Lifestyle and Budget

Improving consumer confidence led to an increase in household debt last quarter, a move not seen since the start of the Great Recession, which hints that households are comfortable borrowing again. 

As frustrating as some businesses make customer service today, cable companies make it more frustrating than the rest.

New to the U.S.? Here's what you need to know about the American credit rating system.

Dave Says: Looking to buy a new car? Run the numbers first. And don’t trash mom and dad’s credit by not paying your student loan bills.

Paying all at once may be harder on your budget, but it's the fastest way to get a crucial credit scoring ratio back out of whack.

If you're a parent, you may be used to financially helping out your kids. But what if the tables turn and your own mom or dad starts coming to you for money? How much should you help them out?

No consumer victim of December's hacking of Target should suffer financial loss. But credit cards provide more superior protections by law than debit ones.

Shifting your debt burden into a mortgage can save you money, but it can also put your home at risk. Learn when this approach makes sense.

Once you have a judgment against, you, it's bad: Some state laws allow them to be in force for decades. But it may fall from your credit report sooner.

As harsh winter weather continues to wallop the Midwest and Northeast, many consumers will be facing higher heating costs.  

When a large error claiming you defaulted suddenly appears on your credit, you have to fight to remove it, but it won't impact other loans

The Department of Health and Human Services announced it will extend the Pre-Existing Conditions Insurance Plan (PCIP) until March 15.

With a wallet full of retail cards, just how do you go about closing the extraneous ones without incurring too much credit score damage?

The economy continues to show signs of new strength, but few consumers appear to be feeling prosperous.

The land of opportunity requires newcomers to establish credit anew once they arrive in the U.S., but you can go from nothing to good credit in a short time

Dave Says: When it comes to teaching kids about money and generosity, parents should take into account three key factors. 

Average premiums nationwide rose 7 percent in 2011, according to an insurance commissioners report.

Dave Says: Having a well-paying job as a child can establish a strong work ethic, but parents should still play a role when it comes to saving and creating budgeting skills. 

Buying insurance can be daunting. Follow these tips to choose the right coverage.

Your aversion to numbers may be due more to a mental block than a lack of math aptitude.