Strategies for the Not-Yet-Ready-For-Retirement Crowd

Some people aren't saving enough for a comfortable retirement. Here's how to improve that situation today.

Overview of Second Mortgages

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.

Entrepreneurs: Grow Your Business During Recessionary Times

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.

Eight Hints to Boost Your Savings

During these challenging economic times, it's more important than ever to save your money.

Rate Update 2008-05-30: Bonds Up; Income and Consumer Sentiment As Expected

Bonds were up today, mortgage rates should improve by about .375 to price.

Families Paying for College

The cost of a college education is rising, and financial aid calculations may ask you to contribute more than you can realistically afford.

Mortgage Rates Hit 11-week High

Fannie Mae on Thursday announced that 30-year fixed rate mortgages averaged 6.08 percent this week. It's jumped to its highest level since mid-March amid growing concerns about inflation. At the same point last year, the 30-year loan averaged 6.42 percent.

Mortgage Application Volume Falls 4.6 Percent

Applications for home mortgages slipped for a second consecutive week to a seasonally adjusted 4.6 percent as borrowing rates crept higher according to figures published by the Mortgage Bankers Association for the week ending May 23, 2008.

Five Ways to Spruce Up Your Home's Exterior

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

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?

Knowing whether your commitment letter is firm or conditional can spare you from some ugly surprises.

Rate Update 2008-05-29: Bonds Weaken; Stock Market Posts Gains

Bonds were down today, and mortgage rates rose by about a half of a discount point.

Mortgage Crisis: Learning from the UK

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

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.

Home Prices Plummet 14.1 percent in First Quarter

A clear indication of dwindling consumer confidence in the housing market was revealed on Tuesday as a closely watched housing index shows prices of single-family homes plunged a record 14.1 percent in the first quarter compared with a year earlier, the lowest since its inception in 1988.

Rate Update 2008-05-28: Mortgage Rates Continue To Rise

Rates continued to rise today on stronger than expected economic news. Expect rates to increase by .25 of a discount point over yesterday.

Tapping Home Equity? Try The Oh-So-Desirable Credit Union

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.

Rate Update 2008-05-27: Rates Up After Memorial Day Holiday Weekend

Bonds open down after the holiday weekend, despite weak consumer confidence reports. Rates should increase by .125 to the points.

Greenspan Speaks Out on U.S. Economy

Former Federal Reserve chairman, Alan Greenspan has echoed the sentiments of Warren Buffet, by saying the United States was still more likely than not to have a recession despite relative stabilization in the economy in recent weeks.

Proof From The Fed: It's Tougher to Borrow

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.

Certificates of Deposit: The New Hot Story

What's old is new again, as certificates of deposit are becoming an increasingly attractive investment vehicle.

Foreclosures of the Rich and Infamous

Celebrities may not be rich forever. The foreclosure wave is an equal opportunity tsunami.

Memorial Day Lesson: Summer Financial Planning

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.

Buffet Sees U.S. in Recession

Warren Buffet, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway Inc and one of the world's wealthiest men in a recent interview on Sunday said he believes the U.S. economy is already in a recession.

The Truth About Car Title Loans

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.

Recipe To Prepare For A Bad Credit Mortgage Application

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.

Financing A Graduate School Education

Because it's never too late to go back to school, here's what you need to know to finance a graduate education.

Fed's Kroszner - Mortgage Market Recovery Will Take Time

Fed Governor Randall Kroszner, addressing a conference of state bank supervisors, said that mortgage markets will recover slowly with more emphasis on improved risk management techniques needed to help recovery.

Rate Update 2008-05-23: Rising Fuel Prices Help Mortgage Rates

Bonds were up on Friday as stocks continued to weaken on rising energy prices.

New Technologies For Seniors

Affordable high-tech gadgets and services can make senior living safer and more comfortable.

Mortgage Application Volumes Down 7.8 Percent

According to data from the Mortgage Bankers' Association (MBA), weekly mortgage applications fell by 7.8 percent in the week ending May 16 and by 9.4 percent on the same time last year.

Rate Update 2008-05-22: Rates Sink on Inflation Concerns

Bonds sank today on concerns about inflation. Rates will increase today by .375 to price.

Use Internet Technology For Foreclosure Savvy

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.

Rate Update 2008-05-21: Fed Signals No More Rate Cuts

Bonds were down today as the FOMC minutes were released showing inflation concern.

Uncle Sam as a Mortgage Investor

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.

Senate Passes Mortgage Aid Bill

Despite opposition from the Bush administration, Senate Banking Committee leaders have agreed upon a housing bill designed to prevent foreclosures and create affordable housing for an increasingly beleaguered mortgage industry.

Fannie and Freddie off S&P Downgrade Review

Standard & Poor's announced on Monday it was no longer reviewing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for a negative rating by affirming both government sponsored enterprises with a stable outlook.

Rate Update 2008-05-20: Rates Down Despite Inflation Indications

Bonds were up today despite stronger than expected inflation indicators. Rates will be down by .25 to the points today.

Lenders Avoiding Foreclosure Rescue

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

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?

Fannie Mae Relaxes Requirements for Loan Repayments

Government sponsored enterprise; Fannie Mae has decided to set a single national standard for downpayments on mortgages it buys in a bid to stimulate the housing market.

Five top Mortgage Errors

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.

Rate Update 2008-05-19:

Mortgage markets are flat today as no economic data moved the market one way or another. Rates should stay even with Friday's levels.

Home Equity Loan Traps

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.

Police Officer Charged in Mortgage Loan Scam

A veteran officer has been charged for his involvement in a string of mortgage scams that duped lenders into parting with hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Avoid Bankruptcy With Debt Consolidation

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.

Pros and Cons of Teen Credit Cards

Teen credit cards may offer convenience, but there are risks involved, too.

Building Credit Without A Credit Card

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

Home equity lines of credit are powerful financial tools. Understand the fine print before you sign.

Not-To-Be-Missed Tax Deductions

Get organized now to lower your 2008 tax bill by reviewing some commonly overlooked tax deductions.

Rate Update 2008-05-16: Housing Starts Stronger Than Expected, Yet Consumer Confidence Weak

Markets were flat Friday following mixed economic news. Rates however should improve by as much as .375 to the points as a result of Thursday afternoon trading.

Mortgage Rates in Slight Decline

Rates on 30-year mortgages fell for the second consecutive week by 4 basis points to 6.01 percent with an average 0.6 point for the week ended May 15, a weekly survey released by Freddie Mac on Thursday revealed.

Mortgage Application Volumes Climb

Mortgage applications again rose for a second consecutive week by 2.9 percent. The rise for the week ending May 9 has been largely fueled by an increase in demand for home refinancing loans as interest rates dropped.

Rate Update 2008-05-15: Industrial Production Weaker Than Expected

Bonds were up today on weaker than expected economic data. Industrial Production in April showed a larger than expected decline, which is good news for mortgage rates.

Recast Your Mortgage

When circumstances make it tough for you to make your mortgage payments, consider asking your lender about a mortgage recast.

FBI Warns of Rising Mortgage Fraud

The FBI, which is currently involved in over 1300 active investigations into mortgage 'irregularities' reported on Tuesday that as a result of the sinking housing market, they expect to witness a sharp rise in the number of 'suspicious' mortgage activity reported.

Renters Get Hit By Subprime Crisis

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.

Tracking Your Personal Finances

The best-laid budget plans can fail if you don't track your expenses properly. Here's how to do it right.

Rate Update 2008-05-14: Rates Drop As Inflation Concerns Ease

Bonds opened up today on relaxed inflation concerns. Rates should drop by about .25 to the points.

Rate Update 2008-05-13: Rates Up on Strong Retail Sales Data

Bonds were down this morning on the release of stronger than expected economic data. Rates will likely be higher by as much as .375 to price.

Michael Jackson's Neverland Escapes Foreclosure

Pop legend Michael Jackson has averted foreclosure on his Neverland Ranch, following late intervention from real estate investment firm, Colony Capital.

Four Most Important Lender Questions

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.

Rate Update 2008-05-12: Rates Flat, Stocks Up

Bonds were up today despite stock market gains, and rates will likely stay flat or increase today as a result of weakness in bonds from Friday afternoon.

Jingle Mail May be Urban Myth

Despite reports to the contrary, a trend described as "walking away" or "jingle mail" which involves homeowners voluntarily defaulting on their loans even though they possess the means to make payments has been dismissed by experts as a myth.

Six Tips for Buying Foreclosures

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.

Buying Stocks During Volatile Times

Investors who do their homework can profit from uncertainty in the stock market. You can do it, too.

Feel secure with FHASecure Loans

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

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

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

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.

Rate Update 2008-05-09: Bonds Continue to Strengthen as Stocks Weaken

The bond market was up again today on stock market weakness. Expect another decline of .25 to price today.

Finding Deals on Student Loans

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.

Be Proactive to Avoid Bad Credit

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

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.

Get Tax Ready for 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.

Mortgage Crisis: Did the Media Get it Right?

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.

Mortgage Bill gets House Approval

The House of Representatives on Thursday approved legislation to create a $300 billion mortgage insurance fund designed to provide billions more in homeowner aid.

Seller Financing Making a Comeback

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

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.

Mortgage Lenders under Spotlight at Senate Hearing

In an ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities by mortgage lenders, the Senate on Tuesday heard testimony from the Chief Executive of Countrywide Financial Corporation, Steve Bailey and Katherine Porter, a professor at the University of Iowa.

Rate Update 2008-05-08: Bonds Continue Rally From Wednesday

Bonds were up today, building on the rally from yesterday. Rates will drop today by at least .25 to price.

Fannie Mae Reports Bigger Than Expected Loss

Fannie Mae posted a big first-quarter loss of $2.2 billion Tuesday and said it planned to raise $6 billion through a stock offering to shore up its balance sheet.

Rate Update 2008-05-07: Rates Flat Despite Productivity Gains

Rates were flat today despite better than expected economic news. Retail rates should be unchanged to slightly higher over yesterday, due to yesterday afternoon weakness in bonds.

Retirement: Time To See The World

You've been saving up for retirement all your life. It's time to enjoy the fruits of your labor.

FHA Mortgage Insurance: An Overview

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.

Fed Head Demands Action over Foreclosure Fears

Federal Reserve Chairman, Ben Bernanke has urged action from the government and mortgage lenders in a bid to stave off the threat of foreclosure to millions of households around the country.

VA Mortgage Loans

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.

Easy Guide to Buying Your First Home

Don't let the gloomy mortgage news scare you; buying your first home is still a step-by-step process.

Is Subprime Crisis Nearing an End?

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.

Rate Update 2008-05-06: Bonds Increase, Fannie Mae Lending Power Enhanced

Treasury bonds increased further today, on rebounding stocks. Fannie Mae the largest US Mortgage company, posted a larger than expected quarterly loss.

Mortgage Brokers, Bankers, or Loan Officers: Know the Differences

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.

Rate Update 2008-05-05: Quiet Week Ahead For Rates?

Bonds were relatively calm today despite a drop in the stock market. Rates may edge up about .125 to price today.

Eight tips to Avoid Foreclosure

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.

Government Subprime Probe Intensifies

The FBI along with federal, state and local agencies is looking into potential crimes ranging from mortgage fraud by brokers to securities fraud, inside trading and accounting fraud, according to reports from the Wall Street Journal.

Subprime Crisis Hurting Non-Profits

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.

Investments: Make a Killing from the Mortgage Fiasco

In big disasters, you'll find stock market opportunities. Say hello to investing in survivors of the mortgage fiasco.

House Panel Approves Bill to Assist Borrowers

The House of Representatives Financial Services Committee on Thursday approved a sweeping bill led by the Democrats to finance $300 billion in distressed mortgages with the aim of helping homeowners facing the threat of foreclosure.

Credit Card Do's and Don'ts

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

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.

Rate Update 2008-05-02: Rates Jump on Strong Employment Report

Bonds were sharply down and rates increased following stronger than expected jobs data, signifying renewed concerns about inflation.

Rates on 30-year Mortgages Reach 7 Week High

Long-term mortgage rates ended the week mixed, with the 30-year fixed rate average rising, as markets reacted to news of higher inflation.

Four Life Saving Tips If You Can't Pay Taxes

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.

Mortgage Applications Drop to 2008 Low

The Mortgage Bankers Association's leading index of mortgage activity dropped to its lowest level this year.

Rate Update 2008-05-01: Rates Down In Anticipation of Employment Report

Interest rate markets were up today despite the release of stronger than expected economic data.