Filed under: Banks, Identity Theft, Consumer Ally
A couple of weeks ago, Chinese police arrested a man who installed a fake ATM in Beijing that managed to steal the account information of unsuspecting customers — information that was later used to empty their bank accounts.
Filed under: Banks, Technology
Smile! Chase updated its iPhone app this week to let users deposit checks with the built-in camera.
This functionality is similar to what USAA rolled out last year.
Filed under: Debt
We here at Walletpop have warned you before about the practices used by debt settlement companies and how to avoid being taken in by pie-in-the-sky promises of magically-erased debt. Now, finally, the law might be catching up. According to the Center for Responsible Lending, the FTC — after a lengthy public comment period — is considering implementing rules that would prohibit these operations from pocketing consumers’ money without actually helping them get out of debt.
The FTC would technically invoke an already-on-the-books telemarketing law, which would apply to debt settlement companies due to the fact that phone contact generally takes place between the two parties, and the Center says it expects a final decision by the agency to come next month. (Continue the story…)
Filed under: Credit, Debt, Family Money, Career, Recession, Retirement Advice
With concerns rising that the economic recovery is stalling, and that we’re at risk of slipping into a “double dip” recession — when the economy shrinks, grows, and then goes back into reverse — it’s no surprise that one and three Americans are losing sleep. But did you know what we’re spending 3.5 hours a day worrying about our financial troubles?
Filed under: Banks, Technology, In the News
Wesabe, one of the first personal finance management tools I wrote about when WalletPop was but a young blog, announced today that after July 31 it would no longer operate the accounts tab of the website. In an announcement posted to Wesabe.com Marc Hedlund, CEO of Wesabe, cited the inability to maintain customer support and security on a shoestring budget.
Filed under: Debt, Economizer, Credit Cards
We here at WalletPop have spent plenty of time telling you about the big changes you can make to pare down your credit card debt and live a more financially stable life. While that’s still a good goal, maybe a major lifestyle change isn’t in the cards for you right now. Or maybe you’re already well on your way out of the red (if so, good for you!) .
Filed under: Borrowing, Credit, Debt, Real Estate, Retire, Saving Money, Refinancing
A friend of mine nearing retirement is looking longingly at a new Harley, but getting financing is going to be a challenge. He’s contemplating refinancing his house and using some of the equity to buy the bike.
Filed under: Credit, Debt, Credit Reports, Personal Loans, Retirement Advice
A new study released on June 24 highlighted some troubling facts about the financial awareness and stability of today’s American women. The research, conducted by Harris Interactive for the Lending Club, found that only 65% of women knew their credit score vs. 74% of men. What’s more, only 72% knew the interest rates on their credit cards, compared to 84% of men.
Filed under: Banks, Extracurriculars, Wealth
Today’s gold price shows that people believe in the intrinsic value of gold. Which countries have the largest hoards of the lovely yellow stuff? Click on a country in this Mint.com infographic to see its holdings.
Filed under: Debt
Americans in debt are worried. And not just a little worried, but a lot of worried. In fact, they’re spending 3.5 hours a day worrying about their financial troubles.
While it isn’t surprising to find that debt and concern go hand-in-hand, the number of hours the average in-debt American is actually spending worrying about their financial woes is compelling. Thanks to a survey sponsored by DebtPlan.com, an online paid membership service (seven day trial period, then $14.95 a month) that’s designed to help people pay down their debts, now we can see just how much time we waste worrying about money. The survey, released in June, was conducted by Survey Sampling International.