Published Friday, December 16, 2011 @ 10:50 pm

As we’re all aware, this decade’s Great Recession has dealt, and continues to deal, a significant blow to the budgets of many American families, leaving millions in debt, underwater in their mortgages, and in some cases falling behind on their tax bills, adding to their economic unrest.

So, even though tax day 2012 is weeks away, and the holidays may already have your full attention, it’s worth noting that there are some timely tips you can take between now and Dec.…

Read more

Published Thursday, November 3, 2011 @ 2:51 pm

We’ve all seen them.

Envelopes full of checks and other offers filling our mailboxes these days touting 0% or 2.99% and other low-to-no interest balance transfers for your more costly credit cards. These seductive rates do come at a cost if you don’t know what to look out for.

So check out these five tips to avoid getting taken advantage of, when taking advantage of balance transfer offers, including:

#1 Inspect the Interest Rates
When playing the balance game, the best bets are obviously the lowest interest rates available.…

Read more

Published Thursday, October 13, 2011 @ 8:10 am

…unions?

That’s right.

Forget federal stimulus or tax cuts for the wealthy or even a new, formal jobs plan. Because according to a new analysis of Census data from the Center for American Progress, a boost in incomes of the union members by just one-tenth, “would increase middle-class incomes by $1,479 per year — even for those who aren’t members.”

In fact, according to the study, the rise in income is higher than if the unemployment rate dropped by four percentage points—a scenario that would increase middle class incomes by only $772 per household.…

Read more

Published Monday, August 29, 2011 @ 5:49 pm

As Hurricane Irene slammed into the East Coast, leaving in its wake wind-torn cities and towns, flooded roadways, and hundreds of thousands without power, the late-summer storm also took a lesser-reported economic toll on many geographic areas already devastated by the lingering financial crisis.

In fact, more than 400,000 homes as well as businesses lost power Saturday as Hurricane Irene hit the Carolinas with these significant losses most heavily concentrated in Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, where Progress Energy reported well over 250,000 customers without power.…

Read more

Published Monday, August 29, 2011 @ 3:49 pm

With the first major storm of the 2011 hurricane season now in the record books, it’s also worth remembering that a very rare east coast 5.8 magnitude earthquake, immediately preceded it. This unprecedented pairs of natural disasters over the past several days have forced many people up and down the East Coast thinking about earthquake and hurricane coverage.…

Read more

Published Wednesday, August 3, 2011 @ 11:00 am

In the midst of an economic meltdown, it can be tough to track your finances and start saving for a rainy day. But in the years since the recent Great Recession ended, many people are indeed trying to get their budgets back on a positive track, staging a financial comeback after years of dire economic setbacks.…

Read more

Published Wednesday, July 27, 2011 @ 6:49 pm

This week, Citigroup will launch a brand, spanking new credit card that purportedly carries with a trifecta of post-recessionary perks: no late fees, no penalty rates and a single interest rate for purchases, balance transfers and cash advances.

As reported by The Associated Press, Citi’s revamped “Simplicity card” sells itself as exactly that: it will be marketed to those who are “juggling busy schedules” and “want a credit card with simple terms.” In fact, Jud Linville, CEO of Citi Cards told the AP, “It lets them not have to worry that they’re going to be late on a payment.…

Read more

Published Monday, July 4, 2011 @ 5:12 pm

With the rebound of the credit card industry in full swing for 2011, more and more credit cards are being made available to consumers—often via aggressive tactics—than in quite some time. And amid these plentiful offers for plastic there come enticing rewards of all types, with a litany of merits for the cautious consumer and just as many drawbacks for average Americans attempting to get out (and stay out) of debt.…

Read more

Published Tuesday, June 21, 2011 @ 9:21 am

As we’re all aware, this decade’s Great Recession has dealt, and continues to deal, a significant blow to the budgets of many American families, leaving millions in debt, underwater in their mortgages, and looking for any means necessary to get back on a financially-healthy course.

Now, tax time is yielding another short-term problems for some cash-strapped citizens.…

Read more

Published Thursday, June 16, 2011 @ 2:46 pm

If you’re currently in bankruptcy or considering the benefits a bankruptcy can provide, you might be wondering about budget-conscious ways to truly get-away this summer, without, that is, wearing a complete hole in your wallet. But with gas prices on the rise and high unemployment holding steady, the prospects of seasonal vacation may not seem possible.…

Read more

Published Tuesday, May 24, 2011 @ 5:49 pm

While many are led to believe that filing for bankruptcy can kill your credit score, it turns out missing a single mortgage payment—a common symptom of recent economic malaise—may be just as deadly to your credit’s near future.

According to a recent article from The New York Times, “Missed mortgage payments, serious loan delinquencies, loan modifications, short sales, foreclosures and bankruptcies all drag down credit scores.…

Read more

Published Monday, May 16, 2011 @ 7:47 pm

Pick up any newspaper or turn on any news channel and you’ll see economists and financial experts pointing to signs of a slow and steady economic recovery, including facts and  figures showing spikes in consumer savings, spending and home sales. Unfortunately, you can also hear about average Americans, joining those who are down on their luck, who are simply choosing to walk away from their monthly mortgage payments.…

Read more

Published Monday, May 16, 2011 @ 2:46 pm

For many Americans, smart phones are an indispensable part of daily life. These brainy devices can act as mobile sources of personal e-mail, banking and even location-based services. But these pocket-sized personal assistants are far from impenetrable when it comes to identity thieves, and with these tantalizing technologies come hidden hacks that can leave you (and your money) vulnerable.…

Read more

Published Wednesday, May 4, 2011 @ 4:27 am

After political unrest in the Middle East fueled global insecurity about oil availability, Americans shuttered (and sputtered) as gas prices rose above $3.70 per gallon. Now, experts are saying that we’re in for another “crude awakening” as the price of oil is poised to push $100 a barrel after a global economic rebound sent it surging 34 percent in the past year.  This surge could send fuel prices soaring to $4 a gallon by summer in some parts of the country.…

Read more

Published Wednesday, April 20, 2011 @ 4:24 am

In April, the world celebrated the 41^st anniversary of Earth Day with global conservation efforts of all sorts culminating in A Billion Acts of Green®. But in these tough economic times, one of the toughest things to conserve just happens to be green: money. Fortunately, there are a slew of ways to save some cash while you’re also saving the environment.…

Read more

Published Tuesday, April 5, 2011 @ 8:37 am

With the blooming beautifully manicured landscapes, fresh-cut lawns and new signs of curb appeal, Spring used to be prime time for home buying. But with all of the hoops that potential homebuyers now have to jump through just to begin the process, tis the season of one in three Americans walking away from the actual home buying experience without an actual mortgage.…

Read more

Published Tuesday, March 29, 2011 @ 6:04 am

Avoiding Spring Break Scams

Despite some last-minute winter weather, it seems that spring has finally sprung. And if you’re a hard-working student considering a spring break respite or an average American worker considering your first vacation since the beginnings of the Great Recession, it’s important to refresh your memory on the perils of heading for paradise, including ever-present travel scams.  So if you’re gearing up for that quick getaway, it’s vital to remember that these travel con artists cost unwary consumers $12 billion (with a “b”) each year.…

Read more

Published Saturday, March 26, 2011 @ 1:00 pm

In the wake of the lingering real estate reckoning, skyrocketing foreclosure rates, and high unemployment and underemployment, folks all across the U.S. had a lot to complain about in 2010. But last year’s well publicized economic troubles were matched by less-reported consumer outrage at a range of financial and privacy concerns sweeping the nation.…

Read more

Published Monday, March 21, 2011 @ 1:16 pm

After suffering through years of an economic downturn driven by a mortgage crisis, rising consumer debts, and mounting medical expenses, of late many average Americans are increasingly hungry for the country to rebound financially. Unfortunately, at the same time, a confluence of events is prompting a resurgence of literal hunger in the U.S.…

Read more

Published Monday, March 21, 2011 @ 9:16 am

The U.S. has always been a nation of givers. Despite the recession and high unemployment, approximately 80% of Americans continued to give to religious and/or secular charities.

That trend has continued in earnest following the recent earthquake catastrophe in Japan.

According to a Chronicle of Philanthropy report, as of March 14, 2011, $24 million in donations has already rolled in to charitable organizations like The American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Save the Children, and more.  But while American hearts appear in the right place during this trying time for the Japanese, according to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), so are the con artists and scammers, all working hard to part you with your donation during this and any other global natural disaster.…

Read more

Published Thursday, March 17, 2011 @ 2:06 pm

The Best of National Consumer Protection Week: Part Five: Avoiding International Scams

To commemorate the Federal Trade Commission’s annual National Consumer Protection Week (March 6 – 12, 2011), the FTC is providing a budget-load of handy-dandy information designed to protect your money, your credit, and your overall post-recessionary financial future. So whether you’re rebuilding your economic life post-bankruptcy, or simply trying to speed up your savings, the NCPW blog can yield a wealth of resources exactly at a time when average Americans need a financial infusion, including information about:

• Avoiding foreclosure rescue and other mortgage-related scams;
• Knowing how to spot employment opportunity scams;
• Making the most of your money in the early stages of your career;
• Building and maintaining a budget to improve financial stability;
• Avoiding time-share and credit-card scams offered via text messages; and
• Learning what steps to take to save your home from foreclosure.

…

Read more

Published Wednesday, March 16, 2011 @ 5:58 am

To commemorate the Federal Trade Commission’s annual National Consumer Protection Week (March 6 – 12, 2011), the FTC is providing a budget-load of handy-dandy information designed to protect your money, your credit, and your overall post-recessionary financial future. So whether you’re rebuilding your economic life post-bankruptcy, or simply trying to speed up your savings, the NCPW blog can yield a wealth of resources exactly at a time when average Americans need a financial infusion, including information about:

• Avoiding foreclosure rescue and other mortgage-related scams;
• Knowing how to spot employment opportunity scams;
• Making the most of your money in the early stages of your career;
• Building and maintaining a budget to improve financial stability;
• Avoiding time-share and credit-card scams offered via text messages; and
• Learning what steps to take to save your home from foreclosure.

…

Read more

Published Tuesday, March 15, 2011 @ 9:03 am

With its many Armed Forces outposts, bases and camps, North Carolina is among a select group of states that are home to a storied U.S. military tradition as well as large military and veteran populations. As such, citizens of North Carolina and other states are often familiar not only with the duties and honorable service of these military men and women, but are also aware of the many laws passed to give veterans preferred status as a token for their former and continuing sacrifice.…

Read more

Published Tuesday, March 15, 2011 @ 6:55 am

To commemorate the Federal Trade Commission’s annual National Consumer Protection Week (March 6 – 12, 2011), the FTC is providing a budget-load of handy-dandy information designed to protect your money, your credit, and your overall post-recessionary financial future. So whether you’re rebuilding your economic life post-bankruptcy, or simply trying to speed up your savings, the NCPW blog can yield a wealth of resources exactly at a time when average Americans need a financial infusion, including information about:

• Avoiding foreclosure rescue and other mortgage-related scams;
• Knowing how to spot employment opportunity scams;
• Making the most of your money in the early stages of your career;
• Building and maintaining a budget to improve financial stability;
• Avoiding time-share and credit-card scams offered via text messages; and
• Learning what steps to take to save your home from foreclosure.

…

Read more

Published Monday, March 14, 2011 @ 5:53 am

In this uncertain economic landscape, good news is often met with great skepticism, especially for those who were hardest hit during the past five years of what’s now called our “Great Recession.” Yet despite some signs of national growth, this skepticism may now continue to be a part of at least the first half of 2011, as a major indicator of the strength of the America’s economic machine reveals that we’re still very much in the throes of our own Great Economic Malaise.…

Read more

Published Saturday, March 12, 2011 @ 3:07 pm

Whether it’s because of unemployment or underemployment, the remnants of the real estate reckoning, major medical costs, mounting credit card debtloads, a recent bankruptcy, or some combination thereof, in recent years average Americans have experienced some hard hits to their credit scores.

But according to a new report by The New York Times, there are simple strategies that all of us can employ to bump up a beleaguered score.  “The simple answer is to focus on the information that is used to generate the all-powerful FICO score — the measure used most frequently by traditional lenders to determine creditworthiness.…

Read more

Published Saturday, March 12, 2011 @ 11:04 am

By now we know that “paying” with plastic is both a literal and metaphorical proposition, especially as a good number of bankruptcy bound individuals—even in an era of home-made foreclosure filings and mounting medical bills—find credit card debt to blame for their insolvency.

The Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 (Credit CARD Act), signed into law by President Obama on May 22, 2009, was meant to change much of that.…

Read more

Published Saturday, March 12, 2011 @ 7:00 am

The tumultuous political climate in the Middle East has pushed domestic gas prices sky high in recent weeks, with average American households, just beginning to recover from the recent economic collapse, scrambling to fill their tanks with petrol pushing (on average) $3.50 per gallon.

And according to The Huffington Post, the problems at the pump may just be beginning.…

Read more

Published Friday, March 11, 2011 @ 12:51 pm

If you’re like many average Americans, you were dealt a hefty budgetary blow during the recent Recession. And, as a result, you may have responded by trying to spend less, save more and reduce debts where you could—including cuts in your consumer credit card use.

If so, you’re not alone.

According to a recent report from Credit.com, since the inception of the economic crisis, more and more men and women are resisting the urge to spend, climbing aboard the equivalent of the “Good Ship Spendthrift” in order to create a sea of savings on a new course to a better financial future.…

Read more

Published Monday, March 7, 2011 @ 7:49 am

If you’re a recent retiree or even if you have long-since left the workforce, the lingering economic malaise just got a little bit more hazardous to your health. As it turns out, many states and municipalities searching for places to trim their budgets are setting their sights on the relatively sizeable expenses of providing health care benefits to millions of retired state and local workers.…

Read more

Published Friday, March 4, 2011 @ 4:45 pm

In the mafia, there’s always a “fixer:” someone in the organization who will do the dirty work, get things done, and do so without any hesitation at all. And while the “fixer” is good at what he does, he has a tendency to be an unseemly character, whose unscrupulous tactics leave a lot to be desired.…

Read more

Published Friday, March 4, 2011 @ 12:42 pm

It’s no fun getting older: you suffer aches, pains, and maybe even the slow decline in vision, hearing and memory. But one thing that’s important to remember is that while these infirmities are natural to the process, what can be even more painful is growing poorer as you mature—a reality that’s becoming even more real for a growing portion of older Americans.…

Read more

Published Friday, March 4, 2011 @ 10:40 am

While millions of struggling Americans are considering all kinds of smart moves to make ends meet—taking on extra work, cutting corners in their household budgets, or even considering the benefits of bankruptcy—others may be considering literal moves from state to state as some prove to outweigh others in what they can offer on the job front.…

Read more

Published Wednesday, February 16, 2011 @ 8:42 am

In the last century, it was not uncommon to hear of average Americans, understandably wary of a then-fledgling banking industry, hiding personal fortunes under household mattresses instead of placing them in various accounts.  And yet while wads of cash are even less common in today’s tough economic times—times when banks coincidentally are mistrusted more than ever—the idea of Americans hording whatever they have for a “rainy day,” is not.…

Read more

Published Monday, February 14, 2011 @ 7:36 am

In these tough economic times, nothing says “I love you” quite like saving money. And the best way to save this month is avoiding Valentine’s Day scams meant to separate you from your cash even as you try bring togetherness into your life—either by treating your partner with something special or by finding one.  This is especially true in an era of online propositions of all sorts, whether they be from online dating sites or unscrupulous vendors awaiting unwary consumers.…

Read more

Published Wednesday, February 2, 2011 @ 2:00 pm

‘Tis the season for tax returns…and for many, tax refunds. So, if you’re one of the lucky Americans who is expecting money back from the Internal Revenue Service this year, you may also be aware of refund anticipation loans (also known as RALs). These tax time advances are being offered by some tax-preparation services as part of their seasonal packages.  And while getting what’s yours as soon as you can, especially from the IRS in tough economic times, can be appealing, there are various pitfalls to these refund anticipation checks, and reasons the federal government is trying to help you avoid them.…

Read more

Published Wednesday, February 2, 2011 @ 9:57 am

In the midst of millions riding the waves of the real estate reckoning, even more ordinary Americans are facing the rising tide of credit card APRs. In fact, according to new data, the average credit card interest rate has recently climbed to an all-time high, with averages hovering just below 15%.…

Read more

Published Tuesday, January 25, 2011 @ 8:22 am

Amid a 2010 marred by some of the highest foreclosure rates ever recorded, came the news that many of the nation’s largest mortgage lenders had been forced to suspend foreclosure proceedings following charges that these same “mega mortgage-holders” rushed the recordation process by forcing thousands of borrowers from their “home sweet homes” without the appropriate documentation to do so.…

Read more

Published Monday, January 24, 2011 @ 8:20 pm

As you made your New Year’s resolutions to dispense with debt and start on the road to saving, it appears many American banks made their own commitments to upping customer fees and, in the process, further padding their coffers in 2011.

In fact, according to a new article from The New York Times’ Ron Lieber, “Earlier this month, Bank of America announced its intent to test a number of different monthly fees for customers in some states, depending on the balance in their accounts or other relationships with the institution.…

Read more

Published Friday, January 21, 2011 @ 10:21 pm

In the Bankruptcy Law business, we often preach the benefits of everyday austerity —facing financial troubles head on and dispensing with debt while also saving where and when you can. But are you saving the wrong way? Is there a time when frugality crosses the line? What happens when others bear the burden of your belt-tightening?…

Read more

Published Thursday, January 13, 2011 @ 7:21 am

Following three months of positive growth in what had been an extended period of recession-era unemployment numbers, business hiring slowed in the latter part of 2010, causing national unemployment figures rose to a staggering 9.8%. But North Carolina experts say our state appears to be bucking the proverbial trend with signs of slow economic improvements signaling signs of hope in the local job market.…

Read more

Published Wednesday, January 12, 2011 @ 8:40 am

Well, it’s a new year. 2011. Time to put behind the hassles and headaches of what was and time to think about what will be. Especially in terms of your personal financial situation.

Despite what so many had predicted, 2010 wasn’t much of a recovery year for America. The stock market saw some gains for the second year in a row.…

Read more

Published Tuesday, January 11, 2011 @ 3:28 pm

Ah, tax season: the oft-dreaded time when we’re all forced to assess a previous year’s worth of financial doings, pay back deficiencies and seek deductions. But this year’s tax season may become a bit more taxing for some as industry watchdogs are finding that the Internal Revenue Service is further targeting struggling taxpayers with aggressive tactics meant to retrieve all that is owed from already economy-ravaged Americans.…

Read more

Published Friday, January 7, 2011 @ 6:52 am

As we’re all now aware, this decade’s economic downturn has dealt, and unfortunately continues to deal, a significant blow to the budgets of many American families, leaving millions in debt, facing foreclosure, and sometimes looking to any means necessary to break even, much less get back on a financially-healthy course. And so, once again, we’re finding that the beginnings of tax season can also yield it’s own set of challenges for some cash-strapped citizens as many turn to plastic to pay back what they owe the IRS.…

Read more

Published Wednesday, January 5, 2011 @ 3:58 pm

As we had recently reported, Baby Boomers face an uncertain future, marred by the bad timing of the economic meltdown as so many reach retirement age, as well as the results of bad planning: with news that as 10,000 Boomers a day will reach 65 in January 2011, few have saved effectively for retirement throughout their lives.…

Read more

Published Monday, January 3, 2011 @ 6:50 am

At the stroke of midnight on New Year’s, most people—people just like you—contemplated resolutions for a better, and in many cases, more financially sound, 2011.  And with millions of Americans facing foreclosure in a lingering housing crisis, extended unemployment or job insecurity, mounting medical debts, and/or other tenuous financial situations during this lingering economic malaise, making amends to be more fiscally savvy can be as tough as post-holiday fruit cake.…

Read more

Published Monday, December 20, 2010 @ 12:28 pm

For the most optimistic Americans, facing the notion of job insecurity, layoffs can be seen as an opportunity: for new and possibly better-paying work, to start a business, or pursue other career paths. But in tough economic times, these dreams for a better option can quickly become a nightmare as the realities of the nation’s employment scarcity take hold, turning what can normally be an exciting time of self-discovery into a fearful world of self-doubt.…

Read more

Published Monday, December 20, 2010 @ 7:17 am

Question: When can an $11 medical bill mean bankruptcy?

Answer: When the bill is issued in error and the resultant collection proceedings drop your credit score to the point where you can’t get a credit card to help pay the bills, apply for a car loan that helps you get to work, or even refinance your mortgage to a more affordable rate.…

Read more

Published Thursday, December 9, 2010 @ 7:25 pm

Right now there are an estimated 15.1 million people out of work in this country. And if you’re reading this you might be one of them. As such, no amount of jobless benefits tied to extended tax cuts will be enough to bring the HO-HO-HOpe back to your household this holiday season.…

Read more

Published Monday, November 29, 2010 @ 9:47 am

You hear tons of experts advising you to pay off high interest debt before any other expenses. And in some cases this makes perfect sense. For example, it’s always a smart move to deal with credit cards with double-digit interest rates before handling the plastic with single-digit interest. But in other cases, you may want to pay off debts with lower interest rates in the interest of appeasing creditors who have more recourse against you when or if you get behind on your payments.…

Read more

Published Sunday, November 28, 2010 @ 11:44 pm

Solid sales figures in November 2010 combined with large crowds during the biggest shopping day of the year (AKA “Black Friday”) appear to be emboldening employers to hire more seasonal staff during this busy holiday season. In fact, in light of strong consumer demand, hundreds of thousands of Americans are being hired for temporary jobs at retailers across the country—employment many hope will eventually translate into full-time work.…

Read more

Published Monday, November 22, 2010 @ 8:23 pm

It’s that time of year again: we’re heading into the holidays with Thanksgiving as the first great meal marker on the road to a season normally full of spending. Every November in the United States, Americans sit down at their dinner tables on the fourth Thursday of the month to give thanks for the all the things they’re grateful for that year.…

Read more

Published Monday, November 15, 2010 @ 10:17 am

During the early part of the new Millennium, as the economy blossomed and business was booming, “Shopping ‘Til You Drop” was far from a foreign concept. From luxury electronics purchases to cultivating closets full of clothes, Americans made a habit of spending as much as they made as they also spent tons of time in malls, outlets and stores.…

Read more

Published Friday, November 12, 2010 @ 10:38 am

The trigger that forces you to finally take the benefits of bankruptcy can come in many forms: unexpected medical bills; mortgage defaults; the implications of divorce. But, more often than not the culprit can come in the form of out-of-control credit card bills. And with good reason: Chapter 7 bankruptcy can virtually wipe all of those bills away with one, simple filing.…

Read more

Published Wednesday, November 10, 2010 @ 8:37 pm

We all know times are tough. Unemployment is still high. Consumer spending is still low. But with all the news of a post-recessionary economic recovery, many Americans are hopeful that the worst of the nation’s recent near-Depression is past them. Unfortunately, for one in five of our nation’s citizens an economic recovery is far from a reality, as these same individuals struggle to feed themselves and their families.…

Read more

Published Monday, November 8, 2010 @ 8:36 pm

In these tough financial times, many people are looking for ways to save a buck. And you’ll often hear us singing the praises of average Americans taking their financial futures into their own hands, whether it be by avoiding the perils of wasted money to taking advantage of bankruptcy benefits. But in addition to buttressing your budget, this time around we’re also trying to save you more of something else: trouble.…

Read more

Published Saturday, November 6, 2010 @ 7:30 am

Amid the lingering housing crisis, full of fraudulent foreclosures and missed mortgage modifications, many disenfranchised Americans have turned to renting to keep a roof over their heads, and their heads above financial water.  Yet, even in a period where renting can be financially friendlier than owning,  conscientious and reasonable renters continue to face this tough economy head-on…in the form of foreclosure notices?…

Read more

Published Monday, November 1, 2010 @ 10:42 am

Our recent, and lingering, economic recession has left many average Americans wondering how to keep their heads above the proverbial financial water. In a recent (and timely) article from AOL’s DailyFinance entitled, “Mired in Debt? Here’s How to Dig Out Safely,” the financial resources site discusses just that: strategies for success when trying to dig yourself out of mountains of debt.…

Read more

Published Tuesday, October 5, 2010 @ 12:18 pm

The majority of jobless people, laid off during the recent economic downturn, face a multitude of harsh realities: loss of medical insurance, falling behind on mortgages, ruined credit, and, in the wake of years full of economic prosperity, little to no established support system to help them deal with these recent tough times and keep them from succumbing to the new realities of our Great Recession.…

Read more

Published Tuesday, October 5, 2010 @ 12:10 pm

Are you one of an estimated 26 million Americans who avoid bank accounts altogether because you fear banking excessive fees or are currently suffering from the very high fees others are trying to avoid? As a result, do you depend on expensive check cashing or tax refund loan services? Well, there’s suddenly hope out there for the unbanked or underbanked—especially during tax season

The U.S.…

Read more

Published Friday, October 1, 2010 @ 4:33 pm

Back in May, we first chronicled the plight of unemployed men and women known as “The 99ers.” At the time, many of these long-term unemployed had exhausted the maximum 99 weeks of unemployment benefits available to them in many states. The group, inauspiciously dubbed “The 99ers” for the remarkable amount of time they went without a job and with benefits, represented the broader face of many jobless Americans from across the country, forced to hang on every tea leaf, smoke signal, and whimper from their representatives in Congress of a new string of jobless aid programs that were, as many experts believed, on par to ignore them completely.…

Read more

Published Tuesday, August 31, 2010 @ 9:32 pm

The Obama Administration’s Credit CARD Act, meant to tighten the reins on credit card industry treatment of card customers—and thereby assist most average Americans— has slowly (but imperceivably?) begun changing our credit card rates, rewards, the appearance of our statements, and even the number of offers we receive.

But despite these significant changes in credit card law to this point, many Americans are still struggling to pay their bills on time, every time.…

Read more

Published Friday, August 27, 2010 @ 8:17 am

With the U.S unemployment rate holding steady at an unsettling 9.5% this past month— signifying more than 14.6 million out-of-work Americans—news that some of our nation’s industries are actually suffering from worker shortages may come as a surprise.

What’s to blame for the discrepancy between the near double-digit national unemployment rate and the dearth of workers to fill certain jobs?…

Read more

Published Thursday, August 26, 2010 @ 11:49 am

While it is well known that the United States is a nation of givers—with an estimated $227.41 billion sent to charitable organizations in 2009—what might be surprising is what groups are actually giving the most.

According to a recent New York Times article entitled The Charitable Giving Divide, “For decades, surveys have shown that upper-income Americans don’t give away as much of their money as they might and are particularly undistinguished as givers when compared with the poor, who are strikingly generous.…

Read more

Published Thursday, August 26, 2010 @ 11:46 am

During the mid-2000s, housing prices reached stratospheric levels with mortgage lenders more than willing to be liberal with their loans, selling the idea of the “home as American Dream” to anyone who would listen—whether they were qualified or not.  But, if the recent housing crisis has taught us anything, it’s that home ownership isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be.…

Read more

Published Thursday, August 12, 2010 @ 2:06 pm

In this underwater housing market, the old adage that renting a home is the same as throwing your money away can be grossly inaccurate. In many cities, from San Francisco to Dallas to New York, “price to rent” ratios make leasing property a no-brainer. But now, even smaller cities like Omaha, Oklahoma City and Kansas City appear on top ten lists of places better to rent than own.…

Read more

Published Thursday, August 12, 2010 @ 10:18 am

If you’re reading this, odds are you’re considering bankruptcy. As such, you have a lot on your plate. Yet, what might make you feel a bit better about being bankruptcy bound is the knowledge that you’re not alone. Millions of average Americans just like you are facing desperate circumstances as they struggle to stay afloat in the wake of this decade’s Great Recession—facing foreclosure, job insecurity, and, of course, insolvency.  In the series, Our Great Recession 2.0, we’ll delve into some of the more unique stories of this decade’s unprecedented economic downturn, allowing you to see familiar faces and dire places people are going in order to handle the financial meltdown head-on.…

Read more

Published Thursday, August 12, 2010 @ 10:12 am

In this tough economy, it may seem like your creditors are an ever-present part of your life…showing up where and when you least expect, or need, them.  You’re not alone.  It turns out that millions of Americans have fallen behind on paying their bills, and an unfortunate result is that debt collection law firms are now heading to court in record numbers in order to collect.…

Read more

Published Thursday, August 12, 2010 @ 10:06 am

As Baby Boomers age into their rightful place at the retirement table, Social Security appears to be running into the red—literally paying out more dollars than it’s taking in—even after decades of prosperity and pay-outs.

According to a recent article in CNNMoney.com, this could leave many who do (and will) depend on Social Security in a rough economic spot during already tough financial times.…

Read more

Published Monday, August 9, 2010 @ 2:01 pm

In these tough economic times, good news can be hard to come by—especially hard for the economic recovery itself. This remains true at the midway point of 2010, as a major indicator of the strength of the America’s economic machine is showing that we’re still in the throes of our own Great Recession.…

Read more

Published Saturday, August 7, 2010 @ 8:45 am

The Obama Administration’s recent landmark health care laws will mean exciting changes for Americans seeking better medical insurance and/or facing crushing medical debt. But for many, these changes can’t come quickly enough. And for some the changes may come late—especially for already beleaguered and bankruptcy bound individuals facing unexpected illnesses, injuries or surgeries.…

Read more

Published Tuesday, August 3, 2010 @ 7:08 pm

Following several years of the worst economic downturn in recent history, economists, commentators and financial experts have recently been heartened about prospects for economic growth and recovery this year as industries increasingly report better profits and the additions of new jobs. Yet, as the economy emerges from the doldrums, consumers understandably remain skiddish—avoiding non-essential expenditures in lieu of financial introspection.…

Read more

Published Monday, August 2, 2010 @ 12:57 am

In the current economic environment, where lawmakers are setting their sights on tighter restrictions on the financial industry’s abusive practices—from excessive overdraft charges to out-of-control interest rates— banks appear to be fighting back with higher fees.

According to The Wall Street Journal, “industry leaders like Bank of America Corp., Wells Fargo & Co., HSBC Holdings PLC’s HSBC North America, Fifth Third Bancorp and others are experimenting with new ways to nick their customers, from imposing maintenance fees on checking accounts to rolling out new charges for services like fraud alerts, debit cards and credit reports.”

This news should matter to anyone with a bank account.…

Read more

Published Friday, July 30, 2010 @ 8:38 am

Given the popularity of channels like HGTV and all of those televised extreme home makeovers , it’s more than apparent that America is a nation full of  “do-it-yourselfers:” people drawn to the idea of going it alone in order to get it done right—their way, the first time.

As a result, it’s not surprising that in this self-supported culture there are so many services available online and offline that, for a fee, offer any DIY inclined consumer the opportunity to file their own bankruptcy.…

Read more

Published Tuesday, July 13, 2010 @ 6:28 am

One thing you may already know about most court proceedings, is that parties usually have the option to represent themselves without the aid of an attorney. This is called appearing ‘Pro Se’, which, in Latin means “for oneself”. In a bankruptcy proceeding, when money is tight, the thought of saving money by cutting out attorneys and their fees can be pretty tempting.…

Read more

Published Saturday, July 3, 2010 @ 8:27 am

In the recent “Great Recession” more and more Baby Boomers were found to be delaying retirement in order to hold onto few and far-between jobs and hold tight to their incomes. But even in tough economic times some are weighing the pros and cons of calling it a day…and a career.…

Read more

Published Thursday, June 17, 2010 @ 10:15 am

Following the last several years of the worst economic downturn in recent history, economists, commentators and financial experts have recently been heartened about prospects for economic growth and recovery this year as industries increasingly report better profits and the additions of new jobs.

Yet, as the economy emerges from the doldrums, consumers aren’t the only ones feeling hesitant.…

Read more

Published Wednesday, June 16, 2010 @ 2:18 pm

In these tough economic times, eating healthy doesn’t have to mean eating expensively; in fact, it can often mean the opposite. As any nutritionist worth his or her salt can tell you, eating in often means eating better; and as any economist will tell you, eating out can starve your wallet.…

Read more

Published Tuesday, June 15, 2010 @ 12:16 pm

In an era of extreme economic downturns and job insecurity, having a car at your disposal has never been more necessary for work, job interviews and providing other basic fiscal needs…even as you consider a personal bankruptcy.   Fortunately, in most places a regular car, as in one single car, is usually exempt from bankruptcy to allow average Americans just like you to get to work, school and make runs for basic needs and necessary family errands.…

Read more

Published Friday, June 11, 2010 @ 10:10 am

The summer months are shaping up to be tough times for recent college graduates. This newest round of job seekers continues to face record unemployment and mounting consumer debt. So what happens when these poor economic conditions coincide with mandatory payback timelines for astronomic educational loans? One word: defaults. In fact, many recent grads will soon exceed the 270-day window for beginning paying back their student loan, triggering a default on their mounting student loans—loans that often have high interest rates.…

Read more

Published Sunday, May 30, 2010 @ 1:41 pm

The Obama Administration’s recent Credit CARD Act, meant to tighten the reins on  credit card industry treatment of card customers—and thereby most average Americans— has slowly and steadily begun changing our credit card rates, charges and rewards, the appearance of our statements, and even the number of offers we receive.

But one lesser-known and publicized piece of the CARD legislation is its effect on companies who issue gift cards.…

Read more

Published Sunday, May 30, 2010 @ 8:00 am

While lack of confidence in the recent economic recovery led employers to shed an unanticipated 85,000 jobs in December 2009—even as many long-time unemployed Americans gave up looking for work to keep the unemployment rate steady at 10 percent—the qualification dates for existing tiers of unemployment benefits were extended for an additional two months.…

Read more

Published Wednesday, April 28, 2010 @ 8:23 am

While millions of struggling Americans still working hard to find meaningful employment might disagree, economists are heartened about prospects for growth this year as industries increasingly report better profits and add new jobs, though they still expect the recovery to remain slow, a new survey shows.

As The Huffington Post reported this week, 70% of those recently surveyed by The National Association for Business Economics believe real Gross Domestic Product (GDP)—the measure of our country’s overall economic output— will “grow by more than two percent this year, up from 61 percent who said the same in January.…

Read more

Published Sunday, April 25, 2010 @ 8:08 am

With rising foreclosure rates, escalating health care costs, recent credit card company schemes and unprecedented unemployment, most people would think they’ve seen it all in this unprecedented economic downturn.

But wait, there’s more.

In these tough financial times, scam artists are coming out of the woodwork to prey on the most hard hit by this decade’s Great Recession: persons needing the benefits of, or having already filed for, bankruptcy.…

Read more

Published Saturday, April 24, 2010 @ 8:06 am

In these tough economic times, many families are facing unprecedented financial challenges. This country’s recent Great Recession has dealt, and continues to deal, a significant blow to the budgets of Americans—leaving millions in debt, underwater in their mortgages, perpetually jobless and looking for any means necessary to get back on a financially-healthy track.…

Read more

Published Friday, April 16, 2010 @ 5:31 pm

When President Obama signed landmark health care legislation into law, it meant unprecedented changes for Americans seeking better medical insurance and facing crushing medical debt. For many, these changes can’t come quickly enough. Even amid surging unemployment and a national housing crisis, health care expenses have quickly become the primary budget buster for millions of beleaguered Americans.…

Read more

Published Wednesday, April 14, 2010 @ 5:31 pm

As we’re all aware, this decade’s Great Recession has dealt, and continues to deal, a significant blow to the budgets of many American families, leaving millions in debt, out of work, underwater in their mortgages, and looking for any means necessary to get back on a financially-healthy course.  Now, we’re finding that tax time 2010 is also yielding it’s own unique set of challenges for some cash-strapped citizens who may have had some of their debt forgiven or settled a debt for less than the full amount in 2009.…

Read more

Published Thursday, April 8, 2010 @ 3:19 pm

While the current economic forecast is considered by economists to be less dismal than in past months, many of the same economists are predicting unemployment will stay high over the next several years—noting that recession-scarred employers are likely to stay conservative in their hiring practices even as recession-scarred citizens continue their search for a dwindling number of jobs.…

Read more

Published Thursday, April 1, 2010 @ 10:18 am

As we’re all aware, this decade’s Great Recession has dealt, and continues to deal, a significant blow to the budgets of many American families, leaving millions in debt, underwater in their mortgages, and looking for any means necessary to get back on a financially-healthy course.  Now, tax time can  yield a long-term solution for some cash-strapped citizens.…

Read more

Published Thursday, April 1, 2010 @ 10:12 am

Exacerbated by the recent “Great Recession,” small business owners everywhere are not only facing lagging consumer and commercial spending and fewer credit options, but also high employee health care costs. While health benefits have been a goal for most employees seeking work, all across our great nation, mom and pop endeavors with even the most solid histories face tremendous financial obstacles in giving their employees the coverage they need.…

Read more

Published Wednesday, March 31, 2010 @ 10:02 am

This week, amid groundbreaking health care legislation, many missed the Obama administration’s other big news: a major reworking of its troubled $75 billion foreclosure prevention plan. In an attempt to help those hardest hit by the housing crisis, the newly revamped program targets homeowners who are unemployed or underwater in their mortgages (owing more on their loans than their homes are worth).…

Read more

Published Tuesday, March 30, 2010 @ 4:50 pm

In these tough economic times, many believe the federal government has already launched yet another stimulus program. This one’s called the U.S. Census.

Every 10 years, the Census Bureau takes a demographic snapshot of the American population, determining how many people reside within our nation’s borders, who they are, and where they live.…

Read more

Published Sunday, March 28, 2010 @ 6:31 pm

As you know by now, this country’s recent Great Recession has dealt, and continues to deal, a significant blow to the budgets of many American families, leaving millions in debt, underwater in their mortgages, perpetually jobless and looking for any means necessary to get back on a financially-healthy track.

However, there may be a silver fiscal lining to this year’s spring season: The Recovery Act’s tax credits.…

Read more

Published Sunday, March 28, 2010 @ 2:30 pm

For all the political uncertainties about health care reform, at least one thing seems clear: when President Obama signed landmark health care legislation into law this week, it marked real changes for Americans facing medical debt.

And, as such, these changes couldn’t come at a better time. Even amid surging unemployment and mortgages underwater, health care expenses have become the primary financial breaking point for millions of Americans.…

Read more

Published Friday, March 19, 2010 @ 7:09 am

This time of year, America is officially springing forward with most U.S. citizens trading an hour’s worth of sleep for more evening sunshine to enjoy after work. Yet, Daylight’s Savings Time 2010 means more than additional playtime for you in the daylight hours; it also means it’s primetime for planning a much-needed Spring Break and/or, in many cases, a much-deserved Summer vacation.…

Read more

Published Thursday, March 18, 2010 @ 6:08 pm

As many people facing significant financial hurdles already know: compulsive spending, like smoking, can often be a difficult habit to overcome. And like chain smoking, spending sprees can have devastating consequences, literally causing people just like you to “shop ‘til you drop”—sacrificing not only cash, but sometimes the ability to keep other possessions, relationships, and even, a healthy financial, emotional and physical future.…

Read more

Published Monday, March 15, 2010 @ 6:27 pm

Exacerbated by the recent “Great Recession,” small business owners everywhere are not only facing high employee health care costs and lagging consumer and commercial spending, but also fewer credit options. While loans have always been the lifeblood of the small business, all across our great nation, mom and pop endeavors with even the most solid credit histories face tremendous obstacles in qualifying for much-needed capital.…

Read more

Published Wednesday, March 3, 2010 @ 8:10 am

As all American’s attempt to make their way out of their own Great Recessions, there is an old joke about the difference between a recession and a depression that goes something like this: “A recession is when your neighbor is out of work. A depression is when you are out of work.”

Well, the unemployed just got a whole new reason to feel depressed post-national recession.…

Read more

Published Tuesday, March 2, 2010 @ 11:52 am

As we’re all aware, this decade’s Great Recession has dealt, and continues to deal, a significant blow to the budgets of many American families, leaving millions in debt, underwater in their mortgages, and looking for any means necessary to get back on a financially-healthy course.  Now, we’re finding that tax time is also yielding it’s own set of challenges for some cash-strapped citizens.…

Read more

Published Tuesday, March 2, 2010 @ 10:48 am

While many economists say this decade’s Great Recession ended in the middle of 2009, millions of struggling Americans who are still working hard to find meaningful employment would definitely disagree. And as we are all now well aware, the once thriving middle class is being hit especially hard—with a determination of whether you’re in a recession or recovery based largely on where you live and if you still have a job.…

Read more