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Five Indicted in Alleged Mortgage Fraud

By:: MortgageLoan.com - MortgageLoan.com | June 30, 2008

A federal grand jury has indicted five people on federal charges of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and other crimes tied to an alleged mortgage fraud scheme.

Four Ways to Get Out of Debt

By:: MortgageLoan.com - MortgageLoan.com | June 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.

Lose your credit card? What to do next

By:: MortgageLoan.com - MortgageLoan.com | June 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.

Structuring a Debt Consolidation Program

By:: MortgageLoan.com - MortgageLoan.com | June 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.

Rate Update 2008-06-30: July 4th Holiday Week Starts With Rates Flat

By:: Paul King - MortgageLoan.com | June 30, 2008

Monday bonds have been flat, however rates should improve today by about .375 to price due to strength from Friday's trading.

No Elation for Stagflation

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | June 29, 2008

Going against the herd can turn bad times good again.

Investing Tip: Forget the Market…Buy Art!

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | June 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 | June 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.

Financing Perks for Car Buyers

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | June 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.

Second Mortgages: Making A Bad Situation Worse

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | June 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.

New FHA Jumbo Loans to the "Refi" Rescue

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | June 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.

Rate Update 2008-06-27: Stock Weakness Persists, Rates Down

By:: Paul King - MortgageLoan.com | June 27, 2008

Bonds were up again as stock market weakness persisted today. Rates should improve by .125 to price.

Countrywide Sued By States Over Lending Practices

By:: MortgageLoan.com - MortgageLoan.com | June 27, 2008

Countrywide Financial, the mortgage lender that lost $2.5 billion amid rising defaults and foreclosures as well as being widely blamed for worsening the U.S housing crisis through discriminatory lending has been sued by California and Illinois.

Helping Your Adult Child Overcome Debt

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | June 27, 2008

Your grown kids have fallen into debt and may need your financial help. Or do they?

Personal Finance Document Guide

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | June 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.

Six Reasons to Get a Long-Term Mortgage

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | June 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 | June 26, 2008

The road to broken budget plans is paved with good intentions.

Rate Update 2008-06-26: Rates Down On Stock Woes

By:: Paul King - MortgageLoan.com | June 26, 2008

Bonds were up today as stock markets took a beating on fear of continuing problems in the banking sector. Mortgage rates should improve by .25 to price.

Mortgage Application Volumes Continue To Fall

By:: MortgageLoan.com - MortgageLoan.com | June 26, 2008

Mortgage application volumes fell 9.3 percent in the week ended June 20, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association's (MBA) weekly application survey. Overall applications were down 25.3 percent compared with the same week in 2007.

Home Prices Fall at Record Rate

By:: MortgageLoan.com - MortgageLoan.com | June 25, 2008

US home prices experienced an unprecedented slide in April since the S&P/Case-Shiller home price index began in 2000 with every top metropolitan area now posting annual losses and a sizeable percentage of them showing double -digit decline.

Rate Update 2008-06-25: Fed Makes No Change to Key Interest Rates

By:: Paul King - MortgageLoan.com | June 25, 2008

The FOMC finished this afternoon with the announcement from the Fed that there would be no change to key short term interest rates.

Become a Stellar Mortgage Applicant

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | June 25, 2008

You have an edge in getting that loan approval when you know what lenders are looking for in your loan application.

Creative Strategies for Generating Down Payments

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | June 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.

Could Falling Home Prices Be Good?

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | June 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.

Rate Update 2008-06-24: Consumer Confidence at Lowest Level Since February 1992

By:: Paul King - MortgageLoan.com | June 24, 2008

Bonds were up today on weaker than expected economic data. The stock markets are also down, and rates will likely improve by at least .125 to price.

Finding Funds for Second Home

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | June 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 | June 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.

Mortgage Brokers Spend Big on Lobbying

By:: MortgageLoan.com - MortgageLoan.com | June 24, 2008

With Brokers under increasing scrutiny over their role in the housing crisis, the National Association of Mortgage Brokers (NAMB) reported that the organization spent more than $480,000 lobbying in the first quarter.

Rate Update 2008-06-23: Week Focused on FOMC, Consumer Confidence Reading

By:: Paul King - MortgageLoan.com | June 23, 2008

Stocks were down, Bonds were up today, with mortgage rates increasing by about .125 to price today as a result of weakness from Friday afternoon trading.

Debt Consolidation: Now's the Time

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | June 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 | June 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.

Foreclosure Fraud Protection

By:: MortgageLoan.com - MortgageLoan.com | June 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.

Mortgage Rates Rise Fuel Housing Fears

By:: MortgageLoan.com - MortgageLoan.com | June 23, 2008

Rates on home mortgages continued their upward march this week amidst inflation concerns to their highest point since September. While some see the rise as an incentive to dive into the already murky housing markets, others believe this could do further damage to the housing market.

Pointers for Using Credit Card Points

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | June 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.

Callable CDs: Are They Right For You?

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | June 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 | June 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.

Three Tips for Selling a Used Car

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | June 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 | June 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 | June 21, 2008

Four education-related tax breaks take some of the bite out of those crushing college expenses.

FBI Cracks Down on Mortgage Fraud

By:: MortgageLoan.com - MortgageLoan.com | June 20, 2008

The FBI on Thursday announced that it had charged over 400 individuals with mortgage fraud since the beginning of March as part of a nationwide crackdown on questionable mortgage practices that stem from the country's housing crisis.

Second Mortgage HELOCs: Don't Forget the Principal

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | June 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 | June 20, 2008

Education savings plans offering tax breaks ease the burden of saving for your child's college education.

Rate Update 2008-06-20: Rates Down Despite Inflation Indications

By:: Paul King - MortgageLoan.com | June 20, 2008

Rates were down today as stocks took a tumble in trading today and bonds rose.

US Mortgage Applications Index Fall

By:: MortgageLoan.com - MortgageLoan.com | June 19, 2008

Mortgage application volumes fell to 8.7 percent during the week ended June 13 after mortgage rates jumped to its highest level in eight months according to the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) weekly application survey.

Surviving A Layoff

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | June 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.

Creative Ways to Abandon Your Mortgage

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | June 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.

Refinancing: Reduce Those Pesky Fees

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | June 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.

Rate Update 2008-06-19: Leading Economic Indicators Forecasts Better than Expected

By:: Paul King - MortgageLoan.com | June 19, 2008

Bonds were down on Thursday as stocks started to rise in trading today. However, rates should improve about .125 to price, due to strength in bonds from yesterday PM.

Rate Update 2008-06-18: Rates Up Despite Stock Weakness

By:: Paul King - MortgageLoan.com | June 19, 2008

Mortgage rates were again down Wednesday despite stock market weakness. Rates should improve by .25 to price today.

Starting Your Business During A Recession

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | June 18, 2008

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times-to start a small business.

Steps to Avoid Identity Theft

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | June 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.

Four Strategies for Lowest Mortgage Rates

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | June 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.

Mortgage Lenders Pledge Quick Response

By:: MortgageLoan.com - MortgageLoan.com | June 18, 2008

Much maligned mortgage companies have promised to respond to beleaguered borrowers within 45 days, so as to help stem the increase in foreclosures.

Mortgage Servicers Slow at the Wheel

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | June 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.

MGIC Agrees Reinsurance Pact

By:: MortgageLoan.com - MortgageLoan.com | June 17, 2008

MGIC Investment Corp, the largest U.S mortgage insurer on Monday said it will receive up to $50 billion a year of coverage on newly written insurance policies under a reinsurance agreement reached with HCC Insurance Holdings Inc.

Rate Update 2008-06-17: Rates Improve on Weak Economic Data

By:: Paul King - MortgageLoan.com | June 17, 2008

Bonds were up on favorable news for mortgage rates. Rates should improve by .25 to price today.

Four Tips To Sell Your Home Now

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | June 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.

Protect Yourself from Predatory Lending

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | June 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.

HELOCs: Find The Hidden Fees

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | June 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.

Homes Lost to Foreclosure Experience Sharp Rise

By:: MortgageLoan.com - MortgageLoan.com | June 16, 2008

The housing climate received another setback in May, as more than 73,000 homes were lost to bank repossessions in the month of May. It's an increase of 158 percent from the same period last year, when 28,548 homes were dispossessed.

Rate Update 2008-06-16: Tomorrow's PPI Report Anticipated

By:: Paul King - MortgageLoan.com | June 16, 2008

Bonds were up on Monday with no relevant economic news and a mixed stock market. Rates will increase today by approximately a quarter to price due to weakness from Friday.

Debt Consolidation: Is It Worth The Risk?

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | June 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 | June 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.

Freeing Yourself From Credit Cards

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | June 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.

Want Lower Credit Card Rates? Learn to Negotiate!

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | June 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.

Tax Tips for the Self-Employed

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | June 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.

Tax Savvy: Use a Non-Deductible IRA

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | June 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.

Small Car, Big Value: Beating the Gas Challenge

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | June 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.

Rate Update 2008-06-13: Bonds Rise at Week's End

By:: Paul King - MortgageLoan.com | June 13, 2008

After a several days of decline, bonds on Friday rose, despite stock market gains. However, we'll still see higher mortgage rates, as a result of weakness from yesterday afternoon trading, by about .25 to the points.

Fixed Rate Mortgages at 8-month high

By:: MortgageLoan.com - MortgageLoan.com | June 13, 2008

Interest rates for 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages increased to an 8-month high of 6.32 percent with an average 0.7 point for the week ending June 12, Freddie Mac announced on Thursday.

Are Brokers to Blame for Bad Credit Mortgage Crisis?

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | June 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 | June 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 | June 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 | June 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.

Mortgage Application Volumes Rise

By:: MortgageLoan.com - MortgageLoan.com | June 12, 2008

Mortgage applications in the U.S. rose from their lowest level in six years by 10.6 percent week by week, according to a survey conducted by the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA).

Retirement Savings In Rough Markets

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | June 12, 2008

Two words: don't panic.

Guide To Finding Best Refinance Rates

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | June 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?

Be On Guard for Medical Insurance Scams

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | June 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.

Obama Adviser Under Fire Over Mortgage Deals

By:: MortgageLoan.com - MortgageLoan.com | June 11, 2008

Republican presidential nominee, John McCain has criticized his Democratic rival for seeking Campaign advice from former Fannie Mae CEO, Jim Johnson, who the Republicans believe may have improperly received preferential treatment from a controversial mortgage lender.

Rate Update 2008-06-11: Fed Beige Book Shows Weak Economic Conditions

By:: Paul King - MortgageLoan.com | June 11, 2008

The Fed reported late yesterday that economic conditions continue to be "generally weak" throughout the US, according to their Beige Book report from April and May.

Choosing a Recession-Proof Career

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

If you've already started searching for a mortgage-stop! There are some folks you need to meet first.

Increase Your Home's Equity By Going Green

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | June 10, 2008

Incorporating eco-friendly features into your home raises its value and, at the same time, decreases your cost of living.

Pending Home Sales up 6.3 percent

By:: MortgageLoan.com - MortgageLoan.com | June 10, 2008

According to the Pending Home Sales Index released on Monday by the National Association of Realtors, the number of homes under contract to be sold rose to their highest level in six months in April as buyers went bargain hunt.

Rate Update 2008-06-10: Fed Hints At Rate Hike, Rates Rise

By:: Paul King - MortgageLoan.com | June 10, 2008

Bonds were down today on inflation concerns. Stocks were up slightly and mortgage rates should rise by as much as .5 to the price.

Find Financial Freedom with Bi-Weekly Payment Plans

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | June 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.

HELOC Suspension Shock

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | June 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.

Rate Update 2008-06-09: Rates Up on Inflation Concerns

By:: Paul King - MortgageLoan.com | June 09, 2008

Bonds were down Monday as investors looked for inflation safe investment alternatives.

Use Your Rebate for Debt Reduction

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | June 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.

Fed Greenlights Bank of America - Countrywide Merger

By:: MortgageLoan.com - MortgageLoan.com | June 09, 2008

The Federal Reserve has given the Bank of America permission to buy subprime lender, Countrywide Financial Corp.

A Guide to Finding Foreclosures

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | June 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.

How Foreclosures Work

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | June 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.

Say Goodbye To Low Taxes

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | June 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?

Save Money on Car Insurance

By:: Amelia R. Frost - MortgageLoan.com | June 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.

All About Balance Transfers

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | June 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.

Don't Lose A Job Because Of Bad Credit

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | June 07, 2008

A few proactive steps can keep you from missing out on your dream job because of bad credit.

Go Green for Auto Tax Rebates

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | June 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.

Beware of Tax Rebate Scams

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | June 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.

Homeowners vs. Speculators: The Bailout Wars

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | June 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.

US Mortgage Delinquencies and Foreclosures at Record High

By:: MortgageLoan.com - MortgageLoan.com | June 06, 2008

Mortgage delinquencies and foreclosures reached record levels in the first quarter of this year, driven higher by increasing housing despair, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) reported on Thursday.

Rate Update 2008-06-06: May Unemployment Shows Largest Increase In 22 Years

By:: Paul King - MortgageLoan.com | June 06, 2008

Bonds were up and rates were down upon the release of May Unemployment numbers by the Department of Labor.

Living on a Shoestring

By:: Amelia R. Frost - MortgageLoan.com | June 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.

Housing Bailouts: Letting the Chips Fall

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | June 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.

Know Your Mortgage Rates

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | June 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.

Mortgage Applications Drop to 6-Year Low

By:: MortgageLoan.com - MortgageLoan.com | June 05, 2008

The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) on Wednesday announced its Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey which showed a drop of 15.3 percent in mortgage applications volume for the week ending May 30.

Mortgage Crisis Fuels Relationships Breakdowns

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | June 05, 2008

Whether for love or money, the pressures of the current financial climate have taken their toll on relationships across the country.

Rate Update 2008-06-05: Markets Await Jobs Report

By:: Paul King - MortgageLoan.com | June 05, 2008

Markets today were focused on May Unemployment data, scheduled to be released by the Labor Department tomorrow.

Mortgage Rates Undergo a Transformation

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | June 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.

Five Pointers to Survive the Recession

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | June 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 | June 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.

Rate Update 2008-06-04: Productivity Improvements Ease Inflationary Pressure

By:: Paul King - MortgageLoan.com | June 04, 2008

Bonds were down again this morning in trading today as the stock market posted gains again. Rates will still likely decrease today due to strength in bonds from yesterday.

Government-Sponsored Enterprises: An Overview

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | June 04, 2008

Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae are quasi-governmental agencies that were originally established to help you accomplish your financial goals.

Rating Firms Agree to Settlement over Business Practices

By:: MortgageLoan.com - MortgageLoan.com | June 04, 2008

A coalition of leading Wall Street credit rating firms is close to an agreement with New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo to end an investigation into their roles in the subprime-mortgage crisis.

Four Signals We're on the Cusp of Recession

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | June 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.

Three Renovation Tips

By:: Amelia R. Frost - MortgageLoan.com | June 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 | June 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.

Rate Update 2008-06-03: Factory Orders Up, Mortgage Rates Up

By:: Paul King - MortgageLoan.com | June 03, 2008

Bonds were down on stronger than expected economic data and stock market gains. Rates however may stay unchanged over yesterday due to weakness in bonds yesterday afternoon.

Debt Consolidation: A Look from the Other End

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | June 03, 2008

Debt consolidation has consequences, good and bad. Make sure that you know what to expect before you proceed.

Wachovia ousts CEO Amidst Mortgage Crisis

By:: MortgageLoan.com - MortgageLoan.com | June 03, 2008

At the request of board of directors, Kennedy Thompson is to step down as the CEO of Wachovia after eight years at the bank's helm.

The Right Time To Invest

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | June 02, 2008

When is the right time to invest? The answer is steadily and frequently.

Smart Ways to Pay for College

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | June 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.

Credit Cards Are Back in Vogue

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | June 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.

Rate Update 2008-06-02: Bonds Up On Stock Weakness

By:: Paul King - MortgageLoan.com | June 02, 2008

Bonds were up today despite strong economic news. Rates however should still increase about .125 to price due to weakness from Friday's trading.

Gold: A Possible Hedge for Hard Economic Times

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | June 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.

Six Tax Definitions You Can't Live Without

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | June 01, 2008

Sharpen up your tax knowledge with a review of key tax terms.

Beat the Taxman With Tax-Free Income

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | June 01, 2008

Jump start your wealth-building efforts by increasing your tax-free income.

Hope Now to Rescue as Foreclosures Increase

By:: MortgageLoan.com - MortgageLoan.com | June 01, 2008

Foreclosure prevention coalition, Hope Now on Friday announced it had helped 183,000 at-risk borrowers stay in their homes during the month of April.