September 1st, 2010
Wednesday Trends in Credit Cards & Debt
$848,424,077,482. That’s the estimated current outstanding federal and private student loan debt on FinAid.org’s Student Loan Debt Clock. The financial aid information website estimates that this whopping number grows about $2,854 every second, so a second look at the ticker now shows $848, 425,116,760.
In June 2010, the explosive growth of student loans officially exceeded total credit card debt in the U.S for the first time. While this “clock” is intended for entertainment purposes, it outlines the climbing value of higher education that weighs down the dream of college with a very large price tag.
For help figuring out the right debt reduction strategy, and ways to dial down credit card debt and use plastic responsibly, today’s roundup has an awesome mix of blogs and news from around the web. Happy Wednesday!
August 25th, 2010
Wednesday Trends in Credit Cards & Debt
Good news about the economy doesn’t make headlines often enough — but today is an exception. MSNBC reports that credit card debt dropped to its lowest level in 8 years, with the average consumer carrying $4,951 in credit card debt.
August 24th, 2010
This Week’s Top Credit Questions – Confused About Credit
Sometimes there are disagreements amongst Credit Karma consumers about how to handle certain situations—to close or not to close a credit card, to pay off this or that, and more. One thing is for sure—we’re proud Credit Karma consumers have something to say about it.
August 20th, 2010
Overspending? MasterCard’s InControl Forces You To Stop Breaking Your Budget
For those of you prone to overspending on your credit card, MasterCard's inControl program offers the first ever "chastity belt for finances" that alerts and cuts you off from going over your pre-set budget. Is this a cardholder's new shopping conscience?
August 18th, 2010
Wednesday Trends in Credit Cards & Debt
Dust off the magnifying glass — the fine print on credit card agreements are continuing to challenge and cost consumers. Disclosure of fees, penalties, rewards restrictions, and other credit card traps are often lost in small-size fonts and densely packed paragraphs... what should consumers do?
Just ahead is more great credit card information to help you fight back against credit card abuses and save money.
August 17th, 2010
This Week’s Top Credit Questions – Credit Card Conundrums
Credit cards can save you in a financial emergency, or wreck your credit in a moment of financial weakness. The following questions from the Credit Advice Center feature consumer questions on how to handle credit card conundrums and keep your credit score intact.
August 13th, 2010
Need To Know List: 5 Credit Card Changes & 5 Credit Card Warnings
Been a disgruntled credit cardholder before? Before you go ballistic on your credit card issuer in a way even Steven Slater could be proud of, check out the 5 recent credit card changes that benefit consumers, and 5 headaches to look out for.
August 11th, 2010
Wednesday Trends in Credit Cards & Debt
One major issuer didn’t get away from consumer watchdogs this time, and paid a pretty hefty price. A judge ordered Wells Fargo to pay $203 million in restitution to Californians for manipulating overdraft fees.
Also, check out our favorite personal finance picks from the web.
August 9th, 2010
SmartPhone Apps For Personal Finance
Check out this guest post from an editor at MyBankTracker.com on his favorite apps that could come in handy when you need to budget, organize, and manage your finances on the go.
August 6th, 2010
Are SmartPhones Taking Over Credit Card Payments?
Smartphones are poised to take over your everyday cash register and ATM as the ubiquitous, mobile way to pay... are you ready for it? And what could it mean to the credit industry, small business, and YOU and your credit score?
