Article Archive November, 2007

Can't Pay the Mortgage? Try Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

By:

Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | November 30, 2007

When past-due statements are piling up, and you don't want to lose the house, a Chapter 13 bankruptcy might be the right solution.

Overview of Student Loans

By:

Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | November 29, 2007

When you're trying to pay for college, it's nice to turn to a wealthy uncle for a little financial assistance. No one is happier to help you pay for your higher education than Uncle Sam and the federal government.

Refinance Options for Second Mortgages

By:

Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | November 28, 2007

The first step in deciding how to refinance two mortgages is to know exactly what your options are.

Beefier Car Loans for Special Features

By:

Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | November 27, 2007

Every James Bond thriller has cars loaded with crazy gadgetry. Today's automobiles also have plenty of bells and whistles to offer drivers…but are they worth the price?

Five Techniques to Boost Your Credit Score

By:

Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | November 26, 2007

The credit bureaus that determine your credit scores prefer people who play by the rules. Some rules are obvious- like pay your bills on time-but others are subtler. Here are five techniques that should help you go to the head of the credit score class.

Dismal Short-term Future for Mortgages

By:

Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | November 25, 2007

Industry experts predict that the slowdown of mortgages and property sales will continue through the third quarter of 2008.

Understanding the Mortgage Foreclosure Process

By:

Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | November 24, 2007

Foreclosures are rising to tragic levels all across the U.S., and they're happening across the entire demographic spectrum. To avoid foreclosure, it's essential that homeowners first understand exactly what it is, why it happens, and how it can result in the loss of a home.

New Proposals to Reform Retirement Plans

By:

Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | November 23, 2007

Congress is debating the end of 401(k) plans as we know them. But don't be concerned-all proposed changes are for the better.

Think Twice Before Debt Consolidation

By:

Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | November 22, 2007

With total credit card debt on the rise, individual consumers are increasingly finding themselves strapped with oppressive debt balances. Some of these borrowers are falling prey to so-called debt consolidators who promise quick and easy debt elimination.

Bad Credit Mortgages Lure Opportunity Investors

By:

Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | November 21, 2007

Homeowners faced with financial problems related to bad credit mortgages are finding few options in this difficult market. As a last resort, some are turning to investors who buy properties cheap, and help homeowners avoid foreclosure.

CDs and FDIC Insurance

By:

Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | November 20, 2007

Bank failures don't happen often, but they do happen. If you have your savings tied up in certificates of deposit, make sure you understand how FDIC insurance protects you and your money.

Auto Loans: Four Tips to Get You Started

By:

Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | November 19, 2007

Getting an auto loan is not like picking up some milk at the grocery store. You can't just run in, grab a gallon of cash, and run out. You need to take a careful look at your finances and auto options before you begin shopping for a loan.

Six Advantages of HELOCs

By:

Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | November 18, 2007

If you were a typical kid, you hated homework. But as an adult, you now understand that doing your homework can pay off financially-especially when you learn about the advantages of a home equity line of credit.

Shared Appreciation Loans

By:

Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | November 17, 2007

City governments and housing agencies are making homes more affordable by partnering with homebuyers on shared appreciation loans.

Refinancing Your Auto Loan to Improve Credit

By:

Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | November 16, 2007

Credit problems have a way of hanging around and continuing to cost you more and more. With a little diligence, however, you can use good payment habits along with an auto loan refinance to begin the recovery process.

Prepayment Penalties Block the Way to Refinance

By:

Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | November 15, 2007

In the financial world, there's usually a catch when it comes to a great deal. Subprime mortgages are a great example. These loans, with low-interest introductory rates, have a major catch: prepayment penalties.

Advice for the Second Mortgage Hunt

By:

Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | November 14, 2007

The road to obtaining a low-rate second mortgage is filled with potholes and dead-end detours. Follow some basic guidelines, however, and you can navigate your way safely to your mortgage closing.

New Paper Suggests Optimal Time to Refinance

By:

Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | November 13, 2007

According to results of a study recently released by a group of economists, the best time to refinance may be later, not sooner. Their research indicates that a new "one or two percent rule" may be valuable in predicting the most profitable time for refinancing a home loan.

Credit Cards: Know Your Rights

By:

Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | November 12, 2007

Fans of any police drama on TV are quite aware of their Miranda rights: "You have the right to remain silent…etc." When it comes to your credit card, you also have rights. They can be extremely useful in the event of disputed or unauthorized charges.

Four Advantages of Debt Consolidation

By:

Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | November 11, 2007

In football, the best quarterbacks have the ability to call an audible, or change the play, right before the ball is hiked. Debt consolidation is a great way for you to call an audible if debt has blitzed your finances.

For Students: Make Money through Savings Bonds

By:

Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | November 10, 2007

U.S. Savings Bonds earn money with little risk and little maintenance, an ideal option for the student saver.

Bad Credit Mortgages and "Legal Kickbacks"

By:

Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | November 09, 2007

Borrowers with bad credit are particularly vulnerable when applying for a loan, because they represent higher risk for lenders. Sometimes, they're steered into loans that cost them more, and pay mortgage brokers higher fees as a sales incentive.

Home Equity Loan Slump Affecting Advertising

By:

Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | November 08, 2007

Instability and reduced liquidity has mortgage lenders and financial firms reaching out to consumers with advertising messages that emphasize strength and stability.

Make Sense of Your Credit Card Statement

By:

Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | November 07, 2007

If there was a contest for cramming information onto a sheet of paper, credit card companies would win the grand prize, hands-down. A typical credit card statement is loaded with information that consumers barely look at. It's in their best interests, however, to understand what all that data means.

The Loan of a Lifetime?

By:

Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | November 06, 2007

When a 50-year anniversary rolls around, it's considered "golden." The 50-year mortgage, however, has been anything but golden for homeowners and Wall Street investors.

The Price of Commitment: Higher Interest

By:

Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | November 05, 2007

With certificates of deposit, it isn't the price you pay for the commitment, it's the price you earn for it.

A New Alternative to Refinancing

By:

Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | November 04, 2007

A new plan proposed by the FDIC Chairman might do away with the need for subprime borrowers to refinance their loans. Although her recommendation is radical, it could be beneficial for everyone concerned.

Four Financial Tips to Put More Money in Your Wallet

By:

Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | November 03, 2007

Making money generally requires a lot of hard work. There are, however, some easy ways that you can add a few extra dollars to your wallet. Starting with a mortgage refinance, consider these simple and painless methods for generating cash.

Obstacles to Mortgage Modifications

By:

Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | November 02, 2007

The mortgage crisis has had such an overwhelming affect on our nation, that even the President has asked mortgage companies to show flexibility when dealing with homeowners who face a threat of foreclosure. But mortgage investors may oppose such efforts because they have their own financial interests at stake.

Are Student Loans Headed for a Melt Down?

By:

Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | November 01, 2007

Student loan and subprime mortgage borrowers share many qualities. If the student loan market suffers a meltdown similar to the subprime market, its impact on the economy may be just as devastating.