The Latest Debt & Finance Blog

Home inspection

Computerized Property Appraisals Downplay Home Values

By Bill Fay | September 12, 2012

It may seem ideal to refinance a mortgage or obtain a home equity line of credit (HELOC) at a time while interest rates are at an all-time low, but some…

teen taking money

Teens Are Counting on Parents to Finance Retirements, Study Shows

By Bill Fay | September 11, 2012

Attention moms and dads: your teens are counting on you for more than a few bucks for a movie or some new clothes. They’re depending on you to pay for…

Row of houses

Citibank to Reopen Suspended Home Equity Accounts

By Bill Fay | September 10, 2012

Good news is on the way for homeowners who held home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) with Citibank. Many customers’ HELOCs were suddenly suspended or canceled over the last four…

cemetary-image

‘Death Master List’ Paves Way for More Identity Theft

By Bill Fay | September 8, 2012

What started as a legitimate attempt to prevent identify theft has instead resulted in a ripe opportunity for criminal activity. According to recent reports, for as little as $10, criminals…

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Major Banks Discontinue Add-On Services

By Bill Fay | September 6, 2012

To the delight of consumer advocates, several American banks will be discontinuing controversial add-on products such as payment protection and debt protection in the coming year. Bank of America After…

Improving Housing Market

Increased Housing Prices Affect Affordability

By Bill Fay | September 5, 2012

As housing values inch their way up ever so slowly and the real estate market begins to recover, higher prices may actually make it a bit harder for some Americans…

Retirement photo

Study: Almost Half of Americans Die Poor

By Bill Fay | September 4, 2012

A recent study found that nearly half of all Americans live comfortable lives during retirement but die with little money in the bank. According to the nonprofit National Bureau of…

Couple buying a home

Program Offers Down Payment Assistance to Boost Housing Market

By Bill Fay | August 31, 2012

As the nation works to recover from a struggling real estate market, an innovative program called CityLIFT has been unveiled in an effort to boost homeownership. The program will benefit…

Home foreclosure sign

FHFA Simplifies Short Sale Qualifications

By Bill Fay | August 29, 2012

New guidelines are in the works to help relieve millions of Americans trapped by underwater mortgages, meaning they owe more than their homes are worth. The Federal Housing Finance Agency…

Senior couple signing papers

Seniors Lose Money to Family, Financial Scammers

By Bill Fay | August 28, 2012

An increasing number of seniors are becoming the target of predatory swindlers who come in two forms: those who convince seniors to make large financial investments based on bogus schemes…

Sources:

  1. McQueen, M.P. (2011 February). Newest homeowner headache? 'Robo-appraising'. MSN Real Estate. Retrieved from http://realestate.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=27631362
  2. MacLean, P.A. (2012, August 31). Citibank Settles Home Equity Borrower Class Case. Retrieved from http://www.trialinsider.com/?p=2110