New credit card reform laws went into place today, Monday, Feb. 22, 2010 which will result in big changes in card fees, interest rates and contract terms. Experts say the new laws offer consumers more protection, but unfortunately, the reforms will also likely drive up the cost of using credit for everyone...

Millions of Americans make a commitment to get in physical shape each January, but what about taking care of their financial health? It seems far fewer make a commitment to being financially fit. How many of us even know how healthy our finances are? If you’re interested in finding out, CNN Money has...

Ready or not, 2010 is here! In the spirit of getting in shape for the New Year (financial shape, that is), we’ve put together 10 tips that will help you make 2010 a financially healthy year for you. 1. Review your credit card terms With new credit card reform laws going into effect in February,...

It’s almost here: Santa’s big night. Without a doubt, Father Christmas and his army of elves are frantically going over last-minute preparations, putting the final touches on toys, making a list and checking it twice. With so much to do in so little time, dealing with personal finances is probably...

Black Friday marks the start of the holiday shopping season and I’m sure many of us will be stepping out to the mall and likely putting a few of those gifts on the old credit card. But, before you charge, please read on. Many credit card companies are changing the terms of their contracts before the...

With record numbers of foreclosures taking place in California, we thought it would be worth taking a look at some of the issues people deal with after a foreclosure has taken place. The most pressing concern, of course, is housing. Often, it’s difficult for families to find something quickly that’s...

Did you know that your credit card company may be watching the stores you shop at, the people you shop with and even the things you buy? Faced with rising default rates, these companies are using new tools to model the behavior patterns of their customers in order to determine a person’s credit risk....

The escalating number of California homeowners in distress and seeking help with their mortgage has unfortunately led to a sharp rise in loan modification scams. In recent months, the California Department of Real Estate has issued several consumer alerts, warning of companies that promise to provide...

Michael Jackson’s death on Thursday, June 25, left many of his creditors in the lurch—to the tune of more than $400 million according to a recent article in USA Today. This despite the fact that Michael was himself a billion dollar business. Over his lifetime, he amassed a huge fortune from the sale...

Kudos to Congress and President Obama for passing new legislation last week, a “sweeping bill” that’s aimed at strengthening consumer protection in the credit card market. Called the “Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility, and Disclosure (CARD) Act of 2009,” the new laws will mean major...