Consumer News and Advice Archive


FTC Proposes Rule That Would Bar Mortgage Relief Companies from Charging Up-Front Fees

Monday, February 8th, 2010
RISMEDIA, February 9, 2010—The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) moved to protect distressed homeowners from the promoters of bogus foreclosure rescue and mortgage modification services by proposing a new rule that would forbid companies to charge up-front for these services. Instead, companies could only collect payment after providing services. ...
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Consumer Credit Falls for 11th Month in a Row

Monday, February 8th, 2010
RISMEDIA, February 9, 2010—(MCT)—Outstanding debts held by consumers fell for a record 11th month in a row in December 2009, led by falling balances on their credit cards, the Federal Reserve recently reported. ...
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U.S. Consumer Confidence Tumbles Following January Rally

Thursday, February 4th, 2010
RISMEDIA, February 5, 2010—U.S. consumer confidence cooled this month as worries over every facet of their financial situation mounted, according to the most recent results of the RBC CASH (Consumer Attitudes and Spending by Household) Index. Economic attitudes soured across the board, with consumers viewing the current economy negatively and ...
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Foreclosures Take Heavy Toll on Hearts and Minds

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010
RISMEDIA, February 4, 2010—(MCT)—Ethelda Lopez, a retired telephone company worker recently watched as her dream retirement home was auctioned off on the lawn outside a county courthouse in downtown Merced, California. "When I heard my address, it was so disheartening," she said. "It's amazing how it all works." For six months, she had made hundreds of calls to her mortgage company, federal officials, local political leaders—begging them all for lower payments or more time. No one paid heed.
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5 Reasons Why Refinancing May Be a Good Option Now

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010
RISMEDIA, February 4, 2010—Mortgage experts from Bills.com, one of the leading resources for free, objective and expert money advice, advised that consumers considering a home refinance
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Home Trends – Little Budget, Big Updates

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010
RISMEDIA, February 4, 2010—With a few clever tricks and relying on some tried-and-true decorating secrets from the Creative Ideas design team, these homeowners turned their second full bath into a modern, family-friendly retreat. Now, the charming space can easily accommodate their two children and guests. ...
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Tax Breaks 101: New Deductions and Credits to Stimulate Economy

Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010
RISMEDIA, February 3, 2010—(MCT)—This may be the tax season where even die-hard do-it-yourselfers break down and hire a preparer or at the very least invest in some tax software.
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Strategic Defaults and the Moral Imperative

Monday, February 1st, 2010
RISMEDIA, February 2, 2010—Should homeowners be morally obligated to make their mortgage payment? What if they could legally stop paying their mortgage and stay in their house
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More U.S. Homeowners Expected to Remodel in 2010

Saturday, January 30th, 2010
RISMEDIA, January 30, 2010—After a year of steady declines in home remodeling, the Spring 2010 U.S. Remodeling Sentiment Report reveals a 13% increase in the number of homeowners
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