There is a bright side to all of this economic doom and gloom going around. If you’re poised to buy a home—or even a car—in the next few months, you’re going to get quite a deal. Read the rest of this entry »

Rather than explain mortgage rates every time I write about home financing, let me briefly explain the differences between fixed and adjustable rate mortgages, and mortgage points here. Read the rest of this entry »

Do you, by choice, not carry (or use) a credit card at all? I would like to hear from people who have made the decision to go credit card-free. How long have you been without plastic? Why did you kiss credit cards goodbye? How has living credit card-free working? Has it created any problems? Read the rest of this entry »

Kiplinger’s magazine has voted FNBO Direct the “best online savings account of 2008″. Read the rest of this entry »

The federal funds rate is just 1%—as low as it has been in fifty years. Theoretically, credit card interest rates should be at all-time lows, too. Trouble is, major credit card issuers, battling soaring delinquencies and charge offs, are raising, not lowering, rates. Pay your credit card over time? The difference between 8% and 15% interest will add up. Here are two credit cards with a couple of the lowest regular credit card APRs I’ve seen—6.5% and 8%. Read the rest of this entry »

To everyone who called because I haven’t written lately: Thank you, I’m okay! Truth is, I’ve been preoccupied shopping, wrangling work, and planning an out-of-state move. But today, I saw a Salvation Army bell ringer (some of whom, incidentally, now accept credit cards). It reminded me to forget all the selfish stuff for a moment. Charities feel the recession, too; all the more reason to help however we can. And, as it turns out, you don’t have to fork over your own hard-earned cash to make a difference. Read the rest of this entry »

Ever wondered why toll both collectors wear latex gloves? Blogger PJ of Broke in the Suburb explains. She used to work as a bank teller and recently wrote all about why money disgusts her.

Aside from all the nasty stuff she saw on cash itself, I never really thought about some of the sides of life you would see working as a bank teller. In particular, I loved the story about the woman who insisted a ghost was writing bad checks on her account. I’ll have to try that one!

Anybody else out there worked as a bank teller? What’s the weirdest thing you have witnessed?

Capitol Hill is frustrated with Americans because we’re saving money, paying down debt, and not spending. How dare we! Read the rest of this entry »

Banks and credit unions want your business, and many offer new customers great perks like ATM fee reimbursement, totally free checking accounts, even cold hard cash. Problem is, swapping your primary financial institution isn’t as easy as, say, changing shampoo brands. Nonetheless, with a little planning, moving your money to a new bank or credit union doesn’t have to be a hassle. Read the rest of this entry »

If you have ever considered selling old gold or other unwanted jewelry for cash, you need to know that the many companies that advertise on TV and online, including Cash4Gold.com, will NOT give you “top dollar” for your silver, gold, or platinum. In fact, they may only offer you a fraction of what you could fetch at a reputable local dealer. Read the rest of this entry »