Consumers are feeling the pinch of a credit card crisis as card issuers raise rates and restrict credit, reports the New York Times.

It’s no news to me. Even readers with excellent credit are telling me Bank of America is raising APRs and American Express is slashing credit lines by 50% or more. Learn why the credit card crisis is upon us, what it is, and what you can do about it. [...]

In today’s article Survive the Credit Card Crisis I talk about how credit card companies are approving fewer and fewer credit card applications. It is still possible, however, for consumers with decent credit to get new credit cards with good terms—you just need to know which cards offer your best chance of approval. [...]

As far as potential windfalls are concerned, a hundred grand is an interesting amount of money.

It’s a tidy sum for anyone to be sure, but it’s hardly what Powerball jackpots and overnight retirements are made of. So, I want to know, what would you do with $100k? [...]

Even as the price of gas keeps dropping, fuel economy is still on a lot of people’s minds, and it’s certainly a selling point for auto manufacturers. Is it something you’re thinking about? [...]

A quick clarification for a couple readers asking whether you can cash out your 401(k) and take a cash dispersal. The quick answer is no, not anytime. [...]

Update: Since writing this post, both LendingClub and Prosper are registered with the SEC and running fully for both borrowers and lenders.

Two years ago I wrote several articles about peer-to-peer lender Prosper and the debt consolidation loan I secured through the site.

But this year Prosper and competing lender Lending Club have been forced to temporarily suspend their lending operations as they pursue registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

While LendingClub reopened its site last week, Prosper just recently shut down and may remain down for several months. What does this mean for lenders, borrowers like me, and the future of peer-to-peer loans? [...]

News surfaced last week about Republican donors spending over $100,000 in less than a month on vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin’s wardrobe.

Now I think most prudent folks would balk at anybody dropping tens of thousands at Neiman Marcus, but I believe there is some truth to that old saying “dress for the job you want, not the one you have.” I also think dropping money in your work clothes—and therefore your image—as the McCain campaign did for Palin, is a smart money move. Do you agree? [...]

Finding out you owe federal income taxes at filing time is no fun, but did you know that the IRS can charge you interest and penalties if you don’t properly estimate (and pay) your taxes on at least a quarterly basis? If you’re self-employed or earn additional income from sources that do not withhold federal income taxes (i.e., you receive 1099 forms), you may have to make quarterly estimated tax payments. [...]

Like a mortgage, rent on an apartment is one expense that will never go down; at least until you move. That’s why it’s so important to find the right apartment with rent (and utilities) you can afford, lest you get stuck paying way more than you should until the lease runs out.

Here are a few money-saving tips to keep in mind the next time you go apartment hunting. [...]

Fortunately, twentysomethings are not usually the first employees to be laid off when an economic downturn forces employers to cut staff. After all, relative to more experienced employees, we’re cheap. But we’re not immune from being laid off and, in today’s economy, that reality could face any one of us any day.

The looming possibility of a layoff doesn’t mean you should start surfing Monster.com for a new job at your present employer (doing so might just put your name a top the cut list). You should, however, be on the lookout for warning signs that your job is endangered. If you spot them, it might be time to at least get your resume in shape. [...]