Family is supposed to be your safety net. When money problems hit, it’s natural to turn to those closest to you. But sometimes, the people who want to help the most end up causing the most harm. Financial help from family can come with strings, … [Read more...] about 8 “Helpful” Family Members That Caused Long-Term Financial Damage
Some financial products don’t die — they just slip on a new suit and reappear under a different name. Over the decades, regulators have cracked down on predatory loans, usurious interest rates, and shady lending tactics. Yet, the hunger for easy … [Read more...] about 6 Types of Loans That Were Outlawed Then Quietly Rebranded
Most people think they have a pretty good grasp on what affects their credit score—missing payments, racking up too much debt, or defaulting on a loan. But what about the lesser-known pitfalls that can chip away at that all-important number without … [Read more...] about 7 Things That Can Lower Your Credit Score Without You Knowing
Editors note: this article is mostly for our audience in the United States, but it has some special relevance for our Canadian audience. These days, it’s not uncommon for many of us to use a personal loan. After all, not only does it allow us to … [Read more...] about Financial Management 101 – 4 Tips to Better Manage Your Personal Loans
You frequently hear about America's crushing student loan debt , but cars are not far behind -- especially subprime auto loans. While student loans are approaching $1.5 trillion, outstanding auto loans topped the $1.2 trillion mark in the third … [Read more...] about This Lender Repos 1 In 3 Cars It Finances — How to Avoid This Cycle
We found a great car at a great price for our son's first vehicle, but it was a little out of his price range. We wanted him to have dependable transportation that would last him at least through college, so we decided to take out a loan … [Read more...] about Can You Have Two Car Loans At Once?
The rich get richer. It's a common phrase generally meant to mean that it seems wealthy people have an easier time generating more income. They catch all the breaks. Similarly, it seems like those with good credit catch all the breaks when it comes … [Read more...] about How Your Credit Score Affects Loan Interest
As part of one of my periodic expense reviews, I noticed my mortgage payment included $170 for private mortgage insurance (PMI). I remember when we refinanced our home the mortgage agent telling me that eventually that would be removed from our … [Read more...] about What is Private Mortgage Insurance?
