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 investors and economists wince, if you’re in the market for your first home, it’s music to your ears. [...]
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? [...]
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 micro-lending site. [...]
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, and how you can fight back. [...]
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 adults ages 18-34 are facing stagnating incomes, higher expenses, and increasing debt loads. Not surprisingly, we’re also worrying about our finances more than ever. [...]
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.” [...]
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 format here
You can also use the calculator on Google Spreadsheets.
Earlier this month we cautioned readers about foreign currency credit card fees. But is there a credit card out there that stands above others as the best card for international travel? [...]
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? Some students can avoid it, but to do so, you must meet the government’s definition of an “independent student”. [...]
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. [...]
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