The Latest Debt & Finance Blog

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‘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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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Credit Card Use Slows as Income Inches Up

By Bill Fay | August 27, 2012

Recent consumer reports indicate there was a slight shift among Americans and their approach toward debt — and it seems to be affecting economic growth. According to a July 2012…

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Americans Brace for Tax Hike if Bush Tax Cuts Expire

By Bill Fay | August 24, 2012

Uncertain economic times may become even more challenging in a matter of months, as millions of Americans could face 2013 riddled with significant tax increases. If changes are not made…

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Housing Market Uptick Offers Little for Young Homeowners

By Bill Fay | August 24, 2012

Despite the modest housing market gains in the past 12 months, many younger borrowers are still likely to be underwater in their home mortgages, real estate experts recently said. About…