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Credit cards and mortgages would be overseen by the new consumer protection agency
07.01.09
By Sarah Beldo On Tuesday, President Barack Obama set plans in motion to create a new consumer agency that would watch over products like credit cards and mortgages. Full Article | News Home 
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- Couples urged to discuss finances 06.14.09
Recently, policy makers, educators and parents have worried that no one has been properly advising kids and young adults about financial literacy. - Vanguard: Consumers leaving nest eggs largely untouched 06.13.09
It's been a tough year for individual investors with retirement money and other savings locked up in funds tracking the stock market. - Americans increasingly tap savings for daily needs 06.10.09
These days families are less and less concerned with where to go for their next week-long vacation and paying more attention to how they will pay their upcoming credit card bill or college tuition due in the fall.
- Consumers continue to keep car parked at home 06.07.09
Massive amounts of credit card debt, worry about job loss and the increasing cost of gas have more recently kept American families from venturing on a vacation. - CT consumers making cuts at mealtime 06.06.09
Debt management is hampering the social schedule of many Americans who may have been taking advantage of high credit limits before, but since the onset of the recession have found themselves struggling to make payments. - Baby boomers worried about retirement savings 06.03.09
The economic downturn has caused many Americans to feel insecure about their financial situation and prompted them to cut spending, start paying off credit card debt and look for ways to boost their credit score. - Are you financially fit? 06.02.09
Going the gym, taking yoga classes and buying organic food are some of the trends that many Americans embrace as a way to stay fit and lead a healthier lifestyle. - Budget services win consumer approval 05.21.09
Many American consumers have had to rethink and likely transform their household budget to reflect the ongoing threat of layoffs, falling home values and, for many, mounting credit card debt. - Financial woes cramp vacation plans 05.20.09
Credit card debt, looming foreclosure and rebuilding lost savings are just a few of the financial struggles Americans may be facing. Those financial woes could also be a reason fewer families are taking vacations this year. - Energy costs drive drop in CPI 05.17.09
Although many households are struggling with debt management, a recently released economic indicator shows that consumer prices paid over the month dropped. - While it's fun to blame banks, the time is right to look inward 05.14.09
While the momentum de jour is clearly against the lender and for the consumer, it's important that we don't overlook an inconvenient and politically incorrect truth, which is that we're as much to blame as anyone else in this meltdown. - Consumers say saving is still difficult 05.13.09
Are you clipping coupons, eating out less and foregoing vacations but somehow still finding yourself in a financial quagmire? - Consumers set to resume spending? 05.11.09
A number of economic indicators suggest that consumers are remaining conservative with their spending habits and keeping credit cards tucked away in their wallets. - Credit unions appeal to the masses 05.09.09
Consumers who may feel duped by some of the practices related to mortgage loans or other financial products offered at traditional banks are increasingly seeking out alternative resources to help manage their money. - Index: Consumer confidence returning 05.02.09
Americans may still have a bevy of recession-related concerns, from paying off credit card debt to making home loan payments on time, but their attitude seems to be brightening. - Americans not overly optimistic about finances 04.28.09
Although some people may be cautiously preparing themselves to hope for a turnaround for the American economy, many are still pessimistic about their personal financial situation. - Income problems cited in home loan defaults 04.26.09
Unemployment, salary freezes and other income woes are clearly among the effects of the recession that are having the most profound impact on American families. - President to focus on credit card abuses 04.21.09
Given its importance on the agenda of federal and state policy makers as well as around the dinner table of many American homes, stopping credit card abuse is now finding its way to the desk of the president. - Consumers remain disgruntled with tax process 04.20.09
With the often worrisome tax filing deadline - April 15 - just passed, many consumers are likely breathing a sigh of relief and others are anxiously awaiting a tax refund. - Social pressure affects spending, saving patterns 04.18.09
When it was popular to spend money on designer brands, celebrity chef restaurants and exotic destination weddings, many American consumers were quick to throw their money in the same directions. - Young savers plan for future 04.17.09
As their parents near retirement, some having watched their lifetime savings be depleted as the credit crisis lingers, a growing number of younger adults in the workforce are planning more aggressively for the future. - Consumers changing spending patterns 04.15.09
April is not just reserved for Earth Day - it is also Financial Literacy month. While many Americans are making an extra effort to save and better manage their finances, a new survey reveals that they're not all planning for their financial futures. - Consumer confidence on the rise 04.13.09
Spring welcomes new life and beginnings and this season, it seems that many people have already taken a fresh, positive view of their finances. - Are U.S. consumers ready to adopt mobile banking? 04.12.09
Managing personal finances has become an increasingly challenging task for many Americans given today's economy. From managing credit card balances to home loan payments, many consumers are searching for an easier way to manage their money - but without an additional fee. - IRS reminds consumers of potential tax deduction 04.11.09
Did your credit card company charge you a fee to pay federal individual income taxes electronically? If they did and if you are a taxpayer that itemizes deductions, you may be eligible for a tax credit. - Identity and credit card theft now Americans' biggest concern 04.07.09
It's a good idea to pay attention to your credit score and watch for any suspicious activity that may appear on your credit report. In this shaky economy, a new study finds that consumers are most worried about identity and credit card theft. - Purchase your dream car and save on 2009 taxes 04.05.09
Just when you may have been agonizing over financial issues such as bills, credit reports and taxes, the IRS offers a bit of good news. - Some see recession lasting two more years 04.05.09
Opinion polls across the country conducted by a number of organizations are mixed, leaving consumers to wonder when the economy will really turn around. - Automakers woo consumers with protection promises 04.04.09
Would zero percent financing on a new vehicle make you more willing to take out an auto loan and buy a car? - Consumers pessimistic about economy, jobs 04.01.09
Managing household finances during uncertain financial times has left many consumers feeling pessimistic about the short-term economic outlook. - First-time homebuyers hunting for bargains 03.27.09
With home prices well off their 2008 levels, a number of first-time buyers are taking out home loans and scooping up discounted real estate. - Debit card slip-ups cost consumers plenty 03.25.09
Banks that automatically enroll customers in overdraft protection services say it is a courtesy, but some account holders hit with fees are not so sure. - Worried workers cutting back on food spending 03.25.09
Some 90 percent of U.S. employees are planning to rein in spending this year, with nearly half saying they will cut back on food and dining, according to a Tell It Now survey recently released by ComPsych Corporation, the world's largest provider of employee assistance programs and worldwide leader in GuidanceResources EAPs, behavioral health, wellness, work-life and crisis intervention services). - Fed flexes muscles at banks deceiving consumers 03.23.09
Do you ever wonder who is looking out for your best interest at banks offering financial products like mortgages, auto loans and other types of personal financing? - CT bill would cut auto insurers' reliance on credit scores 03.19.09
Residents of Connecticut may soon find that their credit scores have less relevance when being considered for auto insurance. - Homeowners, new hires eligible for tax breaks 03.15.09
For consumers struggling to manage credit card debt and make ends meet on a tighter budget, there may be some tax relief just around the corner. - Consumers making 'tough choices' about spending 03.15.09
Some consumers considered to have a 'good' credit score not long ago are now finding it more difficult to get financing for big purchases. - Banks offer perks to new account holders 03.11.09
These days, consumers with money to spend are more frequently doing the opposite - stashing hard earned dollars in the bank for a rainy day. - Federal Reserve Board reaches out to consumers 03.07.09
Taking decisive action to help stop foreclosure is prudent by homeowners suffering at the hands of economic instability. - Consumers continue to save, auto sales plummet 03.05.09
Given ongoing financial uncertainty, consumers are largely remaining in saving mode - forgoing large purchases until job prospects return and credit card debt is paid off. - Consumers spent more in January 03.02.09
After six months of cutting back, American consumers increased their spending in January, according to new figures. - Experts predict recession to end late 2009 02.24.09
A new February outlook shows that despite expectations for increased unemployment and declining housing prices, an end to the recession could be in sight. - Tax credits may be seen in this spring's paychecks 02.23.09
Wondering when you will start to enjoy the benefits of the recently passed economic stimulus package? - Credit scores may soon be off-limits for Florida insurers 02.23.09
Insurance regulators in Florida are trying to prevent insurers from using customers' credit scores to determine how much they pay for premiums. - Survey finds Americans less happy with banks 02.17.09
As the fallout from the subprime mortgage crisis continues to affect lending of all types, U.S. consumers are less happy with their banks than they were one year ago. - Cash-strapped shoppers tone down Valentine's spending 02.13.09
Recession-minded consumers looking for ways to cut back on their spending in 2009 are making no exception for Valentine's Day, research reveals. - Govt unveils new plan to help free up credit 02.10.09
As the most recent data from the Federal Reserve's bank survey reveals, despite last year's bailout, many financial institutions remain reluctant to lend. - Consumer spending continues to fall 02.03.09
Americans were in no mood to live it up over the holidays, new Commerce Department figures from December suggest. - Consumer confidence edges up 02.02.09
Amid the regular barrage of gloomy headlines, consumers saw a mild ray of hope in January, according to a new poll. - Obama and team make plans to unfreeze credit 01.23.09
The Obama administration has pledged to take decisive action to address the country's economic problems - and they have also made it clear they are aware of the immense difficulty of this task. - Stores going to great lengths to lure back shoppers 01.21.09
The average American is probably more likely to be thinking about paying off credit card debt than shopping for new purchases right now. - Changes to credit limits affect consumer spending 01.20.09
As credit card companies continue to face a high percentage of credit card delinquencies, many providers have been looking for ways to recoup lost profits. - Survey: Americans fed up with bailouts 01.19.09
The majority of Americans do not want the government to spend more money on bailing out financial institutions, a new poll reveals. - Consumers focusing on bargains 01.12.09
It seems that price has become the new watchword for the average shopper, who is no longer willing to open their wallet for costly goods. - Shoppers insisting on lower prices 12.29.08
The holiday season's significant discounts may be setting a precedent regarding what consumers expect to pay in the future, according to a retail expert. - Consumer spending blamed for GDP fall 12.26.08
In another sign that the dollar in your pocket is directly linked to the fortunes of the national economy, the recent downturn in consumer spending is being cited as the main reason for a decrease in a key economic indicator.
- Retail group proposes sales tax holiday 12.24.08
If you are like most Americans, it takes a lot to convince you to open your wallet and make a purchase these days. - Retailers continue to trot out bargains 12.22.08
In past years, Black Friday may have been the best day to secure a deal on holiday gifts, but this year the special offers show no sign of slowing down. - Fed slashes rates again - but will it help? 12.17.08
When the Federal Reserve announced on Tuesday that it would be slashing the federal funds rate to .25 percent, it may have been trying to send a message that it is prepared to go to great lengths to boost the economy. - Prices tumbling, but people still spending less 12.15.08
If you are like most Americans these days, it takes a lot to make you open your wallet. - Consumers snag deals with online coupons, rewards cards 12.11.08
Are you getting the best deals? That is the question that consumers across the country are asking themselves as they move through the holiday season. - Love in the time of financial crisis 12.08.08
When all of the news seems to be bad, who do you turn to for comfort? The person you love, of course. But what if you aren't in a relationship?
- Record jobs losses prompt consumer concern 12.06.08
In the week officials finally acknowledged the country was in recession, further negative news in the jobs market will give increasing cause for concern to the ordinary person wondering how to balance the books in the run-up to Christmas or pay down mounting credit card debt. - Consumers looking to snag online deals 12.04.08
Christmas is fast upon us and gifts need to be bought. In spite of the economic turbulence besieging financial markets around the globe, pocketbooks will inevitably be opened, credit cards swiped and - when chance arises - deals snagged.
- Consumer optimism refuses to die 12.03.08
American consumers are a hardy bunch. The international financing system has gone into a meltdown not seen - according to many - since the dark days of 1929, and the knock-on effect on your average Joe has not been slow in following.
- Take steps toward a 'recession proof' life 12.01.08
With the U.S. officially in recession, it's understandable to be concerned about the state of economy. A constant diet of dire economic headlines seems to be the perfect recipe for keeping the average person awake at night. - Americans plan to watch their holiday spending 11.24.08
Does it feel like the credit crunch has put a lump of coal in your stocking? - Index: Consumer prices plummeting 11.20.08
At first, the headlines may sound like good news: consumer prices have fallen at their steepest rate in over 60 years. - New Survey: Consumer Outlook Bleak for Holiday Shopping Season 11.20.08
According to a new national survey from Credit.com, consumers are very concerned about the upcoming holiday shopping season and don't think 2009 will be any better. - Troubled banks penalize customers 11.13.08
At first, a small hike in bank fees for a routine transaction may not seem like a big deal. But, over time, little changes can add up in a big way. - Consumers agree: We're in a recession 11.11.08
The vast majority of consumers believe the U.S. is currently in a recession - and many have adjusted their financial habits accordingly, a new poll by Nielsen reveals. - Be prepared for tax changes in 2009 11.10.08
As the end of the tax year approaches, you may already be thinking about how to spend your upcoming refund - or where to find the extra funds to pay what you will owe. - Is your credit score high enough? 11.04.08
You may have heard it before, but your credit score really does make a difference to your ability to snag the best rate on mortgages, credit cards and loans - particularly in the current economy. - The Fed cuts interest rates - again! 10.30.08
In recent months, the government has taken a number of strong actions in the attempt to soothe the unruly stock market and give economic growth an energy boost. - Tuition hikes take their toll 10.30.08
Attending college is an expensive endeavor - and the costs just seem to keep rising. - Consumers fill their piggy banks 10.29.08
Americans' proclivity for spending and accumulating debt instead of saving for the future seems to have been turned on its head as a result of the credit crunch.
- Price chops aim to lure Christmas shoppers 10.28.08
If you usually wait until the day after Thanksgiving to snag the best deals on Christmas gifts, this year's options may offer temptation that is difficult to resist. - Big name lenders suffer big-time losses 10.22.08
It is a familiar story by now - a major company or financial institution announcing that its profits have dropped and its future is uncertain. - Weekend road trip? Americans say no thanks 10.22.08
Do you sometimes feel like you're choosing between taking the family for a Sunday drive and funding your retirement? - Some relief arrives at the pump 10.20.08
As your personal finances are stretched further and the country's economic future remains uncertain, you may be forgiven for not noticing that there is one cost that has actually been headed downward in recent weeks: gas. - Don't let bank changes take you by surprise 10.14.08
The current trend of bank mergers may seem to be something that is happening in a land far, far away (aka Wall Street), but the repercussions of these actions can make a difference to your day-to-day banking. - For coupon clippers, pennies add up quickly 10.14.08
With mind-boggling figures such as $700 billion bandied around by the media on a daily basis, it can be easy for the average person to lose sight of the numbers that count. - Budgeting gains popularity among cash-strapped Americans 10.13.08
Tossing and turning, endless worry, anxiety headaches - are you a victim of the credit crunch? - Don't get left out in the cold due to fuel costs 10.08.08
For some people, it could be a very cold winter. That is not the prediction of trained meteorologists, but rather a logical conclusion based on new warnings that heating costs are set to rise this year. - Banking woes make consumers cautious 10.07.08
These days, every morning seems to bring a fresh headline describing how yet another ripple from the credit crunch is adding to banks' many woes. - Credit freeze 'going into overdrive' 10.01.08
The personal finance difficulties being experienced by consumers will hit the economy particularly hard as 2008 closes, it has been suggested. - Consumer spending weakens 09.29.08
Americans' personal finance situation continues to weaken, new figures show.
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