debt: Mortgage Rates Spike Up Rapidly - 06/04/09 04:56 PM
Mortgage Rates spiked up this week. The 30 year rate jumped from 4.91 to 5.29. This is the highest we have seen mortgage rates all year. Last week mortgage rates moved from 4.82 to 4.91 last week. What is interesting is that in two weeks mortgage rates have moved from near all time lows (the all time low was 4.78) to the highest point of the year. The 15 year rate moved up from 4.53 to 4.79. We did not see as much movement in the arms. The 5 year arm rose from 4.82 to 4.85 and the 1 year arm … (2 comments)

debt: Family Law: What Is the Probate Process? - 05/08/09 05:32 PM
Probate is a term that you've probably heard before in passing when someone has lost a loved one. Although, the term may be familiar, the actual process that applies may be unfamiliar. There is a lot of detail to the mystery of the probate process; however, it is not so difficult that the average bear can't understand when explained in simplified terms.

Probate refers to a court proceeding related to the settlement of a person's estate after death. The decedent's outstanding debts are settled. Legal title to all property is sold and/or formally passes from the decedent to the appropriate … (2 comments)

debt: Tips to Avoid Foreclosure - 02/22/09 05:00 PM
While foreclosure is the last thing a homeowner wants to face, it is an unfortunate reality of our current economic environment. However, by understanding what leads to foreclosure and the process that ensues, you may be in a better situation to act and avoid problems. The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) suggests the following ten tips to homeowners facing foreclosure.

1.) Don't ignore the problem- Avoiding the problem doesn't make it go away. The sooner you act, the easier it is to get help based upon the delinquent fees on your account.

2.) … (4 comments)

debt: Holiday Shopping on a Budget - 09/19/08 06:43 PM
The holiday season is a time for friends, family, togetherness and fun. It's easy to get carried away when stocking up for the holidays from gifts, to food, to party favors and decorations, there are a seemingly endless array of ways to spend money in the name of the holiday season. In fact, the holiday season is the peak time of year for debt accumulation. While everyone wants to enjoy themselves during the holidays, and to show their loved ones how much they care, overspending is not the only (or even the best) way to accomplish these goals. Instead of building … (1 comments)

debt: How to Make a Budget (and Stick to It) - 08/14/08 07:23 PM
Responsible budgeting and money management are skills everyone needs to learn as is the discipline required to put these skills into action. Many people find it difficult to stick to a budget; oftentimes, this is because the budget they created is not realistic. Regardless of the economic climate, it is important to know how to manage your finances and keep track of your spending. In order to do this, you need a budget that you can live with. Here are a few simple steps to get you started.
First things first: before you can put together a reasonable, livable budget, … (1 comments)

debt: Sovereign-Wealth Funds: Savior or Menace? - 01/28/08 10:05 AM
In recent months, the sub-prime crisis has reached unforeseen heights, infiltrating banks and financial institutions worldwide and causing many to report multi-billion losses due to the risky investments going sour. While the underlying economy of the US appears to be relatively robust, and the dollar's continued weakness has made investment and exports more attractive to foreigners than ever before, these factors have not salvaged pessimistic markets: The FTSE has dropped more in the past two business days than any other point since September 11th.
In order for global markets to respond in such a definitive manner, they must either believe … (0 comments)

debt: Fed Credibility goes Down the Tubes - 01/23/08 09:57 AM
On January 22nd, the Federal Reserve cut their most important interest rate for the fourth time in the past six months, in an attempt to stem the widespread sentiment that the US is in, or headed for recession. Their cut comes at a strange time, because they were rumored, nay, expected, to deliver the cut at their monthly rate-setting meeting next week. But after stock and commodity markets suffered their largest losses in one day since the September 11th attacks, it seemed as though no amount of scheduled economic treatment would be able to rally confidence to a more optimistic level, … (0 comments)