It’s a week until Black Friday, and headlines are dishing Black Friday deals and their secrets while, in other news, unemployment rates are rising in 29 states. Any predictions for how the shopping season will fare if retailers keep slashing prices to spur consumption, while around 10% of Americans nationwide are still unemployed?

While that thought sets in, here’s the buzz on Credit Karma and what’s happening in the housing market:

Credit Karma News

• Dallas Morning News reports on how to get an idea of your credit score without paying a fee.
• Tips for beefing up your credit score at Investor’s Business Daily.
• MarketWatch features CK in discussing how credit-card balances move higher.
• Hawaii’s credit score beats U.S. average reports Pacific Business News.
• My BankTracker uses CK data to report on credit card problems rise and fall: defaults down but delinquencies increase.

Home & Mortgage News

• CNN Money claims that you don’t have to be a millionaire to buy a house, as more than 70% of homes sold last quarter were deemed affordable for those who are still working.
• Contrary to the common belief that its better to buy a house rather than rent, Own the Dollar shows that the advantages of renting might be gaining on home ownership.
• Fiscal Frizzle shares his roadbumps on the path to home ownership to give readers advice on what to do when you decide to take that road.
• Ever wondered about the cost of running your home? Chicago Tribune discusses the cost of energy in your home with the article, How much is your home costing you?
• Save money in your home in this alternative way: Your Money Relationship shares 31 medical home remedies you should know so you can try to do-it-yourself before shelling out money at the doctor’s.

According to Bankrate.com’s weekly national survey, mortgage rates are at a record low ideal for interested home buyers and also represent a golden opportunity for homeowners looking to refinance. These rates are significantly lower than rates one year ago, and since mortgage rates don’t stay at records levels for very long, borrowers should act with urgency to take advantage of these record low rates while they are still affordable. Here are Bankrate’s recent survey results:

• 30-year fixed: 5.06% — down from 5.19% last week (avg. points: 0.40)
• 15-year fixed: 4.48% — down from 4.61% last week (avg. points: 0.34)
• 5/1 ARM: 4.58% — down from 4.58% last week (avg. points: 0.30)

If you were hoping that Congress would cap the recent raising of credit card interest rates, don’t hold your breath. Federal efforts to impose stricter limits on credit card interest rates, which have been skyrocketing up to 30 percent in anticipation of the credit card regulations that goes into effect in February, are running into some political speed bumps trying to find support with Democrats and gain majority for approval. Congress’ hands might be tied in protecting consumers, but check out the following round-up for what you as a consumer can do about your credit card and your debt.

Credit Card News

• CNN Money offers tips on how to make money in 2010 with your savings and credit.
• Some enlightening reading for all those who are thinking of ditching the MasterCard or Visa in favor of debit: Credit to debit: should you make the switch?, asks SmartMoney.
• A boost for credit cards from Moolanomy Personal Finance’s blog on why credit cards rule over the inferior debit card.
• New York Times reports, New overdraft rules: what consumers need to know. A short but helpful read especially if you swipe your debit card or go to the ATM frequently.
• Or, if you want to get ahead of the game like Consumer Reports, here’s how to avoid debit-card overdraft fees ahead of Fed’s new rules.

Debt News

• Five Cent Nickel wonders, how much does your debt cost? Figuring out how much it is costing you every month for someone to lend you money might nudge you to pay down debt faster.
• NY Daily News reports that Obama warns the U.S that too much debt could fuel ‘double-dip recession’.
• Can you leverage debt to help improve your credit? Rich Credit Debt Loan explains.
• Get out of debt faster - no more excuses! Debt Free Adventure does the number-crunching to show you how a little repayment can add up to a lot.
• Celebrate with Clever Dude because he is finally free of consumer debt! Find out how he paid down a $113,000 debt load.

SmartMoney suggests a surprisingly delicious indicator of global economic recovery: McDonald restaurants. The fast food chain reports that an increase in overseas store sales–from up-scale districts of Paris to emerging economies in developing countries–indicates global expansion is a sign of an improving global economy. While you can be the judge on whether or not orders of burgers with fries is the new barometer for global economic health, your credit score is still the status quo on gauging your own financial health. Check out tips on credit reports and personal finance news to keep your credit score from getting swallowed by recession.

Personal Finance News

• MSNBC explores 4 life-changing events that impact your finances.
• Best online bank: savings and checking accounts, brought to you by Money Blue Book.
• Frugal Dads suggest you consider a few things before you relocate to end unemployment.
• Kiplinger helps you avoid an empty piggybank this season with 10 ways to fatten your wallet on Black Friday.
• Travel hacking for noobs from Man vs Debt.
• Can you believe it? Mainstreet claims that retail therapy is cheaper than ever.

Credit Report & Credit Score News

• Cash Money Life points out the difference between credit score and credit report.
• Avoid the top credit card mistakes that hurt credit scores says WBZ.
• ABCNews gives you the credit score don’ts to keep your score from dropping.
• Confused about credit? The Clarion Online gives a good, simple overview of how to navigate the credit matrix.
• How to get credit cards with a 550 credit score– advice from Moneyblogger.

Its Friday the 13th and Credit Karma’s latest press release has me feeling a little superstitious. The Credit Climate Report trend data for October 2009 shows that consumer credit card debt is on the rise, approximately at an average $7,573 per consumer, which could signal that consumers are growing more confident about using credit and spending ahead of the holidays. Let’s hope that these numbers aren’t an omen of bad credit karma to come, but a good sign that healthy spending habits will also spell healthy debt management too.

Credit Karma News

• Marketplace Radio puts Credit Karma in the spotlight to talk about what to do with your credit cards.
• What has your credit-card issuer done for you lately? Kiplinger dares to ask.
• The Harbus figured out why most twentysomethings don’t understand personal finance.
• Credit Union Times features CK as new company touts free access to credit scores.
• San Francisco area’s credit scores are the best, brags the San Francisco Business Times.

Home & Mortgage News

• Forbes pinpoints ten cities where home prices are improving.
• How the first time home buyer credit can create economic growth from Moolanomy.
• CNN Money renews some housing market hope in How to make money in 2010: your home.
• Saving to Invest features simple tips and ideas on what to do before you sell your home.
• Save money by selling your house without a real estate agent suggests Canadian Finance Blog.

Here’s a glance at current mortgage rates to keep you up-to-date. The table shows the overnight average interest rate for two of the most common mortgage loan types (keep in mind, refinance rates typically vary from purchase rates listed below). Happy house hunting!

The U.S debt load, a measurement of the total amount of debt the federal government has accumulated, is now at $11,893 trillion and rising closer to the self-imposed $12,104 trillion ceiling limit imposed by Congress. The interest on that alone could cost the country $4.8 trillion between 2010 and 2019! What happens after that, you might ask? The limit will soon be raised, and lawmakers are working on putting together a bipartisan commission to push Congress to make more decision-forcing actions to inch the huge national debt downward.

Should you take a page from Uncle Sam’s book in being that aggressive and gung-ho when it comes to dealing with debt? Read on for more updates on the battle against your personal debt, plus credit card news this week.

Credit Card News

• Newsweek puts it to the test: Credit card company or loan shark? Find out if consumers are being overcharged.
• Can you believe it? Free Money Finance can’t either– now even god takes credit cards.
• Mark your calenders for the top 10 consumer credit events of 2009 from The Wisdom Journal.
• You might have suspected it, but The Business Insider says its true– 10 ways credit card companies are still screwing you.
• “My credit card raised my interest rate! Here’s what to do,” a lesson learned from Money Under 30.

Debt News

• You can handle debt issues better than agencies MSNBC tells consumers.
• Chip away at your debt with some not-so-common-sense money saving tips from Being Frugal.
• Beware of ‘debt-relief’ offers warns The Wall Street Journal.
• More ways to save money to pay off debt with Bible Money Matter’s great big list of 75 budgeting tools.
• How to sue debt collectors blogs Bargaineering.
• Tired of the dealing with debt the same way? Check out The Digerati Life’s DIY Debt Management Plan: GO On Oprah’ Debt Diet!

Saving money is a tricky business in our economic climate– credit is still tight, debts are high, and paychecks go straight to bills and necessary expenses with not much left over for a rainy day fund. This extra-big roundup has more than 50 ways to help you cut back on spending so you can start saving up more. Isnt’ it about time to start saving money for yourself and your future, now?

Personal Finance News

• Daily Finance makes a good point: Its the end of the recession as we know it. Why don’t we feel fine?
• Money Ning sets you straight with 3 easy steps to determine your financial priorities.
• How disposable is your money? asks Almost Frugal.
• Best way to invest $1,000 right now writes MSN Money.
• Want even more tips on investing? Read The Digerati Life blog, Where to invest extra cash and savings today.
• Gather Little By Little suggests 10 small ways to save money that make a big difference.
• 10 tricks for staying warm this winder without huge energy bills straight from The Simple Dollar.
• If you want to cut back on auto insurance, follow Saving to Invest’s 5 things to look for in getting low-cost auto insurance rates.
• Paying too much at the pump? SmartMoney suggests 5 ways to cut down on gas costs.
• 3 ways to save money on health insurance from CNNMoney.
• If you just can’t help it for the holidays, SmartMoney shows you how to splurge on a budget.
• Smart year-end tax moves to read before the new year! From Wall Street Journal.

Credit Reports & Credit Scores News

• Tips from Liz Weston on how teenagers can build credit.
• Consumer credit falls for 8th month reports CNNmoney.com.
• Your credit score can affect how to get the best deal on a new car; read ahead at SmartMoney.
• Ever wondered why aren’t credit scores free? Walletpop has the answer.
• NBC Bay Area makes credit health as easy as 1, 2, 3, 4.

The bigger and better extended Home Buyer Tax Credit cleared both the House and Senate vote this week, and now sits on President Obama’s desk expecting to be signed and approved today. As soon as pen hits paper, the law will go into effect and ensure that the original $8,000 tax credit is extended to April 30 plus qualified repeat buyers can take advantage of a new $6,500 credit. It could be a stabilizing force for the crippled housing market, or it could be a band-aid that won’t last long. Read ahead for more opinions and perspectives on what new measures Uncle Sam is taking to cool off the heat of recession.

Credit Karma News

• Money Matters: when ‘free’ isn’t free from Keloland Television.
• The Today Show mentions CK in their Wednesday morning segment!
• The New York Times puts in a good word about CK in, “A Free Credit Score Followed by a Monthly Bill.”

Home & Mortgage News

• 6 signs your home will increase in value straight from SmartMoney.
• DebtKid asks, if money = freedom, why buy a home?
• The New York Times reports on fraud watch for homeowners.
• Good news! Mortgage applications rose 8.2% last week reports MarketWatch.
• More good news! Mortgage rates fall below 5% reports The Oakland Tribune.
• WiseBread gives fun tips on how to make money from what you could find in your attic.
• Deadline for home tax credit extended writes The Money Times.
• Moolanomy throws in its two cents– Why the first time home buyer credit is terrible for the economy.
• The Baltimore Sun’s blog has a few points to make about the expanded home buyer tax credit.

Here’s a glance at current mortgage rates to keep you up-to-date. The table shows the overnight average interest rate for two of the most common mortgage loan types (keep in mind, refinance rates typically vary from purchase rates listed below). Happy house hunting!

Debt is the new four letter word to avoid. Everyone, from Uncle Sam to the average American, is taking action to get out of the red: Bloomberg reports that the U.S Treasury Department is selling a whopping $81 billion of long-term debt next week to steer away from the country’s legal debt limit of $12.1 trillion; and Philly.com reports that Americans have been buying less stuff on credit cards, which helped drop the total U.S credit card debt peak of $975 billion in Fall 2008 to below $900 billion this summer.

Your card balance may not be in the billions, but are you taking steps to take care of your credit and eliminate your debt? This week’s roundup is especially for you to start taking steps to get out of the red too.

Credit Card News

• Thinking about canceling your card? Before you do, read The Wall Street Journal’s article, “Credit cards: break up or make up?“.
• Is it possible to live without credit cards?, FiveCentNickel asks.
• If you are shopping for a credit card, do your homework first with The Boston Globe.
• Reduce Debt Faster shares 3 ways to lower credit card payments.
• Prepaid credit cards gaining favor reports The Salt Lake Tribune.
• Study finds prepaid cards less expensive than debit cards from banks blogs Almost Frugal.
• The BBC looks into what’s in store for the future of credit cards?
• Credit card debt elimination guide @ Clear Choice Credit Cards.
• The Digerati Life looks at how to opt out of interest rate increases.

Debt News

• Cash Money Life asks an important question: Do you know how much interest you are paying each month?
• A fun, alternative approach from Five Cent Nickel: Use weight loss strategies to get out of debt.
• Don’t wait until January to think about budgeting Being Frugal warns!
• Good debt vs bad debt: isn’t it all bad? Your Money Relationship answers the burning question.
• Gather Little By Little recommends using your emergency fund to pay off your debt.

Headlines are unanimous: when it comes to the recession, we are… confused. “Recession over? Sure doesn’t feel like it“, scoffs MSNBC, while The Wall Street Journal breathes a sigh of relief thanks to “A Recovery At Last.” Skepticism and optimism on both sides of the media circus are pulling the public back and forth.

But how does the average consumer– YOU –feel about the state of our economy? Does it feel like we’re finally steering clear of recession, or are the signs of recovery everyone has been talking about been passing you by? Throw in your two cents and comment back on what you think!

Personal Finance News

• CNN Money gives some tips on free cash for your business.
• Here’s a fun (and useful!) post from The Simple Dollar: 14 ways a notebook in your pocket can save you money.
• Find your financial style — and its pitfalls, writes The Wall Street Journal.
• Moolanomy offers advice on what to do with a financial windfall.
• Need help teaching your kids about personal finance? Check out The Chicago Tribune’s Financial games: it can pay to play.
• 11 ways to save money on groceries blogs My Dollar Plan.

Credit Reports & Credit Scores News

• The San Francisco Chronicle clears up confusion on credit scores.
• What is in a credit report? asks Business Finance.
• Let’s end confusion over free credit reports writes The Dallas News.
• Financial Money Investment helps you understand where credit scores come from.
• MSN Money finds out how your credit score will affect your auto insurance in the article, “Bad credit is worse than bad driving“.
• How to improve your credit score tips from KCCI 9 News Channel.

Will your credit score be a trick or treat for you this Halloween? Are rising mortgage rates spooking you out of the new home market and back into your apartment? Here are some good reads from the headlines and blogosphere because personal finance shouldn’t be such a scary experience.

Home & Mortgage News

• Surprise drop in new home sales CNN money reports.
• Money Under 30 sets it straight: Pre-qualification vs pre-approval: whats the difference?
• The New York Times follows homeowners walking away.
• Frugal Dad dives into Q&A on the new rules for mortgages.
• Do you know about the ‘double bubble’? MSNBC explains more on the current real estate trouble.
• How to buy a home you can afford blogs Free Money Finance.
• The Wall Street Journal asks, is an expanded home buyer tax credit a good deal?

Credit Karma News

• The Collier Citizen mentions CK in, “Tracking a Credit Score”.
• Lesson learned: Now you can get credit scores free! @ JournalStar.com.
• Thanks to San Francisco Chronicle for listing CK in Money-saving sites to check out, Part 2.