With Mortgage Applications Down, Is It A Good Time to Apply?

The volume of mortgage applications submitted to lenders is at an eight-year low, the AP reports. This news comes a day after the U.S. Commerce Department reported that construction of new homes hit a 17-year low in July. While this news makes … [Read more...]

First-time Home Buyer Tax Credit Provides up to $7,500

Did you know that if you are an American buying your first home between April 9, 2008 and July 1, 2009, the U.S. government will give you up to $7,500 in the form of a federal tax credit? … [Read more...]

The Advanta Kiva BusinessCard: A Credit Card for the Socially-Conscious Entrepreneur

Advanta, proprietors of super low-rate credit cards specifically marketed to small business owners, recently introduced the Kiva BusinessCard, a 7.99% APR credit card that will match users' grants to Kiva, the Web’s first person-to-person … [Read more...]

Cruel Overdraft Traps

I've always figured banks actually want you to overdraw your checking account so they can score a fee, but I had no idea banks manipulate transactions to cause overdrafts, as SmartMoney.com reports. Here are the two most shocking tricks banks use, … [Read more...]

Young People Are In Financial Trouble

Thanks to Emily from Taking Change for the guest post at Free Money Finance highlighting an important survey showing that young people are in financial dire straights. The report, released by the financial advocacy group Qvisory, indicates that … [Read more...]

Suze Orman is a Buzzkill

I do not subscribe to the Suze Orman personal finance methodology. Unfortunately, I think most personal finance bloggers do. What am I talking about? It's the notion that: "If you spend money, you're stupid; If you're in debt, you're stupid." … [Read more...]

Emergency Fund Calculator Spreadsheet Now Available

Due to the interest I have received from my recent post describing a formula to calculate how much you need in your emergency fund, I have created an Excel spreadsheet that can run the formula for you. Download the free spreadsheet in Excel … [Read more...]

How to File a FAFSA as an Independent Undergraduate Student

It’s a common financial aid quandary: Why does a student who does not receive financial support from mom and dad need to include parents’ finances—including their most recent tax returns—when completing a FAFSA form for federal financial aid? … [Read more...]

How Much Do Olympic Athletes Earn? Unless You're Michael Phelps, Not Enough

Watching the 2008 Olympics, I began to wonder how much Olympic athletes earn---if anything---for competing in the games. After all, training for the Olympics (never mind competing) is at least a full-time job. The answer surprised me. … [Read more...]

Saving Money by Avoiding Sales Tax

Sixteen states are offering sales tax holidays this August, providing consumers with a couple of days to shop tax-free. Should you take the bait? … [Read more...]