November 27th, 2009
Friday Scoop on Housing Market and Credit Karma News
Black Friday is here –the kick-off to holiday shopping madness that starts at 12:00 am for some dedicated shoppers and will continue until Christmas Eve for last minute gift-givers. If you need to map out your Black Friday game plan, Mainstreet’s Ultimate Black Friday Deal List details 20 of the top hotspots for early morning deals and all-day discounts. Braving the long lines, dodging rude customers, and fighting over the last HD-TV is up to your own discretion.
Once you’re settled down after a long shopping day, don’t forget to look over the latest housing market and CK in the news to keep yourself on track with financial updates.
Credit Karma in the News
- MSN Money mentions Credit Karma as a useful financial tool in the article, “5 ways to kill your credit scores.”
- Gabeanderson.com 6.0 writes a great review on CK! “It’s a great way to make sure your credit is in good standing, and it’s always fun to track data over time…” the blog states.
- The Harbus’ interview with LearnVest CEO, “Why most twentysomethings don’t understand personal finance,” talks personal finance fun and gives a nice mention of CK services.
- How you can get free credit scores from Credit Karma, blogged by Rob Deals.
Home & Mortgage News
- CNN Money answers a question on whether mortgage modification hurts your credit, homebuyer tax credit, and more.
- If you own rental real estate, you should definitely read ahead on SmartMoney about what you need to know on tax rules for losses on rental real estate.
- Housing market is looking perky again as new-home sales up and mortgage rates match record lows, reports USA Today.
- Interested in refinancing? The Washington Post published this article, “There’s more to a refinance than the rate,” with some great questions to ask yourself before you take the refinancing plunge.
- While the Internet might be the greatest invention of the 20th century, not everything should be done online just because it can; MoneyBlogger gives some compelling reasons why you shouldn’t apply for a mortgage online.
This Week’s Mortgage Rates
Mortgage rates are holding at a new record low, as indicated by Bankrate.com‘s weekly national survey. While mortgage rates for 15-year fixed mortgage, average 1-year ARM, and 5-year ARM have slipped under 5% in past weeks, the average conforming 30-year mortgage rate has fallen to a record 5.00% this week. It’s still prime time for new home buyers with great rates for many mortgage options.
Bankrate’s recent survey results:
- 30-year fixed: 5.00% — down from 5.06% last week (avg. points: 0.44)
- 15-year fixed: 4.47% — down from 4.48% last week (avg. points: 0.29)
- 5/1 ARM: 4.54% — down from 4.58% last week (avg. points: 0.33)
November 25th, 2009
Wednesday Trends in Credit Cards & Debt
Thanksgiving is as much about delayed flights, crowded airports and highways as it is about turkey and cranberry sauce. As you prepare for one of the busiest travel moments of the year, know your travel rights and what to do in case you come up against any holiday travel snafus. Haven’t booked a flight yet but still want to make it for Thanksgiving dinner? For all you procrastinators, SmartMoney gives some last minute travel tips to get you on a jet plane and home for the holiday. In the meantime, this roundup of credit card and debt news can keep you busy if you have a long wait ahead of you at the airport terminal, or at your in-laws’.
Credit Card News
- Thinking about making the switch to debit? If you aren’t completely convinced yet, Kiplinger may win you over with the case for cutting out credit cards completely.
- Interest rates, new fees, and extra charges, oh my! Take back control of your credit cards with Reuter’s card tricks for managing credit.
- These horror stories of credit card bills from The New York Times might make you watch for your next bill statement a little closer–The great unknowns of credit card bills.
- Planning to shop till you drop? Follow Dallas News advice on being aware of credit card changes as you charge into holiday shopping and also to be careful of how you use debit cards.
- Should you get a credit union credit card? Bankrate.com offers a clear list of the perks and downsides to keep you in the know.
Debt News
- Merry news from MSNBC: late credit card payments dropping in 3rd quarter show that consumers are getting better at managing their debt.
- Here’s one way to calculate if you have too much debt– debt-to-income ratios. Moolanomy Personal Finance explains it all, and how you can measure if you are in over your head in debt.
- You are making late payments — one very good reason why you should not shop during Black Friday. Mainstreet offers 9 more tell-tale signs it might be better for you to sleep in that notorious Friday morning.
- How to go into debt to get out of debt, brought to you by Rich Credit Debt Loan. Sound like an oxymoron? Read on to find out how “good debt” can help you get out of “bad debt”.
- Go on WalletPop’s debtor’s diet this Thanksgiving and set your table on a budget.
- The holidays should be a time of celebration, not depression. Dismiss dampening your yuletide cheer by following Mainstreet’s tips on how to avoid a holiday debt hangover.
