Lifestyle and Budget

When it comes to the Fed's powers, the financial overhaul law giveth and taketh away.

Lending to people you know can be fraught with risk. If you're going to do it, follow this 4-step guide to check expectations and improve your chances of success.

Don't panic. There's a way to replace or file a claim for a lost cashier's check.

A 12-year-old mortgage debt could all fall on your shoulders if your ex put it on his bankruptcy.

How much of your available credit should you use to keep a high credit score? There's no one-size-fits-all answer, but the less credit you use, the better.

The prices for used cars have dropped to a four-year, so if you've been sitting on the sidelines, now might be the time to jump in.

Here's where to look if you aren't sure whether you've had an inheritance left to you.

A year punctuated by two governmental budget showdowns brought no progress to deposit rates. Will 2014 be just as tough?

Landlords commonly check the credit history of potential renters; knowing and polishing yours can hand you the keys to a new home.

Recent college grads shouldn't expect to be granted easy access to credit once they land a job. Building a great credit score takes time, patience.

While everyone knows that your car insurance rates are directly linked to your DMV record, you may be shocked to learn that it can also affect your life insurance premium, your right to vote and even your professional life.

Taking advantage of the grace period's break on interest charges can save the typical card user a couple hundred bucks a year, but the savings aren't automatic

Find out what happens when a dog eats two pounds of onion rings and a cat goes for a spin in the washing machine.

The cost of fright night can haunt even the Grim Reaper. Don't get spooked into overspending.

After being turned down for a secured card, which is designed for people with bad credit, are there any other options to rebuild your credit?

What will happen this week when the U.S. government hits the debt ceiling, maxing out its credit cards?

There are two categories of tasks that keep the financial machine running smoothly -- essential tasks and beneficial tasks.

Don't say "boo" to saving money on Halloween. Follow these tips to become frightfully frugal.

A new study indicates there is no shortage of financial con-artists on the prowl today. Learn how you can guard against them.

Both hurt badly, as they should, since they're serious debt defaults. But bankruptcy causes the greater credit score damage