September 22, 2008
- Are Modern Necessities Necessary?
Are Modern Necessities Necessary?
Many of the things you spend money on aren't as necessary as you think. Cutting them could save you hundreds of dollars. Money Editor Stacy Johnson explains in this short (1:39) video…
Are you spending money on any of these "necessities of life?" We'd love to hear from you on this. Just click [...]
September 21, 2008
- Election 08: Fannie and Freddie
Election 08: Fannie and Freddie
John McCain and Barack Obama agree the Treasury needed to step in to rescue Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. They disagree over how much the U.S. government should be involved in the housing market once the immediate crisis is past.
The differences between the two presidential candidates over the lenders mirror a [...]
September 20, 2008
- Homeowners Insurance: Are You Sure You're Covered?
Homeowners Insurance: Are You Sure You're Covered?
Being smack dab in the middle of the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season tends to make us all think about homeowner's insurance. What's the most important thing you need to know about your homeowners insurance? The answer: What it does — and doesn't — cover.
The list may not [...]
September 19, 2008
- Real Estate Auction Warning
Real Estate Auction Warning
Ever been to a real estate auction? Ever been told you can pick up a steal at a real estate auction?
our Money Editor, Stacy Johnson, explains why the highest bid at a real estate auction DOESN'T necessarily mean you've won the bidding and bought the property.
Video runs 1:18…
Keep these points in mind [...]
September 18, 2008
- Taxes: One Myth Dispelled
Taxes: One Myth Dispelled
There used to be a policy stating that anyone aged 55 and over could exclude up to $125,000 of his/her gains from the sale of a house. This was availed of under the premise that this is done only once.
The newer rules now are actually more specific. In one amendment, the [...]
September 17, 2008
- Credit Card Changes: Are You Affected?
Credit Card Changes: Are You Affected?
Credit card terms are changing, and not necessarily for the better. Are you affected?
Chances are, your terms are changing, and you may not even know it, unless you pay close attention. Here's what you need to know:
1-Know what's changing
Interest rates are trickling up. In addition, fees on transfers are going [...]
September 16, 2008
- Betting on the Elections
Betting on the Elections
It seems that gamblers may be more accurate at predicting the election outcome that polls.
Money Editor Stacy Johnson explains in this short (1:32) video…
Ever consider placing a bet on an election instead of your favorite sports team? What do you think about this? We'd love to hear your opinion. Just click [...]
September 15, 2008
- Housing Woes Won’t End With Bailout
Housing Woes Won’t End With Bailout
The federal government's takeover of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac may save the battered real estate market from a complete meltdown. But financial experts say the bailout won't lead to a housing recovery just yet.
There is still a large supply of unsold homes on the market and an increasing number [...]
September 14, 2008
- The Mortgage Bailout: What Do You Think?
The Mortgage Bailout: What Do You Think?
Do you think the government takeover of mortgage buyers Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac was a good move?
Yes - It just might save the housing market…
No - It’s too risky to taxpayers…
or, do you think it’s too soon to say?
We'd love to hear your opinion. Click the "comment" link [...]
September 13, 2008
- Retirement in Your 30s
Retirement in Your 30s
In our last post on retirement, we looked at "Retirement in Your 40s". When you're in your 30s, retirement is far away. But maybe not as far away as you think… Money Talks editor Stacy Johnson explains in this short (1:37) video.In our next post on Retirement… we'll look at "Retirement in Your 20s".
Any [...]
September 12, 2008
- New Home Sales Rise: A Welcomed Sign for Housing
New Home Sales Rise: A Welcomed Sign for Housing
The sale of newly constructed homes in the month of July rose 2.4%, according to a report issued recently by the United States Census Bureau. This follows another report issued by the National Association of Realtors indicating that July sales of previously owned homes hit a 5-month [...]
September 11, 2008
- Real Estate: What Are Short Sales?
Real Estate: What Are Short Sales?
Short sales may mean major money to real estate buyers and easy exits for troubled homeowners. But if you're a first time homebuyer, our Money Talks editor Stacy Johnson explains, it's not as easy as some may want you to think it is. This video runs 1:33…
Know anyone who has [...]
September 10, 2008
- Interest Rates: Will the Fed Hike Rates?
Interest Rates: Will the Fed Hike Rates?
Even as they grappled with inflation worries, most Federal Reserve officials at their August meeting didn't believe the Fed's key interest rate was too low given harder-to-get credit conditions straining consumers and businesses alike.
The Fed, at its Aug. 5th meeting, decided to hold its key rate steady at 2% [...]
September 9, 2008
- How to Come Up With a Down Payment
How to Come Up With a Down Payment
Not long ago, no-down-payment loans were big for homebuyers. But now that lenders have tightened their standards, borrowers once again are expected to pony up some cash of their own for a down payment.
Many homebuyers have difficulty coming up with a down payment. Here are some ways to [...]
September 8, 2008
- Pricing Your Home in a Fall(en) Market
Pricing Your Home in a Fall(en) Market
It's not new news. Real estate markets everywhere have fallen. If you're trying to sell your home, or even thinking about putting your house on the market, pricing the home to sell quickly can be the trickiest part of all.
Our Money Editor, Stacy Johnson, has some advice on pricing [...]
September 7, 2008
- Recession? Are You Better Off or Worse Off?
Recession? Are You Better Off or Worse Off?
It's been seven years since the last recession. Times are tough once again. We'd love to hear your feedback on the question in the Subject Line above…
Are you Better off, or worse off, than during the last economic downturn?
Your name and email address are required in order to [...]
September 6, 2008
- 2 Million Borrowers Avoid Foreclosure
2 Million Borrowers Avoid Foreclosure
Hope Now has helped more than 2 million at-risk borrowers stay in their homes during the past 13 months. Despite this progress, foreclosures continue to climb; 91,752 families lost their homes in July. That represents an increase of 14% from June and more than double the number of July 2007, when [...]
September 5, 2008
- Home Gardens Reduce Food Costs
Home Gardens Reduce Food Costs
Looking for ways to cut down on that rising grocery bill? Money Talks editor Debi Marie has some tips in this short video on growing your own groceries with a simple, low-maintenace home garden.
Have any comments or suggestions about home gardening? Use our "comment" link below to sound off. Your email [...]
September 4, 2008
- Existing Home Sales Hit 5 Month High
Existing Home Sales Hit 5 Month High
The National Association of Realtors announced recently that Existing Home Sales, after falling to 10-year low in June, rebounded in July to a 5-month high. The report, which measures the month-over-month sale of previously owned homes, indicated sales of such homes increased 3.1 percent.
Bob Walters, Chief Economist for Quicken [...]
September 3, 2008
- Selling Your Home This Fall in a Buyer's Market
Selling Your Home This Fall in a Buyer's Market
Historically, the fall season brings on slower home sale activity. So how do you make your home the highlight of the house-hunt? While curb appeal is still very important, what you do on the inside of your home can be equally as powerful. Here are a few [...]
