Article Archive April, 2008

Retirement Savings Outlook Bleak

By:

Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | April 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 | April 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 Mortgage Changes

By:

Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | April 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.

An Overview of FHA Loans

By:

Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | April 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.

Know Your Bond Terms

By:

Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | April 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 | April 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 | April 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 | April 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.

Is Debt Counseling Right for You?

By:

Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | April 26, 2008

Debt counseling can help those who have no other options, but there are risks involved.

Are Multiple Inquiries Killing Your Credit?

By:

Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | April 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 The Credit Crunch Killing Car Loans?

By:

Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | April 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 | April 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.

Understanding Cash back Mortgage Refinance Loans

By:

Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | April 25, 2008

Learn how to raise the money you need by leveraging your home with a cash back mortgage refinance loan.

Getting The Most From Your 401(k)

By:

Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | April 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 | April 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 | April 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 | April 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 | April 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 | April 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 | April 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 | April 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 | April 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 | April 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 | April 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 | April 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 | April 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 | April 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 | April 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 | April 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.

Ins and outs of Bad Credit Second Mortgages

By:

Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | April 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.

Saving Our Homes: Plans to End the Subprime Crisis

By:

Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | April 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 | April 10, 2008

You can't continue to avoid the prospects of bankruptcy and foreclosure forever. Take action now by considering a strategic debt consolidation.

Refinancing Woes? Meet the Parents!

By:

Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | April 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 | April 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 | April 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 | April 08, 2008

Are you stuck with an investment property and a mortgage? Make the best of the situation-move in.

Mind Your Tax Breaks!

By:

Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | April 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.

Don't Become A Negative Home Equity Statistic

By:

Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | April 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.

Getting Your Money from Reverse Mortgages

By:

Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | April 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 | April 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 | April 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 | April 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.

Credit Cards: When More is Merrier

By:

Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | April 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.

New Jumbo Loan Limits May Ignite a Niche Market

By:

Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | April 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.

FHA Raises Limits on Conforming Mortgages

By:

Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | April 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.

Falling Prices? Keep Your Home Value Rising

By:

Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | April 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 | April 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 | April 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.