Debt and Credit Assistance

The No. 1 key to long-term investing

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 19:00:08 +0000

Let the profitability of a company’s investment in itself guide your stock picking. For an example, look at how McDonald’s matches up against its competitors.

Source: The No. 1 key to long-term investing

Home Depot and Lowe's: Renovation under way

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 19:00:14 +0000

I recommended both Home Depot and Lowe’s Companies in the January issue of Money magazine. Since then, both do-it-yourself retailers have reported earnings declines, and analysts expect results for the current year to be up only slightly – or even down.

Source: Home Depot and Lowe's: Renovation under way

The student-loan morass: How to fix it

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 19:00:13 +0000

Borrowing money to go to college is not the problem — borrowing money at relatively high rates is. Private interests have given student loans a bad name.

Source: The student-loan morass: How to fix it

The Credit CARD Act: What you need to know

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 19:00:06 +0000

Consumers have some important new protections when they use plastic. But some analysts warn that the reforms will come with unforeseen costs.

Source: The Credit CARD Act: What you need to know

4 reality checks for your finances

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 19:00:06 +0000

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.

Source: 4 reality checks for your finances

Lifetime cost of bad credit: $201,712

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 19:00:03 +0000

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.

Source: Lifetime cost of bad credit: $201,712

Making the most of a strong dollar

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 00:00:08 +0000

The best opportunity may have passed, but there’s still time to capitalize on the greenback’s relative strength. Here are a few investment ideas.

Source: Making the most of a strong dollar

Rent to own: Impatience has a price

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 00:00:06 +0000

Welcoming those cornered by bad credit, rent-to-own stores are thriving. But the costs of their convenient payment plans are equivalent to sky-high interest rates.

Source: Rent to own: Impatience has a price

5 attractive stocks under $5

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 19:00:07 +0000

The lure of low-priced stocks is that they can rise quickly when the market discovers them. But you may need some patience.

Source: 5 attractive stocks under $5

Converts sing praises of credit unions

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 19:00:06 +0000

$1,200 legally yanked from savings accounts drove one man from his bank. Lower interest rates on credit cards and fewer fees attracted others to credit unions.

Source: Converts sing praises of credit unions

The death of comparison shopping

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 19:00:06 +0000

The Internet had made comparisons so simple that companies are now scheming to hide their real prices, making actual costs impossible to figure out ahead of time.

Source: The death of comparison shopping

10 things your auto insurer won't tell you

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 19:00:05 +0000

There’s a lot to consider when insuring a car — rates, teen drivers, what happens if you have an accident. Is your insurer looking out for you?

Source: 10 things your auto insurer won't tell you

Should you buy a Toyota?

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 19:00:03 +0000

The recalled models are being repaired, but prices are softening — creating tempting bargains.

Source: Should you buy a Toyota?

Dividend stocks for a sideways market

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 19:00:05 +0000

The credit meltdown damaged a lot of once-reliable dividend stocks, but don’t let that turn you away. Companies that pay you to own them may never have been more important.

Source: Dividend stocks for a sideways market

Invest in up-and-coming economies

Sun, 21 Feb 2010 19:00:06 +0000

Emerging-market stocks are outpacing US issues, and that’s a trend that will continue. Cash in by investing in companies poised to benefit from rising demand at home.

Source: Invest in up-and-coming economies

Future of plastic: 5 credit trends

Sun, 21 Feb 2010 19:00:05 +0000

The Credit CARD Act means big changes in the ways issuers deal with their customers, and many of the old rules of credit card use are being rewritten.

Source: Future of plastic: 5 credit trends

Sell stocks? Hang on? An investor's dilemma

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 19:00:06 +0000

The economy is weakening, the stock market is slumping and there’s plenty of bad news. It’s easy to feel confused.

Source: Sell stocks? Hang on? An investor's dilemma

Is it OK to start spending again?

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 19:00:05 +0000

Frugality got you through the tough times, but now your budget finally has a little breathing room. How can you upgrade your lifestyle without getting into trouble?

Source: Is it OK to start spending again?

Sell stocks? Hang on? An investor's dilemma

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 19:00:05 +0000

The economy is weakening, the stock market is slumping and there’s plenty of bad news. It’s easy to feel confused.

Source: Sell stocks? Hang on? An investor's dilemma

An ETF revolution: Free trades

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 19:00:05 +0000

Like Schwab, Fidelity now offers no-commission purchases on some exchange-traded funds. It’s a big benefit to all investors, and it could signal an important new trend.

Source: An ETF revolution: Free trades