Even as the economy moves through a slow recovery phase, fraud cases are higher than they’ve ever been. There are more schemes related to investments, mortgages, and the internet, according to the FBI. Scammers are becoming more clever and convincing, always inventing new ways to catch consumers. In this article, Consumer Reports researched some of… Read More
Change on the horizon for gift and estate tax (as reported by Sharon Epperson via cnbc.com)
Those planning on giving a large amount of money to their children or grandchildren should consider doing it before the New Year. Beginning January 1, 2013, the amount of money parents or grandparents are allowed give to children for education support might change. Currently, the maximum amount that a single person can transfer to their… Read More
Only 39% of checking accounts that pay no interest are free (as reported by Jonnelle Marte via smartmoney.com)
In today’s economy, “free checking” accounts are harder to find as banks are pressed to meet new government regulations. Many large banks are either adding or increasing fees and requirements for account holders. There are some options for those searching for free checking, read about them here. Read More
1 in 13 American households don’t have bank account (as reported by CATHERINE RAMPELL via nytimes.com)
A Federal Deposit Insurance Company study showed that one in 13 American households do not have a checking or savings account. Furthermore, Americans who are unbanked and underbanked are disproportionately low-income and minority. Read more about the status of the unbanked here. Read More
Credit card use in decline (as reported by CHRISTOPHER S. RUGABER via huffingtonpost.com)
Since the Recession hit in 2008, there has been a decline in credit card use by Americans, suggesting that the current state of the economy has made some more cautious about spending. At the same time, debt for college or car loans increased. Find out more by clicking here. Read More
Fun $ facts (as reported by moneyistheroot.com)
Did you know that a $1 bill will only last 18 months and a $5 bill for two years? Or that the dollar sign “$” has never appeared on any U.S. currency? Find out more fun facts about the original American currencies here! Read More
Suze Orman’s do’s and don’ts (as reported by Suze Orman via oprah.com)
In this article, Suze Orman, a best selling author, television host and one of America’s most popular financial advisers offers the “do’s and don’ts” on some of the biggest financial decisions people make, from car loans to college planning. To read Suze Orman’s helpful financial tips, click here! Read More
Four quick tips on saving money for young people (as reported by the Associated Press via nbcnews.com)
In this MSNBC article you’ll find 4 smart tips how to save your money, geared especially towards young adults. To read the tips, click here! Read More
Study shows less people living paycheck to paycheck (as reported by Chad Brooks via cnbc.com)
A recent study by CareerBuilder showed that fewer people are relying on their next paycheck to pay bills. Currently, 40% of Americans are living payday to payday, the lowest rate since the beginning of the recession. 23% of people never rely on their next check. The study reveled that women and people ages 45 and… Read More
Starting money lessons young (as reported by Daniel Bortz via USnews.com)
Daniel Bortz reports that parents should start to teach their children about money as early as possible, so they are raised to understand the value of money and how to handle it. He offers six ideas for making money fun for kids. Link to original story click here! Read More