Credit card debt: How to cut a deal
More than ever, credit card companies are ready to negotiate with borrowers who are in over their heads. But know your options before you commit.
Stuck with student loans for life?
Your college debts may not be toxic, but making the wrong choice between federal and private loans can be a life-altering decision. Here’s what to look out for.
4 reality checks for your finances
A few simple calculations can tell you whether you’re doing fine or staring at debt disaster. And be sure to see how your peers are handling their burdens as well.
Can stores really ask you for that?
It has become common for retailers to request your ID, your e-mail address and even your Social Security number. Are you obligated to provide them?
Lifetime cost of bad credit: $201,712
If you’re not doing all you can to keep your credit scores high, you’re borrowing trouble — and you could pay a very heavy price.
How to avoid Jurassic technology
Here’s what you should know about the evolving worlds of TVs, phones and music players so that you don’t spend a fortune on soon-to-be-obsolete electronics.
How to get a better phone deal
If you think you’re paying too much, you’re probably right. Here’s how to cut your bill down to size and to know which cell-phone plan fits you best.
Credit card rewards: 4 new traps
Credit card reform is prompting issuers to water down their rewards programs. While the well-off will be wooed, the rest of us will face petty new fees and other gotchas.
4 reasons we get ripped off
For starters, we’re not always smart or careful consumers. But let’s not take all the blame. Sometimes, the odds really are stacked against us.
Buying a home? Make lenders love you
With post-crisis credit still tight, you’ll need to work harder to demonstrate you can handle a mortgage. Jump through these 5 hoops to prove you’re worthy.


