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Government-Insured FHA Mortgages Rising in Popularity

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 12/31/2008

Although they fell from favor (and nearly off the radar) during the last real estate run-up, FHA and VA mortgage products are now grabbing powerful market share. Government-backed loans currently account for about a third of all mortgage applications in the U.S.

Spooked by the Market? Keep Thinking Long Term!

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 12/30/2008

It's okay to be scared. Don't let fear ruin your portfolio, though. Investors who let emotions rule their trades rarely keep a long-term focus. Despite their good intentions, they forget about investing in great businesses and reaping the benefits of their growth over the years. Instead, the stock market becomes a high-stakes poker table.

Payday Lenders making a Comeback

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 12/29/2008

In the aftermath of the subprime lending crisis, it seems logical that high-risk loans would be scorned by the financial community. An increase in payday lending, however, proves that this is not the case. It's also an indication that the check cashing business is here to stay.

Is there a New Housing Boom in California?

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 12/28/2008

Housing sales in California picked up in October, prompting some to wonder if a recovery might be in the making.

Seven Ways to Improve Your Credit

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 12/27/2008

This holiday season, give yourself the gift of improved credit. Use these seven simple steps to improve your credit and your score. A better score gives you access to cheaper credit-a true luxury in this tight economy.

FDIC-Backed Debt Selling like Hot Cakes

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 12/26/2008

Finally, the feds may have made a strong move to start thawing the credit markets. The FDIC's TLGP is giving financial institutions the power to raise cash by issuing low-risk debt securities.

Making the Move: Fed Attacking High Mortgage Rates

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 12/25/2008

The Federal Reserve and Treasury, faced with growing challenges and public outcry related to urgently needed bailout plans, are now attacking high mortgage rates. By doing so, they hope to help thaw credit markets, revive the dying real estate sector, and boost the overall economy.

Loan Modifications may only be a Bandage for Foreclosures

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 12/24/2008

Many critics-especially those who stand to lose money when mortgage restructuring occurs-say that loan modifications may only be delaying inevitable foreclosures. They argue that loan modification can mask problems temporarily, but can't make those troubles go away.

Key to Economic Recovery: Job Creation

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 12/23/2008

President-elect Obama says he has his team working on a bold plan to create 2.5 million jobs by January 2011.

Stop the Lending--Mortgages Grinding to Halt in 2009

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 12/23/2008

Those who think that the credit crisis put the brakes on mortgage lending this year may be surprised to see mortgage levels deteriorate even more in 2009. Many experts expect to see the pace of both commercial and residential mortgage loan activity grow even more sluggish next year.

Subprime Mortgage Wolves Return in Sheep's Clothing

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 12/22/2008

Former subprime masterminds are back in action, but now they're targeting FHA loans.

All Fall Down: What if Fed Rates go to Zero?

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 12/22/2008

If the Federal Reserve keeps cutting rates until they hit zero, it might stimulate the economy by boosting the housing market. On the other hand, dropping Fed rates to zero also may put us into an even more precarious situation by driving down the prices of goods and the value of the dollar, inviting ugly economic deflation.

Foreclosure Fraud on the Rise

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 12/21/2008

Data provided by RealtyTrac indicates that third quarter 2008 foreclosure filings numbered roughly 765,000. This spells gold for conmen who are willing to pounce on tragedy.

Obama to HUD: Be Part of the Mortgage Crisis Solution

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 12/21/2008

President-elect Obama would like to see a strong HUD leading the country out of the housing crisis. But is that realistic?

Want Higher CD Rates? Try Troubled Banks!

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 12/20/2008

Cash investors can put their money in U.S. Treasuries or passbook savings accounts to earn less than 1 percent annually. Another alternative is to open a CD with a cash-poor bank, and log returns in excess of 3.5 percent.

Learning to Live with the Bear Market

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 12/20/2008

This current bear is rewriting the rules of investing.

Bush Offers Holiday Gift for Suffering Americans

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 12/19/2008

Santa has come early for unemployed workers and troubled homeowners. President Bush recently signed into law an extension of unemployment benefits and a moratorium on home foreclosures. With more jobs being lost every day, and Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in deep trouble, will this gift last longer than the holidays?

Fed President Lacker Sees Positive Trends in 2009

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 12/18/2008

Virginia Federal Reserve Bank President Jeffrey Lacker has a rather positive outlook for 2009, which is actually shared by other economists. If Lacker is right about his forecast for the economy in 2009, it will be cause to celebrate.

Federal Reserve Slashes Rates. Will it Lower Mortgage Rates?

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 12/17/2008

Will the Federal Reserve announcement to lower the Fed funds rate lower mortgage rates? Yes.

Trendy Business Move-Becoming a Bank

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 12/17/2008

Financial companies are applying for bank holding company status to diversify and improve their access to cash.

Federal Reserve and Bernanke Committed to do More

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 12/16/2008

Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke continues to remind America that the Fed is dedicated to fixing the economy. But the problems are global, require cooperation from central banks worldwide, and are unprecedented in the history of the world.

Bush Cautious of Regulatory Intervention in Capitalist Economies

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 12/16/2008

President Bush admits the need for economic reform, but emphasizes the importance of keeping capitalism alive and well.

Path to Economic Recovery: Made in China

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 12/15/2008

The Chinese economic model could save America from its debt-ridden quagmire.

Mortgage Rate Declines Lead to Increased Applications

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 12/15/2008

Demand for purchase and refinance mortgages have risen from their historic lows on the strength of lower interest rates.

Bottomless Pit? Freddie Mac Needs More Bailout Money

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 12/14/2008

Freddie Mac and its counterpart, Fannie Mae, were originally created in the beginning of the last century to strengthen the nation's real estate economy. Now, taxpayers are being forced to return the favor with a massive bailout of these two institutions. The economy is worsening, and Freddie Mac needs quick cash.

Budget Deficit needs to get Bigger to get Better

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 12/14/2008

This year, government spending is set to annihilate previous U.S. budget deficit records. Even so, the government may be under pressure to spend more, not less.

Understanding Your Mortgage Loan Modification Options

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 12/13/2008

The government's massive $750 billion bailout plan was supposed to include loan workout provisions. Those provisions are beginning to take shape, based on recent modified loan programs released by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and some private lenders. The big question remains: Will these efforts actually help homeowners?

Controversy Brews over FDIC Debt and Bank Guarantee Plans

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 12/13/2008

Major banks, including Citigroup, Wells Fargo, JPMorgan Chase, and Bank of America, recently told the government that the FDIC program to back their bonds is not a strong enough guarantee. They want unconditional support; but the FDIC wants a more regulated and controlled bailout.

Is Bair Barking up Wrong Housing Recovery Tree?

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 12/12/2008

While FDIC Chairman Sheila Bair continues to push for loan modifications to save homeowners and stabilize banks, the White House seems to be turning a deaf ear to her pleas and warnings. She's been pushing banks and politicians for radical action for an entire year, to no avail.

What can Obama Do to Save the Housing Market?

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 12/12/2008

Barack Obama has some options when it comes to healing the fractured housing market.

G20 Summit Offers Hope

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 12/11/2008

Global leaders met to strategize on how to save the global economy from further economic damage.

False Alarm: No Credit Card Forgiveness from Uncle Sam

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 12/11/2008

For people drowning in credit card debt, the hope that Uncle Sam's cavalry is coming appears to have been dashed. The Treasury Department nixed any type of a debt settlement program after a roundtable meeting of banks and consumers, leaving many debt-ridden consumers out of luck.

Bailing Out the Auto Industry

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 12/10/2008

Where will it end? That's the question on everyone's mind as GM, Ford, and Chrysler-the big three of the U.S. auto industry-paid a visit to Washington, D.C. The companies want a piece of the government bailout, but no one is quite certain if such a move will help the ailing automakers.

Credit Unions: The Homeowner's Friend

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 12/10/2008

Credit unions that bypassed the mortgage meltdown are increasing their loan production as other lenders falter.

Retailers Bracing for a Very Unmerry Christmas

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 12/09/2008

The recession has moved from the headlines to the check-out lines. Following a major drop in consumer confidence, retail sales have dropped precipitously. Forecasts indicate that the Christmas season won't change the trend.

Layaway Plans Making a Comeback

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 12/09/2008

Consumers are embracing once-outdated layaway plans to help them budget for holiday shopping.

Will Your Credit Card Limits be Cut Back?

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 12/08/2008

Consumers should be on the lookout for notices from credit card companies. They may look like junk mail, but the information inside may be anything but-it could describe the new terms of your card. With consumer credit already stretched to the max, many Americans may find that their plastic limits are shrinking, even as interest rates rise.

Upside-Down on Your Mortgage? There may be help!

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 12/08/2008

If you owe more on your home than it's worth-in other words, if you have negative equity or are "upside down" in your mortgage-there may still be hope for solving your problem. The options require sacrifice, but could potentially help you avoid greater financial woes.

Credit Card Companies Analyzing You, Again

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 12/07/2008

The credit crunch is causing some knee-jerk reactions by credit card companies. Shaken by the fallout from the subprime mortgage crisis, they're reevaluating consumer credit. Then, they're shrinking card limits and charging higher interest rates.

Asking your Parents for Down Payment Help

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 12/07/2008

Lenders are raising down payment requirements, setting the stage for more parent-funded solutions.

Lessons for First Time Home Buyers

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 12/06/2008

Buying a new home is a complicated procedure. It takes patience, planning, and great timing. For a first time homebuyer, the process can be fraught with financial landmines.

Reverse Mortgages are a Retirement Savior

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 12/06/2008

Reverse mortgages allow people who are age 62 and older to borrow against their home equity, and then get paid in regular installments by the mortgage company. Now that higher limits have been authorized for reverse mortgages, this good retirement resource just got a whole lot better.

Consumers Maxing Out their Home Equity

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 12/05/2008

It's a sign of the times: Economic data indicates that homeowners may be padding their savings accounts with money borrowed from their home equity lines of credit (HELOC).

Buying a House on Layaway

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 12/05/2008

Homebuilders want to help you save money-so you can buy a house.

Hope for Homeowners Unattractive to Many

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 12/04/2008

The government's solution to the foreclosure crisis isn't drawing many takers, and new estimates say the program will fall far short of initial projections.

Foreclosure Moratoriums may do More Harm than Good

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 12/04/2008

One of the most popular foreclosure prevention programs is foreclosure moratorium. This process holds up the foreclosure process to give time to homeowners to get back on their feet. But some critics say that these intentional delays may create even more problems than they actually solve.

Budget Deficit may Hinder Obama's Economic Plan

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 12/03/2008

Barack Obama earned the office of the presidency on a campaign that promised sweeping change. But are his lofty goals unrealistic, given the size of the federal deficit that he'll inherit?

Obama Creating a Better TARP

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 12/03/2008

In early-October, lawmakers passed an historic $700 billion financial bailout bill in a mad dash to avert a global financial meltdown. But now, the Secretary of the Treasury has said that he's leaving the mess in Obama's hands.

Great Car Deals for Stellar Buyers

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 12/02/2008

When Dickens wrote the line, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times," he was speaking of France prior to its revolution of 1789. The statement also applies to today's auto market, and how the car purchasing process differs based on your credit score.

Homeowners in Denial about Home Values

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 12/01/2008

Here's a reality check: your home is probably worth less than you think. A quarterly survey reveals that many homeowners are overly optimistic about the value of their property.

Bad Economy Removes "Ho-Ho-Ho" from Christmas Parties

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 12/01/2008

As the holiday season rolls around, few companies seem to be in a festive mood. The bad economy has businesses tightening their purse strings, trimming off superfluous items like traditional holiday parties. Don't let the bad economy be a party-pooper. There are ways to get in the spirit without going into debt.

The True Meltdown Culprit: Unsuitable Mortgages

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 11/30/2008

Foreclosure is usually attributed to mortgage borrowers, not to those who fund the loans. But this time, the blame lies with the mortgage lenders and investors who created an artificial demand for loans, and then came up with inappropriately risky mortgages to feed that appetite.

Mortgage Crisis Solution: Rate Buydown

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 11/29/2008

Mortgage rate buy down strategies are gaining momentum and enjoying widespread and diverse support as a solution to some of the nation's most pressing real estate problems. Rate buydowns would make homes more affordable, and stimulate the residential housing market with increased sales.

The Last Personal Finance Straw: Medical Debt

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 11/29/2008

Struggling to make ends meet can be a way to survive, but it gets awfully hard if you or a family member gets sick. Millions of Americans are pushed over the edge into bankruptcy or foreclosure because of high medical bills.

Money Smarts: Should you Rent or Buy a Home?

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 11/28/2008

Home ownership comes with benefits that a renter could never get-but also, a few unique problems.

Reverse Mortgages Hit New Records

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 11/28/2008

As a record number of baby boomers enter retirement, the volume of new reverse mortgages is also shattering records. Senior mortgages are one of the areas of lending growth that's plowing ahead, despite the demise of many other kinds of loan products tied to the housing market.

Double Whammy for Senior Mortgages: Falling Prices, Rising Debt

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 11/27/2008

Seniors are grappling with the economic crisis in their own way. They must deal with the potential for higher healthcare costs and lower net worth at a time when housing values are sliding and large senior mortgage balances are limiting their options for retirement planning.

Four Bad Borrowing Choices

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 11/27/2008

The economic downturn has been fraught with pain, uncertainty, and fear. It also contains a number of valuable lessons in money management. Homeowners are re-evaluating how they use their home equity, especially regarding investments and debt consolidation.

Credit Card Bailout for Financially Irresponsible

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 11/26/2008

The Financial Services Roundtable and the Consumer Federation of America have joined forces to promote a credit card debt settlement plan involving debt write-offs and extended repayments.

Bank Fees on the Rise

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 11/26/2008

Don't expect budget relief from falling gas prices; your bank is standing in line to pick up the slack.

Government's Bear Stearns Bet Underwater

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 11/25/2008

The portfolio of mortgage-related assets acquired from Bear Stearns by the U.S. government is dropping in value, creating unrealized losses for taxpayers.

Government to Banks: Stop Hoarding Bailout Money!

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 11/25/2008

Despite urging from the White House and the Treasury Dept., banks aren't lending. Instead, they're hoarding money to bolster their own balance sheets. That's not helping consumers or the overall financial situation, and in the absence of consumer credit, the economy is stuck in reverse.

Dropping the Ball: Economic Crisis Hitting Pro Sports

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 11/24/2008

Professional sports leagues are expressing concern over the economy, and how it might impact sports attendance.

Innocent Financial Crisis Victims: Foreclosure Pets

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 11/24/2008

The foreclosure crisis in America has produced plenty of heartbreaking scenes. But now, many of these homeowners are losing more than their homes. Animal shelters have reported increases in the number of pets abandoned because of home foreclosure, adding yet more innocent victims to the sagging U.S. economy: foreclosure pets.

Time for a Retirement Check-up

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 11/23/2008

A Wall Street recession can scare anyone, but the terror gets worse as you close in on your retirement. Whatever you do, don't panic!

FHA Offers Expensive Hope for the Walking Wounded

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 11/23/2008

Homeowners hoping for an FHA loan modification or refinance will likely get the government assistance they need. But such modification, while certainly helpful at this critical time in the foreclosure crisis, isn't necessarily affordable.

Fed Rate Cuts: How Low can they Go?

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 11/22/2008

Usually, a Fed funds rate cut of even a quarter percentage point is extreme. But within the past few weeks, the Fed has slashed rates by half a point, not just once, but twice. Now that rates stand at a half-century low mark, economists wonder how much lower Fed Chairman Bernanke can go from here.

Homeowners: Still Hopeful, but Recovery Slow

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 11/22/2008

One month after going live, Hope for Homeowners is making slow progress. Does this program lack what it takes to solve the foreclosure problem?

Are Your Savings Secure?

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 11/21/2008

Banks seem to be failing left and right. Could yours be next?

Countrywide Offers a Model for Loan Modifications

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 11/21/2008

Countrywide Mortgage, now owned by its buyout rescue savior, Bank of America, earned a reputation for bilking borrowers. Now, the lender may be atoning for its sins by creating a model for loan modifications that may save homeowners, even if Countrywide isn't doing it voluntarily.

Investing in Gold: Folly or Brainy?

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 11/20/2008

Have you had it with stocks and bonds, and are you ready to try something new? Gold is an option, but make sure you know what it will and won't do for you before you buy.

Young People Crumbling Under Student Loan Debt

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 11/20/2008

Although politicians don't seem to agree on many things, all parties believe that educating young people is critical if America is going to regain its financial footing. Unfortunately, many students are finding that a higher education, and the student loans required to pay for it, has been priced out of their reach.

Foreclosure Prevention Efforts Gaining Steam

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 11/19/2008

Data from one foreclosure prevention group indicates that the mortgage industry may be gaining traction against the crisis; but there are still some significant challenges to overcome.

Possible Bottom for Housing Prices?

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 11/19/2008

New home sales moved up in September, and that was a positive sign that housing prices may be finally finding a floor. Recent data shows both encouraging and worrisome indicators related to a possible housing bottom, but the only certain thing in today's economy is that nothing is certain.

Financial Crisis Hits Charities

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 11/18/2008

Nonprofit organizations, like the American Red Cross, are facing sharply lower charitable contributions at a time when they need it most.

Worldwide Financial Crisis: What to Tell the Kids

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 11/18/2008

Adults aren't the only ones feeling the strain of the current financial crisis. Kids also feel the stress by how their parents act, and what they see on the news. Now would be a great time to reassure your children, and use the slumping economy as a lesson in personal finance.

Does Bailout Lack Adequate Consumer Help?

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 11/17/2008

The $700 billion bailout plan addresses the mortgage crisis by reaching out to institutions and investors. FDIC Chairperson Sheila Bair and other politicians are baffled by the strategy; why not help homeowners instead?

Bailout Plan Paves Way for Tax Breaks

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 11/17/2008

The financial rescue plan is loaded with tax breaks, and many apply specifically to individual taxpayers. Do you know what the changes will mean for you?

Credit Card Companies Slashing Benefits

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 11/16/2008

Credit card issuers aren't doling out revolving credit accounts the way they used to. In fact, they're reigning in availability, and leaving some of their customers without the credit they thought they had.

Do-It-Yourself Credit Repair

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 11/16/2008

It seems like everyone is in need of credit repair these days. But while the federal government is relying on taxpayers to help our country out of a jam, not everyone can expect a bailout. If "fix credit" is at the top of your "to-do" list, don't wait for help from anyone else. There are a number of steps you can take to fix credit.

Five Ideas to Find a New Job

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 11/15/2008

Job hunting in a slumping economy is no picnic. However, just because competition is fierce shouldn't mean that you give up. "Collecting unemployment" pales in comparison to the elation of "landing new job." Here are five simple tips to help you become gainfully employed.

Federal Deficit Spinning out of Control

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 11/15/2008

The federal deficit reached a record high point for fiscal year 2008, and all signs say that fiscal 2009 will be even worse.

Misery Loves Company: Credit Card Industry the Next Shoe to Drop

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 11/14/2008

The decimated home mortgage market has crippled Wall Street and brought our government to its knees. Unfortunately, the party isn't over. Credit cards will likely be the next financial tool to feel the wrath of the global credit crunch.

Lawyers Feeding on Mortgage Mess

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 11/14/2008

In some ways, the mortgage meltdown reminds lawyers and their class-action plaintiffs of the Enron scandal. After the fall of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Lehman Brothers, lawyers are pushing class-action litigation to try to recover losses for investors caught up in the mortgage mess.

Mortgage Fraud Past and Present

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 11/13/2008

The authorities have cracked down hard on appraisal fraud and subprime liar loan products that encourage mortgage dishonesty through overstated income. But mortgage fraud is still alive and well and living in America.

Mortgage Crisis Silver Lining: Savings on the Rise

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 11/13/2008

For years, Americans spent almost every penny of their income. But new economic data indicates that the financial crisis may be pressuring some to finally start saving once again.

New Regulation to Clean up Financial Industry Mess

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 11/12/2008

Legislators and economists are still trying to get their arms around how the subprime mortgage crisis blossomed into a full-blown financial industry meltdown. Fingers are being pointed at the fractured regulatory system that failed to provide much-needed oversight.

Treasury Plan Pushing up Mortgage Rates

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 11/12/2008

As the Treasury bailout plan opens the faucets to thaw credit markets, and maybe even jumpstart the overall economy, affordable housing is slipping away due to rising-not falling-mortgage rates.

Big Banks Halting Foreclosures and Modifying Mortgages

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 11/11/2008

Chair of the FDIC continues to lobby her counterpart at the Treasury, Hank Paulson and the White House to implement loan modifications as a primary strategy in the mortgage market rescue. However, this bureaucratic battle may be irrelevant--the mega-banks are already rolling out the plan.

Following Warren Buffett: Is it Time to Buy Stocks?

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 11/11/2008

The Oracle of Omaha is buying American stocks. Should you do the same?

Financial Tips for Frugal Living

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 11/11/2008

As banks tighten their purse strings, the trickle-down effect is reaching consumers. Whether they're battling inflation or scared of a more restrictive lending environment, people are trying to find ways to spend less and save more.

Congressional Democrats, President-elect Obama Press for TARP Aid for Auto

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 11/10/2008

The Big Three auto makers continue their death march, burning millions in cash every month while auto sales drop to the lowest in 25 years. Help may be on the way.

Retailers Dreaming of a Gloomy Christmas

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 11/10/2008

The holiday season is just around the corner, and retailers are making gloomy predictions for their fourth quarter sales. How does your holiday spending outlook size up to retailers' expectations?

Planning for Retirement During Financial Crisis

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 11/10/2008

Retirement accounts just aren't what they used to be. If your account balance has turned south, where do you go from here?

Local Sheriff takes Action to Avoid Foreclosures

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 11/09/2008

Sheriff Thomas J. Dart of Cook County, Illinois suspended evictions and foreclosure because he said that foreclosures and sheriff sales were putting innocent renters at an unfair disadvantage. His defiance sparked an immediate protest from bankers, but the lawman stuck to his guns.

Paulson Picks Bailout Czar

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 11/09/2008

The person chosen to oversee the $700 billion mortgage bailout plan shares some distinctive traits with Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson. Neel Kashkari, the new bailout czar, is a bright economist who, like Paulson, used to be an investment banker at Goldman Sachs.

Creative Financing for Small Businesses: Peer-to-Peer Lending

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 11/08/2008

Banks may be denying more small business loan applications, but company owners still have options. An up-and-coming solution for business financing gives entrepreneurs an alternative to adjustable-rate credit card debt.

Housing Rescue: Slow Going

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 11/08/2008

Despite housing rescue initiatives like Hope Now, and a mortgage bailout plan worth $700 billion, the housing rescue is moving slowly. Each month, 200,000 homes still enter foreclosure.

Simple Upgrades Lower Home Energy Cost

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 11/07/2008

As the stock market goes down, the need for energy savings goes up. Consumers are thinking less about spending and more about saving, and they're focusing heavily on home energy costs. If you think the only way you can realize some efficiency gains is through expensive home improvements, think again.

Credit Crunch Squashing Auto Loans

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 11/07/2008

The global banking meltdown is causing blowouts on auto loans. Or is it?

Climbing Out of a Personal Credit Crisis

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 11/06/2008

Credit trouble used to be a problem for only a small percentage of people. Today, it's a global affliction that's causing many banks to revise their offerings. The credit crunch is going to create some serious headaches for people in need of debt relief.

Getting to Know Your Mortgage Documents

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 11/06/2008

American homeowners should study their loan documents to make sure that they know their obligations. Otherwise, loans like ARM and interest-only mortgages could blow up in their faces.

States Feeling Credit Crunch Pain

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 11/05/2008

The combination of declining revenues, increasing expenses, and insufficient access to capital is a deadly one for local municipalities.

Small Businesses Struggling for Survival in Economic Downturn

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 11/05/2008

Credit availability is in short supply, energy costs are volatile, and no one's sure how the bailout plan is going to help the economy. These concerns are weighing heavily on the minds of small business owners.

Bailout a Potentially Lucrative Investment for Taxpayers

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 11/04/2008

The $700 billion financial bailout plan gives the U.S. Treasury an option to buy, on behalf of taxpayers, an equity stake in troubled financial firms. If the plan facilitates the recovery of these firms, that equity provision could create big profits down the road for American taxpayers.

Bankruptcy, the Final Frontier

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 11/04/2008

When you've exhausted all options and you still can't get out of debt, there's always bankruptcy.

College Graduates Drowning in a Challenging Market

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 11/03/2008

The payoff for going to college used to be enormous. But with more students graduating deeply in debt, a higher education's higher earning potential is becoming negated. With tuition increasing faster than inflation, and job prospects shrinking, college debt has become a real problem.

New Economic Scourge-Underemployment

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 11/03/2008

A good job is hard to find. The number of qualified workers who are forced to take low-paying or part-time jobs is increasing, which spells continued trouble for the U.S. economy.

Is the Economic Crisis Hurting our Kids?

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 11/02/2008

During bad economic times, parents don't just have to make ends meet; they also have to take steps to minimize the negative impact the economy might have on their kids.

How the Bailout Could Help You

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 11/02/2008

The $700 billion economic stabilization bill that just passed Congress may not save the stock market or revive the economy. However, through loan modifications and modified refinance initiatives, it could rescue lots of homeowners who are at risk of losing their homes to bank foreclosure.

Escaping the Paycheck-to-Paycheck Quagmire

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 11/01/2008

Paycheck-to-paycheck living may be the way you roll, but it isn't sustainable long-term. Take steps to give yourself some financial breathing room.

More Bailouts: Are Individual States Next?

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 11/01/2008

As the credit markets unravel, states across the U.S. are faced with mounting financial challenges. Soon, taxpayers may be asked to ante up emergency funds for state bailout programs. California has already said that it may need $7 billion to tide it over until spring.

Safe Haven for your Cash? Try Local Banks

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 10/31/2008

Not all banks are teetering on the edge of financial collapse. In fact, many are humming right along with a business-as-usual mentality.

Finally, Some Hope for Homeowners

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 10/31/2008

The Hope for Homeowners foreclosure prevention program offers a solution for at-risk homeowners.

Mortgage Meltdown: Is Affordable Housing to Blame?

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 10/30/2008

Some critics, desperate for a way to explain the current mortgage crisis, have been blaming it on the 1977 Community Reinvestment Act (CRA). Under the CRA, banks receiving federal insurance are encouraged to lend within their own communities, even if those areas are economically depressed. The CRA was meant to provide low-income Americans with more affordable housing.

Get Frugal, but Enjoy Halloween

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 10/30/2008

This Halloween, parents are scared out of their minds. They're not fearful of things that go bump in the night, but of items that go cha-ching at the cash register. Between the costumes and the candy, saving on Halloween can be a tall order. Here are a few tips that can help.

Holiday Credit Crunch

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 10/29/2008

Santa's familiar "Ho, ho, ho" may be replaced this year by "Woe, woe, woe." With the economy sputtering and credit lines closing, retailers are already expecting a dismal year. This is bad news for the U.S. economy, which relies heavily on holiday spending.

How Warren Buffett Avoided the Subprime Meltdown

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 10/29/2008

Warren Buffett, the richest man in America, was financially exposed to the housing industry, but managed to avoid severe subprime mortgage losses. Banks and mortgage companies should pay attention to the stock market wizard, and take a lesson from his investment philosophy.

Mortgage Rewrite Plan will Help Homeowners

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 10/28/2008

As $700 billion moves into the economy to stem the housing meltdown, loan modifications and mortgage rewrites should be a big boon for homeowners. HUD-through its FHA component-will, for example, refinance many troublesome mortgages into affordable FHA fixed-rate loans.

What the Economic Crisis can Teach the Kids

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 10/28/2008

The kids can learn some valuable lessons from the grownups' financial foibles.

All About Peer-to-Peer Lending

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 10/27/2008

As consumers demand alternatives to traditional bank lending, more and more companies are getting into the person-to-person lending business.

How to Protect Your Money with the FDIC

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 10/27/2008

FDIC coverage limitations are a little complicated. If you know them, you'll avoid the possibility of expected losses on your bank deposits.

Gas Saving Tip: Drive a Scooter

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 10/26/2008

Americans, who are trying to find ways to save money on gas, are converting to a long-standing mode of transportation used in Europe: Mopeds. Sales of scooters in the U.S. have increased more than 60 percent this year, as people look for ways to adapt to high fuel prices.

Want a Hybrid Vehicle? Good Luck with Financing!

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 10/25/2008

Banks and other lending institutions aren't denying the environmental benefits of a hybrid vehicle. However, sometimes they're denying the financing for them, particularly to people with poor credit. Car loans, like home mortgages, are getting tougher for people to find.

Is Your Money Market Fund Safe?

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 10/24/2008

News of value losses in money market funds sent shivers down the spines of investors from Maine to California. Learn what the federal government is doing to help you keep the faith.

Portfolio Management: Biting the Bullet through the Financial Crisis

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 10/24/2008

No pain, no gain. That evergreen is as true in financial planning as it is in the gym.

The Shrinking of Fannie Mae

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 10/23/2008

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are both trying to shore up anemic balance sheets to regain healthy cash reserves. But that guarded approach to mortgage lending might send mortgage rates higher and make mortgage qualification much more difficult for the average American.

Seniors Whacked by the Mortgage Crisis

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 10/23/2008

As the number of Americans in the "baby boomer" demographic peaks, seniors and retirees face the brunt of the mortgage crisis at a time when they're most vulnerable. According to the AARP, older people across the U.S. may suffer the most from the nation's current economic strife.

Small Business and the Mortgage Bailout

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 10/22/2008

While oversized and overextended financial firms get all the attention, small business owners are quietly struggling to get by.

Finding the Culprits of Mortgage Fraud

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 10/22/2008

Who can we blame for the U.S. mortgage crisis and financial industry meltdown? Mortgage brokers, investors, or corporate executives? Or is it the regulators, who are just now going after the crooks?

Combat Rising Unemployment: Tips for Getting a New Job

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 10/21/2008

It's practically impossible to find a job using the mega online job boards anymore. The current market demands a more personal approach.

California Protects Consumers from Shady Mortgage Brokers

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 10/21/2008

The state of California usually leads the charge when it comes to progressive legislation. Now, Californians have new mortgage laws and mortgage license regulations. But consumer advocates wonder if it's enough to protect borrowers from mortgage broker fraud.

Debt-settlement Companies take Federal Trade Commission Spotlight

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 10/20/2008

The dire consequences of our nation's debt problems have come full circle in recent months. As our most prestigious financial institutions have crumbled, our nation has begun to reassess its addiction to easy credit. Debt-settlement companies have become more popular, and more scrupulous.

Are More Gas Shortages Ahead?

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 10/20/2008

The ongoing financial crisis has been good for one thing: It's taken our minds off the fact that we could be facing gas shortages in the very near future. Even though gas prices have stabilized and even dropped, the long lines in Atlanta after the recent Hurricanes Ike and Gustav are proof that there might be a nationwide gas shortage.

Congress to Help with Student Loans

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 10/19/2008

The shaky nature of the economy has cast doubt over the entire lending world. Much attention has been focused on the housing market, but student loans have also become under question. Recently, Congress has taken steps to ensure liquidity in the market, providing a dose of confidence for the future.

Personal Finance in Schools: An Answer to Financial Crisis

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 10/18/2008

A little bit of financial education could go a long way to improve our nation's financial health.

Learn about FHA Lenders

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 10/17/2008

Do you know what an FHA lender is, and whether or not you should use one?

Shining Light from Mortgage Mess: FHA Loans

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 10/17/2008

Mortgages are in increasingly short supply as economic chaos continues, but consumers are getting some vital relief from the FHA. The number of FHA mortgage applications has soared, nearly tripling in 2008, as troubled banks and other mortgage companies reign in their credit.

Money Crunch Solutions: Get a Second (or New) Job

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 10/16/2008

A second job can improve your income, but it might not make your life any easier.

Four Ideas to Sell Home in Struggling Market

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 10/16/2008

Check out the ads in the real estate section of your local newspaper. If you read between the lines, you'll probably sense messages like, "Selling home-desperate!" or "Need to sell home, but can't find buyer. PLEASE!" If you're a seller, there are steps you can take to sell your home in a tough market.

How will the Bailout Affect Mortgage Rates?

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 10/15/2008

Regardless of how the financial bailout plan affects the overall economy, mortgage rates may fall in the short term, but will have to rise before long. Without raising underlying interest rates, which will eventually push mortgage rates higher, the nation can't wage its financial battles.

Is Your 401(k) Safe?

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 10/15/2008

Bad financial news piled upon more bad financial news might have you worried about your 401(k) funds.

The Real Problem in Housing: Mortgage Guidelines

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 10/14/2008

Mortgage rates have declined in recent weeks, but that doesn't mean lenders are working around the clock to qualify borrowers and fund loans.

How Mortgage Bailout Will Affect You

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 10/14/2008

While Wall Street and Main Street compete in a tug-o-war over the mortgage bailout plan, average Americans wonder how the colossal expenditure will impact their personal finances. It's too soon too to predict the overall outcome, but some good and bad consequences are inevitable.

Getting a Mortgage in Challenging Times

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 10/13/2008

In the wake of the tidal wave of bad news that has hit the mortgage market, there's a profound new lending landscape. The good news is that you can still get a mortgage. The bad news is that money will be harder to borrow, particularly if you have bad credit.

Lenders to FHA Foreclosure Help: Thanks, But No Thanks

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 10/13/2008

The FHA's new Hope for Homeowners program is supposed to be an answer to this country's foreclosure problem. Mortgage lenders like the idea, but only after other efforts have failed.

Cheaper Mortgage Rates Could Ease Household Pain

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 10/12/2008

The mortgage and energy industries have delivered a one-two punch. Fortunately, it will have a positive impact. Oil prices and interest rates have dipped, providing a source of debt relief for people looking for a mortgage refinance.

Can the FHA Handle a New Expanded Mortgage Role?

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 10/12/2008

Many are concerned that HUD may already be strapped for cash due to ongoing efforts to stem the tide of foreclosures. But as the FHA, its main component, takes on more responsibility and greater debt, HUD will be faced with newer and bigger challenges.

Can Foreclosure Prevent You from Voting?

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 10/11/2008

Voter challenge laws in the state of Michigan are stirring up controversy, as rumors circulate about the Republican Party's intention to use foreclosure lists to block voters at the polls.

Crisis Savior: Mortgage Loan Modifications

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 10/11/2008

Now that IndyMac Bank, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac have all failed, the federal government appears to be in the driver's seat to fix the foreclosure problem. Many argue that the answer lies in rolling out strategic loan modifications to at-risk borrowers.

Are Low Mortgage Rates Here to Stay?

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 10/10/2008

Immediately following the Treasury takeover of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, borrowers took advantage of much lower mortgage rates, and refinance applications surged. But with extreme financial uncertainty in the U.S., mortgage rates are poised to rise again before too long.

Has the Housing Market Hit Bottom?

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 10/10/2008

As real estate sales slump, so do home prices. As prices sink, market value and equity vanish, and foreclosures rise. Now, fresh Commerce Department evidence indicates that we're still in a downward spiral and far from the end in terms of foreclosures and lower housing prices.

Secret to Growing Rich: Save, Don't Leverage

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 10/09/2008

It's hard to find an American who doesn't live without a little bit of debt, but too much could crush your savings dreams.

Housing Issues Active in Congress

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 10/09/2008

Congress faces some emotional arguments as lawmakers conduct ongoing hearings on two separate housing proposals.

Real Estate Investors Ready to Gobble Discounted Properties

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 10/08/2008

As home values continue to slump, foreclosures are swamping the market. It may be a sad day for people who lost their homes; but for many real estate investment companies, it's the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

Fannie, Freddie Mortgages Rescue Strategies

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 10/08/2008

With Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac now under government control, mortgage refinance and government assistance programs to promote foreclosure prevention will be their main focus.

Freddie, Fannie Intervention Means Good Time to Refinance

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 10/07/2008

The government takeover of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could potentially increase your tax bill down the road. It can also mean it's a good time to refinance.

Seller-Assisted Down Payments Still Alive

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 10/07/2008

The Housing and Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 effectively killed off seller-funded down payments by banning their use with FHA-insured mortgages after October 1. Now, consumer groups are rallying with lawmakers to protect this form of funding for homebuyers.

Takeover at Fannie/Freddie by the Feds

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 10/06/2008

With the government takeover of mortgage agencies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the mortgage market got a needed boost. In the wake of the news, loans from the FHA and other lenders became much less expensive, and that could potentially save the ailing real estate market.

Is FHASecure Helping Anyone?

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 10/06/2008

FHASecure was touted as the federal government's plan to rescue homeowners from the teeth of foreclosure. The official word is that the program is working; but has it truly had an impact on the foreclosure pipeline?

Presidential Politics: Views on Fannie, Freddie Bailout

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 10/05/2008

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have given the U.S. presidential candidates another economic issue to argue.

FHA Stealing Market Share from Private Mortgage Insurers

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 10/04/2008

Companies offering private mortgage insurance (PMI) are suffering catastrophic losses due to an avalanche of foreclosure-related claims. But the FHA, which offers HUD-backed FHA loan guarantee reassurance to banks and investors, is quickly capturing that lost PMI market share.

Mortgage Rates Tumble Below Pre-Meltdown Levels

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 10/04/2008

In the wake of the Fannie Mae takeover, mortgage interest rates declined, and the overall cost of taking out a home loan or doing a mortgage refinance fell almost 10 percent. That's unexpected good news for homebuyers, because mortgage rates are now as low as they've been since 2004.

Taxing Politics: Where the Candidates Stand

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 10/03/2008

Tax policy changes with every new administration. Do you know how you'll be affected this time?

Home Loan Shopping: Apply to Multiple Mortgage Lenders

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 10/03/2008

The mortgage marketplace is tight. While many borrowers are just happy to get approved, there's nothing stopping you from applying to a variety of different mortgage banks for your loan.

Foreclosure Rates: A Growing Problem

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 10/02/2008

Various foreclosure assistance programs were supposed to stall the upward momentum of high foreclosure rates, and even reverse the expanding epidemic. Instead, the situation is getting worse, and there appears to be nothing anyone can do to stop the rising tide of defaults.

Getting the Most from Your Reverse Mortgage

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 10/02/2008

New government regulations make it easier for seniors to get money from their home equity with a reverse mortgage.

Improve Your Chances of Selling Your Home

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 10/01/2008

As the real estate market continues its descent, home sellers are becoming more innovative. The days of setting up a "for sale" sign are long gone. For people who have "selling home" on the top of their priority list, tactics like home staging and house trading are becoming useful.

How to Buy a Foreclosure

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 10/01/2008

When times are tough, it seems like the rich get richer. Today's housing market is no different. Real estate investors with the means to buy foreclosure properties are moving quickly. Be forewarned: This can be a tricky business.

New Angle on Home Equity Loans

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 09/30/2008

A new service allows homeowners to cash out their equity without incurring interest charges and loan repayments.

FHA Financing For a Dirt-Cheap Fixer-Upper

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 09/30/2008

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) can help you get a great deal on "vintage" real estate.

Better Oversight for Appraisers

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 09/29/2008

In the ongoing aftermath of the subprime crisis, attention has turned to real estate appraisers and what role they might have played in the turmoil.

American Youth: "Save" is a Four-Letter Word

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 09/29/2008

Many young whippersnappers need a lesson in financial responsibility. Are you one of them?

Protect Yourself From Reverse Mortgage Fraud

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 09/28/2008

Financial scammers are using reverse mortgages to rip off the elderly. Protect yourself by knowing the law and the scams.

Credit Card Woes: Escalating Debt

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 09/28/2008

Woe is me, says the credit card holder. In reaction to credit card companies spiking interest rates, the Federal Reserve Board has proposed new rules regarding consumer credit card debt. While the changes may be heralded as relief for consumers, issuers of plastic are arguing that all they'll do is increase consumer debt over the long haul.

Mortgage Crisis: Communities to the Rescue

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 09/27/2008

All over the country, people are feeling the effects of the subprime mortgage crisis. As home values plummet and foreclosure rates soar, communities are finding new ways to provide mortgage assistance to their neighbors.

HELOC Cancellation: Are You at Risk?

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 09/27/2008

HELOC lenders are now realizing that they were overly enthusiastic about approving big credit lines for borrowers. As they try to reduce their risk exposure, some homeowners are getting a surprise notification that their HELOC has been cancelled.

Government Steps in with Mortgage Help

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 09/26/2008

The federal government has unleashed the FHA to help at-risk mortgage borrowers keep their homes.

Are Reverse Mortgages Too Expensive?

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 09/26/2008

Reverse mortgages are now wildly popular because the senior citizen population they serve is growing faster than any other demographic group in the entire U.S. But some critics argue that reverse mortgages cost too much to make them a suitable retirement planning vehicle.

Refinance Your Option ARM

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 09/25/2008

Experts are concerned that option ARMs could fuel another wave of mortgage defaults. Is your option ARM set to disarm your finances and implode?

Best Foreclosure Prevention: FDIC Loan Modification

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 09/25/2008

Sheila Blair, head of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), is a passionate advocate of mortgage loan modification to avoid foreclosure. Now she'll have a chance to put her ideas to the test with the FDIC takeover of a failed bank that specialized in bad mortgages.

Congress Talks: Bailout Plan Needs Homeowner Provisions

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 09/25/2008

The emergency federal bailout plan has been drafted. The proposal involves buying up mortgage-related assets from failing financial institutions; but are homeowners going to get some help, too?

Interest Rate Mystery: Fed Cuts, Yet Mortgage Rates Climb

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 09/24/2008

Some of the greatest financial minds of our time are puzzled by the fact that, in recent years, mortgage rates have failed to follow Fed rate cuts. The odd and paradoxical divergence is largely unexplained, but is attributed to the fact that we're in a new global economic frontier.

Senior Troubles: Bankruptcy on the Rise

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 09/24/2008

The rising costs of health care and consumer goods have hit the elderly population hard. A clear indicator that the older popular is struggling is the rise in senior bankruptcy rates, which are reaching double-digit territory. In this difficult economy, our 55-plus population needs to seriously reevaluate how they'll make ends meet.

Government-Backed Loans Not Doing the Job

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 09/23/2008

Some people complain about taxpayer-funded mortgage assistance, while backers support government refinance help initiatives. But both may agree on one thing: mortgage assistance doesn't seem to be working, thanks to high mortgage rates and continually-rising loan fees.

Bankruptcy Filings on the Rise

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 09/23/2008

There's still no light at the end of the tunnel for our economy, as the latest figures report a startling rise in the number of bankruptcies.

Improve, Don't Move, with a Home Equity Loan

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 09/22/2008

The housing market's bursting bubble has crippled the industry. Instead of leap-frogging to a bigger and better house, many homeowners are opting to improve their current dwelling. It's a smart move, especially if you use a home equity loan. Just be certain that your improvements will help the resale value of your property.

The Economy's Future: The Candidates' Plans

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 09/22/2008

Some say that the U.S. economy is teetering on the edge of another Great Depression. Find out what the presidential candidates plan to do about it.

How to Raise Your Credit Score

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 09/21/2008

A credit score is your financial fingerprint. Full of your financial history, it's the most effective way for a lender to identify your creditworthiness. Many people are shocked to discover that this fingerprint can lead to a thumbs-down from a lender. Here are some simple ways to improve your credit score.

Is a Reverse Mortgage Right for Your Parents?

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 09/20/2008

Reverse mortgages have grown in popularity, but the risks are still there.

Home Value Declines Leave ARM Holders Under Water

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 09/19/2008

Millions of ARM loans will do-or have already done-an "ARM reset," which means that they undergo a scheduled monthly payment adjustment. Because they typically begin with a low teaser rate, they generally go much higher when the ARM reset kicks in, and it's not unusual for monthly mortgage payments to double.

Places to Stash Cash in Today's Market

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 09/19/2008

A regular savings account is hardly the safest choice. A standard one with a major U.S. bank today brings a 0.2 percent annual interest rate. But inflation is running amok at 5 percent. In other words, your carefully stashed $100,000 will be worth less than that in next year's dollars, or about $95,200 after accounting for interest and inflation.

Reverse Mortgages as Foreclosure Saviors

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 09/18/2008

Reverse mortgages, or HECM loans, are commonly used to help senior citizens tap into their home equity for retirement. But some distressed homeowners are also turning to reverse mortgages to reverse the momentum of looming foreclosures, and save their homes from repossession.

Loan Modification can Prevent Foreclosure

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 09/18/2008

Loan modification-which means officially changing the terms of an existing mortgage-is one of the best methods to prevent foreclosure. But those facing foreclosure aren't always eligible for loan modification, because the terms and conditions may be hard to meet.

How to Set up Laddered CDs

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 09/17/2008

Build a CD ladder to optimize the liquidity and performance of your time deposits.

Where to Find Government Refinance Assistance

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 09/17/2008

Don't panic if you need to refinance quickly; dozens of state and federal government programs can help.

Get out of Debt Before the Economy Gets You

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 09/16/2008

The American economy is sputtering, and with oil prices unstable and foreign powers like China and India gaining momentum, our country faces an uphill climb. Debt elimination should be on everyone's mind. With a little debt consolidation and a whole lot of discipline, you can make it happen.

Say Good-bye to Down Payment Assistance Programs

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 09/16/2008

The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 shuts off an important form of funding for some homebuyers.

Mortgages: Harder to Get and More Expensive

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 09/15/2008

Mortgages-whether from the FHA, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, or private lenders-are getting more costly and increasingly difficult to qualify for, thanks to an ongoing financial crisis. Rather than helping Americans fulfill their American dreams and buy their home, banks seem to be putting obstacles in the path.

Loan Modification Plan: FDIC and IndyMac

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 09/15/2008

The FDIC and IndyMac Federal Bank, FS have put their heads together on a loan modification program that will help at-risk borrowers avoid foreclosures.

Presidential Politics: Will Candidates Clean Up Mortgage Mess?

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 09/14/2008

Mortgage reform is a hot topic these days, particularly as the presidential campaign gain's momentum.

Mortgage Rates: Know When to Lock

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 09/13/2008

If you love gambling but can't afford to fly to Las Vegas, consider floating your mortgage rate. Not locking in a rate is a definite gamble; it can yield big rewards or big losses. Know the odds before you take the risk.

Compulsive Cash-Out Refinancing is a Risky Scenario

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 09/12/2008

Frequent cash-out refinancing can be a financially risky strategy, because a cash-out refinance can bleed the equity out of your property. Before doing a refinance of any kind, it's important for homeowners to carefully study the bottom line and the long-term repercussions of such a move.

Money Management Software Makes Internet Home

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 09/12/2008

Keeping your accounts organized has never been easier; but which software package should you use?

How to Avoid Foreclosure

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 09/11/2008

Foreclosure prevention tops the wish list for many American homeowners; but avoiding foreclosure in today's market can be extremely challenging. It is possible, however, and borrowers should pursue solutions to avoid foreclosure--especially opportunities for loan modification.

Do Savings Accounts Matter?

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 09/11/2008

Savers, who are seeing their wealth dry up from inflation, are being overlooked, as federal resources rally to help those who've been far less responsible.

Saving Celebrity Homes from Foreclosure

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 09/10/2008

Foreclosure isn't just for the mainstream population; celebrities are getting hit with mortgage problems, too.

What Makes Mortgage Rates Tick?

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 09/10/2008

Many economic indicators influence mortgage rates, but the biggest factor is still Fed policy. Current mortgage rates aren't following a completely predictable pattern, so borrowers should look long term rather than trying to guess week-to-week rate changes.

Are Online Mortgage Rates for Real?

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 09/09/2008

The Internet could easily be considered the "misinformation" superhighway. Every day, people post articles with inaccurate information. But the big question for homebuyers is, how accurate are online mortgage rates?

Advertising and the Home Equity Fiasco

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 09/09/2008

In the 1980s, financial companies set out to change the perception of second mortgages among the American public. Unfortunately, no one predicted just how expensive that endeavor would ultimately be.

Combating the Stress of Foreclosure

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 09/08/2008

Foreclosures are still on the rise, and they're taking a toll on the American psyche.

Government-Backed Mortgages Key to Economic Recovery

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 09/08/2008

Many first-time homebuyers, veterans, senior citizens, and people who are delinquent on mortgage payments but otherwise have good credit will benefit from provisions in the new housing bill.

Refinance out of a Risky Mortgage

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 09/07/2008

Home values have plummeted, while the interest rates on adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) are rising. The bubble has obviously burst for the U.S. housing market, and it may be "refinance risky mortgage" time for you.

Tenants: Protection from Landlord Foreclosure

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 09/06/2008

A California bill seeks to establish protections for renters whose landlords aren't staying current with their mortgage payments.

Ginnie Mae Steps Up to Plate in Mortgage Crisis

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 09/06/2008

The Housing Stimulus Bill gives the FHA and Ginnie Mae the challenge of leading the country out of a mortgage crisis.

Jumbo Loans May Offer Jumbo Rates

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 09/05/2008

Conforming loan limits may have changed, but lenders are still treating jumbo loans like damaged goods.

Need a Refinance? Try a private lender

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 09/05/2008

As it becomes increasingly difficult to borrow for a refinance from traditional banks, more and more consumers are turning to private lenders. While this strategy usually costs more, it involves fewer hassles and more assurances that loans will go through without delays.

All About Fixed-Rate Mortgages

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 09/04/2008

The recent upheaval in the subprime mortgage market has made borrowers skittish about using adjustable-rate mortgages. With current 30-year fixed mortgage rates low, and home values still sinking, many homeowners are opting for a fixed-rate product.

Can't Refinance? Consider Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 09/04/2008

When you have a mortgage you can't afford and refinancing isn't an option, don't dismiss the possibility that a Chapter 7 bankruptcy may actually help you in the long run.

Mortgages: It's EASY Being Green!

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 09/03/2008

Green mortgages are giving homeowners incentives to go green, one home at a time.

Debt Relief: Calling All Debtors-Help With Your Next Move

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 09/03/2008

Personal finance is a lot like chess. Each game requires good strategy and calculated decision-making to win. Make a careless move with your money and you could wind up heavily in debt. If you find yourself in this kind of jam, consider a debt consolidation loan.

Refinancing: Frequently Asked Questions

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 09/02/2008

Need refinancing answers fast? You're in the right place.

Is No Cost Refinancing Right For You?

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 09/02/2008

The no-free-lunch rule applies to mortgages, even those that call themselves no cost mortgage refinances.

Life Insurance: Is Longevity Insurance Right for You?

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 09/02/2008

Longevity insurance offers protection against the possibility of outliving your bank account.

Foreclosure Prevention: A Spike in Prime Mortgage Foreclosures

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 09/02/2008

Just when we were getting used to the subprime crisis, lenders are now reporting record defaults and foreclosures related to prime mortgages. The trend indicates that the ongoing housing crisis isn't seeing any light at the end of the tunnel. Instead, we might be heading for another train wreck.

Mortgage Payment: Age Old Dilemma-Invest or Pay Down Mortgage?

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 09/01/2008

You get a sizeable raise that leaves you with some extra money every month. Does it make more sense to send that extra cash to your mortgage lender or to your brokerage account?

Home Equity: Thawing out a Frozen HELOC

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 09/01/2008

Hundreds of thousands of consumers are getting notices from their banks that their home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) have been frozen. This is causing a wave of credit crunch panic. There are options for responding to a HELOC freeze, but the lender still wields most of the power.

Benefits of a Chase Second Mortgage

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 09/01/2008

The Internet has become an active marketplace as people search for second mortgages. In particular, people have been looking up information on Chase second mortgages. Available in a fixed rate, fixed-term home equity loan or line of credit, the Chase second mortgage can help a homeowner tap his equity.

Learn About Streamline Refinancing

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 09/01/2008

An FHA or VA streamline refinance can reduce the payments on your mortgage, fast.

Home Equity FAQ

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 09/01/2008

Find the answers to all your questions about home equity and home equity debt.

Home Equity Conversion Mortgages

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 09/01/2008

The FHA's home equity conversion mortgage program (HECM) is designed to let older homeowners convert equity into cash without selling their homes. HECM loans are a type of reverse mortgage, and are made by banks, credit unions, and other typical mortgage lenders.

Learn About Money Market Accounts

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 09/01/2008

You could spend countless hours searching online for the best money market rates, but that won't necessarily lead you to the top money market account.

Understanding 125% Second Mortgages

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 09/01/2008

All that glitters is not gold. The 125% 2nd mortgage may reduce your monthly debt payment, but it's important to understand the risks before you jump in.

Learn About Piggyback Second Mortgages

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 09/01/2008

The piggyback 2nd mortgage is a small loan used in tandem with a first mortgage in order to help the buyer of a home avoid out of pocket expenses. Like other somewhat exotic mortgages, the piggyback loan should be used wisely and viewed with a modicum of caution and prudence.

Overview of No Equity Second Mortgages

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 09/01/2008

When the conditions are right, the no equity second mortgage is a powerful option for homeowners.

Mortgage Legislation: New Legislation Impacts Owners of Multiple Home

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 08/31/2008

The housing stimulus package giveth and taketh; a tax-saving strategy used by the wealthy will soon be cut off to offset the costs of other tax breaks included in the stimulus package.

Mortgage Insurance Basics

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 08/31/2008

Mortgage insurance, commonly referred to as PMI or private mortgage insurance, plays a small but important role in our real estate economy. Because the insurance protects investors, it translates into more affordable and accessible loans for those Americans wanting to buy homes.

Auto Insurance: Finding the Right Policy

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 08/30/2008

Auto insurance is like any other financial product: It seems like thousands of companies offer it, and all of them claim to have the perfect rate for you. How do you find the right policy?

Stress-free Investing: Lifecycle Mutual Funds

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 08/30/2008

Too busy or too nervous to invest in stocks? Lifecycle mutual funds could be your ticket to a happy retirement.

Loan Locks and Mortgage Rate Trends

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 08/29/2008

Before locking in a home loan, it's wise to understand the general trend of current mortgage rates. Such knowledge improves your chance of getting the best or lowest rate at today's going prices.

Mortgage Rate Forecast

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 08/29/2008

Current interest rates are holding steady, but daily pressure to keep mortgage rates low is wearing thin because of today's weak-dollar economy. Most experts agree that it's not a question of if-but when-today's rates will rise.

Fannie Mae Management Shakeup Announced Late Wednesday

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 08/28/2008

In late mortgage market news, Fannie Mae's CEO and board of directors announced a shuffling of the executive suite. No doubt these moves were to restore confidence in the rapidly falling mortgage finance giant.

Back to school: Get frugal now!

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 08/28/2008

As summer comes to a close, the back-to-school shopping ads are blitzing the airwaves and cramming mailboxes. Stores are clamoring for your school supply dollars, knowing that you'll probably spend between $200 to $500 per child for supplies and clothes. You have a choice: get frugal or go broke.

HELOCs: Accentuate the Positive

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 08/27/2008

A home equity line of credit (HELOC) can give you the financial flexibility you need-and you might even feel like singing about it.

Benefits of a 40-Year Mortgage

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 08/26/2008

The 40-year mortgage may have a place in your finances, as long as you know both its good and bad sides.

Mortgage Rate Forecast

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 08/25/2008

Pay Off Debt with a Home Equity Loan

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 08/24/2008

The consumer is the true engine of our economy. The more people buy, the better our capitalist system works. While consumerism works well on a macro level, sometimes people over-extend themselves on the micro-level and accumulate debt. If you need to get yourself out of the red, consider using a home equity loan.

Credit Report Intricacies

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 08/24/2008

If you're confused by the information shown in your credit report, you may end up overlooking problems that are affecting your credit score.

Learning from the Wealthy

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 08/23/2008

They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. If you long to be rich, try imitating rich people-not how they spend, but how they save and invest.

Commercial Mortgage Slump

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 08/23/2008

Even as companies struggle to lure customers during these harsh economic times, they may be forced to scale back plans for ordering year-end inventory or improving their facilities. A new scarcity of loans at affordable mortgage rates is putting the brakes on businesses expanding their businesses.

Five Tips to Reduce Homeowner's Insurance

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 08/22/2008

Changing deductibles isn't the only way to save money on your home insurance.

Comparing Money Markets to CDs

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 08/21/2008

Money markets and certificates of deposit (CDs) are not one and the same.

Benefits of a 40-Year Mortgage

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 08/20/2008

The 40-year mortgage may have a place in your finances, as long as you know both its good and bad sides.

The New Housing Bill: What it Means for You

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 08/20/2008

Congress recently passed a new housing bill, and lawmakers claim that it will do much to help distressed homeowners. While many will now be able to refinance their loans to more affordable ones, it may be others who really benefit from the bill-including people who don't yet own a home.

Building a Home-Based Business

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 08/19/2008

Fulfill your own potential, and save money by doing it the right way.

Debt Consolidation Not for the Wealthy

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 08/18/2008

As the economy worsens, consumers are looking for new ways to scrounge up a buck. Many are turning to debt consolidation as a method to make ends meet. For the wealthy, however, debt consolidation is the last thing on their minds.

The Truth About Credit Scores

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 08/17/2008

What's the truth about bad credit scores? You can alter them, even when your access to credit is limited.

Use Internet for Best CD Rates

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 08/16/2008

The Internet is your best resource for finding low CD rates from reliable banks.

Credit Cards: The Late Payment Curse

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 08/15/2008

To the chagrin of millions of Americans, there's no easy way to shake off the curse of bad credit. Make a few late payments today, and they can severely impact your credit score tomorrow-and for a long time.

Home Equity Debt: Take the Good with the Bad

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 08/15/2008

Forrest Gump once noted that life is like a box of chocolates-you never know what you're going to get. A home equity mortgage is a little different. You know that there are going to be pros and cons. Consider them all before you close on a loan.

PMI Losses Might Hurt Consumers

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 08/14/2008

Private mortgage insurance (PMI) is typically required for homeowners who have less than 20 percent equity in their property. But PMI providers are suffering huge losses, and that may translate into higher costs for consumers-even if they don't actually need coverage.

Finding Your Perfect Mortgage

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 08/14/2008

In today's topsy-turvy financial world, finding a perfect mortgage is a tall order. However, you can find a mortgage that fits your personal financial situation. It will take some research, patience, and realistic goals. Here are a few simple tips to get you started.

Sale Leasebacks Make a Comeback

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 08/13/2008

With millions of homeowners facing foreclosure due to adjustable-rate mortgage increases and slumping real estate values, sale leaseback strategies are in vogue. In this strategy, the homeowner sells her house and immediately leases it back as a tenant.

Protect Yourself From Bank Failures

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 08/13/2008

IndyMac Bank was taken over by regulators, and more banks possibly will follow. If you're worried about your bank, learn how to prepare for the worst.

Speedy Does It: Quick Ways to Repay Your Mortgage

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 08/12/2008

You don't need a mortgage expert or special advisor to help you pay back your mortgage early.

The Underbelly of Your Good Faith Estimate

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 08/12/2008

Even the most well-intentioned ideas will fail if they're poorly executed. The Good Faith Estimate (GFE) is a perfect example. Created to provide consumers with some solid numbers in the mortgage process, it often results in confusion instead of clarity.

New Fed Restrictions on Mortgage Lenders

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 08/11/2008

New mortgage rules governing the practices of mortgage lenders have been adopted and will go into effect about 18 months from now. They promise to protect consumers in ways that are long overdue, while simultaneously safeguarding the nation against a repeat of the subprime mortgage crisis.

Surviving the Current Mortgage Rate Environment

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 08/11/2008

Mortgage money is tight and getting tighter, so homeowners hoping to get a loan at a reasonable mortgage rate need to be better prepared. Lenders are more skeptical, require greater proof of income and assets, and may still charge higher fees if and when they do grant loan approval.

Refinancing: Can the Government Really Help?

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 08/10/2008

Government programs designed to help America out of the housing crisis may finally get pushed through to implementation. How much relief these programs can provide, however, remains to be seen.

Cost of Living Getting More Costly

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 08/10/2008

You don't need to track reported inflation figures to know when a paycheck doesn't last as long as it used to.

How Refinancing Can Hurt Insurance Rates

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 08/09/2008

A mortgage refinance may have some negative consequences that you never anticipated.

Steps to Reduce Property Taxes

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 08/09/2008

When the real estate market was red hot, property tax assessments were keeping right in step with home values. Now that the bubble has burst, it's logical to think that taxes should decrease, too. It may be logical, but it's not realistic. Your property taxes may stay the same, unless you do something about it.

Debt Consolidation for Students

By:: MortgageLoan.com - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 08/09/2008

Multiple student loan payments at varying interest rates may be confusing and inconvenient, to say the least. If you're a recent college graduate, it's worthwhile to look at a debt consolidation loan.

Top Professions for Students

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 08/08/2008

If you're a student entering college, you've embarked on a journey. You've taken the first step out of the nest, and next you'll begin to plot your career course. Picking the right occupation will become a top priority in the years to come, and may even determine what kind of student loans you choose.

Student Loans: Embracing the Current Economic Crisis

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 08/08/2008

A troubled economy can help or hinder your family's ability to obtain loans for college expenses.

For Your Consideration: Early Retirement Buyout

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 08/07/2008

Early retirement buyouts are becoming an increasingly popular means of downsizing for U.S. employers. What would you do if your employer offers you a severance package?

Six Tips for Beating Inflation

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 08/07/2008

Time is on your side when it comes to inflation, as long as you have some thoughtful preparation.

Five Ways to Thwart Scammers

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 08/07/2008

Identity theft is no longer a novelty. Widespread reports of ID crimes have heightened consumer awareness of the need to protect personal financial information. While many have taken steps to ensure their protection, you can never be too careful. Here are additional steps to keep your information secure.

Troubles with Freddie, Fannie Affect Mortgage Rates

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 08/06/2008

The nation's two largest mortgage institutions recently stepped close to the brink of collapse and bankruptcy, sending shock waves through the nation's economy. These problems can impact mortgage rates, which is important to those buying or refinancing a home.

New Mortgage Rules

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 08/06/2008

After hammering out the details for months, the government recently unveiled tougher new rules and regulations related to the mortgage industry. They're meant to protect consumers while helping the nation avoid a repeat of the subprime mortgage crisis.

Careers with Free Housing

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 08/06/2008

With the housing market in a slump, nothing sounds better than having someone else cover the tab for your living expenses. By taking a job that offers free housing as a perk, you can contribute your saved cash to a fund that will enable you to buy a home of your own in the future.

To Rent or Buy Your Next Home

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 08/05/2008

Not sure about renting vs. owning your next home? Take a closer look at the conveniences of renting compared to the financial benefits of owning.

Finding the Perfect Mortgage Broker

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 08/05/2008

These are extremely challenging times for consumers browsing for a mortgage, and it often helps to use the services of a broker. Before hiring one, it's important to shop for one who's reliable, resourceful, and reasonably priced.

All About Reverse Mortgage Scams

By:: MortgageLoan.com - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 08/05/2008

Reverse mortgages can be a fantastic deal for older Americans, or their biggest nightmare. Here are some common reverse mortgage scams to steer clear of.

Obstacles to Home Equity Loans

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 08/04/2008

Two years ago, the easiest way for most Americans to raise fast cash was through a home equity loan. But nowadays, those same home equity products are among the hardest to qualify for, as lenders continue to tighten up on their application rules and purse strings.

Don't Count on Your HELOC

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 08/04/2008

Home equity lines of credit, or HELOCs, have begun to dry up across the U.S., leaving many homeowners strapped for cash. If you can find one, they're no longer as dependable as they once were, so borrowers should wean themselves from them as soon as possible.

Common Misunderstanding About Credit Cards

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 08/03/2008

A misunderstanding between friends can lead to hurt feelings and strained relations. A misunderstanding regarding the way your credit card works could cost you money, leave you vulnerable to identity thieves, and hurt your credit score.

Five Bankruptcy Misunderstandings

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 08/03/2008

Bankruptcy arouses love, hate, and confusion among the general public.

Learn About Non-Profit Debt Consolidation Companies

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 08/03/2008

Are non-profit debt consolidation companies legitimate? How can they help you with your debt problem? Are you going to get ripped off? Find the answers to these questions below.

Refinancing in Today's Environment

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 08/02/2008

The financial formulas used in the past to help homeowners make mortgage refinance decisions may be obsolete. Before refinancing, it's important to put the decision into an updated and accurate perspective.

Take Credit for Tax Credits

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 08/02/2008

Tax credits reduce your tax liability dollar-for-dollar; that's practically the same thing as money in your pocket.

Bad Credit? Find Cash Now!

By:: MortgageLoan.com - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 08/02/2008

Everyone gets into a cash flow crunch sometime. If it happens to you, know where to go to raise money in a hurry.

Car Talk: Buy or Lease Your Next Car?

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 08/02/2008

Decisions abound when you're purchasing a new car, and one of the biggest is whether you should lease or buy. The answer will be dictated by your personal financial situation. If you establish your priorities first, you should have no problem making the right decision.

Time to Refinance Your Adjustable-Rate Mortgage

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 08/01/2008

The lessons of the subprime mortgage crisis are obvious: If you have an adjustable-rate mortgage, refinancing to a fixed-rate home loan is a smart move. The sooner you act, the less likely you'll get caught between rising interest rates and declining home values.

Severance Survival Kit

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 08/01/2008

Based on recent economic data, the chances that you're going to be laid off are higher than they were just a few short months ago. That's reason enough to be proactive about having a plan so that you can get by until you land another job.

Household Stuff: Found Money

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 08/01/2008

Your attic, basement, or closets could be hiding valuable assets that are just waiting to be turned into cash.

Will An Increase in Mortgage Rates Affect You?

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 07/31/2008

It's increasingly important to trim budgets as much as possible this summer. One of the biggest areas of concern is mortgage payments. Loan rates appear to be on the move, and those changes may have a direct impact on your monthly expenses.

Unraveling the Mortgage Rate Mystery

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 07/31/2008

Mortgage rates don't appear out of nowhere; get the inside line on how rates are set before you start shopping for a new or refinanced mortgage.

Retire Mortgage Free

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 07/31/2008

If the biggest obstacle between you and your retirement is your mortgage payment, consider easing the burden on yourself with this outside-the-box strategy.

Pointers to Help Sell Your Home Now!

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 07/30/2008

Home sales are hurting, and if you're trying to sell yours now, you're undoubtedly feeling the pain. It's a tight market, but not an impossible one. Here are some tips to help you get competitive and find the right buyer.

Fannie and Freddie Take the Plunge

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 07/30/2008

Shares of the most important mortgage companies in the U.S.-Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac-did a nosedive in July. The agencies are now virtually insolvent. This is an extremely disturbing sign of worsening real estate and mortgage conditions.

Mortgage Smarts: Know What You're Getting

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 07/30/2008

Getting caught off-guard by restrictive mortgage terms that your lender didn't warn you about can be disastrous. Avoid this fate by learning what to look for in your loan documentation.

Home Equity Loans Join the Ranks of Subprimes

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 07/29/2008

Household budgets are currently strained, and many homeowners are falling behind on payments. The American Bankers Association reports that home equity loan defaults are rising. It seems that all kinds of loans may go the way of notorious subprime mortgages.

The Heart of Pittsburgh: Reconciliation Before Foreclosure

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 07/29/2008

Before enforcing foreclosure evictions, one compassionate Sheriff in Pennsylvania plans to invite homeowners to meet with mortgage lenders and financial counselors. By doing so, he hopes to stop foreclosures through proactive solutions.

Debt Consolidation for Businesses

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 07/28/2008

Businesses that struggle to operate with high debt levels may benefit from debt consolidation.

Independent Debt Consolidation

By:: MortgageLoan.com - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 07/28/2008

If you're looking to consolidate your debts, don't forget the do-it-yourself method. It can be a less painful path to financial freedom.

Age Appropriate Credit Cards

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 07/28/2008

Different stages in life require different financial tools. Investments, mortgages, and student loans are all available tools based on your age and goals. Credit cards are part of that mix, and it's important to select the right plastic for your age.

Tax Savvy: Swap Your Vacation Home

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 07/27/2008

This just in: The IRS says that you can avoid a capital gains tax hit by swapping your vacation home instead of selling it. Just make sure that you follow the rules to qualify.

Kids and Investing: Too Far or Not Far Enough?

By:: Barbara Eisner Bayer - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 07/27/2008

Back in the 1950's and '60s, when today's baby boomers were growing up, life was simple for kids. Before the birth of the Internet, the ipod, and MTV, most children's lives were filled with roller skate keys, black and white TVs, and waiting for the Good Humor truck to roll along.

Funding College Despite Low Income

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 07/27/2008

In America, part of the formula for success includes a college education. But a tightening economy and rising tuition costs has made it more difficult than ever to afford college, particularly for people with low incomes.

Avoid Egregious Investing Errors

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 07/26/2008

Learn from the blunders of others to avoid repeating them.

Auto Alternative: Two Wheelers

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 07/26/2008

You may hear about people having trouble making the hefty payments on a car loan, but you never hear a similar gripe from motorcyclists or bikers. Since the costs of operating two wheels instead of four are lower, it's prompting a major switch in driving habits.

For the Kids: Make Your Summer Earnings Grow

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 07/26/2008

Working teens, how does getting rich the easy way sound?

Analyzing College Aid Opportunities

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 07/26/2008

Comparing financial aid packages from different colleges isn't as easy as it sounds. Learn the tools and tricks to identify which offer brings you the most value.

Watch Our for Credit Score Damage

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 07/25/2008

There's more to your credit score than meets the eye. Credit bureaus take into account all your personal financial matters when evaluating your credit worthiness, including seemingly insignificant items like unpaid parking tickets and library fines.

Surviving a Recession with Aplomb

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 07/25/2008

Will you survive the recession with aplomb, or will you react as if hit by a bomb? Before answering, consider some of the benefits-yes, benefits-of a recession.

Retirees May Be Unable to Tap Home Equity by Refinancing

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 07/25/2008

Baby Boomers face new challenges when it comes to refinancing to tap home equity for fixed income. The real estate value they banked on to fund retirement may have been erased by the recent housing downturn, leaving them without the equity windfall typically enjoyed by seniors.

Get Frugal: Hit the Internet for Everyday Savings

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 07/24/2008

The Internet is a great resource for locating savings on groceries, restaurant meals, and household goods.

Fed Decisions Indicate Higher Mortgage Rates

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 07/24/2008

What the Federal Reserve Bank says and does can have a significant impact upon consumers at the retail level by affecting such things as mortgage rates, the buying power of the dollar, and the interest paid on credit card balances. Consumers are wise to pay attention to Fed policy in 2008.

Understanding Lowball Offers

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 07/24/2008

Negotiating for the best price for real estate can be a delicate process. By offering too much, it's easy for a buyer to overpay. Sometimes, a so-called "lowball" offer can offend the seller and jeopardize the whole deal. Experts say that communication is the key to success.

Beat Inflation with High-Dividend Stocks

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 07/23/2008

When the stock market is under the horns of the bull, you can quickly pave your way to riches. But when it's under the paws of the bear, you can quickly lose a bundle. Adapting a slow and steady investing strategy will win the race no matter which animal is controlling the market.

Saving the Economy May Hurt Mortgage Rates

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 07/23/2008

Starting in 2007, the Fed voted to progressively cut mortgage rates, and within the first quarter of 2008, slashed them dramatically and severely. This reduction was an effort to provide needed liquidity to the mortgage and real estate industries. But now, with inflation our greatest economic threat, rates may rise. Such a shift in monetary policy could be painful for consumers.

Surviving the Mortgage Crisis: Living Outside the Box

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 07/23/2008

The recent bust in the housing market has caused a boom in other real estate markets. Alternative homes, such as RVs, co-ops, houseboats, and factory-built models are back on the radar screen.

Home Equity is Where the Money is

By:: MortgageLoan.com - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 07/22/2008

Home equity lending is drying up; but that doesn't mean that you can't earn extra cash at home. Here are some common ways people are taking advantage of their homes, and earning money doing it.

Home Equity Lessons from the Texas Homestead Act

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 07/22/2008

Today's housing crisis was fueled by home equity borrowing that turned houses into credit cards or ATM machines, and put Americans into dangerous debt. By following home equity mortgage rules like the ones in the original Texas Homestead Act-which made it almost impossible to drain equity from one's primary residence-the nation could avoid such troubles in the future.

Preparing for Hurricane Season

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 07/21/2008

Nothing can equal the destruction Mother Nature delivers during a hurricane, and meteorologists are anticipating a particularly nasty season. To avoid financial and physical loss, take action today.

New Credit Techniques to Judge Consumers

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 07/21/2008

Credit card issuers are changing the rules as they go, leaving their customers and would-be customers stuck with insufficient available credit.

Foreclosures Dangerous for Pets

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 07/21/2008

Household pets are feeling the sting of foreclosure, too, as families move out and leave their furry friends behind.

Freezing Your Credit Report

By:: MortgageLoan.com - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 07/20/2008

Worried you may become a victim of identity fraud? Freezing your credit report may be the ideal solution.

ABCs of Credit Card Interest

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 07/20/2008

Whether you've been charging for years, or you've just received your first credit card, you're due for a lesson in the basics of interest.

Reducing Property Taxes

By:: MortgageLoan.com - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 07/20/2008

Property tax assessments aren't an exact science. There may be factors that lead to an over-assessment on your home. Checking it out can save you money.

Shaq to Refinancing Rescue

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 07/19/2008

Shaquille O'Neal, basketball's Big Diesel, wants to provide refinancing for at-risk mortgages.

College Grads: Raise Cash Without Breaking a Sweat

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 07/19/2008

Your new paycheck seemed enormous until you started paying your bills. Learn how to stretch that salary with these quick tips.

Five Tips to Reduce Taxes Now

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 07/19/2008

Summer fun should not include worrying about taxes. But while the paperwork due on April 15th is probably at the bottom of your to-do list this summer, there are things you can do to reduce your taxes right now.

Reform Bad Driving Habits to Save Money

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 07/19/2008

A tough economy makes anyone wince at the thought of getting a car loan for a new set of wheels. You can pass on that new purchase by keeping your old car longer, and save yourself extra cash in the process by improving your driving and maintenance habits.

Funding Real Estate Investing Opportunities

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 07/18/2008

The housing market is a mess, and mortgages are harder to get; but there are also some rare and wonderful deals on the market. Those who can come up with mortgage funds can capitalize on the unusual opportunity while it lasts, and there are a variety of ways to help fund a purchase.

Time To Tweak Your Estate Plan

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 07/18/2008

Changes to the federal estate tax law may require you to make some adjustments to your estate plan.

How to Lower Closing Costs

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 07/17/2008

One of the disturbing things that came to light during recent investigations into the credit crisis is that lenders often overcharge consumers when they take out mortgages or home equity loans. Before applying for a loan, know what closing costs to expect and how to reduce or avoid them, if possible.

Keeping Your Job During a Recession

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 07/17/2008

Improve your chances of survival with a few common sense steps.

How Consumers Conned Mortgage Lenders

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 07/16/2008

Borrowers who used notorious subprime loans typically paid higher mortgage rates. Many of them also misrepresented their income and assets, and lenders took their word for it. These so-called "liar loans" afforded consumers the perfect opportunity to dupe lenders.

Buying High to Sell Higher Ushered in Housing Crisis

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 07/16/2008

"Buy low and sell high" is a surefire way to make a profit. But during the recent housing run-up, homeowners tried to buy high in hopes of selling even higher. While we're still suffering from their mistakes, hopefully we can learn from them by not becoming the proverbial "Greater Fool."

All About Mortgage Down Payments

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 07/16/2008

Buying a house sometimes hinges on the ability to come up with cash for the down payment. But larger down payments can also save consumers money. During challenging economic times, it helps to understand all the options before applying for a mortgage and buying a home.

Home Equity Scams to Watch Out For

By:: MortgageLoan.com - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 07/15/2008

Arming yourself with information is the best way to protect yourself from some common home equity scams.

Helping Others Through Foreclosure

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 07/15/2008

In the new reality of home financing, the American dream has turned its back on thousands of U.S. households. Neighbors around the country are wondering how to handle the awkward situation of watching their friends pack up and leave due to foreclosure.

Making Peace with Debt Collectors

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 07/15/2008

The damage has been done: You're deep in debt, and the collection agencies are calling. These people may have a harsh edge when they phone, but there are ways to make peace with a debt collector as you resolve your problems.

Five Ways to Get Out of the Debt Spiral

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 07/14/2008

Debt has a way of hanging around, unless you take serious action to eliminate it once and for all.

Clean Up Your Act to Avoid Debt Consolidation

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 07/14/2008

Springtime often necessitates spring cleaning. However, when it comes to finances, it can be done at any time of the year. Brooms and dustpans work great for a house, but with money management, debt consolidation is the preferred tool for common personal finance messes.

Mortgage Smarts: The Home Ownership and Equity Protection Act

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 07/13/2008

The Home Ownership and Equity Protection Act targets predatory lending practices.

A Tale of Three Cities: The Worst Places to Retire

By:: Barbara Eisner Bayer - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 07/13/2008

Choosing where to retire may be the most important decision you'll ever make. Take time to study the possibilities, and you'll never need to look back.

Car Maintenance: Reduce Those Pesky Bills

By:: MortgageLoan.com - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 07/13/2008

A little maintenance goes a long way. There are simple things that you can do to extend the life of your car and save money on gas, too.

Credit Cards: It's All in the Details

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 07/13/2008

"Gotcha" seems to be the business model for credit card companies these days. As more and more purveyors of plastic make their money off fees and interest charges, it's important to be mindful of the fine print in your credit card agreement. Take a close look; you'll find that the devil may be literally in the details.

The Best Places to Retire

By:: Barbara Eisner Bayer - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 07/12/2008

Where you choose to live during your post-working days will greatly influence the success of your retirement years. Here are three of the best cities to hang your hat when your coat hook is no longer at the office.

Be Tax Savvy When Selling Home

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 07/12/2008

The IRS gives you the opportunity to sell your home and earn tax-free capital gains; but calculating your gain exclusion might be tricky.

How to Hire a Tax Professional

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 07/12/2008

Everyone outgrows the 1040EZ and tax preparation software sometime. When that moment arrives, you'll need to know what to look for in a tax professional.

Rising Rates May Spur Refinancing Surge

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 07/11/2008

Conventional wisdom tells us that when interest rates fall, people tend to refinance in order to capture them. But refinancing has also historically spiked when rates turn upward, because people don't want to miss the chance to lock in attractive rates that may soon slip away.

Top Resources for Refinancing Help

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 07/11/2008

Don't head into a refinance without knowing the territory. Get organized with this list of resources that can help you prepare.

College Savings Options for Kids

By:: MortgageLoan.com - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 07/11/2008

One day, your little one will be all grown up and heading for college. Make sure that your whole family gets on the same team when saving for higher education. Here are some strategies to building a financial game plan so that your child can get his degree without worrying about money.

Getting to Know Your Spouse's Finances

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 07/10/2008

You and your spouse are supposed to stick together in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad. Considering those parameters, it would probably behoove you to thoroughly understand each other's finances.

Friendly Endings: Collaborative Divorce

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 07/10/2008

Divorce can be ugly, expensive, and time consuming. Then again, it doesn't have to be any of these things.

Cut Your Insurance Bill

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 07/09/2008

Next to car loans and the escalating price of fuel, one of your biggest auto expenditures will be your insurance bill. Fortunately, there are some simple ways you can make a big dent in the cost.

Mortgage Crisis Changing Reality TV

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 07/09/2008

A changed reality of volatile mortgage rates and low demand in the real estate world is seeping its way into reality television.

No Bank Mortgage? Try a Person!

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 07/09/2008

Traditional lenders have tightened credit in order to offset losses related to the mortgage crisis. As a result, many consumers are now turning to non-traditional sources for money. Online networks of individual lenders with downloadable loans are suddenly coming into vogue.

How to Read a Real Estate Appraisal

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 07/08/2008

These days, the market value of homes is in constant flux. Homeowners who want to refinance, take out equity loans, or verify their assets need to rely on updated appraisal information. Understanding this data requires knowledge of how to read an appraisal report.

Five Tips for Finding the Best Realtor

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 07/08/2008

Choose your realtor well and you can save time, money, and headaches. You might even sell a home for a better price, get a smarter mortgage, or find the home of your dreams at a dreamier price. But success hinges on your ability to find the best person for the job.

All By Yourself: Sell Your Home without a Broker

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 07/07/2008

In a declining real estate market, anyone selling a home is desperately trying to squeeze home equity dollars out of a sale. More sellers are deciding to be their own brokers-a bold move that has equal amounts of risks and rewards.

Insurance and Your Second Home

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 07/07/2008

A second home is not necessarily "home sweet home" when it comes to homeowner's insurance. With house number two, you'll discover the need for more insurance, priced at a higher cost than the premium for house number one. How much higher depends on how closely you follow these money saving tips.

REITS Right Back in Style

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 07/07/2008

REIT funds are back in fashion. Should your portfolio dress up in real estate instruments, too?

Bankruptcy and Mortgages

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 07/06/2008

Politicians are pushing for amendments to bankruptcy legislation in an effort to help borrowers in distress keep their properties.

Credit Crisis Spills into Every Nook and Cranny

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 07/06/2008

The epidemic of bad mortgage credit that was once isolated to the housing industry is now threatening to adversely influence the ability to borrow money for a variety of other consumer loans, including those for debt consolidations, autos, and credit card purchases.

All About Graduated Payment Mortgages

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 07/06/2008

The graduated payment mortgage is poised to make a comeback as borrowers and lenders seek financing solutions that ease the financial strain of buying a home.

Understanding the Alternative Minimum Tax

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 07/06/2008

As if figuring your taxes once wasn't complicated enough, the IRS makes you run another set of numbers with the alternative minimum tax (AMT).

Credit Cards: You're Protected!

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 07/05/2008

Credit cards are everywhere, thanks to widespread acceptance by vendors, and consumer-enticing rewards programs. This ubiquity, however, has attracted a criminal threat. Fortunately, there are laws to protect credit card holders.

Teach Your Children Well About Investing

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 07/05/2008

Teach your kids about investing and give them a head start for wealthy future.

Student Loan Alternative: Peer-to-Peer Lending

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 07/05/2008

Even as home equity loans are disappearing, students still have options for college financing.

Americans Abroad: The Skinny on Paying Taxes

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 07/05/2008

You may be living abroad, but you're still under Uncle Sam's thumb. Get the lowdown on what you should be paying in taxes.

Building Healthy Savings Habits in Children

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 07/04/2008

It's never too early for kids to learn how to handle money. Make it a game now, and they'll be ready to play the money game when it's time to enter the real world.

Understanding Mortgage Fraud

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 07/04/2008

Magicians earn applause by performing card tricks or pulling rabbits out of their hats. Anyone who tries to pull a fast one with a mortgage, however, earns prison time. Here are some examples of mortgage fraud that occur every day.

Refinancing to Acquire Rental Properties

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 07/04/2008

Cash is king during a recession, and those who have money to buy today's depressed income-producing properties are laughing all the way to the bank. To get investment capital, many are turning to refinancing strategies.

Celebrate July 4th: Enjoy Government Tax Perks

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 07/04/2008

As Independence Day draws close, Americans have much to celebrate. Besides our personal freedoms and high ideals, we also have many government-based incentives to help us build our own financial independence.

Four Ways to Cut Life Insurance Costs

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 07/03/2008

As the economy continues to stagnate, the nation is looking for ways to tighten its collective belt. One place you can free up a few bucks is your life insurance policy. While this type of insurance is an essential part of any financial plan, there are ways that you can cut your costs.

Four Traits of a Good Mortgage Broker

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 07/03/2008

A mortgage is the biggest investment most people will ever make. If you're going to use a mortgage broker for such an important transaction, be sure that you're working with the best. Here are some distinctive traits of the top mortgage brokers.

Scarce Solutions for the Home Equity Loan Freeze

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 07/02/2008

As summer swelters across the U.S., so does the credit crunch. Many banks are putting home equity loans and HELOCs in the deep freeze, locking down home equity credit. Homeowners trying to continually tap their home equity now have severely limited options and solutions.

Sellers Crying Wolf As Mortgage Rates Threaten to Rise

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 07/02/2008

Sellers are finally relenting and getting realistic about pricing, so it's definitely a buyer's market. But mortgage rates may soon rise to help the nation fight off inflation. Buy now before it's too late to enjoy the best of both worlds.

Changing Climate of Home Equity Borrowing

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 07/01/2008

Trends in home equity borrowing during the past two decades have been dramatic; within the past two years, home equity loans have been on a virtual roller coaster ride. Just a year ago, homeowners were relying on them as ATM machines. Now, banks are yanking them from their product menus.

Stalk and Capture Profitable Foreclosures: Five Ideas

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 07/01/2008

Foreclosure hot spots are springing up throughout the nation. For some investors, they're as valuable as oil wells. Making money on foreclosures, or buying them as affordable housing, is easier in 2008, but a big part of the challenge is finding them before others stake their own claims.

FHA Loans for Purchase or Refinance

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 07/01/2008

The FHA is more flexible than you might think, offering a complete set of mortgage loans to serve a variety of situations.

Lose your credit card? What to do next

By:: MortgageLoan.com - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 06/30/2008

It's a moment that can lead to panic: reaching for your credit card to make a purchase, and realizing that it's gone. Thanks to federal laws and a quick call to the credit card company, losing your plastic doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg.

Four Ways to Get Out of Debt

By:: MortgageLoan.com - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 06/30/2008

Debt can build up over time without anyone noticing. First there's a credit card and a mortgage, then a car loan. Before you know it, you can't pay your monthly bills. If you're feeling "out of shape" when it comes to credit, here are some ways to end your cycle of debt.

Structuring a Debt Consolidation Program

By:: MortgageLoan.com - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 06/30/2008

Debt consolidation programs have helped countless individuals escape the diabolical clutches of debt. If you find yourself deep in the red, here are some simple ways to begin the journey back into the black.

No Elation for Stagflation

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 06/29/2008

Going against the herd can turn bad times good again.

Investing Tip: Forget the Market…Buy Art!

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 06/29/2008

If the stock market's ups and downs are driving you crazy, consider investing in timeless masterpieces.

Minimizing Healthcare Costs By Maximizing First Dollar Coverage

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 06/29/2008

A study released in late 2007 indicates that a majority of high deductible health plans that are compatible with health savings accounts (HSAs) are footing the bill for preventative care.

New FHA Jumbo Loans to the "Refi" Rescue

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 06/28/2008

Jumbo mortgages are larger-than-normal mortgages that are used to pay for, or refinance, higher-cost homes. The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) began insuring these big loans this year, at least on a temporary basis, as part of the government's much-touted economic stimulus package.

Second Mortgages: Making A Bad Situation Worse

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 06/28/2008

Second mortgages came into vogue in a powerful way during the past few years, as borrowers were encouraged by their lenders to use them in lieu of the traditional down payment. But now, the rules have changed, and homeowners are being pushed from the skillet into the open fire.

Financing Perks for Car Buyers

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 06/28/2008

Automakers, particularly American ones, are feeling the pinch of a sluggish economy and sky-high gas prices. To help break free from their sales funk, many are offering zero- or low-interest rate financing, or cash rebates. With a little bit of number crunching, you can determine which financing perk works best for you.

Personal Finance Document Guide

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 06/27/2008

It's time for a reality check on life's most important documents. Find out which documents you need to have and why.

Helping Your Adult Child Overcome Debt

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 06/27/2008

Your grown kids have fallen into debt and may need your financial help. Or do they?

Six Reasons to Get a Long-Term Mortgage

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 06/26/2008

As much as home ownership is the American Dream, owing money on a home loan is perceived by many as the American Nightmare. Yet, despite the thousands of dollars you'll spend on interest payments, there are some benefits to a long-term mortgage.

Four Repairs For A Broken Budget

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 06/26/2008

The road to broken budget plans is paved with good intentions.

Could Falling Home Prices Be Good?

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 06/25/2008

As the majority calls for price supports and taxpayer-funded bailouts to support the falling housing market, some think it's better to let prices fall. They believe that this would finally deflate the bubble that started the trouble in the first place. At least then we would have appropriately priced housing.

Creative Strategies for Generating Down Payments

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 06/25/2008

With home prices a relative bargain, and builders willing to throw in valuable upgrades for free, buyers are eager to raise enough cash to close the deal. But lenders are requiring bigger down payments, so borrowers are adopting some creative methods for raising the necessary funds.

Become a Stellar Mortgage Applicant

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 06/25/2008

You have an edge in getting that loan approval when you know what lenders are looking for in your loan application.

Finding Funds for Second Home

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 06/24/2008

Take a break from daydreaming about leisurely vacations in your Hawaii condo, and start researching your options for financing that second home.

Tapping Equity in a Mortgage-Free Home

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 06/24/2008

The equity accumulated in a home can be a convenient source of income, particularly for homeowners who have paid off their mortgages. Before accessing that value, however, it's important to analyze one's particular financial situation and evaluate various equity tapping options.

Foreclosure Fraud Protection

By:: MortgageLoan.com - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 06/23/2008

Every budget is stretched to the max these days, and it's easy to fall behind on your mortgage. Don't let the stress of possible foreclosure cloud your judgment. You could fall prey to foreclosure fraud.

Debt Consolidation: Now's the Time

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 06/23/2008

All indications are that low-rate debt consolidation loans may disappear in the foreseeable future. If you're thinking about consolidating, consider putting the wheels in motion sooner rather than later.

Understanding Debt Compulsion

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 06/23/2008

In this spend-first, plan-later society, it's easy to slip into debt. Knowing the reasons why people head down that slippery slope could help you avoid a similar fate.

Callable CDs: Are They Right For You?

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 06/22/2008

Callable CDs offer higher rates than traditional CDs; but before you pounce, know the risks.

Financing an Education Abroad

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 06/22/2008

As tuition costs at universities increase at double-digit rates, and college loans are getting more costly, students and parents are frantically looking for new ways to finance university degree. One method that's growing in popularity is choosing an education abroad.

Pointers for Using Credit Card Points

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 06/22/2008

The smart credit card holder gets all the rewards. These bonuses yield some tremendous benefits, provided that you use your points correctly. Here's how to get the most out of them.

Three Tips for Selling a Used Car

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 06/21/2008

A stagnant economy has caused a drop in new car sales, and made the used car market more competitive. If you're considering that old jalopy, here are some essential tips.

Finding Mortgages for Bad Credit Borrowers

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 06/21/2008

Credit troubles mean mortgage troubles, because it's not that easy to find home financing when your credit score is low.

College Tax Breaks That Won't Break Your Back

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 06/21/2008

Four education-related tax breaks take some of the bite out of those crushing college expenses.

Second Mortgage HELOCs: Don't Forget the Principal

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 06/20/2008

HELOC second mortgages are often structured with interest-only payments, but that convenience doesn't last forever.

College Savings Plans: Know the Differences

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 06/20/2008

Education savings plans offering tax breaks ease the burden of saving for your child's college education.

Refinancing: Reduce Those Pesky Fees

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 06/19/2008

People who are refinancing home loans are advised to scrutinize the closing costs. Study the settlement statement, and object to any fees that are not warranted or justified. While the interest rate may get the most attention, other small details can add up to a significant amount of money.

Creative Ways to Abandon Your Mortgage

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 06/19/2008

Homeowners who tried refinancing, but were rejected because they owed more than their homes were worth, may be ready to walk away and abandon their mortgages altogether. Desperate times call for desperate measures, and that has given rise to some novel and offbeat strategies.

Surviving A Layoff

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 06/19/2008

If you lose your job due to downsizing, don't worry-as one step in your career path ends, the next one is coming up.

Four Strategies for Lowest Mortgage Rates

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 06/18/2008

If you've had some credit problems in the past, you probably won't qualify for a lender's best mortgage rate. But there are some proven strategies you can follow to get the best mortgage rate possible for your personal situation.

Steps to Avoid Identity Theft

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 06/18/2008

The Internet has opened up amazing new worlds of communication and commerce. It's also created new opportunities for criminals, particularly in the realm of identity theft. You need to take essential steps to keep yourself protected.

Starting Your Business During A Recession

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 06/18/2008

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times-to start a small business.

Mortgage Servicers Slow at the Wheel

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 06/17/2008

Officials in Washington and in the lending industry have touted joint efforts to help distressed homeowners refinance away from foreclosure. But if you plan to refinance or otherwise rework your loan, be prepared for a long and sometimes frustrating wait.

Protect Yourself from Predatory Lending

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 06/17/2008

Predatory lending reached epidemic proportions within the past decade, as ongoing investigations into the current mortgage crisis reveal. To protect yourself from unscrupulous lenders, it's important that you arm yourself with updated knowledge and insightful information.

Four Tips To Sell Your Home Now

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 06/17/2008

With the current real estate market favoring buyers, it's harder than ever to sell your home. If you're serious about wanting to sell, here's a look at what you may have to do to get the deal done.

Debt Consolidation: Is It Worth The Risk?

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 06/16/2008

The promise of debt consolidation is compelling-but don't get lulled into ignoring the risks.

FHA Closing Costs: An Overview

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 06/16/2008

All your attention may be on the low rate you're getting on that FHA loan, but don't forget to make arrangements to cover your closing costs.

HELOCs: Find The Hidden Fees

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 06/16/2008

Life is all about taking the good with the bad. With a home equity line of credit (HELOC), just make sure that your mortgage has more good than bad when you're comparing potential lenders.

Want Lower Credit Card Rates? Learn to Negotiate!

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 06/15/2008

Large financial institutions strike fear into the hearts of most consumers. They shouldn't. Credit card companies, for example, are no different than any other vendor, and you should negotiate with them to get your best rate.

Freeing Yourself From Credit Cards

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 06/15/2008

If you're parting ways with your beloved credit card, you should know that there's more to the process than simply snipping the card in two with a pair of scissors. You'll need to follow a few steps to cancel your card the right way.

Tax Tips for the Self-Employed

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 06/14/2008

Self-employment offers you the freedom to work when you want, and the potential to earn more money than in a salaried job. It also offers the burden of paying your own taxes.

Small Car, Big Value: Beating the Gas Challenge

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 06/14/2008

Could the day of reckoning be at hand for gas guzzlers? The current price tag at the pump seems to indicate that times have changed drastically in the auto world.

Tax Savvy: Use a Non-Deductible IRA

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 06/14/2008

A tax law passed in 2006 adds a lot of appeal to non-deductible IRA contributions-just don't wait too long to take advantage of it.

Are Brokers to Blame for Bad Credit Mortgage Crisis?

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 06/13/2008

The entire country is suffering from an economic crisis of historically huge proportions, and most of the trouble can be linked to "bad credit" mortgages. Everyone is blaming someone else, but mortgage brokers are the biggest targets.

Stimulate The Economy With Your Stimulus Check

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 06/13/2008

The American consumer is currently receiving a heaping windfall, courtesy of Uncle Sam. But the key to making the economic stimulus plan work will be to spend the checks on "Made in the USA" products.

Five Great Ways to Save For College

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 06/13/2008

The volatility of the stock market has not only raised fear among future retirees, it's also affected parents saving for their kids' college educations. With tuition costs rising through the roof, you'll need to save wisely if you're going to cover these costs.

Remodeling? First Hire an Appraiser

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 06/13/2008

Homeowners thinking of remodeling to boost the value of their property may want to first hire a professional appraiser to look at the home improvement plans. The appraiser can do a market appraisal and demonstrate "before and after" values. Having that information can help avoid costly mistakes while guiding decisions to ensure that you get maximum equity from a project.

Retirement Savings In Rough Markets

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 06/12/2008

Two words: don't panic.

Be On Guard for Medical Insurance Scams

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 06/12/2008

Medicare's new programs were supposed to make prescription drugs more affordable for seniors. Instead, they've ushered in a whole new wave of scam artists.

Guide To Finding Best Refinance Rates

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 06/12/2008

The time to refinance is when rates have dropped enough to save you money. The harder question to answer is: how do you know when the rates have dropped enough so you can do just that?

Choosing a Recession-Proof Career

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 06/11/2008

Some jobs are always safe, even in times of economic turmoil. Maybe one of them should be in your future.

How Mortgage Rates Affect Spending Power

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 06/11/2008

When mortgage rates fluctuate, it has an impact on other aspects of the monetary system and economy not directly related to the housing market or mortgage industry. How changes in rates play a role in our spending power is of critical importance.

Mortgage Hunting? Know Your Lender

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 06/11/2008

If you've already started searching for a mortgage-stop! There are some folks you need to meet first.

HELOC Suspension Shock

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 06/10/2008

Several banks, reluctant to lend because of recent losses, now want ironclad reassurance that they'll be repaid. Many are suspending certain kinds of loans, including popular home equity lines of credit (HELOCs). If they do extend lines of credit, they're demanding higher ratios of underlying collateral, steeper fees and interest rates, and much more proof of credit and income.

Increase Your Home's Equity By Going Green

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 06/10/2008

Incorporating eco-friendly features into your home raises its value and, at the same time, decreases your cost of living.

Find Financial Freedom with Bi-Weekly Payment Plans

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 06/10/2008

Bi-weekly payment plans are a smart way to pay off your mortgage early, and they're generally easy to set up by yourself. With this clever arrangement, you pay no more than usual, but can save thousands of dollars during the life of a typical mortgage.

How Foreclosures Work

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 06/09/2008

Recent increases in defaulted mortgage loans may present opportunities for homebuyers looking for deals, but purchasing a foreclosed home can be a touchy situation.

A Guide to Finding Foreclosures

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 06/09/2008

Buyers who know how to find foreclosure listings are enjoying a wonderfully diverse selection of bargain properties. Learn to spot these undervalued houses and you may get an exceptionally good deal on an affordable home.

Use Your Rebate for Debt Reduction

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 06/09/2008

The U.S. economic stimulus checks are on their way, and many taxpayers have already decided to use theirs to pay down debt.

All About Balance Transfers

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 06/08/2008

A credit card balance transfer is a Band-aid for people who are heavily in debt, and can drastically reduce debt expenses. But for many chronic overspenders, it often ends up being a temporary stop to financial bleeding.

Save Money on Car Insurance

By:: Amelia R. Frost - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 06/08/2008

Once you've paid your mortgage and car loan, another large monthly expense is car insurance. This is one area where shopping for the best rates, researching discounts, and planning ahead can save you money.

Say Goodbye To Low Taxes

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 06/08/2008

A look back in time reminds us that today's tax rates are historically low. Could those percentages start creeping up in the future?

Homeowners vs. Speculators: The Bailout Wars

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 06/07/2008

As rescue plans and bailout debates continue, almost everyone distinguishes between homeowners and investment speculators. They point out that what's beneficial to one group will harm and threaten the other. But the two may have more in common than meets the eye.

Beware of Tax Rebate Scams

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 06/07/2008

The stimulus checks are in the mail, and the scam artists are on the prowl. With the government's tax rebate checks now arriving at the homes of Americans, identity thieves are hitting consumers with a new scheme.

Go Green for Auto Tax Rebates

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 06/07/2008

Going green is no longer just a friendly gesture toward Mother Nature. It's now becoming a hard-core selling point in a sluggish economy. Auto manufacturers are getting in on the act, and they're offering some significant rebates on fuel-efficient cars.

Don't Lose A Job Because Of Bad Credit

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 06/07/2008

A few proactive steps can keep you from missing out on your dream job because of bad credit.

Know Your Mortgage Rates

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 06/06/2008

When you're shopping for a mortgage, you're on the lookout for the lowest interest rate. You may have the urge to try to time rate changes so that you can get in just when rates dip. Unfortunately, this is far easier said than done.

Housing Bailouts: Letting the Chips Fall

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 06/06/2008

While politicians debate various plans to rescue our ailing real estate and mortgage markets, some experts oppose any artificial life support that could potentially disrupt the natural forces of our free market system. They argue that such manipulation got us into this mess in the first place.

Living on a Shoestring

By:: Amelia R. Frost - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 06/06/2008

These days, everyone's feeling a financial pinch. Gas prices are increasing at an unprecedented rate. Food costs more with every visit to the grocery store. Vacations have become prohibitive. Foreclosures are on the rise. Every dollar counts. Here are some tips on how to ease the pressure on your wallet.

Mortgage Rates Undergo a Transformation

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 06/05/2008

Just as the insurance industry has done in recent years, the mortgage industry is now undergoing a radical transformation in response to its recent financial losses. As the changes take shape, it could mean additional fees and higher rates for consumers when applying for a loan.

Mortgage Crisis Fuels Relationships Breakdowns

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 06/05/2008

Whether for love or money, the pressures of the current financial climate have taken their toll on relationships across the country.

Five Pointers to Survive the Recession

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 06/05/2008

These days, times are tough for every household's bottom line. The job market is getting squeezed, home values are in a free fall, and gas prices are rising. Here are five tips to get you through this difficult period.

Changing Times for Real Estate Brokers

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 06/04/2008

The playing field has changed for real estate agents, as consumers have gained access to online tools and technologies that previously were reserved only for licensed professionals. To keep up with the times, agents need to remain relevant and needed. Otherwise, savvy buyers and homeowners may opt to go it alone.

Four Signals We're on the Cusp of Recession

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 06/04/2008

Recently, every economist under the sun has been asked the same question: Are we in a recession? The traditional answer is based on the decrease in the nation's Gross Domestic Product. Yet all you really need to do is look at the poorly performing job market to spot the telltale signs of the "R" word.

Government-Sponsored Enterprises: An Overview

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 06/04/2008

Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae are quasi-governmental agencies that were originally established to help you accomplish your financial goals.

Three Renovation Tips

By:: Amelia R. Frost - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 06/03/2008

Many homeowners today are using a second mortgage to remodel their homes. Once they have the design and the cash, they need to take the next step: finding a contractor who they can trust. Here are three tips for choosing the right professional for the job.

Refinance with an FHA Loan

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 06/03/2008

For more than 20 years, the FHA has been allowing FHA borrowers in good standing to refinance under a streamlined procedure that involves no asset, credit, employment, or income verification.

Debt Consolidation: A Look from the Other End

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 06/03/2008

Debt consolidation has consequences, good and bad. Make sure that you know what to expect before you proceed.

The Right Time To Invest

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 06/02/2008

When is the right time to invest? The answer is steadily and frequently.

Credit Cards Are Back in Vogue

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 06/02/2008

The slumping housing market is forcing consumers to turn to an unlikely source for financial help. While many experts warn against using credit cards to help make ends meet, many consumers are using them for daily expenses and as their only source for debt consolidation.

Smart Ways to Pay for College

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 06/02/2008

College-bound students are about to discover that life provides plenty of invaluable lessons outside the classroom. Included in those lessons is the notion that you should never underestimate yourself, especially when it comes to scholarships.

Beat the Taxman With Tax-Free Income

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 06/01/2008

Jump start your wealth-building efforts by increasing your tax-free income.

Six Tax Definitions You Can't Live Without

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 06/01/2008

Sharpen up your tax knowledge with a review of key tax terms.

Gold: A Possible Hedge for Hard Economic Times

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 06/01/2008

Gold is the world's most under-owned asset now...but will that continue? As economic concerns rise, some financial gurus believe that more investors will start allocating a larger portion of their portfolios to gold.

Overview of Second Mortgages

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 05/31/2008

Tough economic times are hitting consumers hard. As fuel prices rise, people are looking for different ways to drum up cash. One method to consider is the second mortgage, a flexible loan that can be used for a variety of different reasons.

Strategies for the Not-Yet-Ready-For-Retirement Crowd

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 05/31/2008

Some people aren't saving enough for a comfortable retirement. Here's how to improve that situation today.

Eight Hints to Boost Your Savings

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 05/30/2008

During these challenging economic times, it's more important than ever to save your money.

Families Paying for College

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 05/30/2008

The cost of a college education is rising, and financial aid calculations may ask you to contribute more than you can realistically afford.

Entrepreneurs: Grow Your Business During Recessionary Times

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 05/30/2008

In today's business climate, big companies are experiencing sagging profits and plummeting revenues. Small businesses are also feeling the pain. Yet recessionary times, however depressing they may be, offer great opportunities for growth.

Five Ways to Spruce Up Your Home's Exterior

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 05/29/2008

If you're worried about the recent decline in home values, you could take a passive approach, and wait for the real estate market to rebound. Another option is to improve the value of your home by giving it an exterior sprucing up.

Research Mortgage Rates on Internet

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 05/29/2008

Researching mortgage rates on the Internet can be enlightening or frustrating. Choose the former route by learning the key points of online mortgage rates research.

Your Commitment Letter: Firm or Conditional?

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 05/29/2008

Knowing whether your commitment letter is firm or conditional can spare you from some ugly surprises.

Mortgage Crisis: Learning from the UK

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 05/28/2008

As the U.S. struggles to remedy its subprime mortgage crisis, other countries-especially the UK-are having their own economic problems. But the UK deals with mortgage woes in unique ways that may teach us a new approach.

Six Top Tips for Reverse Mortgages

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 05/28/2008

As America's population ages, reverse mortgages are growing in popularity as a means for older homeowners to tap into their home equity for needed income. In order to best manage a reverse mortgage, it helps to understand them thoroughly, and follow a few basic tips and guidelines.

Tapping Home Equity? Try The Oh-So-Desirable Credit Union

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 05/27/2008

Credit unions are a good option when looking for a home equity loan. Even if you don't think you qualify to join one because you lack a particular professional affiliation, you may be surprised. Some let you join just because of where you happen to live.

Proof From The Fed: It's Tougher to Borrow

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 05/27/2008

Consumers are having a tougher time borrowing money through mortgages, home equity loans, and small business loans, according to new first quarter 2008 data from the Federal Reserve. The majority of banks have tightened credit at a time when most Americans need it more than ever.

Foreclosures of the Rich and Infamous

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 05/26/2008

Celebrities may not be rich forever. The foreclosure wave is an equal opportunity tsunami.

Certificates of Deposit: The New Hot Story

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 05/26/2008

What's old is new again, as certificates of deposit are becoming an increasingly attractive investment vehicle.

Memorial Day Lesson: Summer Financial Planning

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 05/26/2008

Memorial Day is a time to honor those lost in wars past and present. This somber occasion also marks the unofficial beginning of summertime. As the heat of the dog days fast approaches, here are some easy ways to cut back on expenditures.

Recipe To Prepare For A Bad Credit Mortgage Application

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 05/25/2008

The only way to recover from bad credit is to start rebuilding as soon as possible. You don't need a miracle to prep your finances for a mortgage application-just a little discipline and organization.

The Truth About Car Title Loans

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 05/25/2008

What's the latest financial scheme to perform a hit and run on people who can't manage their money? It's the car title loan. The cousin to payday loans, these can be just as lethal to a family's finances.

Financing A Graduate School Education

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 05/23/2008

Because it's never too late to go back to school, here's what you need to know to finance a graduate education.

New Technologies For Seniors

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 05/22/2008

Affordable high-tech gadgets and services can make senior living safer and more comfortable.

Use Internet Technology For Foreclosure Savvy

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 05/22/2008

The shakedown in the real estate industry is creating a large inventory of foreclosure properties. With the help of the Internet, opportunistic property seekers can find these bargains without leaving home.

Uncle Sam as a Mortgage Investor

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 05/21/2008

Lawmakers are proposing various kinds of mortgage crisis bailouts or rescue plans, and most suggest that the government get more involved in helping to relieve the burden of bad loans. That basically means that Uncle Sam will invest our tax dollars in the mortgage business.

Lenders Avoiding Foreclosure Rescue

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 05/20/2008

Mortgage lenders have been pressured by Congress to help homeowners, and many volunteered to "rework" troublesome loans with flexible terms and refinancing. But recent reports show that few are following through on promises. Meanwhile, homeowners are increasingly desperate.

Mortgages: Understanding Income Declaration

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 05/19/2008

When applying for a mortgage, you can choose to declare your income using a full income verification loan, or opt for a loan in which the lender doesn't verify how much you earn. Do you know what the differences are?

Five top Mortgage Errors

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 05/19/2008

To err is human. To err on your mortgage, however, is costly. Many homeowners make common mistakes regarding their home loans. These easily can be avoided if you're aware of the most common mortgage errors.

Home Equity Loan Traps

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 05/18/2008

Consider how wealthy people view borrowing. They use debt only as a means to build more wealth, a philosophy foreign to many home equity borrowers. Here are some common second mortgage loan traps that serve as temptations to many.

Pros and Cons of Teen Credit Cards

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 05/17/2008

Teen credit cards may offer convenience, but there are risks involved, too.

Avoid Bankruptcy With Debt Consolidation

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 05/17/2008

Economic times are tough. Home values have plummeted, a recession is looming, and gas costs are rising. If you're at the end of your financial rope, you may want to think about a debt consolidation loan as an alternative to filing for bankruptcy.

Building Credit Without A Credit Card

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 05/16/2008

Fair Isaac's FICO Expansion score bridges the gap between lenders and no-credit borrowers by assigning a credit rating to consumers who have little or no credit history.

Know Your HELOC before You Sign

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 05/16/2008

Home equity lines of credit are powerful financial tools. Understand the fine print before you sign.

Not-To-Be-Missed Tax Deductions

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 05/16/2008

Get organized now to lower your 2008 tax bill by reviewing some commonly overlooked tax deductions.

Recast Your Mortgage

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 05/15/2008

When circumstances make it tough for you to make your mortgage payments, consider asking your lender about a mortgage recast.

Tracking Your Personal Finances

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 05/14/2008

The best-laid budget plans can fail if you don't track your expenses properly. Here's how to do it right.

Renters Get Hit By Subprime Crisis

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 05/14/2008

While Congress debates ways to rescue the mortgage industry, and the millions of homeowners who are facing foreclosure, the truly helpless victims may be innocent renters. Huge numbers of families are being evicted as their homes go into foreclosure, but they have nobody coming to bail them out of the crisis.

Four Most Important Lender Questions

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 05/13/2008

If you're being interviewed for a job, you need to ask the interviewer questions to make sure that the position is right for you. Mortgages are no different. There are certain questions that you need to ask a lender to determine if a home loan is right for your financial situation.

Buying Stocks During Volatile Times

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 05/12/2008

Investors who do their homework can profit from uncertainty in the stock market. You can do it, too.

Six Tips for Buying Foreclosures

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 05/12/2008

Foreclosures not only represent a great professional investment opportunity, but can also be a fast way to acquire your first home or a cherished vacation property. In order to buy successfully and avoid common foreclosure pitfalls, it helps to know a bit about how these unique sales work.

Feel secure with FHASecure Loans

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 05/11/2008

If you've been tricked by teaser rates that have expired and left you with a mortgage payment that you can't afford, FHASecure might have your solution.

A New Proposal for Government-Backed Loans

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 05/11/2008

Many homeowners who want to refinance to avoid foreclosure are hoping to get help from the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). One plan under consideration would offer $300 billion in new FHA loans for that purpose, but there's passionate resistance from critics of the bill.

Affordable Gifts for Mother's Day

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 05/10/2008

As Mother's Day approaches, dads, sons, and daughters are crying "Mayday!" as they wrack their brains for thoughtful but inexpensive gift ideas in this challenging economy. The traditional bouquet of flowers is always nice, but there are other ways to brighten a mother's day and not damage your budget.

Four Positive Reasons to Use Credit Cards

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 05/10/2008

Conventional financial wisdom says that a credit card, like money, is the root of all evil. However, when used wisely, credit cards can produce a number of surprising benefits.

Finding Deals on Student Loans

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 05/09/2008

The economy is sputtering, but the student loan business is still strong. If you have college studies in your future, you still have a reasonable chance to find some financing to help you cover the cost.

Get Tax Ready for 2008

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 05/09/2008

The taxman has come and gone, and no one is all that sad to see him leave. However painful his recent visit might have been, you'll want to start getting ready for the next time he comes around. A little upfront planning can make your next April 15th a much more pleasant experience.

Be Proactive to Avoid Bad Credit

By:: MortgageLoan.com - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 05/09/2008

A positive outlook can make the world a much more pleasant place. But sometimes, it's hard to look on the bright side of life when you have bad credit. Your best bet is to be proactive and steer clear of bad credit before it happens.

Three Bad Debt Consolidation Actions

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 05/09/2008

Debt can often produce a downward financial spiral. Being heavily in the red can prompt some desperate actions, including these three bad debt consolidation moves.

Mortgage Crisis: Did the Media Get it Right?

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 05/09/2008

The media is often criticized for the way it handles the news. Part of the current debate involves whether or not the media coverage actually contributed to our present mortgage crisis.

Seller Financing Making a Comeback

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 05/08/2008

With mortgage lenders tight on cash, some buyers and sellers are striking up their own financing arrangements to get the deal closed.

Property Values and Computer Generated Appraisals

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 05/08/2008

To many real estate industry veterans, relying upon computer programs to calculate home values seems like a deplorable idea. But in an increasingly automated world, appraisals via software are now popular with many lenders. Unfortunately, it may adversely affect your mortgage or refinance.

FHA Mortgage Insurance: An Overview

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 05/07/2008

On the strength of renewed federal support, the FHA is poised to pick up the pace of insuring mortgage loans. If you're in the market to buy or refinance, take a few minutes to learn how this important mortgage financing option works.

Retirement: Time To See The World

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 05/07/2008

You've been saving up for retirement all your life. It's time to enjoy the fruits of your labor.

VA Mortgage Loans

By:: MortgageLoan.com - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 05/06/2008

Designed to provide millions of U.S. veterans and their families with affordable housing, the VA loan emerged through the GI Bill of Rights, which was signed off in 1944 by President Roosevelt. The Bill not only eliminated down payment on a house for veterans, but has also contributed to their welfare and the growth of the nation's economy more than any other program in history.

Is Subprime Crisis Nearing an End?

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 05/06/2008

Nobody has a crystal ball, but some data now indicates that the worst may be over for the intense and devastating subprime loan crisis. If the end is near, it's welcome news for the entire financial world, because the subprime debacle has caused widespread tremors and shocks.

Easy Guide to Buying Your First Home

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 05/06/2008

Don't let the gloomy mortgage news scare you; buying your first home is still a step-by-step process.

Mortgage Brokers, Bankers, or Loan Officers: Know the Differences

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 05/05/2008

When applying for a mortgage loan or mortgage refinance, many consumers don't distinguish between brokers, bankers, and loan officers. But the differences are significant, and can affect the service you get, your costs, and the size of the selection of loan instruments offered to you.

Eight tips to Avoid Foreclosure

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 05/05/2008

The subprime crisis has made "foreclosure" a part of our everyday vernacular. If you're having problems making your mortgage payments, there are ways to avoid foreclosure before it's too late.

Investments: Make a Killing from the Mortgage Fiasco

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 05/04/2008

In big disasters, you'll find stock market opportunities. Say hello to investing in survivors of the mortgage fiasco.

Subprime Crisis Hurting Non-Profits

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 05/04/2008

As home equity tumbles and bad mortgages sink investments, non-profit organizations emerge as one of the most unexpected casualties. Because they rely on the quality of their credit to survive, many non-profits with subprime-related assets are in for a rude awakening.

Credit Card Do's and Don'ts

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 05/03/2008

Credit cards give you flexibility, instant access to emergency funds, and convenience. They can also give you major financial problems if you're not careful. Here are some credit card do's and don't's to help you manage your plastic wisely.

Online Help for Debt Consolidation

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 05/03/2008

Debt is a wrecking ball that can topple your financial foundation. Interest payments can eat up dollars which could otherwise be used for retirement savings or other financial goals. To stem the destructive power of debt, look online for a debt consolidation loan.

Four Life Saving Tips If You Can't Pay Taxes

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 05/01/2008

April 15th has come and gone, and taxpayers from sea to shining sea sent Uncle Sam a tax check. Because of tough economic times, though, many weren't able to make the necessary payment to the guy with the grey goatee. This may happen to you sometime in the future, so it's important to know that taxpayers have some payment options.

Retirement Savings Outlook Bleak

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 04/30/2008

Nearly 50 percent of Americans aren't sure that they're saving enough for retirement. Don't fall into that camp.

After Foreclosure: Mortgage Help

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 04/30/2008

After suffering through a foreclosure, you're faced with rebuilding your life and your credit profile, one step at a time.

An Overview of FHA Loans

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 04/29/2008

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) was established around the time of the Great Depression to help Americans buy homes. Today, the FHA continues to insure loans by offering low down payments and refinancing options with attractively high loan-to-value ratios.

An Overview of Mortgage Changes

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 04/29/2008

New mortgage rules have sprung up during the past few months, inspiring intense debate and controversy. Hopefully, some will actually protect consumers and taxpayers.

Understanding Cash back Mortgage Refinance Loans

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 04/29/2008

Learn how to raise the money you need by leveraging your home with a cash back mortgage refinance loan.

Know Your Bond Terms

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 04/29/2008

If you don't know an inverse yield curve from an accrued market discount, it's time for a little review session on bond terms.

Are FHA Loans Too Expensive?

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 04/28/2008

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) insures loans to make them more affordable for Americans. But lately, banks that write the FHA-insured mortgages have added their own fees, making them more expensive and undercutting the whole notion of less costly FHA loans.

Airlines: Trouble For Consumers And Investors

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 04/27/2008

Air travel is getting less convenient and more expensive-but there doesn't seem to be anything anyone can do about it.

FHA Loans: Four Mistakes To Avoid

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 04/27/2008

Strapped homeowners are crying "uncle" as home values dip and foreclosures continue. "Uncle" in this case would be "Uncle Sam" and his Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans.

Are Multiple Inquiries Killing Your Credit?

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 04/26/2008

A common fear is that multiple inquiries on your credit report will lower your score. That's partially true, based on who's doing the inquiring. If you're shopping for a car or home loan, inquiries won't lower your score. But if a landlord or credit card company takes a peek at your credit report, it's a different story.

Is Debt Counseling Right for You?

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 04/26/2008

Debt counseling can help those who have no other options, but there are risks involved.

Understanding Cash back Mortgage Refinance Loans

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 04/25/2008

Learn how to raise the money you need by leveraging your home with a cash back mortgage refinance loan.

Is The Credit Crunch Killing Car Loans?

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 04/25/2008

The subprime mortgage crisis has claimed many victims during the last year. The latest casualty involves a head-on collision with car loans.

Saving During a Recession

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 04/25/2008

Don't let an economic recession do more damage than it has to. You can still keep saving even when times are tough.

Getting The Most From Your 401(k)

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 04/24/2008

A 401(k) can be your best friend when planning for a comfortable retirement. Learn how to use this powerful tool.

Types of FHA Loans

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 04/23/2008

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) has quietly supported the dream of homeownership for more than 70 years. Mortgage loans available through the FHA serve low- to middle-income homeowners and homebuyers.

Coping with Job Loss

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 04/22/2008

Homeowners who have defaulted on a mortgage are not the only victims of the subprime crisis. Workers in the subprime mortgage sector have lost their jobs as the industry has crumbled. These workers can find new jobs, but they'll need to be persistent and innovative.

Treasury Secretary Gets Into The Mortgage Reform Act

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 04/21/2008

A plan to completely overhaul the financial system would make the U.S. Treasury the main watchdog and "cop" for a wide range of financial agencies and institutions. But the controversial plan has strong opposition.

How to Apply for an FHA Loan

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 04/21/2008

FHA loans offer many advantages to homeowners who qualify for these low-cost mortgages. Before applying for one, it helps to know what the requirements are, and how to improve your chances of getting approved without problems or delays.

Paying Student Loans With Home Equity

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 04/20/2008

When students graduate from college, they begin to enjoy the fruits of their labors. Many land good jobs, and some buy new homes. After a few years of home ownership, if the market is rising, they may also eyeball their student loans, and consider the pros and cons of using a home equity loan to pay off their debts.

All About Debt Consolidation Loan Agencies

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 04/20/2008

When times are tough, you need to know all your options. Here's your chance to find out what a debt consolidation agency is, and how it can help you get out of debt.

Car Dealerships and Bad Credit Loans

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 04/18/2008

Searching for a car can be an exciting process. If you have bad credit, however, you'll need to temper your enthusiasm with caution if you plan to ask a car dealership for an auto loan.

Three Top Tax Scams

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 04/17/2008

The IRS recently published its "Dirty Dozen," a list of the top tax scams. Some of them are used to con taxpayers like you, while others are employed to con the IRS itself.

Students Loans and Bad Credit

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 04/16/2008

Going to college is a time to grow intellectually, but many critical lessons extend beyond the classroom. Undergraduates with bad credit will learn that lenders regard them very differently when it comes to granting student loans.

Is Refinancing the Answer to Credit Card Debt?

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 04/15/2008

There are two ways to overcome credit card debt. The first is refinancing your home, and using a new mortgage as a debt consolidation loan. The second is to modify your behavior and pay off your credit card debt slowly.

Men in Charge: Protecting Your Wife

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 04/14/2008

Women have come a long way in the last 50 years, but the number of widows living in poverty is still surprisingly high.

Pros and Cons of a Nationwide Mortgage Guild

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 04/14/2008

Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, Jr. has announced plans to establish stringent national licensing standards for mortgage brokers. While many embrace the idea, others say that it will be a disservice to both brokers and American consumers alike. Some say it will make no difference at all.

Investing: Fundamental vs. Technical Analysis

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 04/11/2008

There are a variety of techniques to learn if you're going to invest in the stock market. Whether you take a fundamental or technical approach depends on whether you have a short- or long-term horizon.

Three Alternatives to Home Equity Loans

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 04/11/2008

With the slumping real estate market ravaging home values, consumers strapped for cash are considering financial tools other than home equity loans. Here's an in-depth look at three alternatives to traditional home equity loan financing.

Four Ways to Keep the Auditor Away

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 04/11/2008

As April approaches, taxpayers across the land have begun to shake. Despite the prospect of tax refunds and rebates, the specter of an IRS audit strikes fear into the heart of virtually any American. Here are some tips to keep the auditor far from your door.

Saving Our Homes: Plans to End the Subprime Crisis

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 04/10/2008

More than a year into the subprime crisis, the mortgage industry hasn't shown any convincing signs of recovery. Politicians say that more needs to be done to help homeowners in distress, and they have some big ideas for action.

Escape Financial Quagmire with Debt Consolidation

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 04/10/2008

You can't continue to avoid the prospects of bankruptcy and foreclosure forever. Take action now by considering a strategic debt consolidation.

Ins and outs of Bad Credit Second Mortgages

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 04/10/2008

With a recession waiting in the wings to be officially acknowledged, American consumers find mortgage credit in short supply at a time when they need it most. For many, the answer to their problems may lie in procuring a "bad credit" second mortgage.

Refinancing Woes? Meet the Parents!

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 04/09/2008

When you're facing foreclosure and you don't qualify for a refinance, consider asking mom and dad to help you out of the jam.

Building your Portfolio: No Better Time Than Now

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 04/09/2008

Don't give up on your portfolio just because the market looks bad. This could be the perfect time to invest.

Consumer Crisis: The Fall of Bear Stearns

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 04/08/2008

JP Morgan's bailout of Bear Stearns curtailed an imminent spillover that threatened to take down other major financial institutions. But the average consumer didn't benefit directly from the rescue. American taxpayers may, in fact, wind up paying for all these bailouts over time.

Remodeling During A Recession

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 04/08/2008

Are you stuck with an investment property and a mortgage? Make the best of the situation-move in.

Don't Become A Negative Home Equity Statistic

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 04/07/2008

Every month, American homeowners and consumers are setting new records for being financially unstable. To avoid becoming a participant in those dismal numbers, you must be vigilant. Learn to recognize the symptoms, and take proactive protective measures before it's too late.

Mind Your Tax Breaks!

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 04/07/2008

It's time to stop ignoring the impending tax deadline and start thinking about what you owe. But here's the good news: This year, you might qualify for some extra breaks.

Help your Teens Become Millionaires

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 04/04/2008

Parents always want their kids to grow up and be successful. It's even better if that success includes a seven-figure savings account.

Getting Your Money from Reverse Mortgages

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 04/04/2008

Reverse mortgages pay older homeowners for their home equity. But how you get your cash depends upon which mortgage options you choose. Decide what's best for your specific circumstances; then find a lender with a reverse mortgage that fulfills those needs.

Debt Problems? Learn the Art of Frugality

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 04/04/2008

Life is all about balance, especially when it comes to finances. Overspend your hard-earned dollars, and you could wind up in need of a debt consolidation loan. On the other hand, while being frugal will keep you out of the red, you need to be careful not to become a miser in the process.

Recession-proof Your Portfolio

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 04/04/2008

The next recession is coming on strong, but you're not helpless. Here's how to protect your investment portfolio in tough economic times.

Help your Teens Become Millionaires

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 04/04/2008

Parents always want their kids to grow up and be successful. It's even better if that success includes a seven-figure savings account.

FHA Raises Limits on Conforming Mortgages

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 04/03/2008

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) runs several programs that rely on FHA loan insurance to protect lenders from defaults. These initiatives promote home ownership for American families. Now that allowable loan amounts have been increased, approximately a quarter of a million more buyers should reap the benefits in 2008.

New Jumbo Loan Limits May Ignite a Niche Market

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 04/03/2008

Higher limits on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans may spark sales of high-end homes by making it easier and cheaper to finance them. The news is good for both buyers and sellers, and may inspire a surge in sales in a market that's been stagnant for months.

Credit Cards: When More is Merrier

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 04/03/2008

At a time when consumers with credit problems have wreaked havoc on the mortgage industry, it's not surprising to find that many people carry more than one credit card. However, when you consider the advantages, having multiple charge cards makes sense.

Falling Prices? Keep Your Home Value Rising

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 04/02/2008

With the news that Americans' percentage of equity in their homes has fallen below 50 percent, homeowners are looking for ways to increase the value of their properties. The methods that are most popular are cost-effective home improvements.

Stop the Bleeding with Debt Consolidation

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 04/01/2008

When charge cards become a way of life, it's time to make some serious changes. Before you jump to debt consolidation as a solution, make sure that you're 100 percent committed to living without the plastic.

Avoid Penalty Points for Missed Payments

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 04/01/2008

The fallout from delinquent subprime mortgages continues to illustrate how inter-connected our financial system truly is. Because of a penalty known as "universal default," a late payment on a mortgage can cause the interest rate on your credit card to rise.

Bad Credit? Improve your Score!

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 03/31/2008

A person is not defined by a fall from grace, but by how they react after the fall. If you've encountered some problems with bad credit, take some specific steps to rebuild your credit score.

Equity Loans next up in credit crunch showdown

By:: MortgageLoan.com - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 03/28/2008

While most Americans may have been lulled into a false sense of security by heavy borrowing, they're about to rocked by the harsh realities of the credit crunch as recent figures show they owe a staggering $1.1 trillion on home equity loans.

Three Tax Rebate Tips

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 03/28/2008

The United States government has applied the jumper cables to our sagging economy, and it's hoping that the economic stimulus package will give America the spark it needs to start running again. Here are some details about you and the rebate.

Boost Your Finances with Savings

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 03/27/2008

Having no savings will eventually break you down financially. Learn to be proactive and start saving today.

Protests at Bear Stearns offices

By:: MortgageLoan.com - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 03/27/2008

The fun and games continue at Bear Stearns where a handful of over-excited protestors got into the troubled investment bank's Manhattan offices during a spirited protest of the government's rush to aid the securities firm.

Home prices fall - Fannie Mae reacts

By:: MortgageLoan.com - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 03/26/2008

It's widely acknowledged that housing is a key component of the economy. In fact, housing represents 15.2 percent of the U.S gross national product so worried glances must have been exchanged when a recent survey released earlier today revealed home prices in 20 U.S metropolitan areas fell in January by the most on record.

Reverse Mortgages and Aggressive Marketing

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 03/26/2008

Homeowners funded more than 130,000 reverse mortgages last year. Unfortunately, some of them were pressured into programs that didn't meet their expectations due to questionable advertising practices.

Bundled Mortgage Fees: More Trouble Than They're Worth

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 03/26/2008

"Bundling" has caused problems for many homeowners when their closing costs are grouped into a flat fee without itemization. Supporters of the practice claim it saves consumers money. Officials, however, are investigating it in the interest of consumer protection.

Mortgage Fallout: Lawyers Getting Into the Act

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 03/25/2008

There's plenty of blame to go around in the subprime crisis, and it's only natural that the finger pointing would eventually spill over to the legal system. Lawyers are licking their chops-and imagining their fees-as they enter the fray.

Recession Advice: Maximize your Investment Return

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 03/25/2008

With a recession looming on the horizon, investors need to rethink how they allocate their investment dollars.

Debting: The American Way of Life

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 03/24/2008

Increasingly, American consumers are finding themselves forced to use credit cards just to get by until the next paycheck arrives.

Appraisal Watchdog to Oversee Your Home's Equity

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 03/24/2008

A new watchdog agency is being created to ensure that property appraisals are objective, not tainted by lenders or other parties who may have a vested interest in the valuations.

Game Show Earnings: A Taxing Situation

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 03/19/2008

Winning big has its drawbacks. If you're planning an appearance on Wheel of Fortune, or any game show for that matter, understand the tax consequences of hitting the jackpot.

Refinance and Be a Happy Condo Owner

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 03/19/2008

Real estate is a lot like life: Sometimes, when one door closes, another one opens. Case in point: The slumping real estate market has hurt many property owners, but it has also provided a real opportunity for people looking to buy a condominium for a vacation home.

Protect Your Savings Accounts

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 03/18/2008

For consumers, the line between a bank and a brokerage can be blurry. Unfortunately, not knowing the difference can put your savings at risk.

Celebrity Bankruptcy: Fame and Misfortune

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 03/18/2008

When celebrities are best known for their roles in bankruptcy court, it's a sure sign that they've made some major financial missteps.

In Honor of St. Patrick: Consolidate Debt!

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 03/17/2008

In the spirit of St. Patrick's Day, create your own green by committing to smart money management, which includes budgeting and taking out a debt consolidation loan.

HELOC: The Open-Ended Solution

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 03/17/2008

When planning your financial future, the one thing you can count on is change. Unexpected life events can make the best-laid plans go awry. Flexibility is critical, and it's the main reason people choose an open-ended home equity line of credit (HELOC).

Politics and Mortgages: Know Your Candidates

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 03/17/2008

The state of the mortgage industry is high on the list of economic problems facing the U.S. today, and the presidential candidates are already talking about their proposed solutions.

International Homeowners Feeling U.S. Housing Pain

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 03/17/2008

Although the dollar hit an all-time low against the euro in late February, Europe is having its own mortgage and real estate problems. When it comes to subprimes, mortgage meltdowns, and foreclosures, the financial headlines in Europe look pretty much the same as those in the U.S.

Mortgage Rates: A Mind of Their Own

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 03/17/2008

In a move that's a departure from history, mortgage interest rates seem to be moving independently rather than in tandem with cuts of other influential lending rates by the Fed.

Bad Credit? Learn How to Monitor

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 03/14/2008

If you have bad credit, much of your financial future depends on your credit report. Monitoring it will help you ensure its accuracy and get a sense of when the time is right to apply for a loan.

The New Dinosaur: Cash Out Refinancing

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 03/14/2008

For homeowners, a cash-out refinance used to be the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. In the days of sky-rocketing home values, this type of loan was an easy source of cash. But as the declining number of refinances indicates, times have definitely changed.

Life Gets Easier for Bad Credit Loan Holders

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 03/14/2008

The bugle has sounded and the cavalry is on the way for bad credit loan holders. Following a rash of foreclosures and loan defaults, mortgage companies have now begun negotiating easier terms with subprime borrowers.

Foreclosure Prevention Act to Help with Refinancing

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 03/13/2008

To help distressed homeowners avoid foreclosure, Democratic senators have proposed the "Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008." The bill would help borrowers by potentially lowering the amounts they owe, and would free up more money to pay for the mortgage refinance of subprimes.

Mortgage Problems? Don't Hide Away!

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 03/12/2008

Even though workout programs are becoming more common, many homeowners still avoid contacting their lenders when they can't make their mortgage payments.

Don't be Clueless About Second Mortgages

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 03/11/2008

You don't need to be a private eye to find the best second mortgage. Lenders leave you plenty of clues about their products. Take a good look at them, and learn how second mortgages work before you make any decisions.

Project Lifeline: New Short-term Hope for Mortgages

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 03/11/2008

Under a new program called Project Lifeline, some foreclosure proceedings will be postponed for 30 days. While the effort has a hopeful name, it may provide only temporary help and hope for seriously delinquent borrowers.

Home Equity Loan for Investment Property

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 03/10/2008

Excess inventory on the condo market has created advantages for opportunistic buyers. A home equity loan on your primary residence may be the ticket to help fund your new vacation or investment condo.

Second Mortgages Available Locally

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 03/10/2008

Don't believe the real estate hype. While the housing market has taken some significant lumps, there are still parts of the country where property values are doing quite well. If you're fortunate enough to live in one of them, you can still tap your home equity for a second mortgage.

Don't Count on Credit Cards for Relief

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 03/07/2008

Free market theorists believe that the fallout from the subprime crisis will result in a natural correction: People will curb their spending habits and save money until they're out of the red. But instead of saving, some homeowners are turning to credit cards for relief.

Tapping 401(k) with a Credit Card

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 03/07/2008

A financial services company offers an innovative program that streamlines the 401(k) loan, just in case you're hit with a financial emergency.

Home Equity: If You Use It, You Lose It

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 03/07/2008

Home equity is a powerful financial tool, as well as a resource that's difficult to replace.

Student Loans: Outlook 2008

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 03/06/2008

Scandal rocked the student loan industry in 2007-what's on tap for 2008?

Credit Crisis will Affect Student Loans

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 03/05/2008

Many students enter school with the hopes of bettering themselves and earning more income. A recent announcement by Sallie Mae that they'll no longer make loans to subprime borrowers may throw a wrench in the goals of many students, particularly those with bad credit.

Trouble for Second Mortgage Holders

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 03/05/2008

The subprime mess has hit lenders and homeowners hard. To stop the bleeding, lenders are reconsidering their instinctive reaction to foreclose on borrowers, particularly second mortgage holders.

More Stringent Requirements for Second Mortgages

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 03/04/2008

Second mortgage rates are dropping, but lenders are tightening up the qualification requirements for home equity loans and lines of credit.

Help with Refinancing from Municipal Bonds

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 03/04/2008

Politicians and economists are clamoring to come up with a solution to the nation's mortgage crisis. One measure that's currently being considered will allow states to issue tax-free bonds to fund mortgage refinances.

Refinancing: A Hot Trend for a Lucky Few

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 03/03/2008

"Refi Fever" has again swept across the land, and record numbers of homeowners are rushing to refinance and capture extra low interest rates. But many get turned away because of jumbo mortgages or low credit scores.

The Right Home Equity Strategy for Excess Cash

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 03/03/2008

Some experts tout the wisdom of paying off your mortgage early. Others say it's better to stash excess cash in an emergency fund. How do you know which strategy is right for you?

Americans Irresponsible with Home Equity

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 03/03/2008

Some homeowners are washing their hands of mortgage debt. They simply mail their house keys to the bank, and let the lender worry about how to create tangible assets from properties that have no actual equity.

Three Ways to Spend Your Tax Rebate

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 03/03/2008

The 2008 stimulus package has been signed, sealed, and delivered. Top lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have agreed to pump more money into the economy. One way to use the money is to pay down your mortgage, or develop a debt consolidation plan.

Three Debt Consolidation Ideas for 2008

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 03/03/2008

Debt is considered being "in the red," but for most consumers, the clouds hovering over their heads feel black. The burden of debt can weigh down even the most optimistic person. There's hope, however, if you follow a few simple debt consolidation ideas.

Refinancing Woes? Try a House Swap

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 03/02/2008

The emerging trend of house-swapping can be a strategy for downsizing your home and your mortgage.

Stellar Time For Home Equity Renovation Loans

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 03/01/2008

A depressed economy may not be good for the mortgage or housing markets, but it's a great time to renovate. Prices for building supplies are going down, contractors are hungry for work, and interest rates are ridiculously low, thanks to recent rate cuts.

Need Debt Consolidation? Try the SBA

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 02/29/2008

It's getting harder and harder for homeowners to tap into their home equity for purposes of debt consolidation. Eligible business owners may find their best alternative is an SBA loan.

Refinancing Alternative: Sell at Auction

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 02/28/2008

The word auction conjures up images of art at Sotheby's going for astronomical prices, or a fast-talking guy in a straw hat selling odds and ends at a frantic pace. In today's sagging real estate market, it can also apply to selling your home.

Rude Awakening Awaits Home Equity Loan Holders

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 02/27/2008

Countrywide and other financial institutions are notifying thousands of homeowners that their credit is shrinking as home prices sag. Some are revoking the entire line of credit, with little or no advance warning.

Diversify Your Portfolio: Invest Internationally

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 02/26/2008

As economic growth speeds up outside the U.S., it may be the right time to include some foreign equities in your portfolio. Since foreign markets don't necessarily move in the same direction as U.S. markets, it helps keep your portfolio diversified.

Bad Credit? Repair It With A Credit Card

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 02/25/2008

Do you have bad credit? Imagine that you're a baseball player up at bat. Bad credit is like having two strikes against you. However, you're not out just yet, and there are ways to improve your situation. Instead of swinging a Louisville Slugger, you're going to use a credit card to get yourself out of a jam.

Avoid Foreclosure at any Price

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 02/24/2008

Foreclosures will adversely affect millions of people across the U.S. this year, with long-range personal and financial repercussions. If at all possible, avoid foreclosure-even if it requires drastic measures-in order to sidestep this homeowner catastrophe.

Four Ideas for Student Loan Consolidation

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 02/23/2008

To consolidate or not to consolidate? Hamlet might have asked this question if he had graduated from college with student loans. If you're considering a loan consolidation, you'd be wise to follow a few simple tips.

Home Equity: Understanding Bridge Loans

By:: Amelia R. Frost - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 02/22/2008

You've found the perfect house for you and your family, but the house you're living in hasn't sold yet. Where are you going to get the money to make sure that the new house doesn't get away? A bridge loan, although risky, may get you through these troubled waters.

The Best Time for an Auto Loan Refinance

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 02/21/2008

Refinancing an auto loan is a lot like pistons firing on an engine. Unless the timing is right, everything will break down. If you're considering a car loan refinance, remember this, and you'll save big bucks as you travel down the financial freeway.

Understanding Yields on CDs

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 02/20/2008

CDs have rates and they have yields. Knowing the difference between the two could mean a few more dollars in your pocket.

Refinancing? Protect Yourself from Surprises at Closing

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 02/19/2008

If you plan to refinance your mortgage, it's important to understand the expenses involved. Otherwise, you may get to the closing table and have a rude awakening. Thanks to lots of relatively small costs that add up quickly, paying for a refinance can get surprisingly expensive.

Escape the Reset Crisis with a Refinance

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 02/18/2008

Pay attention to the details if you have an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM). Many three-year ARMs are scheduled to reset during the next 18 months, and many homeowners aren't prepared for the drastic payment increase.

Credit Cards: Sometimes a Sensible Choice

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 02/17/2008

Most people cringe at the thought of debt-and justifiably so. Being heavily in the red can limit your purchasing power and potentially lower your credit score. But there are times when the use of debt, particularly credit cards, makes a great deal of sense.

Refinancing Your Auto Loan

By:: Amelia R. Frost - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 02/16/2008

Many people don't realize that when interest rates drop, they can refinance their car loan just as they could their mortgage. It's an easy process that could save them substantial money every month.

Retirees: Tap Home Equity for Financial Security

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 02/15/2008

Many retirees fret about financial security, but those with accumulated equity can find peace of mind by tapping into it in one of two ways. Reverse mortgages and home equity loans both work well to provide retirement income.

Four Homeowner Tips for "Short Sales"

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 02/14/2008

As a last ditch effort to avoid foreclosure and the ruining of their credit ratings, homeowners sometimes ask lenders for permission to do a "short sale." This transaction may be beneficial to you, but first weigh the pros and cons to be sure.

Know Your Home Equity Loan Rights

By:: Rachel Terry - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 02/13/2008

Demand for home equity loans has grown steadily in the past 20 years. Back in 1986, Congress eliminated the tax deduction for interest on consumer debt, but upheld the deduction on mortgages and loans backed by mortgages. If you obtain a home equity loan, it's important to understand the Home Equity Loan Consumer Protection Act so that you can go into your loan with your eyes wide open, and be protected.

Use Credit Cards for Giving Gifts

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 02/12/2008

Next to wrapping paper and ribbon, one of the most important holiday gift-giving tools is a credit card. If you paid cash for gifts during the holiday season, you may now be learning that credit cards would've been a smarter choice. They allow you to make and track purchases with ease-essential requirements if you want to prevent the holiday cheer from turning sour.

Hard Times for Bad Credit Mortgage

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 02/11/2008

Today's lending environment has fewer options for bad credit borrowers. If you have spotty credit, learn about the options for low-risk, federally-backed mortgages that won't surprise you with ever-rising interest rates.

Second Mortgage Loans for the Self-Employed

By:: Amelia R. Frost - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 02/10/2008

Self-employed people may find getting an expansion loan a challenging task. However, there are several options available, including no-doc loans, second mortgages, or lines of credit that could provide the financial relief you need.

Home Equity Values Take the Plunge

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 02/09/2008

Home equity is eroding, and it's not just due to plunging real estate values. Homeowners have treated their properties like bank accounts instead of investments, resulting in less equity and loads of potential problems.

Refinancing? Figure out the Break-Even Period

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 02/08/2008

To do a realistic, cost-conscious mortgage refinance, first determine your break-even point, or how long it will take to start gaining a positive return on your investment of the costs of refinancing. With a calendar and a calculator-or help from your number-crunching lender-it's relatively easy.

When Not to Consolidate Student Loan Debt

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 02/07/2008

To a college graduate, the call to "consolidate" is almost as familiar as her school fighting song. But consolidating student loans might not be as warranted as it was in years past-especially in light of recent rate changes.

Five Common Car Purchasing Errors

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 02/06/2008

When learning to drive, many people practice in empty car lots or on country roads. When you're buying a car, you don't get to practice. You only get one shot-so be aware of five common car purchasing errors.

Avoiding 401(k) Pitfalls

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 02/05/2008

Make sure that your retirement years are truly golden by steering clear of these 401(k) investment no-nos.

Home Equity Loans Lose Business to FHA

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 02/04/2008

Federally guaranteed FHA mortgages are gaining momentum as lenders look to return to more traditional and conservative underwriting practices.

Solutions to Curb Post-Debt Consolidation Spending

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 02/03/2008

If you've recently closed on a debt consolidation loan, painful memories of those huge monthly bills are probably still fresh in your mind. Don't forget what happened; instead, learn from your mistakes and curb your post-debt consolidation spending.

Paying Mortgage on Credit Card a Risky Proposition

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 02/02/2008

A credit card feature that's designed for convenience could be getting some homeowners into deep financial trouble.

Taking Advantage of Bad Credit Mortgage Foreclosures

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 02/01/2008

"Buy low, sell high" is the mantra for Wall Street wizards, but it applies to the housing market, as well. When purchasing a property in foreclosure, it's important to do your homework to ensure that the investment is a good one.

Home Equity Loan: Beware of Mortgage Tax

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 01/31/2008

When taking out a home equity loan, several states require that you pay a mortgage recording tax. Don't get caught off-guard by this tax. Here's an example of how it works in New York City.

Refinancing and Interest Rate Lock-ins

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 01/30/2008

To lock or not is a question that plagues many consumers when they decide to refinance a loan. The rate might be yours for years, so it's advised that you make an informed and savvy decision.

Down Payment Considerations and Potential Hazards

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 01/29/2008

Coming up with a down payment is only half the challenge for homebuyers. Deciding how much to pay can be just as difficult, because of the significant financial consequences.

Four Questions to Ask Your Auto Loan Lender

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 01/28/2008

When you're making a big purchase like a car, take time to play 20 questions. It's important that you understand a deal from top to bottom. The following four questions cover some critical areas.

Using Your Home's Equity to Finance the Big Wedding Day

By:: Amelia R. Frost - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 01/27/2008

When saving for the future, many people forget that their children's weddings will be another huge expense. Home equity loans or home equity lines of credit are viable, fast, and easy financial options that can help make it a very special day.

Choosing the Right Mortgage to Remodel

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 01/26/2008

Paying for a remodeling project with a home loan is usually a good idea. But choosing exactly the right type of mortgage instrument may require some planning and calculation.

Leveraging Your Mortgage: Why it Pays

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 01/25/2008

Maintaining mortgage debt is sometimes a faster path to wealth than paying off your house entirely and being totally debt free. With a mortgage, you can leverage a huge amount of money with a relatively small monthly payment, and enjoy substantial perks along the way.

Unusual Techniques for Selling Your Home

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 01/24/2008

If you look at the unconventional techniques being used in the real estate business, you might think that "desperate times call for desperate measures." Some of these more unorthodox real estate techniques are actually working.

Investing With A Conscience: Socially Responsible Mutual Funds

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 01/23/2008

With socially responsible mutual funds, you can make money and still sleep at night. Are they right for your portfolio?

Is Escrow Right for Your Refinance?

By:: Amelia R. Frost - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 01/22/2008

When refinancing a home loan, one of the many decisions that you'll have to make is whether or not to escrow your homeowner's insurance and property taxes. Some say yes, others no. Which option is right for you?

Five Financial Aid Tips

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 01/21/2008

A rite of passage for any college student involves learning how to manage finances. Not only does this apply credit cards, but also to a huge source of concern: financial aid.

Three Typical Debt Consolidation Mistakes

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 01/20/2008

Hindsight is 20/20. When it comes to debt consolidation, it can also be expensive. To avoid costing yourself big money, learn about some common debt consolidation mistakes before they happen.

Identity Theft Victims: Use Credit Freeze

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 01/19/2008

Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the world, and the need to protect your personal information is growing more and more critical. It's a hot topic, but a "credit freeze" may provide a cool solution.

Women and Car Loans

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 01/18/2008

An Internet connection can be a woman's best friend when it comes to buying and financing a car.

Refinancing in a Tightening Market

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 01/17/2008

Just because times are tough for lenders doesn't mean that you should be shy about pursuing a mortgage refinance. For a variety of reasons, many lenders will welcome your business with open arms, even if your credit is less than perfect.

Don't Get Tripped by Home Equity Loans

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 01/16/2008

In the famed Star Wars series, villains drew much of their power from the "dark side of the Force." In the world of home equity loans, there's also a dark side. Make sure that you understand it fully before you take out a big loan.

Be Your Own Debt Consolidator

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 01/15/2008

People don't have a problem doing their own home improvement projects, especially if they know they can save money by handling the job themselves. You can realize the same kind of savings when you handle your own debt consolidation.

Try a Savings Bank for a HELOC

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 01/14/2008

While mortgage brokers are running in circles trying to find lenders for their customers, savings banks are quietly reaching out to provide mortgages and HELOCs to good credit borrowers.

Five Factors for Refinancing

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 01/13/2008

Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to a mortgage refinance. The more details you know about your current mortgage, the easier it will be for you to decide if it's the right time to refinance that loan.

Solar Home Financing: Alternative to Second Mortgages

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 01/12/2008

Homeowners in Berkeley, Calif., may soon have access to low-cost financing for energy efficient home upgrades. A proposed city program would allow Berkeley homeowners to pay for the installation of solar panels and solar hot water heaters through their property tax bill.

Prepare for Debt Counseling

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 01/11/2008

In Hollywood, the best movies are made when a director knows exactly what he wants to shoot before the filming even starts. You can make your first meeting with a debt counselor just as productive if you bring in all the right materials.

Brokers and IRA Withdrawals

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 01/10/2008

Unsuspecting IRA savers have recently suffered some big losses by following the advice of their brokers. Avoid the same fate by knowing the rules about early IRA withdrawals.

How to Survive the Mortgage Crisis

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 01/09/2008

The current mortgage crisis is creating some horrific history; but you don't have to become one of the depressing statistics. Protect yourself from financial calamity by understanding your mortgage, being honest with your lender, and respecting your budgetary limitations.

Investing in a Second Home

By:: Amelia R. Frost - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 01/08/2008

While some homeowners despair as the housing market slumps, some buyers see it as an opportunity to make an investment. Real estate can be a better long-term investment than CD or money markets, because it offers more potential for profits.

Tips for Finding Bad Credit Mortgages Online

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 01/07/2008

A good attitude can move mountains. It can also help you overcome bad credit. If you've experienced some rough times, but believe you can repair your credit, you will. One way to do it is to do your mortgage shopping online.

A New World for Home Equity Loans

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 01/06/2008

Rising default rates are prompting lenders to change their underwriting guidelines, making it more difficult for many to obtain home equity loans and other types of mortgage financing.

Three Reasons Not to Refinance

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 01/05/2008

When a doctor taps your knee with a rubber hammer, your body's natural reaction is to kick. Similar knee-jerk reactions occur when you examine the monthly savings of a mortgage refinance. But if you close on a loan without knowing some of the reasons not to refinance, you may wind up kicking yourself.

Avoid These Down Market Buyer Mistakes

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 01/04/2008

The real estate market has experienced its most significant slide in years, and homeowners are unloading property at rock-bottom prices. Now might be the time to buy, provided you can avoid some common mistakes.

Proactive and Tax Savvy for the New Year

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 01/03/2008

Start organizing your tax documents now, and have one less thing to worry about when spring fever sets in.

For Investors: Four Tips for Short Sale Purchase

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 01/02/2008

With the nation in a mortgage crisis and many homes headed for foreclosure, the so-called "short sale" has gained popularity. You can benefit from a short sale by getting a discounted price on a home. Here are four tips to minimize risk.

2008: The Year of Credit Card Green

By:: Amelia R. Frost - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 01/01/2008

Credit card companies are offering ways for you to donate to environmentally friendly causes and charities.