbers from the government indicate that the nation's unemployment rate continues to approach 10 percent. - Job losses decline as unemployment might be bottoming out 09.04.09
Although many Americans are still losing their jobs it appears that the numbers are at least leveling off which means that many might be back to work soon and be able to make payments to their credit card debt and home loans. - College students still plan to spend 09.03.09
With many students heading back to college for the first time since the economy took a turn for the worse, many parents believe their children will cut down on spending and stay out of credit card debt, but a new report finds that the incoming class of 2013 doesn't plan to cut back on spending habits. - Consumer confidence down in August 08.31.09
A number of recent economic indicators suggest that the economy is getting back on track while at least one analyst has said the recession is over, but that news doesn't appear to be resonating with the American public as a new survey finds that consumer confidence fell in August. - Weekly unemployment claims fall 08.30.09
American consumers struggling to pay credit card debts and mortgages due to job losses may have some relief in sight as figures from the Department of Labor show that initial jobless claims fell last week, signaling that the job marketing may be improving. - To avoid student credit card debt, parents leaving the card at home 08.29.09
For college-age students around the country it's back-to-school time, with many parents getting ready to pack up their children and send them off to university, but with so many students leaving college with credit card debt, some experts say a credit card is one thing that young adults shouldn't be packing. - Consumer spending edges up 08.28.09
Americans may not be reaching for their credit cards to make discretionary purchases, but spending did rise slightly during July, according to new figures from the Commerce Department. - Credit card delinquencies fall 11% in second quarter 08.26.09
New figures suggest that Americans may still be struggling to pay off their credit card debt but are getting better, as a report from TransUnion shows that the credit card delinquency rate in the second quarter of 2009 fell 11.36 percent. - Shoppers abandoning purchases in stores and online 08.25.09
With many Americans trying to cut corners to make payments toward their credit card debt and mortgages, it appears that a growing number are putting products back on the shelves of their local grocery or department store rather than into their cart. - Cash for Clunkers to wrap up today 08.24.09
While American consumers have largely kept new buying in check and remained committed to paying off credit card debt, there has been one successful effort to encourage spending: Cash for Clunkers. - For many Americans dealing with credit card debt, it's a back-to-basics approach 08.23.09
With so many people trying to make ends meet between credit card and home loan payments, it appears that some Americans are turning to the more basic necessities when they go grocery shopping. - Credit card rates, minimum payments on the rise while access to credit falls 08.19.09
A number of Americans are struggling to pay their credit card bills each month, with many feeling it is getting harder and harder to keep up to date on their payments. And according to a new study from Consumer Action - they're right. - Consumer prices fall 2% over the year 08.16.09
With so many consumers struggling to pay credit card debt, any news that prices are dropping is welcome and according to figures released Friday the Consumer Price Index fell 0.2 percent in July after increasing 0.7 percent in June. - Americans shifting spending habits from credit cards to debit 08.14.09
With many Americans struggling to pay mounting credit card debt and looking to stay on a tight budget, an increasing number are turning away from the idea of charging their purchases and are instead using debt cards as a form of payment. - Americans keep credit cards locked away 08.13.09
It seems most American consumers are not in the mood for shopping these days, as new figures from the Commerce Department show a surprise drop in retail sales. - Bankruptcies rise in June, up 34% over 2008 08.11.09
Although American consumers have been getting some better economic news in recent weeks it appears to have not been enough to stop the growing number of bankruptcies. A recent report finds that credit card debt, home loans and other financial problems caused 126,434 bankruptcies in July. - Consumer sentiment is on the rise 08.09.09
Although consumer sentiment has fluctuated over the past few months as Americans struggle to stop foreclosure and pay off credit card debt, a new report indicating consumers are feeling better about the economy is buoyed by the latest economic figures. - Economist: Recession is over 08.08.09
Although those without jobs and facing mounting credit card debt might disagree, the assessment of some recent economic figures indicate that the recession is over, according to one analyst who correctly predicted that the economy was entering a down period in 2007 - one year before the official start of the recession. - Survey: Most Americans cutting back on spending 08.08.09
With a growing number of American struggling with credit card debt, a recent study found that consumers are cutting back on spending but the results show that the way men and women are reducing their spending differs. - Credit card companies sending more offers in the mail 08.07.09
The fact that many Americans are already struggling with credit card debt doesn't appear to be fazing credit card companies as a recent report indicates that some firms are ramping up the number of credit card mailings after scaling back the practice over the last few months. - It costs more than $220k to raise a child, USDA says 08.05.09
In the past several months, a number of studies and media reports have suggested that Americans are cutting back on spending and trying to repay credit card debt as a response to the recession. - Consumer spending up, savings down 08.05.09
Although many Americans are still struggling with credit card debt and paying off home loans, new figures indicate that consumers may have a better feeling about the economy as they increased spending slightly in June for the second straight month even while incomes fell by the largest amount in four years. - Older Americans see credit card debt increase 08.03.09
Many people are suffering from credit card debt as the economy continues to struggle but a new report finds that the oldest Americans have seen the greatest increase in debt over the last three years. - Americans avoid credit cards to save money 07.30.09
More evidence has emerged suggesting that U.S. consumers really are determined to tackle their credit card debt and cut back on unnecessary purchases. - Overdraft fees hitting consumers in their wallets 07.30.09
Consumers are facing a list of problems from credit card debt to trying to stop foreclosure, but a new survey finds that many people are getting hit with exorbitant overdraft fees from their banks, even if they withdraw their account by a few pennies. - FICO lawsuit against credit report agencies moves forward 07.27.09
FICO has filed a lawsuit against two of the three major credit reporting agencies, Experian and TransUnion, regarding a rival credit score. - Minimum wage boost can help with credit card debt 07.27.09
Many Americans got a boost in their ability to pay off credit card debt Friday as the nation's minimum wage shot up 11 percent to $7.25 - a 70 cent increase over the previous amount. - Consumer confidence slips in July 07.26.09
Although there have been some good indications that the economy is getting on the right track with Americans increasingly applying for home loans and home sales on the rise, a new survey points out that there may still be a way to go before the economy rebounds. - Back to school or back to spending? 07.21.09
Back-to-school season generally means a time to break out the credit cards and stock up on basics that kids can use all year long. - Americans turn to the web for help during recession 07.20.09
The internet can be a handy tool when looking for information and finding news, but a new report finds that it has been especially helpful for Americans searching for everything from debt relief and home loans to a new job. - Americans confidence falls for second straight month 07.19.09
Although economic figures seemed to indicate that the economy was poised for a rebound, a new study of consumer sentiment shows that those assumptions may have been too rosy as Americans' continue to struggle with financial problems like paying off credit card debt and home loans. - Customers see erroneous credit card charges of $23 quadrillion 07.18.09
Credit card debt has gotten out of control for many Americans, but recent stories in the news show just how bad things have gotten as people in two separate instances were charged more than $23 quadrillion for purchases. - Will a good credit score change the advertising you see? 07.16.09
A good credit score can lead to a lot of positives in a person's life, but apparently it's also going to lead to companies deciding what ads you see when you're surfing online. - Consumer spending drops in June for first time in four months 07.09.09
Summer months usually have Americans spending more money on trips to the beach or other getaway spots but a new report finds that consumers have less disposable income and are more concerned about the state of the economy. - Credit conditions will improve next year, economists say 07.06.09
Have you seen your credit score decrease over the past year? Or maybe you were denied a home loan or had your credit limit cut? - Credit cards could be simpler under new consumer agency 07.01.09
On Tuesday, President Barack Obama set plans in motion to create a new consumer agency that would watch over products like credit cards and mortgages. - Consumer spending tested over summer holiday weekend 06.28.09
Nice dinners at home are replacing fancy meals out at restaurants and families are clipping coupons instead of buying full-priced merchandise. - Economic crisis has no bounds 06.24.09
The global financial crisis is taking a toll on all types of consumers - those in lower paying jobs and those with high net worth. - Americans reveal spending cutbacks 06.24.09
As retailers, restaurants and others businesses across the country can attest, Americans have changed their spending patterns. - Couples urged to discuss finances 06.14.09
Recently, policy makers, educators and parents have worried that no one has been properly advising kids and young adults about financial literacy. - Vanguard: Consumers leaving nest eggs largely untouched 06.13.09
It's been a tough year for individual investors with retirement money and other savings locked up in funds tracking the stock market. - Americans increasingly tap savings for daily needs 06.10.09
These days families are less and less concerned with where to go for their next week-long vacation and paying more attention to how they will pay their upcoming credit card bill or college tuition due in the fall.
- Consumers continue to keep car parked at home 06.07.09
Massive amounts of credit card debt, worry about job loss and the increasing cost of gas have more recently kept American families from venturing on a vacation. - CT consumers making cuts at mealtime 06.06.09
Debt management is hampering the social schedule of many Americans who may have been taking advantage of high credit limits before, but since the onset of the recession have found themselves struggling to make payments. - Baby boomers worried about retirement savings 06.03.09
The economic downturn has caused many Americans to feel insecure about their financial situation and prompted them to cut spending, start paying off credit card debt and look for ways to boost their credit score. - Are you financially fit? 06.02.09
Going the gym, taking yoga classes and buying organic food are some of the trends that many Americans embrace as a way to stay fit and lead a healthier lifestyle. - Budget services win consumer approval 05.21.09
Many American consumers have had to rethink and likely transform their household budget to reflect the ongoing threat of layoffs, falling home values and, for many, mounting credit card debt. - Financial woes cramp vacation plans 05.20.09
Credit card debt, looming foreclosure and rebuilding lost savings are just a few of the financial struggles Americans may be facing. Those financial woes could also be a reason fewer families are taking vacations this year. - Energy costs drive drop in CPI 05.17.09
Although many households are struggling with debt management, a recently released economic indicator shows that consumer prices paid over the month dropped. - While it's fun to blame banks, the time is right to look inward 05.14.09
While the momentum de jour is clearly against the lender and for the consumer, it's important that we don't overlook an inconvenient and politically incorrect truth, which is that we're as much to blame as anyone else in this meltdown. - Consumers say saving is still difficult 05.13.09
Are you clipping coupons, eating out less and foregoing vacations but somehow still finding yourself in a financial quagmire? - Consumers set to resume spending? 05.11.09
A number of economic indicators suggest that consumers are remaining conservative with their spending habits and keeping credit cards tucked away in their wallets. - Credit unions appeal to the masses 05.09.09
Consumers who may feel duped by some of the practices related to mortgage loans or other financial products offered at traditional banks are increasingly seeking out alternative resources to help manage their money. - Index: Consumer confidence returning 05.02.09
Americans may still have a bevy of recession-related concerns, from paying off credit card debt to making home loan payments on time, but their attitude seems to be brightening. - Americans not overly optimistic about finances 04.28.09
Although some people may be cautiously preparing themselves to hope for a turnaround for the American economy, many are still pessimistic about their personal financial situation. - Income problems cited in home loan defaults 04.26.09
Unemployment, salary freezes and other income woes are clearly among the effects of the recession that are having the most profound impact on American families. - President to focus on credit card abuses 04.21.09
Given its importance on the agenda of federal and state policy makers as well as around the dinner table of many American homes, stopping credit card abuse is now finding its way to the desk of the president. - Consumers remain disgruntled with tax process 04.20.09
With the often worrisome tax filing deadline - April 15 - just passed, many consumers are likely breathing a sigh of relief and others are anxiously awaiting a tax refund. - Social pressure affects spending, saving patterns 04.18.09
When it was popular to spend money on designer brands, celebrity chef restaurants and exotic destination weddings, many American consumers were quick to throw their money in the same directions. - Young savers plan for future 04.17.09
As their parents near retirement, some having watched their lifetime savings be depleted as the credit crisis lingers, a growing number of younger adults in the workforce are planning more aggressively for the future. - Consumers changing spending patterns 04.15.09
April is not just reserved for Earth Day - it is also Financial Literacy month. While many Americans are making an extra effort to save and better manage their finances, a new survey reveals that they're not all planning for their financial futures. - Consumer confidence on the rise 04.13.09
Spring welcomes new life and beginnings and this season, it seems that many people have already taken a fresh, positive view of their finances. - Are U.S. consumers ready to adopt mobile banking? 04.12.09
Managing personal finances has become an increasingly challenging task for many Americans given today's economy. From managing credit card balances to home loan payments, many consumers are searching for an easier way to manage their money - but without an additional fee. - IRS reminds consumers of potential tax deduction 04.11.09
Did your credit card company charge you a fee to pay federal individual income taxes electronically? If they did and if you are a taxpayer that itemizes deductions, you may be eligible for a tax credit. - Identity and credit card theft now Americans' biggest concern 04.07.09
It's a good idea to pay attention to your credit score and watch for any suspicious activity that may appear on your credit report. In this shaky economy, a new study finds that consumers are most worried about identity and credit card theft. - Purchase your dream car and save on 2009 taxes 04.05.09
Just when you may have been agonizing over financial issues such as bills, credit reports and taxes, the IRS offers a bit of good news. - Some see recession lasting two more years 04.05.09
Opinion polls across the country conducted by a number of organizations are mixed, leaving consumers to wonder when the economy will really turn around. - Automakers woo consumers with protection promises 04.04.09
Would zero percent financing on a new vehicle make you more willing to take out an auto loan and buy a car? - Consumers pessimistic about economy, jobs 04.01.09
Managing household finances during uncertain financial times has left many consumers feeling pessimistic about the short-term economic outlook. - First-time homebuyers hunting for bargains 03.27.09
With home prices well off their 2008 levels, a number of first-time buyers are taking out home loans and scooping up discounted real estate. - Debit card slip-ups cost consumers plenty 03.25.09
Banks that automatically enroll customers in overdraft protection services say it is a courtesy, but some account holders hit with fees are not so sure. - Worried workers cutting back on food spending 03.25.09
Some 90 percent of U.S. employees are planning to rein in spending this year, with nearly half saying they will cut back on food and dining, according to a Tell It Now survey recently released by ComPsych Corporation, the world's largest provider of employee assistance programs and worldwide leader in GuidanceResources EAPs, behavioral health, wellness, work-life and crisis intervention services). - Fed flexes muscles at banks deceiving consumers 03.23.09
Do you ever wonder who is looking out for your best interest at banks offering financial products like mortgages, auto loans and other types of personal financing? - CT bill would cut auto insurers' reliance on credit scores 03.19.09
Residents of Connecticut may soon find that their credit scores have less relevance when being considered for auto insurance. - Homeowners, new hires eligible for tax breaks 03.15.09
For consumers struggling to manage credit card debt and make ends meet on a tighter budget, there may be some tax relief just around the corner. - Consumers making 'tough choices' about spending 03.15.09
Some consumers considered to have a 'good' credit score not long ago are now finding it more difficult to get financing for big purchases. - Banks offer perks to new account holders 03.11.09
These days, consumers with money to spend are more frequently doing the opposite - stashing hard earned dollars in the bank for a rainy day. - Federal Reserve Board reaches out to consumers 03.07.09
Taking decisive action to help stop foreclosure is prudent by homeowners suffering at the hands of economic instability. - Consumers continue to save, auto sales plummet 03.05.09
Given ongoing financial uncertainty, consumers are largely remaining in saving mode - forgoing large purchases until job prospects return and credit card debt is paid off. - Consumers spent more in January 03.02.09
After six months of cutting back, American consumers increased their spending in January, according to new figures. - Experts predict recession to end late 2009 02.24.09
A new February outlook shows that despite expectations for increased unemployment and declining housing prices, an end to the recession could be in sight. - Tax credits may be seen in this spring's paychecks 02.23.09
Wondering when you will start to enjoy the benefits of the recently passed economic stimulus package? - Credit scores may soon be off-limits for Florida insurers 02.23.09
Insurance regulators in Florida are trying to prevent insurers from using customers' credit scores to determine how much they pay for premiums. - Survey finds Americans less happy with banks 02.17.09
As the fallout from the subprime mortgage crisis continues to affect lending of all types, U.S. consumers are less happy with their banks than they were one year ago. - Cash-strapped shoppers tone down Valentine's spending 02.13.09
Recession-minded consumers looking for ways to cut back on their spending in 2009 are making no exception for Valentine's Day, research reveals. - Govt unveils new plan to help free up credit 02.10.09
As the most recent data from the Federal Reserve's bank survey reveals, despite last year's bailout, many financial institutions remain reluctant to lend. - Consumer spending continues to fall 02.03.09
Americans were in no mood to live it up over the holidays, new Commerce Department figures from December suggest. - Consumer confidence edges up 02.02.09
Amid the regular barrage of gloomy headlines, consumers saw a mild ray of hope in January, according to a new poll. - Obama and team make plans to unfreeze credit 01.23.09
The Obama administration has pledged to take decisive action to address the country's economic problems - and they have also made it clear they are aware of the immense difficulty of this task. - Stores going to great lengths to lure back shoppers 01.21.09
The average American is probably more likely to be thinking about paying off credit card debt than shopping for new purchases right now. - Changes to credit limits affect consumer spending 01.20.09
As credit card companies continue to face a high percentage of credit card delinquencies, many providers have been looking for ways to recoup lost profits. - Survey: Americans fed up with bailouts 01.19.09
The majority of Americans do not want the government to spend more money on bailing out financial institutions, a new poll reveals. - Consumers focusing on bargains 01.12.09
It seems that price has become the new watchword for the average shopper, who is no longer willing to open their wallet for costly goods. - Shoppers insisting on lower prices 12.29.08
The holiday season's significant discounts may be setting a precedent regarding what consumers expect to pay in the future, according to a retail expert. - Consumer spending blamed for GDP fall 12.26.08
In another sign that the dollar in your pocket is directly linked to the fortunes of the national economy, the recent downturn in consumer spending is being cited as the main reason for a decrease in a key economic indicator.
- Retail group proposes sales tax holiday 12.24.08
If you are like most Americans, it takes a lot to convince you to open your wallet and make a purchase these days. - Retailers continue to trot out bargains 12.22.08
In past years, Black Friday may have been the best day to secure a deal on holiday gifts, but this year the special offers show no sign of slowing down. - Fed slashes rates again - but will it help? 12.17.08
When the Federal Reserve announced on Tuesday that it would be slashing the federal funds rate to .25 percent, it may have been trying to send a message that it is prepared to go to great lengths to boost the economy. - Prices tumbling, but people still spending less 12.15.08
If you are like most Americans these days, it takes a lot to make you open your wallet. - Consumers snag deals with online coupons, rewards cards 12.11.08
Are you getting the best deals? That is the question that consumers across the country are asking themselves as they move through the holiday season. - Love in the time of financial crisis 12.08.08
When all of the news seems to be bad, who do you turn to for comfort? The person you love, of course. But what if you aren't in a relationship?
- Record jobs losses prompt consumer concern 12.06.08
In the week officials finally acknowledged the country was in recession, further negative news in the jobs market will give increasing cause for concern to the ordinary person wondering how to balance the books in the run-up to Christmas or pay down mounting credit card debt. - Consumers looking to snag online deals 12.04.08
Christmas is fast upon us and gifts need to be bought. In spite of the economic turbulence besieging financial markets around the globe, pocketbooks will inevitably be opened, credit cards swiped and - when chance arises - deals snagged.
- Consumer optimism refuses to die 12.03.08
American consumers are a hardy bunch. The international financing system has gone into a meltdown not seen - according to many - since the dark days of 1929, and the knock-on effect on your average Joe has not been slow in following.
- Take steps toward a 'recession proof' life 12.01.08
With the U.S. officially in recession, it's understandable to be concerned about the state of economy. A constant diet of dire economic headlines seems to be the perfect recipe for keeping the average person awake at night. - Americans plan to watch their holiday spending 11.24.08
Does it feel like the credit crunch has put a lump of coal in your stocking? - Index: Consumer prices plummeting 11.20.08
At first, the headlines may sound like good news: consumer prices have fallen at their steepest rate in over 60 years. - New Survey: Consumer Outlook Bleak for Holiday Shopping Season 11.20.08
According to a new national survey from Credit.com, consumers are very concerned about the upcoming holiday shopping season and don't think 2009 will be any better. - Troubled banks penalize customers 11.13.08
At first, a small hike in bank fees for a routine transaction may not seem like a big deal. But, over time, little changes can add up in a big way. - Consumers agree: We're in a recession 11.11.08
The vast majority of consumers believe the U.S. is currently in a recession - and many have adjusted their financial habits accordingly, a new poll by Nielsen reveals. - Be prepared for tax changes in 2009 11.10.08
As the end of the tax year approaches, you may already be thinking about how to spend your upcoming refund - or where to find the extra funds to pay what you will owe. - Is your credit score high enough? 11.04.08
You may have heard it before, but your credit score really does make a difference to your ability to snag the best rate on mortgages, credit cards and loans - particularly in the current economy. - The Fed cuts interest rates - again! 10.30.08
In recent months, the government has taken a number of strong actions in the attempt to soothe the unruly stock market and give economic growth an energy boost. - Tuition hikes take their toll 10.30.08
Attending college is an expensive endeavor - and the costs just seem to keep rising. - Consumers fill their piggy banks 10.29.08
Americans' proclivity for spending and accumulating debt instead of saving for the future seems to have been turned on its head as a result of the credit crunch.
- Price chops aim to lure Christmas shoppers 10.28.08
If you usually wait until the day after Thanksgiving to snag the best deals on Christmas gifts, this year's options may offer temptation that is difficult to resist. - Big name lenders suffer big-time losses 10.22.08
It is a familiar story by now - a major company or financial institution announcing that its profits have dropped and its future is uncertain. - Weekend road trip? Americans say no thanks 10.22.08
Do you sometimes feel like you're choosing between taking the family for a Sunday drive and funding your retirement? - Some relief arrives at the pump 10.20.08
As your personal finances are stretched further and the country's economic future remains uncertain, you may be forgiven for not noticing that there is one cost that has actually been headed downward in recent weeks: gas. - Don't let bank changes take you by surprise 10.14.08
The current trend of bank mergers may seem to be something that is happening in a land far, far away (aka Wall Street), but the repercussions of these actions can make a difference to your day-to-day banking. - For coupon clippers, pennies add up quickly 10.14.08
With mind-boggling figures such as $700 billion bandied around by the media on a daily basis, it can be easy for the average person to lose sight of the numbers that count. - Budgeting gains popularity among cash-strapped Americans 10.13.08
Tossing and turning, endless worry, anxiety headaches - are you a victim of the credit crunch? - Don't get left out in the cold due to fuel costs 10.08.08
For some people, it could be a very cold winter. That is not the prediction of trained meteorologists, but rather a logical conclusion based on new warnings that heating costs are set to rise this year. - Banking woes make consumers cautious 10.07.08
These days, every morning seems to bring a fresh headline describing how yet another ripple from the credit crunch is adding to banks' many woes. - Credit freeze 'going into overdrive' 10.01.08
The personal finance difficulties being experienced by consumers will hit the economy particularly hard as 2008 closes, it has been suggested. - Consumer spending weakens 09.29.08
Americans' personal finance situation continues to weaken, new figures show.
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