Amid the uncertain economic conditions of today, United States employers are planning to increase employee wages by an average of 2.8 percent in 2012, according to a new survey from human resources consulting firm Towers Watson.

Meredith Dwyer - Tue Aug 23 2011

Consumers got more grim economic news August 23 when the Commerce Department announced that sales of new homes fell to a five-month low in July.

Meredith Dwyer - Tue Aug 23 2011

A new forecast released August 22 by Fannie Mae shows that there won't be a double-dip recession in August, but whether or not the United States will endure another one in the rest of 2011 is unclear, according to a press release.

Lisa Blackwell - Mon Aug 22 2011

Freddie Mac announced August 18 that fixed and adjusted mortgage rates have fallen to all-time record lows, providing more incentive for homeowners looking to refinance.

Meredith Dwyer - Thu Aug 18 2011

Home prices have fallen so much in recent months that in July, buying a two-bedroom house was cheaper than renting in 74 percent of the country's 50 largest cities, according to real estate website Trulia.

Bill Crowley - Wed Aug 17 2011

Although serious mortgage delinquency rates continue to stabilize in the country's 100 largest metropolitan areas, they remain at record-high levels, according to a Center for Housing Policy press release based on ForeclosureResponse.org data.

Bill Crowley - Tue Aug 16 2011

Fifty-three percent of the nation's renters are being deterred from buying homes because of financing difficulties, including bad credit, a new Fannie Mae survey found.

Lisa Blackwell - Mon Aug 15 2011

Consumers could soon feel a financial pinch due to increasing loan interest rates resulting from the U.S. government's rating downgrade by Standard & Poor's, the Wall Street Journal reports.

Lisa Blackwell - Mon Aug 15 2011

Numbers for July's retail and food services sales estimate experienced a slight increase of 0.5 percent over June, the U.S. Census Bureau announced August 12.

Meredith Dwyer - Fri Aug 12 2011

Unemployment insurance claims last week fell to a four-month low, an unexpected bit of bright news in a gloomy economy.

Lisa Blackwell - Fri Aug 12 2011

As the economy continues to show a gray outlook with brief glimmers of hope, a new CareerBuilder survey offers a small ray of sunshine.

Lisa Blackwell - Thu Aug 11 2011

Seventy percent of Americans think the economy is heading in the wrong direction - versus 23 percent who think it’s improving, according to July consumer indicators released August 8 by Fannie Mae.

Bill Crowley - Tue Aug 9 2011

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Department of Treasury released a report on August 5 that paints a mixed picture of the nation’s housing market.

Lisa Blackwell - Tue Aug 9 2011

Sixty percent of workers who were laid off in the past year have found new positions, 88 percent of them full time, according to a CareerBuilder press release citing a Harris Interactive survey of 800 laid-off workers.

Meredith Dwyer - Thu Aug 4 2011

July brought growth to the country’s small businesses, with their employment numbers, compensation and hours worked increasing, according to an August 1 report 1 by the Intuit Small Business Employment Index.

Bill Crowley - Tue Aug 2 2011

Americans appear to be regaining confidence in their finances, after losing faith in their money situations in June.

Lisa Blackwell - Wed Jul 27 2011

A number of Americans are looking for unique debt relief strategies to get their credit balances in order and stay on budget.

Lisa Blackwell - Tue Jul 26 2011

A new study from Bankrate.com found parents and college-educated individuals are the most likely to track their spending against a budget.

Lisa Blackwell - Tue Jul 26 2011

The country's current economic turmoil has many Americans reviewing their personal finances to find ways to save money and reduce debt.

Lisa Blackwell - Mon Jul 25 2011

Recent media reports and surveys show that while consumers are pessimistic about the economy’s future - a sentiment aided by Congress’ struggle with the national debt ceiling - their personal debt is rising.

Lisa Blackwell - Thu Jul 21 2011

A recent release by Consumer Reports found many consumers are becoming uncomfortable with the economy - mainly due to the current lack of job growth.

Lisa Blackwell - Fri Jul 15 2011

A recent report by the U.S. Department of Labor found that initial claims for unemployment decreased to 405,000 during the week of July 9. This is a drop from the previous week's 427,000.

Lisa Blackwell - Fri Jul 15 2011

A recent study by Javelin Strategy and Research called "Expedited Payments: Consolidator Originated Routing Solutions May 2011," found that in 2010, Americans saved approximately $4.3 billion in late credit card fees by using expedited bill pay options.

Meredith Dwyer - Thu Jul 14 2011

The latest Consumer Expectation Index by Experian found that confidence from a consumer's perspective has jumped around dramatically during the first part of 2011.

Bill Crowley - Thu Jul 14 2011

The SunAmerica Retirement Re-Set Study recently found many people plan to retire later, due to both living longer, and the current economic situation.

Lisa Blackwell - Thu Jul 14 2011

A recent study by ID Analytics found that approximately 140,000 identity fraud actions occur against children, annually.

Shane Tyler - Thu Jul 14 2011

A recent study by custom research agency TNS found five banks that have solid and customer bases consisting of many affluent Americans.

Lisa Blackwell - Wed Jul 13 2011

American workers now have the lowest confidence levels in two years, according to The Employee Confidence Index by The SFN Group.

Meredith Dwyer - Wed Jul 13 2011

The U.S. unemployment rate recently rose to 9.2 percent, and the U.S. Secretary of Labor, Hilda Solis called the government into action to alleviate the situation.

Lisa Blackwell - Wed Jul 13 2011

The Employment Trends Index from The Conference Board increased to 100 for June, up from the month of May's index of 99.5.

Shane Tyler - Tue Jul 12 2011

More than half of Americans think too many consumers are unemployed, according to the Job Creators Alliance Poll, conducted at the end of June.

Meredith Dwyer - Tue Jul 12 2011

A recent report from Harris Interactive found Americans not only expect the economy to get worse but nearly 70 percent of consumers are prioritizing generic brands to conserve money.

Lisa Blackwell - Tue Jul 12 2011

A recent report by Glassdoor showed that while many consumers are satisfied with their current jobs, a large amount are not confident that their jobs are secure.

Shane Tyler - Tue Jul 12 2011

The latest edition of the RBC consumer Outlook Index showed a decline to 43.7 in July, from 46.7 in June.

Meredith Dwyer - Mon Jul 11 2011

A recent survey found Americans who are financially well-off are becoming more negative about the state of both the U.S. and global economies.

Meredith Dwyer - Mon Jul 11 2011

A recent report by CareerBuilder found a significant amount of employers plan to increase hiring for the remainder of the 2011 calendar year.

Lisa Blackwell - Mon Jul 11 2011

A recent report by the U.S. Department of Labor showed initial claims for unemployment fell to 418,000 for the week of July 2.

Meredith Dwyer - Fri Jul 8 2011

A recent survey by Rasmussen Reports found nearly 90 percent of Americans think the U.S. population as a whole should cut down on credit card usage, but less than one-quarter of adults think they should cut back on their own credit habits.

Shane Tyler - Fri Jul 8 2011

A recent report by ADP showed employment in the American private business sector increased by 157,000 from May to June of this year.

Lisa Blackwell - Fri Jul 8 2011

A recent report by staffing service OfficeTeam showed approximately 45 percent of consumers have worked for managers that they considered to be unreasonable.

Shane Tyler - Thu Jul 7 2011

A recent report from CreditCards.com found this week's national average annual percentage rate for credit cards increased to 14.91 percent compared to last week's figure of 14.75 percent.

Shane Tyler - Thu Jul 7 2011

A recent report by news service Bureau of National Affairs projects the U.S. economic situation to improve over the course of the next year.

Meredith Dwyer - Wed Jul 6 2011

A recent survey found more professionals in the retail and fashion industries experienced improved salaries, better job opportunities and a greater amount of benefits.

Meredith Dwyer - Tue Jul 5 2011

Many people aim to save large amounts of money at the beginning of the year, but for those who haven't been able to discipline their wallets, there still may be time to turn it around, according to financial expert Lynette Khalfani-Cox.

Bill Crowley - Fri Jul 1 2011

A recent survey by AMN Healthcare found approximately 25 percent of American nurses plan to switch occupations during the economy's recovery from the recent recession.

Shane Tyler - Thu Jun 30 2011

The number of initial unemployment claims for the week ending June 25 declined to 428,000, a slight change from 429,000 a week earlier, according to the U.S. Department of Labor's unemployment insurance weekly claims report.

Lisa Blackwell - Thu Jun 30 2011

With Independence Day weekend on the horizon, many people are planning on hosting events, or attending them. With these holidays, outings can become expensive.

Shane Tyler - Thu Jun 30 2011

A recent report found households that make less than $50,000 annually are struggling more in the wake of the recession than those with an income of $100,000 or more.

Lisa Blackwell - Thu Jun 30 2011

A recent report by TD Bank found 51 percent of Americans are optimistic about the future of the economy, while nearly 75 percent have plans to meet or top financial goals during the next quarter.

Bill Crowley - Thu Jun 30 2011

A recent report by PNC Financial Services Group showed that approximately 50 percent of women who own businesses plan on receipts increasing over the next six months.

Meredith Dwyer - Thu Jun 30 2011

The Conference Board recently released its monthly study, the Consumer Confidence Index, and the figures paint a disappointing picture.

Meredith Dwyer - Wed Jun 29 2011

A poll recently released by Harris Interactive showed an increasing amount of Americans are losing confidence in President Barack Obama's ability to help the United States exit the currently poor economic situation it is mired in.

Bill Crowley - Wed Jun 29 2011

A recent survey showed consumers are receiving fewer benefits due to the staggering economy.

Shane Tyler - Tue Jun 28 2011

A recent poll by market research firm Harris Interactive found consumers living in the United States are in disagreement regarding how they view shopping for clothing.

Lisa Blackwell - Tue Jun 28 2011

A recent study found a majority of Americans have changed their spending habits as a direct result of healthcare costs.

Bill Crowley - Mon Jun 27 2011

Consumers have been alarmed by the elevated gasoline prices as of late, but despite some help from the government, true relief could still be far off, according to CNN Money.

Lisa Blackwell - Mon Jun 27 2011

A recent report projected more consumers will spend during the summer months, with a more than 10 percent increase in frequency compared to the same period in 2010.

Meredith Dwyer - Mon Jun 27 2011

The latest Unemployment Insurance Weekly Claims Report, which was recently released by the U.S. Department of Labor, showed the bleak state of employment in the country.

Meredith Dwyer - Fri Jun 24 2011

A recent study GfK Custom Research North America found consumers looking to purchase a vehicle prefer compact automobiles over all other types - including alternative energy vehicles.

Bill Crowley - Thu Jun 23 2011

A recent study by AAA projects 2.5 percent fewer consumers will hit the road for a Fourth of July weekend vacation.

Shane Tyler - Thu Jun 23 2011

A recent report by the U.S. Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System showed economic recovery is on track, but not as quickly as the Federal Open Market Committee hoped.

Shane Tyler - Thu Jun 23 2011

A recent study by Hiscox showed approximately 15 percent of small businesses stemmed from the owner being laid off.

Meredith Dwyer - Wed Jun 22 2011

A recent survey by marketing company GlobalSpec projected the economy will thrive in the near future.

Shane Tyler - Tue Jun 21 2011

A recent report by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards showed American consumers are not confident about the state of the American economy, but are feeling good about their own personal finance situation.

Meredith Dwyer - Tue Jun 21 2011

A recent report from the U.S. Department of Labor showed seasonally adjusted employment claims decreased in all categories, possibly signaling that employment could be strengthening and fewer workers may be losing their jobs.

Shane Tyler - Mon Jun 20 2011

Almost 90 percent of Americans are not confident they will receive a raise over the next year, according to the American Pulse Survey.

Lisa Blackwell - Fri Jun 17 2011

The National Federation of Independent Businesses released its monthly Small Business Optimism Index, showing business owners lost confidence for the third month in a row.

Bill Crowley - Thu Jun 16 2011

A recent report from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Bureau of Transportation Statistics showed American airline carriers made approximately $5.7 billion last year.

Lisa Blackwell - Tue Jun 14 2011

Students are paying higher tuition than ever before, and this is becoming a problem as Americans are actually earning less.

Lisa Blackwell - Tue Jun 14 2011

A recent survey found economic experts have an increased fear of another recession on the horizon.

Meredith Dwyer - Mon Jun 13 2011

A recent report showed that consumer confidence declined as a direct result of the unemployment statistics that were released last week.

Shane Tyler - Fri Jun 10 2011

A recent report from the U.S. Department of Labor found initial unemployment insurance claims for the week ending June 4 increased 1,000 compared to the week before, and is estimated to be 427,000.

Lisa Blackwell - Fri Jun 10 2011

A recent study found approximately 60 percent of Americans are not ready for costly emergencies and accidents.

Shane Tyler - Fri Jun 10 2011

Recent college graduates average approximately $24,000 in student loans, according to The Chicago Sun-Times.

Bill Crowley - Tue Jun 7 2011

A recent study from Ohio State University showed students and post-graduates alike may have an increase of self-esteem if they have some loan and credit card debts.

Bill Crowley - Mon Jun 6 2011

For those dealing with small amounts of credit card debt, it may be important to put a personal limit on the amount of debt they can rack up, according to Investopedia.

Shane Tyler - Fri Jun 3 2011

Many people who attempt to improve their credit scores think paying their debt off in one fell swoop will do the trick.

Meredith Dwyer - Thu Jun 2 2011

For those planning on going to college in the fall, it may be wise to look for every opportunity available to earn grants and scholarships, according to The Chicago Tribune.

Shane Tyler - Wed Jun 1 2011

Approximately 98 percent of revolving debt in the United States is credit card debt. If you are affected by this, it is important to do what you can to get back into good financial standing.

Shane Tyler - Fri May 27 2011

Consumers who are planning for retirement, but are worried about tackling their debt issues, need to develop a plan to set themselves up for a positive financial future.

Meredith Dwyer - Thu May 26 2011

In the wake of the recession, many consumers are dealing with fixing their financial situations for various reasons including credit card debt. A new poll suggests Americans would like government intervention in promoting economic mobility.

Lisa Blackwell - Fri May 20 2011

A recent poll found younger Americans lag behind their older counterparts when protecting themselves from identity theft, and this could have many unwanted consequences.

Bill Crowley - Thu May 12 2011

Those who graduate from college soon are subject to piles of bills and expenses, especially when they land their first job. But in order to stay on top of bills, these young people need to tread carefully.

Meredith Dwyer - Wed May 11 2011

Consumers may be finally getting their credit card debt under control, as a recent study reported that poor financial habits have declined dramatically.

Shane Tyler - Fri May 6 2011

If you run into health problems, or an emergency, the proper knowledge will make your finances less of a burden.

Bill Crowley - Thu May 5 2011

Kelley Blue Book recently released the results of a survey showing Americans were concerned about rising gas prices during the month of April.

Lisa Blackwell - Tue May 3 2011

In the wake of the storms in the Southern United States, Freddie Mac is helping borrowers with their mortgages who had homes that were damaged or destroyed.

Lisa Blackwell - Mon May 2 2011

A recent report by the U.S. Commerce Department's Bureau of Economic Analysis showed personal income during the month of March increased 0.5 percent.

Shane Tyler - Sat Apr 30 2011

There are many ways finances can be affected by marriage, but one of the most significant influences is credit scores. Even if one spouse has an impressive rating, a poor one could affect both people.

Shane Tyler - Sat Apr 30 2011

Costs for employing U.S. workers increased in the first quarter of 2011, which may be a positive step for the economy.

Meredith Dwyer - Sat Apr 30 2011

The U.S. gross domestic product rose 1.8 percent during the first quarter of 2010, possibly signaling inflation held consumers back from spending.

Lisa Blackwell - Fri Apr 29 2011

A recent study revealed approximately 25 percent of families that rent homes have difficulty paying their monthly bills.

Lisa Blackwell - Thu Apr 28 2011

The U.S. Consumer Confidence Index showed month-to-month improvement from March to April, which may prove to be a positive sign for the economy.

Lisa Blackwell - Thu Apr 28 2011

With credit card debt at such high levels in post-recession America, many people are turning to leaving credit cards altogether.

Meredith Dwyer - Thu Apr 28 2011

An affiliate of the AFL-CIO is planning to create monthly meetings in multiple cities in the United States to help unemployed workers find jobs.

Bill Crowley - Thu Apr 28 2011

A new study has determined young Americans are more negatively affected by credit card debt, while U.S. citizens as a whole are undereducated about the financial impacts of credit.

Lisa Blackwell - Fri Apr 22 2011

Many people who are mired in credit card debt do not know the best ways to fix their situation, but if a consumer maintains a positive strategy, it may not be as difficult as he or she thinks.

Meredith Dwyer - Fri Apr 22 2011

A recent study on the prevalence of debt amongst credit card users showed some improvement overall, but consumers that feel confident about making more transactions could repeat the mistakes that led to financial troubles during the recession.

Meredith Dwyer - Tue Apr 19 2011

The recently published Consumer Price Index for the month of March showed inflation slowly increasing, which could mean consumers will reach for their credit cards to pay for increasingly expensive items like gasoline and food.

Lisa Blackwell - Mon Apr 18 2011

Many parents have trouble discussing finances with their children, but such conversations are extremely important, as kids can pick up on wise money practices at an early age.

Meredith Dwyer - Fri Apr 15 2011

If you have credit card debt, the tax return that already came, or is about to reach your mailbox should help you pay off some of those liabilities.

Bill Crowley - Mon Apr 11 2011

Those who jump into credit card debt protection programs may do more harm than good, and the cost of these programs may not be worthwhile.

Lisa Blackwell - Fri Apr 8 2011

If you are in credit card debt, there are many ways to work out of it, but they have to start with identifying the problem, being proactive and taking responsibility for your financial mistakes.

Meredith Dwyer - Thu Apr 7 2011

If you are worried about credit card debt, or foresee problems with making minimum payments, it could be wise to ask the company to lower your payments.

Meredith Dwyer - Thu Apr 7 2011

The mountain of national credit card debt may be shrinking, but with that, consumers are abandoning other payments.

Bill Crowley - Fri Apr 1 2011

In order to achieve the best credit score possible, there are a few things that cardholders should live by, including limiting the amount of credit they use, and making payments on time.

Bill Crowley - Thu Mar 31 2011

Many consumers have had their credit card debt forgiven, for one reason or another.

Bill Crowley - Thu Mar 31 2011

Credit card debt could be life-altering, but it can be overcome if you are careful and determined.

Lisa Blackwell - Thu Mar 31 2011

It is extremely important to get out of debt as quickly as you can, because it not only damages your credit score, but can hurt your chances to make vitally important purchases, such as cars and homes.

Bill Crowley - Wed Mar 30 2011

The Federal Trade Commission released its annual top consumer complaints list, with debt collectors topping the list.

Lisa Blackwell - Thu Mar 24 2011

Debt consolidation is a necessary safety net for many Americans that find themselves in a financial bind, but not all of the companies that offer help for consumers are legitimate.

Meredith Dwyer - Wed Mar 23 2011

Consumers who are in credit card debt have had to worry recently, as more than 5,000 arrest warrants have been issued for those who cannot pay their bills since January 2010.

Bill Crowley - Thu Mar 17 2011

College students are racking up thousands of dollars in debt, whether it is from loans, credit cards or both

Shane Tyler - Tue Mar 15 2011

Iowans are having trouble with finances, including credit card debt, bankruptcies and foreclosures.

Lisa Blackwell - Mon Mar 14 2011

Last year, family debt fell to its lowest point in six years, and marked the second year in a row that it fell overall.

Shane Tyler - Fri Mar 11 2011

With New Yorkers struggling with credit card debt, they are being warned to watch out for fraudulent debt settlement companies lending a helping hand.

Shane Tyler - Thu Mar 10 2011

If a person dies while still in debt, their family members will not have to pay that balance, as credit card debt is not bound to assets.

Bill Crowley - Thu Mar 10 2011

A new book has outlined some key strategies for helping those who are at risk of credit card debt, or already have debt, to get rid of it.

Shane Tyler - Tue Mar 8 2011

If a credit card holder has $600 or more of debt forgiven, then they have to report the debt as income, using tax form 1099-C.

Shane Tyler - Mon Mar 7 2011

Whether a person with one or multiple credit cards fails to make a payment on time, their credit will be negatively affected, no matter how well they keep up on other payments.

Meredith Dwyer - Fri Mar 4 2011

A longtime agreement between Michigan State and Bank of America is receiving increased criticism from students and government members alike.

Shane Tyler - Wed Mar 2 2011

Penn State Schuylkill students average more loan debt than any other school in the country.

Lisa Blackwell - Tue Mar 1 2011

Students have an excessive amount of debt, whether it is related to college loans or credit card penalties accrued while they are in school.

Bill Crowley - Tue Mar 1 2011

Honolulu, Hawaii-based bankruptcy attorney Marvin Dang runs one of the largest debt-collection firms in the state, one that oversaw more than half of the area's lawsuits in 2010.

Meredith Dwyer - Mon Feb 28 2011

While many consumers have struggled with debt in recent months, due to the large amount of recent foreclosures the market has showed improvement for prospective homebuyers looking to save money.

Shane Tyler - Fri Feb 25 2011

Over the past year, many Americans have made it a priority to pay down past debt to credit card and mortgage lenders. However, according to a new study, this may be keeping many consumers from putting away funds for emergencies.

Shane Tyler - Fri Feb 25 2011

While new reports have highlighted a recent rise in consumer spending, many Americans seem to have their debt payments under control.

Meredith Dwyer - Wed Feb 23 2011

While much of the country is currently facing problems related to debt and missed mortgage payments, Nevada has the hardest hit areas by the current foreclosure epidemic, leading the nation with the highest home repossession rate.

Bill Crowley - Tue Feb 22 2011

In its quarterly assessment of U.S. housing market trends, the Mortgage Banker's Association found one key indicator of future foreclosures dropped to pre-recession levels.

Shane Tyler - Mon Feb 21 2011

After seeing a drop in the overall unemployment rate in January, new benefits claims rose many economists' expectations last week.

Lisa Blackwell - Mon Feb 21 2011

Due to recent regulatory measures taken by both Congress and the Federal Reserve Board, banks have seen their revenues decline in recent months.

Shane Tyler - Fri Feb 18 2011

Weeks after a number of similar reports indicated consumers made more timely payments to credit card lenders at the end of 2010, TransUnion announced Americans also increased the frequency with which they reimbursed lenders for outstanding mortgage debt during the fourth quarter.

Bill Crowley - Fri Feb 18 2011

Americans continued their post-recession debt reduction habits during the final three months of 2010, cutting outstanding mortgage payments during this time.

Bill Crowley - Wed Feb 16 2011

As part of a nearly $8 billion federal effort to help keep Americans in their homes, a version of President Barack Obama's Hardest Hit Fund will soon be operational in 18 states sharing the funds.

Meredith Dwyer - Tue Feb 15 2011

In 2010, nearly four million Americans ran out of unemployment benefits, according to a new report by the National Employment Law Project.

Bill Crowley - Mon Feb 14 2011

Despite the fact that many common economic problems, such as debt, foreclosure and credit card charge offs, are affecting just as many Americans as in previous months, overall confidence is on the rise, according to a new study.

Lisa Blackwell - Mon Feb 14 2011

During the height of the recession, many consumers routinely racked up debt with credit card companies simply to make their monthly payments. As a result, some experienced charge offs, which in turn made it harder for them to apply for additional credit lines.

Lisa Blackwell - Thu Feb 10 2011

Americans increased their borrowing for the third month in a row, raising the total consumer debt to more than $2.4 trillion during December.

Lisa Blackwell - Wed Feb 9 2011

Across the country, millions of Americans are struggling under the weight of increased debt brought on by the recent economic downturn. As a result, many have been forced to modify their mortgages or may have lost their homes altogether.

Shane Tyler - Mon Feb 7 2011

Many consumers tend to think a major problem such as bankruptcy or missed credit card payment is the cause of major financial mismanagement.

Bill Crowley - Fri Feb 4 2011

While consumers across the country have faced a number of recent fiscal hardships including bankruptcies, debt and foreclosure, some states are faring better than others.

Shane Tyler - Fri Feb 4 2011

In spite of the a number of financial ailments, including debt, unemployment and bankruptcies, consumers helped credit card companies post big fourth quarter profits by increasing spending.

Meredith Dwyer - Thu Feb 3 2011

In recent years, the number of foreclosure cases in the U.S. has been increasing as many consumers struggle with high mortgage costs, credit card payments and other debt.

Meredith Dwyer - Thu Feb 3 2011

Since its initiation last year, more than 500,000 struggling homeowners have applied for assistance under the federal government's Home Affordable Modification Program.

Lisa Blackwell - Wed Feb 2 2011

Over the past several years, millions of Americans have experienced charge offs by credit card lenders that deemed their past debt uncollectable.

Bill Crowley - Tue Feb 1 2011

Following a death in the family, the last thing surviving loved ones think about is who will take care of outstanding bills such as credit card debt and mortgage payments.

Shane Tyler - Mon Jan 24 2011

The President's annual State of the Union address is one of the most viewed speeches in American politics, and marks a time when our country seeks to identify both its short- and long-term goals.

Meredith Dwyer - Fri Jan 21 2011

At the start of 2011, many Americans are still struggling with financial problems from the previous year including unemployment, debt and foreclosure.

Lisa Blackwell - Fri Jan 21 2011

A day after similar announcements from other major lenders, Citibank saw the number of delinquent consumer credit card accounts it wrote off as uncollectable decline in December.

Bill Crowley - Thu Jan 20 2011

In recent years, many Americans have been struggling with their mortgages, credit card payments and monthly bills.

Bill Crowley - Thu Jan 20 2011

Despite fluctuations in recent months and the temptations of the holiday shopping season, consumers made an increased effort to make timely payments to credit card lenders in December.

Shane Tyler - Wed Jan 19 2011

A recent poll indicates consumers are less concerned about paying off debt to banks and lenders than they were last year.

Shane Tyler - Wed Jan 19 2011

In order to cope with the high rate of delinquent payments, thousands of California residents are being sued by credit card lenders and third-party debt collectors.

Bill Crowley - Fri Jan 14 2011

While millions of Americans continue to struggle with debt, many have seen one of their biggest investments for the future lose value over the last few years.

Meredith Dwyer - Thu Jan 13 2011

During 2010, many consumers struggled with debt, late mortgage payments and other financial problems that led properties across the country to be put into foreclosure.

Shane Tyler - Thu Jan 13 2011

Many New Yorkers are already struggling with mounting mortgage and the threat of foreclosure; however, some may be losing out on retirement investments due to the housing industry's recent controversies.

Lisa Blackwell - Tue Jan 11 2011

Since the beginning of the recession, many Americans have begun to regret their previously poor financial habits that may have been a factor in the increase of their personal debt.

Meredith Dwyer - Fri Jan 7 2011

Consumers who vow to cut their debt as part of a new contest from Lending Club and PerkStreet Financial could win up to $1,000 in the coming month.

Shane Tyler - Thu Jan 6 2011

In 2010, consumers directed much of their monthly budgets towards cutting down existing debt, reducing their spending and avoiding credit card use.

Bill Crowley - Wed Jan 5 2011

Many people who struggle with debt may not feel comfortable asking friends and loved ones for advice, fearing the stigma that often comes with severe financial problems.

Meredith Dwyer - Tue Jan 4 2011

Despite many recent trends, including a decline in credit card use and an increase in timely payments to lenders, many consumers are still struggling under mountains of credit card debt.

Lisa Blackwell - Mon Jan 3 2011

Recently, a number of states have joined an ongoing lawsuit between the U.S. Department of Justice and credit card giants American Express, Visa and MasterCard.

Lisa Blackwell - Thu Dec 23 2010

In anticipation of National Consumer Protection Week next March, the Federal Trade Commission has launched a new website and blog to help taxpayers better manage their finances.

Shane Tyler - Wed Dec 22 2010

This holiday season, many consumers are looking to stretch their budgets in an effort to make all the necessary purchases while cutting into any potential debt.

Shane Tyler - Mon Dec 20 2010

For the many Americans suffering from underwater mortgages or foreclosure, selling a home is a very real solution to their debt problems.

Lisa Blackwell - Thu Dec 16 2010

In recent months, unemployment numbers in the U.S. have continued to hover at or near 10 percent, as Americans struggle with debt, bankruptcy and other economic woes.

Meredith Dwyer - Wed Dec 15 2010

In recent months, many consumers have continued to make timely payments on monthly bills in an effort to reduce their debt prior to the holidays.

Meredith Dwyer - Mon Dec 13 2010

Consumers have been making great strides in recent months to cut delinquent payments to credit card companies and mortgage lenders.

Lisa Blackwell - Mon Dec 13 2010

Consumers looking to cut their monthly bills may find some new initiatives by California insurers could save them money and help them cut debt.

Shane Tyler - Fri Dec 10 2010

In an effort to cut debt related to their often substantial student loans, many recent college graduates have turned to the growing number of personal finance websites for help.

Meredith Dwyer - Wed Dec 8 2010

In recent months, Americans have taken steps to cut credit card debts and rein in personal spending, a trend which one major consumer credit agency expects to continue into 2011.

Lisa Blackwell - Wed Dec 8 2010

Many recent consumer polls indicate that consumers are opting out of credit card use, and are increasingly choosing debit, cash and check options for purchases.

Shane Tyler - Tue Dec 7 2010

Older Americans are increasingly facing credit card debt, higher than average unemployment and the prospect of bankruptcy in recent months.

Lisa Blackwell - Mon Dec 6 2010

Americans are still struggling with mounting credit card debts, fears of foreclosure and unemployment in recent months; however a new economic report indicates consumers are more confident that the country is headed in the right direction.

Lisa Blackwell - Thu Dec 2 2010

Consumers struggling with high mortgage payments and debt may wish to refinance their home loans, according to a new report.

Meredith Dwyer - Tue Nov 30 2010

As the year draws to a close, local governments are scheduling debt sales at a 52 percent higher rate in order to raise revenues.

Meredith Dwyer - Tue Nov 30 2010

In recent months, many consumers have been struggling with debt, as foreclosures and bankruptcies continue to rise.

Bill Crowley - Mon Nov 29 2010

The Federal Trade Commission announced Monday it is proposing a new rule for the debt collection industry.

Shane Tyler - Mon Nov 22 2010

Those facing credit card debt and other outstanding payments may wish to avoid Facebook, a new report says.

Meredith Dwyer - Fri Nov 19 2010

Retired and elderly Americans have been hit hard by the recession, incurring credit card debt and bankruptcies as they compile large medical expenses on limited renewable funds.

Meredith Dwyer - Wed Nov 17 2010

The Empire State's newly elected governor, Andrew Cuomo, who has a long history of standing up for consumer rights, may face difficult questions in regards to New York's tax policies.

Bill Crowley - Tue Nov 16 2010

Americans continue to struggle with unemployment, rumors of inflation and the potential threat of foreclosures in the housing market.

Lisa Blackwell - Tue Nov 16 2010

Americans have been suffering increased debts and foreclosures in recent months, with seemingly no end in sight.

Bill Crowley - Mon Nov 15 2010

Consumers have been making strides to reduce mortgage debts in recent months, saving more money and reducing delinquencies.

Shane Tyler - Fri Nov 12 2010

More Americans are suffering with debt these days, making it harder for consumers to qualify for new mortgage loans.

Shane Tyler - Fri Nov 12 2010

Consumers have been saving money and reducing their credit card debts, sparking many to call on Washington to get its budget under control.

Lisa Blackwell - Thu Nov 11 2010

New York, one of the largest borrowers among U.S. states, is quickly approaching its legal debt limit, and now state university officials are offering proposals.

Bill Crowley - Wed Nov 10 2010

Andrew Cuomo, the newly elected governor of New York, and state attorneys have been investigating debt settlement and relief firms, according to a new report.

Shane Tyler - Wed Nov 10 2010

Dagong Global Credit Rating, a Chinese firm that rates sovereign debt, has announced it is downgrading U.S. government debts.

Lisa Blackwell - Wed Nov 10 2010

A growing number of Americans are facing debt and eviction from foreclosed properties, and now some may be on their way toward restitution for the pain and suffering.

Meredith Dwyer - Tue Nov 9 2010

Time Warner Cable, the second largest U.S. cable operator, plans to sell bonds in order to refinance its debts.

Bill Crowley - Tue Nov 9 2010

Republican legislators took control of the House of Representatives on November 4, vowing to slash federal spending

Shane Tyler - Mon Nov 8 2010

New reports suggest the recent robo-signing scare within the mortgage industry may also be plaguing the consumer debt business.

Meredith Dwyer - Wed Nov 3 2010

A new report finds that consumer income has fallen as more Americans may be struggling with foreclosures, bankruptcies and overall economic stagnation.

Bill Crowley - Tue Nov 2 2010

Debt settlement programs' advertisements are making their way into the mailboxes of more consumers, and a new report suggests that it may be necessary to read the fine print.

Lisa Blackwell - Tue Nov 2 2010

Saving for retirement is important, as those dollars that are stored away now can prevent debt from compiling in the future.

Meredith Dwyer - Mon Nov 1 2010

A sufficient nest egg takes decades to build. But many Americans nearing retirement age saw their hard-earned savings accounts diminished in a matter of days following the economic downturn and consequent recession. Some are still working to rebuild their retirement funds, while others have been forced into debt or bankruptcy.

Shane Tyler - Fri Oct 29 2010

With more Americans using their personal credit cards to pay for medical expenses, many lenders have launched "medical credit cards." But financial professionals are urging consumers to consider the costs of putting medical bills on credit cards, as they may harm an individual's finances.

Bill Crowley - Fri Oct 29 2010

Americans are increasingly concerned about their ability to meet their mortgage and rent payments, according to a new study.

Lisa Blackwell - Fri Oct 29 2010

Student loans have replaced credit cards as the highest form of debt Americans carry. Recent reports have shown student loan defaults are on the rise, as few debt relief programs for these types of loans exist. Efforts to protect their children from incurring heavy debt has many parents searching for ways to put their children through school out-of-pocket.

Bill Crowley - Thu Oct 28 2010

The most recent foreclosure crisis continues to escalate as more banks and lenders are forced to review or refile paperwork. Wells Fargo is the latest financial institution to announce its reevaluation of foreclosure documents, reporting it will refile more than 55,000 records, according to The Los Angeles Times. However, the bank said it will not halt foreclosure proceedings during its review.

Lisa Blackwell - Thu Oct 28 2010

Consumers who receive debt relief through federally funded mortgage modification programs may not be out of the woods yet, with 11 percent of homeowners defaulting on their loans, according to the latest government reports.

Bill Crowley - Tue Oct 26 2010

Student loan balances are currently higher than credit card debt in the U.S. and are only expected to rise as tuition increases.

Lisa Blackwell - Tue Oct 26 2010

The popular peer-to-peer lending website Lending Club recently announced Kansas residents are now eligible to start receiving services. Residents can begin securing personal loans at a starting rate of 6.78 percent for 36 months, the website said.

Bill Crowley - Mon Oct 25 2010

Women suffering domestic violence will have the opportunity to participate in new courses this fall, which will be implemented by HAVEN, a nationwide network of domestic violence centers and hotlines. The courses will provide instruction to abused women on recognizing the signs of financial abuse, managing their finances independently, protecting their credit and creating a budget, according to the Dallas Chronicle.

Bill Crowley - Mon Oct 25 2010

More young adults are graduating from college with higher student loan amounts and no job in sight, according to the latest study by the Project on Student Debt.

Lisa Blackwell - Mon Oct 25 2010

Some debt collectors are unrolling old and illegal tricks to collect unpaid debts from consumers - even if they don't owe a balance, according to the St. Louis Dispatch. The Federal Trade Commission recently settled a case with Allied Interstate Inc., a debt collector that was hounding consumers to pay debt that was in the wrong person's name or balances they didn't owe at all.

Meredith Dwyer - Mon Oct 25 2010

The real estate crisis has prompted the government to keep mortgage interest rates at significantly low levels, allowing struggling homeowners to refinance their loans and luring prospective home buyers to the market. Current mortgage rates sit at their lowest level since 1951, making now a good time for consumers to refinance their current home loan, according to The Associated Press.

Bill Crowley - Mon Oct 25 2010

Reports and news articles have accurately portrayed the financial plight of many low- and middle-income families facing foreclosure, but new information reveals high net-worth individuals are feeling the impact as well.

Bill Crowley - Fri Oct 22 2010

Despite government efforts to provide mortgage debt relief programs to consumers, foreclosure filings in the U.S. continue to rise. The most recent data from RealtyTrac shows foreclosure filings - including bank repossessions, scheduled auctions and default notices - grew 4 percent during the third quarter of 2010.

Shane Tyler - Tue Oct 19 2010

The most recent foreclosure crisis, stemming from the discovery of faulty and fraudulent paperwork, has the real estate industry, distressed homeowners and prospective buyers anxious about the outcome. An undisclosed number of homeowners facing foreclosure continue to file lawsuits against their banks, and many lenders have been forced to suspend foreclosure proceedings.

Shane Tyler - Mon Oct 18 2010

Student loan debt is currently the highest form of debt Americans carry. Unlike other types of outstanding balances, consumers cannot seek debt relief from student loans by filing for bankruptcy, leaving financially burdened individuals with few repayment options. To alleviate the burden, President Barack Obama has proposed making temporary education-related tax breaks permanent.

Bill Crowley - Wed Oct 13 2010

Consumers may slowly be making strides in their finances, according to a new study from Consumer Reports. The October Consumer Reports Index declined from 53.7 in September to 50.5 this month.

Lisa Blackwell - Tue Oct 12 2010

Record-low mortgage and inflation rates have encouraged more Americans to consider purchasing a home. But many individuals struggling to pay down debt or maintain their financial obligations find it difficult to come up with the money for a down payment. As a result, many state programs have been established to help individuals purchase a home.

Shane Tyler - Mon Oct 11 2010

The latest foreclosure issue to hit the country has prompted lawmakers in Michigan to call for the temporary suspension of bank repossessions and evictions. Currently, erroneous foreclosure paperwork has forced many lenders to halt foreclosure proceedings in 23 states, but Michigan has not been included in this list.

Lisa Blackwell - Thu Oct 7 2010

New revelations related to some lenders' foreclosure procedures have created obstacles for both distressed homeowners and prospective homebuyers. Thousands of foreclosures and evictions have been suspended nationwide pending investigations into erroneous and fraudulent foreclosure documents.

Lisa Blackwell - Fri Oct 1 2010

Surviving spouses and wounded soldiers who are struggling with mortgage debt may qualify for a special forbearance program announced by mortgage guarantor Fannie Mae.

Meredith Dwyer - Tue Sep 28 2010

Debt settlement companies that promise to provide relief by slashing consumers' outstanding balances in half and removing negative information from their credit reports will no longer be allowed to make such promises, due to new legislation that recently went into effect.

Shane Tyler - Tue Sep 28 2010

The state of Ohio is the latest to receive federal funding to curb its foreclosure crisis and help Americans establish control over their mortgage debt. According to Ohio news station WBNS - 10TV, the state was awarded $320 million to fund a foreclosure prevention program through its Housing Finance Agency.

Meredith Dwyer - Tue Sep 28 2010

Many parents who do not have the financial resources to pay for their childrens' college tuition out-of-pocket turn to parent PLUS loans to finance their education. These government loans have become more popular since the recession, but many college administrators are concerned that the loans are being extended to parents who cannot afford to pay them back.

Lisa Blackwell - Tue Sep 28 2010

Homeowners carrying mortgage loans backed by mortgage giant Fannie Mae may face difficulties securing modifications through the Home Affordable Modification Program. The mortgage guarantor will no longer consider unemployment benefits a source of income on HAMP applications. The new rule will go into effect on November 1, 2010.

Lisa Blackwell - Mon Sep 27 2010

One collections agency is facing a lawsuit for allegedly overstepping its bounds by contacting a debtor's family via Facebook. One woman who fell behind on her financial responsibilities was horrified to find that a collections agency sent Facebook messages to her sister and cousin about the debt, according to the St. Petersburg Times.

Shane Tyler - Mon Sep 27 2010

Homeowners in New Jersey have been awarded $112 million in federal funds aimed at helping the state provide more debt relief options to consumers having trouble paying their mortgages. The award is expected to reduce the state's foreclosure rate.

Lisa Blackwell - Mon Sep 27 2010

New data reveals a large credit score gap in the U.S. that affects Americans' eligibility for mortgage loans. Real estate website Zillow.com reports the disparity will likely exclude nearly one-third of prospective homebuyers from homeownership.

Lisa Blackwell - Mon Sep 27 2010

Debt collection agencies have been busier than ever as more Americans struggle to get a handle on their debt. However, this doesn't mean that consumers don't have rights. Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, consumers can dictate their communications with collectors, including when they can call (or even if they can call), and where they are allowed to contact the individual.

Lisa Blackwell - Mon Sep 27 2010

Consumers are working out short sale transactions with their lenders in greater numbers to stave off foreclosure and protect their credit scores, new data shows.

Meredith Dwyer - Mon Sep 27 2010

Medical debt can have a disastrous impact on consumers' finances and force them into foreclosure or bankruptcy. But individuals living in Tennessee may receive state aid to help them reduce their medical bills and get back on track financially.

Meredith Dwyer - Fri Sep 24 2010

Halted evictions due to flawed foreclosure documents are popping up all over the country, forcing lenders to review their files. Mortgage lender Ally Financial stopped evictions in 23 states this week alone due to inaccuracies, according to the Washington Post.

Lisa Blackwell - Fri Sep 24 2010

A higher number of homeowners living in Michigan are facing foreclosure due to tax-related issues, according to Michigan Radio.

Meredith Dwyer - Mon Sep 20 2010

The high level of publicity surrounding the declines in U.S. default rates has indicated that more Americans are focusing on reducing their spending, increasing their savings and paying down their debt. But a recent article in the Wall Street Journal suggests mortgage debt figures may be misinterpreted by consumers.

Lisa Blackwell - Mon Sep 20 2010

Fewer Americans reported being optimistic about economic recovery in September, as the latest unemployment rate increased and foreclosures continued to rise.

Meredith Dwyer - Mon Sep 20 2010

Homeowners continue to struggle with their mortgage payments, as evidenced by the latest foreclosure report. The most recent figures show foreclosure filings - including default notices, bank repossessions and scheduled auctions - increased in August by 4 percent, according to real estate group RealtyTrac.

Lisa Blackwell - Fri Sep 17 2010

Consumers in some areas may face negative credit consequences if they are evicted - even if they are forced out of their apartment at no fault of their own. A recently approved bill in California would protect the state's residents from credit report damage at the fault of their landlord's foreclosure.

Lisa Blackwell - Thu Sep 16 2010

Recent data reveals that California, one of the states hit hardest by the foreclosure crisis, continues to face climbing mortgage defaults rates, which are showing little signs of slowing down.

Bill Crowley - Wed Sep 15 2010

More recent graduates are failing to meet their student loan repayment obligations, forcing them to default on their debt. A new report from the Department of Education shows student loan defaults have increased across all types of educational institutions, most notably for-profit colleges.

Lisa Blackwell - Wed Sep 15 2010

Underwater mortgages have become more of a problem as of late, encouraging the federal government to establish the Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternative - a measure legislators hoped would provide a short sale option to homeowners. Under the program, lenders are advised to offer short sales to borrowers who are ineligible for a mortgage modification loan.

Meredith Dwyer - Mon Sep 13 2010

Mortgage modification programs have become a popular form of debt relief for homeowners who are struggling pay their home loans each month. But for some families, the process has made their financial situations worse, leading to a number of lawsuits.

Lisa Blackwell - Fri Sep 10 2010

The real estate market continues to weigh down the economy as foreclosures, short sales and underwater mortgages put more Americans in a precarious financial position. The Federal Housing Administration recently announced a new short refinance program which it hopes will provide some form of debt relief to homeowners.

Shane Tyler - Thu Sep 9 2010

A recent study revealed that many Americans are living paycheck-to-paycheck, making it difficult to meet all of their financial obligations and putting them at risk of falling into severe debt in the event of an emergency. High unemployment and the current real estate crisis may only add to a family's financial stress.

Shane Tyler - Thu Sep 9 2010

States across the U.S. continued to feel the strain of high unemployment, debt and an overall financial burden, according to the latest results of a monthly survey. The AP's Economic Stress Index revealed that most regions in the country saw no change in their level of financial anxiety from June to July.

Meredith Dwyer - Wed Sep 8 2010

A large number of Americans who have fallen behind on their mortgage payments have tried to stave off foreclosure by submitting applications for loan modifications or refinancing. But Fannie Mae has recently announced that it will impose hefty fines on loan servicers who do not complete foreclosure proceedings in an outlined timeline.

Bill Crowley - Tue Sep 7 2010

A large number of households are continuing to struggle financially as they work to pay down debt and build up their savings, a new study reveals. According to CareerBuilder, one in five Americans said they are living paycheck to paycheck with no other financial means to support them.

Lisa Blackwell - Fri Sep 3 2010

To the chagrin of many consumers, the California Assembly voted against a measure that would have shielded homeowners from foreclosure while they were undergoing loan modification proceedings.

Shane Tyler - Wed Sep 1 2010

As the cost of college tuition rises, more students are seeing their debt loads increase. A recent report in university publication Central Michigan Life reveals that students increased their education-related debt by $10,000 over a five-year period.

Meredith Dwyer - Wed Sep 1 2010

Los Angeles County is seeing a sharp rise in the number of homes that appraise at $1 million or more receiving foreclosure notices, indicating that the wealthy are far from immune to a down economy.

Bill Crowley - Mon Aug 30 2010

With millions of Americans concerned over the state of the economy and managing their finances, the last thing many spouses want to worry about is the additional debt that may arise in the wake of a divorce. Dividing up property, savings, investments and other assets can be a tedious, time-consuming and extremely costly process, but spouses who can manage to work together may save themselves money.

Bill Crowley - Mon Aug 30 2010

The most recent data released to the public on the rate of student loan repayment has made many Americans take a second look at the price of education and the benefits and drawbacks of taking on such large debt.

Bill Crowley - Thu Aug 26 2010

With millions of families seeking debt relief from mounting credit cards bills, mortgage loans and other financial obligations, finding the money to put children through college may be difficult. But young adults residing in Massachusetts may benefit from a new student loan program offered by the state.

Lisa Blackwell - Thu Aug 26 2010

Mortgage modification applications have piled up recently as more homeowners explore all their available options before losing their home to foreclosure.

Bill Crowley - Thu Aug 26 2010

Many homeowners look to cutting costs associated with their mortgage loans as a means of debt relief. But many consumers who are carrying heavy debt may not have a high credit score, making it difficult to refinance. However, there are other methods consumers can employ to reduce their monthly costs.

Bill Crowley - Wed Aug 25 2010

A large number of homeowners sought debt relief from unmanageable mortgage payments by applying for modification loans though either state of federal programs. However, many of those individuals who received lowered payments in the past quickly defaulted on their loans. But a new report shows that the most recent number of Americans who modified their loans are keeping up with their financial obligations.

Lisa Blackwell - Wed Aug 25 2010

A recent look at for-profit colleges has resulted in scrutiny by the Department of Education because of their failure to prepare students for job market success and leaving them facing large amounts of debt. As a result, these colleges may see new rules regarding federal aid.

Bill Crowley - Tue Aug 24 2010

A new report reveals that the number of Americans who invested in an existing home - including a townhome, single-family unit, co-op or condominium - during the month of July was well below what analysts had predicted, indicating that real estate recovery is still volatile.

Lisa Blackwell - Tue Aug 24 2010

Some young adults who graduate college without a job lined up may take one look at the unemployment figures and begin worrying about how they will repay their student loan debt. But there are a variety of options available for individuals to lessen their financial burden.

Shane Tyler - Tue Aug 24 2010

Individuals who owe balances on credit cards, utilities and medical bills may begin hearing from debt collectors trying to secure the unpaid debt. These calls and letters may be frequent and frightening, but understanding their rights may help consumers better deal with collectors.

Bill Crowley - Mon Aug 23 2010

A recent report reveals that Americans who are seeking debt relief from foreclosure, medical bills and other hefty obligations are turning to their 401(k) accounts for money. According to Fidelity Investments, the number of its customers seeking "hardship withdrawals" rose from 45,000 during the second quarter of last year to 62,000 during the same period this year.

Bill Crowley - Mon Aug 23 2010

As unemployment rates remain high, many recent college graduates carrying hefty student loans may be forced to seek out debt relief if they are unable to find a job. But the government is offering to help pay off their balance if they take on eligible federal positions and pledge to remain in that field for a certain amount of time.

Shane Tyler - Fri Aug 20 2010

A new report reveals that the government programs aimed at providing debt relief to homeowners are still facing obstacles, but making improvements.

Shane Tyler - Fri Aug 20 2010

The death of a child is difficult enough for a parent to face, but when that son or daughter is carrying a large amount of student debt, they may face an additional burden.

Shane Tyler - Wed Aug 18 2010

New data is revealing that more women in the high-income bracket are now turning to debt relief programs to find assistance with their personal finances.

Bill Crowley - Tue Aug 17 2010

Increases in the number of foreclosures continues to be a problem, as evidenced by a new report released by real estate industry website Bank Foreclosure Sale.

Meredith Dwyer - Fri Aug 13 2010

According to a recent report, the number of Americans falling behind on their mortgage payments is still increasing. The latest RealtyTrac figures show that the number of foreclosures - including default notices, bank repossessions and scheduled auctions - climbed 4 percent in July.

Bill Crowley - Thu Aug 12 2010

Many Americans have fallen on hard times as a result of high unemployment and a weak economy, making it difficult for them to pay down their mortgages and maintain timely student loan, credit card and medical payments. As more individuals default on their obligations, debt collections agencies are becoming more assertive in their practices.

Meredith Dwyer - Mon Aug 9 2010

The latest unemployment statistics reveal that, despite analysts' projections of growth, July's jobless rate held steady at 9.5 percent.

Shane Tyler - Mon Aug 9 2010

Recognizing that a significant number of homeowners are battling with their mortgage lenders to prevent foreclosure, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, is providing citizens who have missed mortgage payments the opportunity to delay proceedings, according to the Sun Gazette.

Bill Crowley - Fri Aug 6 2010

Wedding season has officially arrived and a recent study shows that almost 90 percent of couples spend too much money on the big event.

Meredith Dwyer - Mon Aug 2 2010

Federal Aviation Administration employees now have added protection against identity theft thanks to a recent agreement made with a prevention service.

Shane Tyler - Mon Aug 2 2010

The economic downturn has caused residents in Cincinnati, Ohio to change their financial habits, according to a recent survey from Nationwide Insurance and the Smiley Group.

Meredith Dwyer - Mon Aug 2 2010

If newly married couples want to continue in their wedded bliss, they must must make time to learn proper money management, the Better Business Bureau said.

Shane Tyler - Mon Aug 2 2010

There are plenty of online calculators available to help consumers manage their debt, and now ING Direct has created one to raise awareness about overdraft fees.

Bill Crowley - Mon Aug 2 2010

A recent survey revealed that residents of the Midwestern U.S. aren't very optimistic about an economic recovery, making them more cautious about their personal financial situations.

Meredith Dwyer - Mon Aug 2 2010

A new piece of Illinois legislation may, in fact, hurt consumers instead of protecting them against debt.

Bill Crowley - Mon Aug 2 2010

A recent survey shows that young adults are becoming more financially savvy and know that they should begin saving for retirement as soon as possible.

Shane Tyler - Mon Aug 2 2010

The number of Americans with a positive outlook on their financial situation is declining, according to a recent Gallup poll.

Bill Crowley - Mon Aug 2 2010

There has been a movement to educate America's youth to make sure they are financially literate, and Charles Schwab is the latest to join the nationwide campaign by using social media.

Shane Tyler - Mon Aug 2 2010

The costs associated with shopping for back-to-school items can add up, and saving for this big event can help some consumers avoid unplanned debt.

Bill Crowley - Mon Aug 2 2010

One of the most important life skills a graduating high school student can have is money management. However, a recent survey found that they are not equipped to do that.

Shane Tyler - Mon Aug 2 2010

When it comes to personal financial information, it's important that consumers take all the necessary precautions in order to avoid becoming victims of fraud. This is especially relevant for debit cards and ATM use.

Lisa Blackwell - Mon Aug 2 2010

A recent poll found that more than one-third of low-income families do not have enough money to pay for basic financial needs.

Shane Tyler - Mon Aug 2 2010

A new survey revealed the three most common practices among Americans that are keeping them from being financially secure.

Shane Tyler - Mon Aug 2 2010

Summer is a busy travel season, and it is all too easy to get caught up in the fun of it all and not keep track of spending.

Shane Tyler - Mon Aug 2 2010

It's easy for new graduates to fall into debt if they have limited financial knowledge. However, arming young people with this information can help them avoid needing debt relief later in life.

Meredith Dwyer - Mon Aug 2 2010