Lifestyle and Budget

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

The government's partial closure is the latest blow to federal workers that have also had their pay frozen at 2010 levels with no cost-of-living increases. To help keep their heads above water, financial experts offered the following budget tips to furloughed workers. 

The latest research suggests opening a savings account for your child may have more benefits than you would imagine.

Dave Says: When it comes to reducing your debt load there are some corners that can't be cut to help pay it off quicker.

Sure, an 850 credit score is perfect -- but would it get you a better rate?

If you're constantly pulling out your credit card because you couldn't stick to your budget, your problem probably isn't willpower. You're overlooking key expenses.

While the CARD Act has raised interest rates, it also has bolstered consumer protections.

You've worked hard to pay off your mortgage. Can that really raise your insurance costs?