loans
Taking out the right loans is a key part of achieving financial success, while the wrong loans can bring high payments and interest charges that can do serious harm to your budget and financial outlook. We help you understand the latest news and trends in financing so you know as much as possible about this essential tool in your financial arsenal.
Need a New Car? Hope You Don’t Live in Miami
August 14, 2017 | Dori Zinn
Most American households can’t afford new cars in all but one of the largest metro areas in the country.
18 States Say Betsy DeVos Is a Failure
August 3, 2017 | Brandon Ballenger
The education secretary is being sued for siding with for-profit schools over students. But at least she’s learning from her mistakes.
Here Are All The Ways Your Credit Score Is About To Jump
July 17, 2017 | Dori Zinn
Crippling debt can totally kill our credit history, which makes buying a home or car or even getting a credit card nearly impossible. But some new changes to reporting are going to seriously boost your credit score.
Is It The CFPB Versus The Education Department?
July 6, 2017 | Brandon Ballenger
Looks like Richard Cordray and Betsy DeVos are going to fight over student loan forgiveness.
How Do I Stop Being a Co-Signer On A Student Loan?
June 14, 2017 | Howard Dvorkin, CPA
A reader wants to know how to stop being financially responsible for someone else’s debt.
Is It Legal For Debt Collectors To Ring My Doorbell?
June 7, 2017 | Howard Dvorkin, CPA
This week: A reader asks about debt collectors, repo men, and “Fonzi” schemes.
Are You Paying the Wrong Debt First?
June 6, 2017 | Dori Zinn
We’re paying off unsecured personal loans faster than auto loans, mortgages, and credit cards and we probably shouldn’t be.
Donald Trump’s Student Loan Circus
May 25, 2017 | Brandon Ballenger
He wants to ditch almost everything that helps students save money and manage debt in order to “prioritize students” and “empower parents.”
4 Ways Home Equity Loans Can Sink Your Finances
May 5, 2017 | Money Talks News
Are you setting yourself up to fail?
How to Refinance Your Car Loan for Long-Haul Savings
April 28, 2017 | Money Talks News
In spite of recent interest rates hikes, you may still be able to save money by refinancing.
Why the CFPB Still Has a Fighting Chance
March 16, 2017 | Brandon Ballenger
Republicans may hate it, but the courts — and even Mike Pence’s economist — don’t.
The 3 Golden Rules of Lending to Friends and Family
March 3, 2017 | Money Talks News
Here’s what to say when a relative or friend hits you up for a loan.
25 Things I Learned About Betsy DeVos By Reading Her Own Words
February 9, 2017 | Brandon Ballenger
Secretary of Education responded (sort of) to more than 140 Congressional questions beyond her confirmation hearing. But nobody talked about it.
Ask The Expert: How Do I Get Out Of My Title Loan?
December 21, 2016 | Steve Rhode
A reader wants to know how he can keep his car. Sadly, he can’t. But he has an option.
How The U.S. Debt Levels Stack Up Against Other Countries
November 22, 2016 | Debt.com
Hint: It’s not as bad as you think.
The 22 biggest money moments on Gilmore Girls
November 16, 2016 | Dori Zinn
As Netflix prepares to release more Gilmore Girls, we take a look back at the sometimes hard-to-believe spending in the original show.
4 Things That Can Be Learned From China’s Debt Crisis
November 10, 2016 | Debt.com
Learn these lessons and you can save more than China does.
Ask The Expert: How Do I Convince My Kid To Take My Money?
September 7, 2016 | Howard Dvorkin, CPA
A reader wants to help her son start a pool-cleaning service, but he refuses to let her.
4 Simple Steps To Get The Very Best Car Loan
August 30, 2016 | Money Talks News
Many people shop backwards for a vehicle — and that’s costly. Here’s how to get the best deal.
Most Everyone Thinks College Is Worth It
August 2, 2016 | Dori Zinn
Most everyone believes college is worth the investment, but a lot of Americans wish that it were free.
Ask The Expert: Can A Dying Person Co-Sign My Student Loan?
July 6, 2016 | Howard Dvorkin, CPA
A reader thinks he found a loophole: Ask a relative with terminal cancer to co-sign his loan.
Ask The Expert: Co-Sign For My Kid’s Student Loan?
June 29, 2016 | Howard Dvorkin, CPA
A reader’s daughter is pleading with him, but he’s hesitating till he hears from Howard.
Student Debt is Promoting a Stagnant Housing Market
June 20, 2016 | Treanna Lawrence
Why many are struggling to buy and sell homes
Ask The Expert: How Do I Deal With $120,000 In Student Loans?
March 23, 2016 | Howard Dvorkin, CPA
A reader is embarrassed she ran up this much debt – as a finance and accounting major.
Ask The Expert: Should I Co-Sign A Car Loan?
March 9, 2016 | Howard Dvorkin, CPA
A reader’s goddaughter needs a new car. But does he need the headache?
The 3 Golden Rules Of Lending To Friends And Family
November 24, 2015 | Money Talks News
Getting together with family during the holidays? Here’s what to say when a relative hits you up for a loan.
This Week Around The Web
September 18, 2015 | Brian Bienkowski
Ignoring student loans, online survey sites, credit card company tricks, frugal habits and bad habits costing you money.
Ask The Expert: Which Friend SHOULDN’T I Lend Money To?
September 16, 2015 | Howard Dvorkin, CPA
A reader is torn between her boyfriend and best friend.
Ask The Expert: Should I Loan My Best Friend $10,000 For Her Credit Cards?
September 2, 2015 | Howard Dvorkin, CPA
A reader inherited some money. Now her high-school pal wants a loan.
Meet The Debt.com Scholarship Winner — And Learn How You Can Be Next
May 4, 2015 | Michael Koretzky
Applicants included single moms, cancer survivors, and a Miss America runner-up. So we’re doing it again.
Get Out of Debt Guy: Is There Hope for Us In Bankruptcy?
April 24, 2015 | Steve Rhode
A reader with $80,000 in credit card debt is looking for a way out, and wants to know whether bankruptcy will solve his problems.
4 Ways To Make FAFSA Faster
April 2, 2015 | Jess Miller
Filling out a FAFSA is a difficult and lengthy process. An expert recommends ways to change that.
The Red Lobster Top Secret Student Loan Program
March 31, 2015 | Jess Miller
When companies try to get young people hired with the promise of ‘tuition assistance,’ here’s what they don’t tell you.
Is It Safer To Take Out A Private Student Loan Than A Public One?
January 8, 2015 | Claire Maurer
When it comes to default rates, private lenders say yes. Some experts disagree.
This week around the web
September 26, 2014 | Jess Miller
Creative ways to save on food, tuition costs, and dating.
The 5 dumbest and smartest ways to pay off your credit card debt
June 30, 2014 | Brian Bienkowski
Credit card use is surging once again – and so is credit card debt. Here’s what to do (and not do) about it.