WalletPop Bloghttp://www.walletpop.com/blogWalletPop Bloghttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/media/feedlogo.gifWalletPop Bloghttp://www.walletpop.com/blogen-usCopyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Got a bad credit deal? In 2011 you'll know whyhttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/12/23/got-a-bad-credit-deal-in-2011-youll-know-why/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/12/23/got-a-bad-credit-deal-in-2011-youll-know-why/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/12/23/got-a-bad-credit-deal-in-2011-youll-know-why/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Have you been offered a bad credit deal by a lender but don't know why? Starting in January 2011, banks will have to tell you why and give you free access to your credit report any time you're given less-favorable terms, according to final rules issued Tuesday by the Federal Reserve and the Federal Trade Commission.

Until that time, lenders don't have to explain why you're getting particular terms on any form of consumer credit, including credit cards, auto loans, mortgages and student loans. The rule change doesn't impact business lending.

Continue reading Got a bad credit deal? In 2011 you'll know why


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]]>consumer reportsConsumerReportscredit cardsCreditCardslendersrisk-based pricingRisk-basedPricingLita EpsteinWed, 23 Dec 2009 13:30:00 ESTZendough: Become one with your moneyhttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/12/20/zendough-become-one-with-your-money/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/12/20/zendough-become-one-with-your-money/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/12/20/zendough-become-one-with-your-money/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

In early January, TransUnion will launch a new personal finance tool called Zendough that, instead of focusing on every transaction you make, aims to help you become one with your money. WalletPop was able to get an early look at the service -- which you can test out with a free, seven-day trial -- and we're impressed overall with the amount of information provided and the easy-to-understand manner in which it's presented.

The first thing you'll notice when you start using Zendough is that the Zen theme runs deep, but rather than being corny, it works. Perhaps it's the calming effect of a bonsai tree, stacked rocks and a Koi pond that makes knowing exactly how much debt you have less of a heart rate elevating experience.

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]]>creditcredit scoreCreditScoredashboarddebtficomy accountsmy creditmy identitystudent loanstooltransunionVantagescorezendoughJosh SmithSun, 20 Dec 2009 17:00:00 ESTImportant credit card rate change notices disguised as junk mailhttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/12/18/important-credit-card-rate-change-notices-disguised-as-junk-mail/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/12/18/important-credit-card-rate-change-notices-disguised-as-junk-mail/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/12/18/important-credit-card-rate-change-notices-disguised-as-junk-mail/#commentsFiled under: , ,

junk mailCredit card companies are racing against time and sending out a flurry of mail, hoping to implement last-minute changes before the February 2010 deadline when the CARD Act takes effect and credit card companies must play by the new rules set by Congress. Ignore the mailings and these changes could cost you hundreds, or possibly thousands, of dollars.

If you don't want that to happen to you, you must act and opt out of these changes to avoid the new costs. Of course, before you can do that, you have to first open and read the mail.

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]]>credit cardsCreditCardsinterest ratesInterestRatesoverdraft feesoverdraft protectionOverdraftFeesOverdraftProtectionLita EpsteinFri, 18 Dec 2009 14:30:00 ESTWould you Tweet your credit card purchases?http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/12/17/would-you-tweet-your-credit-card-purchases/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/12/17/would-you-tweet-your-credit-card-purchases/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/12/17/would-you-tweet-your-credit-card-purchases/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The Internet marketing guru who created one of the Web's biggest ad networks has a new venture, and he'd like your credit card number.

Oh, he's not going to sell you anything. He just wants to keep track of where you shop, what you buy and how much you pay for it -- and he wants to share that with all your friends.

Is this cool or just kooky? This New York Times article describes the initiative, which is in beta mode (meaning that it's still being tested on a trial audience of the founder's acquaintances).

Continue reading Would you Tweet your credit card purchases?


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]]>credit cardcredit cardsCreditCardCreditCardstwittertwitteringMartha C. WhiteThu, 17 Dec 2009 17:30:00 ESTNew credit card practices could cost consumers billionshttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/12/15/new-credit-card-practices-could-cost-consumers-billions/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/12/15/new-credit-card-practices-could-cost-consumers-billions/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/12/15/new-credit-card-practices-could-cost-consumers-billions/#commentsFiled under: ,

Credit card companies continue to look for ways to skirt the new CARD Act. They've found a number of "hidden" price changes not banned by the new law that takes effect in February 2010 and these "hidden" charges could cost consumers billions of dollars, according to the Center for Responsible Lending.

In its study, "Dodging Reform: As Some Credit Card Abuses are Outlawed, New Ones Proliferate," the Center found that these practices have affected more than 400 million credit card accounts. While the CARD Act and other regulations have succeeded in limiting the costly traps of yesterday and today, issuers have found new ways to raise fees and revenue.

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]]>card actCardActcredit cardsCreditCardsLita EpsteinTue, 15 Dec 2009 16:00:00 ESTCould sitcoms help you get out of debt?http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/12/14/could-sit-coms-help-you-get-out-of-debt/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/12/14/could-sit-coms-help-you-get-out-of-debt/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/12/14/could-sit-coms-help-you-get-out-of-debt/#commentsFiled under: , ,

SeinfeldPop culture is poised on the precipice of a mid-season replacement lineup as networks get ready to roll out their latest offerings, hoping millions will tune into their channels. Many will watch in the hopes of sharpening their punch line delivery skills or getting a hearty chuckle.

But few viewers realize that the laughable and lovable characters we welcome into our homes once a week can actually teach us some valuable lessons about managing money and protecting our credit.

Whether they're fiscally frugal or free-spending, here's some practical advice from a few classic characters.

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]]>friendsseinfeldThe King of QueensTheKingOfQueensGina Roberts-GreyMon, 14 Dec 2009 14:00:00 ESTAsk the Dolans: How do I get a copy of my credit score?http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/12/11/ask-the-dolans-how-do-i-get-a-copy-of-my-credit-score/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/12/11/ask-the-dolans-how-do-i-get-a-copy-of-my-credit-score/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/12/11/ask-the-dolans-how-do-i-get-a-copy-of-my-credit-score/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ken and Daria Dolan, America's first family of personal finance, answer your questions every Friday.

Click here to ask Ken and Daria your question.

Your credit score has never been more important than it is today. In an economy where credit is ridiculously tight, credit card companies are ruthlessly raising interest rates and slashing credit limits, and competition for jobs is fierce, your credit score can make or break you. Today, Ken and Daria help WalletPop reader Sharon learn the basics of what her credit score is and how to get a copy of her credit report.

Dear Ken and Daria,

How do I get a copy of my credit score? Is "FICO" a credit score and how do I figure mine out?

--Sharon

Learn more about improving your credit score and debt management at Dolans.com.


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]]>creditcredit scoreCreditScoreFICOKen and Daria DolanFri, 11 Dec 2009 14:00:00 ESTDebt Diet Part 5: Making men, women and money get along at the holidayshttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/12/10/debt-diet-part-5-making-men-women-and-money-get-along-at-the-h/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/12/10/debt-diet-part-5-making-men-women-and-money-get-along-at-the-h/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/12/10/debt-diet-part-5-making-men-women-and-money-get-along-at-the-h/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Experts tout talking about money as one of the best ways to avoid financial miscommunication in a relationship. But what if you and your honey aren't really hearing what the other has to say? Or even worse, what if you two speak a completely different money language?

Having the "money talk" is essential to keeping your Debt Diet on track. It's also (believe it or not) one of the cornerstones of a good relationship. That's why, with just two weeks left in the holiday shopping season, it's important to make sure you and your mate aren't just talking, but that you're truly listening to what each of you has to say about money. Otherwise, you're likely to blow your budget -- and your partner's likely to blow their top -- while you're scooping up gifts this weekend.

Continue reading Debt Diet Part 5: Making men, women and money get along at the holidays


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]]>debt dietDebtDietholiday giftsholiday shoppingHolidayGiftsHolidayShoppingrelationshipsspending and relationshipsSpendingAndRelationshipsGina Roberts-GreyThu, 10 Dec 2009 16:00:00 ESTCould the age of 'instant credit' be over?http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/12/09/could-the-age-of-instant-credit-be-over/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/12/09/could-the-age-of-instant-credit-be-over/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/12/09/could-the-age-of-instant-credit-be-over/#commentsFiled under: ,

New credit card regulations being considered by the Federal Reserve could put an end to that all-too-common pitch customers hear when they check out: "Would you like to open a Such-and-Such Store Name credit card today?"

What the Fed has in mind is to require credit card issuers to get information about your income before they determine whether you're credit-worthy. It's a reasonable thought in light of the fact that we wouldn't be in our current financial predicament if we'd kept closer tabs on how much people could afford to pay back.

Right now, retailers can pull your credit score from a nationally accessible database and use that to determine whether to issue you a store credit card and what your rate will be.

Continue reading Could the age of 'instant credit' be over?


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]]>credit cardsCreditCardsFederal ReserveFederalReservestore creditStoreCreditMartha C. WhiteWed, 09 Dec 2009 16:30:00 ESTDebt Diet Part 4: Respect your moneyhttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/12/04/debt-diet-part-4-respect-your-money/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/12/04/debt-diet-part-4-respect-your-money/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/12/04/debt-diet-part-4-respect-your-money/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The way you treat your money and your budget, experts say, can play a big role in being fiscally sound. Especially when you're on a "Debt Diet" and trying to not exceed your financial calories this weekend.

Where you balance your checkbook and keep your cash can help you stick to your Debt Diet and help ensure you don't ring in the new year with a financial hangover.

Here are a few ways to make sure you're making the most of your money. And able to stick to your "Diet" this weekend.


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]]>Debt DietDebtDietfeng shuiFengShuiGina Roberts-GreyFri, 04 Dec 2009 15:00:00 ESTGovernment-backed loans will soon require you to have good credit and a decent down paymenthttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/12/04/government-backed-loans-will-soon-require-you-to-have-good-credi/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/12/04/government-backed-loans-will-soon-require-you-to-have-good-credi/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/12/04/government-backed-loans-will-soon-require-you-to-have-good-credi/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ever get the feeling that sometimes, just sometimes, the universe is just not going your way? That after the Big Bang, the rest of the cosmos is speeding off in one direction, while you are stuck at a bus stop in Secaucus?

Well, if you are a potential home buyer, you may soon feel that way as the government announces it will cost you more -- lots more maybe -- to secure a mortgage backed by the Federal Housing Administration, which may put you and that home you want light years apart.

What's happening is the government will soon require not only that you have a higher credit score (really, do you know anyone who actually has a higher credit score nowadays?) but that you put down more than the current 3.5% minimum down payment. Speculation is you may soon have to folk over at least 5% down to get an FHA-backed loan.

More than one real estate agent is expressing concern that higher credit scores and bigger down payments may keep many first time home owners on the sidelines. Should that happen, it could nip in the bud any hope of a meaningful recovery in the housing market in the U.S.

But the government apparently feels it has little choice: The FHA may itself soon require a government bailout.

The political and/or economic wisdom of the coming increases can be argued from here to eternity (or to that bus stop you're still at in Secaucus); but the fact of the matter is, the bottom line is YOU are likely to soon have to pony up more money (not to mention get your fiscal house in order to help improve that credit score) for the government to lend you a helping hand and to hand over to you that 30-year, fixed rate mortgage.

Charles Feldman is a journalist , media consultant and co-author of the book, "No Time To Think-The Menace of Media Speed and the 24-hour News Cycle."

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]]>credit scoreCreditScoredownpaymentFHAhousing recoveryHousingRecoveryinterest ratesInterestRatesreal estateRealEstateCharles FeldmanFri, 04 Dec 2009 11:00:00 ESTTips for applying for a new credit cardhttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/12/03/tips-for-applying-for-a-new-credit-card/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/12/03/tips-for-applying-for-a-new-credit-card/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/12/03/tips-for-applying-for-a-new-credit-card/#commentsFiled under: , ,

While many shoppers are planning to use cash or a debit card this holiday season, some will still find they need to apply for new credit. I know many at Wallet Pop will tell you that you should just spend less, but just in case you do decide to apply for credit, do it wisely. You also may find it harder to get.

"Shopping and applying for cards isn't as easy as it used to be," Bill Hardekopf, CEO of Lowcards.com and author of The Credit Card Guidebook, told me by e-mail interview. "Consumers should now expect higher rates and lower credit limits. Approval is no longer a sure thing."

If you still want to apply for a new credit card, here are a few tips to think about first:

Continue reading Tips for applying for a new credit card


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]]>credit cardsCreditCardsdebtLita EpsteinThu, 03 Dec 2009 14:30:00 EST12-step help for shopaholicshttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/12/03/12-step-help-for-shopaholics/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/12/03/12-step-help-for-shopaholics/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/12/03/12-step-help-for-shopaholics/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It's pretty common knowledge that alcoholics, gamblers and drug addicts have support groups and 12-step programs to keep them on the wagon. But did you know there are similar groups for compulsive spenders, debt addicts and shopaholics?

Debtors Anonymous, a support organization patterned after Alcoholics Anonymous, uses a 12-step program to help people -- first name only -- stop abusing their credit cards and kick their free-spending ways.

Continue reading 12-step help for shopaholics


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]]>compulsivecompulsive shoppingCompulsiveShoppingdebt adviceDebtAdviceDebtDietGina Roberts-GreyThu, 03 Dec 2009 13:30:00 ESTTop 10 tips for shopping for online loanshttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/12/01/top-10-tips-for-shopping-for-online-loans/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/12/01/top-10-tips-for-shopping-for-online-loans/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/12/01/top-10-tips-for-shopping-for-online-loans/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

This isn't your father's banker. Your father's banker was probably human. Today, you can get online loans without ever stepping into a bank -- actually, without even leaving your home. But that facelessness can be either convenient or dangerous. You need to be cautious when shopping for online loans, so you find a legitimate online loan provider and not a scam artist trying to take rather than give you money.

Here are the top 10 tips for getting online loans.

Online Loans Tip #1: Make the most of online advantages. One of the biggest benefits of shopping for online loans is you can easily compare rates and offerings and get qualified and approved quicker than from traditional banks.

Continue reading Top 10 tips for shopping for online loans


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]]>101 mortgages101Mortgagescredit scoresCreditScoresloansmicro loansMicroLoansonline loansOnlineLoanspersonal loansPersonalLoanstechnologytop 10 tips for online loamsTop10TipsForOnlineLoamsJanean ChunTue, 01 Dec 2009 15:00:00 ESTFive words to never to say to your lenderhttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/27/five-words-to-never-to-say-to-your-lender/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/27/five-words-to-never-to-say-to-your-lender/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/27/five-words-to-never-to-say-to-your-lender/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Getting a loan can be a difficult task in this economic environment. Many lenders won't even consider an application for a mortgage unless your credit score is above 740. Others will consider an application, but zap you with an outrageous interest rate.

Even if you have excellent credit, there are still some phrases you should never say when trying to get a loan. For example:

1. DESPERATE

One of the worst things you can say to a loan officer is that you desperately need the money, then ask how can you speed up the loan process. That's putting a big red flag in front of the loan officer. He'll wonder what the emergency is and is more likely to decline your application.


Continue reading Five words to never to say to your lender


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]]>bankscredit cardsCreditCardsdebtfraudloansmortgagesLita EpsteinFri, 27 Nov 2009 06:00:00 ESTBest platinum cards for status spenders and rewards seekershttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/26/best-platinum-cards-for-status-spenders-and-rewards-seekers/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/26/best-platinum-cards-for-status-spenders-and-rewards-seekers/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/26/best-platinum-cards-for-status-spenders-and-rewards-seekers/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Remember the days when gold credit cards were the gold standard? Then platinum credit cards became the new mark of exclusivity. Since then, the platinum of platinum credit cards have morphed into black, clear, blue, plum, titanium and every other color imaginable in the status rainbow. How do you choose?

The good news is platinum credit cards are more available to average consumers. You don't need the highest income or credit scores to qualify for members only benefits, but generally just need a solid credit history and a FICO above 650. If you pass the criteria, you can earn platinum credit card points redeemable for prizes and merchandise, tap customer service benefits, accrue frequent flyer miles, get discounts and reap cashback bonuses. Most platinum credit cards also guarantee over-the-limit services, so you'll never again have to deal with the embarrassment of getting your card declined.

Let's take a look at some of the best platinum credit cards on the market.


Continue reading Best platinum cards for status spenders and rewards seekers


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]]>101 creditdebt101Creditdebtchoosing platinum cardsChoosingPlatinumCardscredit cardsCreditCardsFICO scoresFicoScoresJanean ChunThu, 26 Nov 2009 10:00:00 ESTChase becomes first bank to drop arbitration clausehttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/23/chase-becomes-first-bank-to-drop-arbitration-clause/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/23/chase-becomes-first-bank-to-drop-arbitration-clause/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/23/chase-becomes-first-bank-to-drop-arbitration-clause/#commentsFiled under: , ,

JP Morgan Chase became the first bank to drop its arbitration clause from its credit card contracts, so Chase credit card holders will have the right to go to court to dispute a problem with its credit card decisions.

This decision was part of a settlement of an antitrust lawsuit filed by Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson that involved the largest arbitration company, the National Arbitration Forum, in July. The Forum is no longer part of the process of consumer-debt arbitration, but the banks have not yet settled the suit. This move by Chase will likely encourage other banks to do the same thing.

While Bank of America became the first one to announce that it would no longer require credit card, bank account and auto loan customers to sign away their right to sue and force arbitration, it has not yet settled the existing lawsuit. Capital One Financial, HSBC Holdings and Discover Financial are among the other financial institutions named in the suit.

Continue reading Chase becomes first bank to drop arbitration clause


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]]>arbitrationbank of americaBankOfAmericachasecredit cardsCreditCardsdiscover financialDiscoverFinancialhsbc holdingsHsbcHoldingsLita EpsteinMon, 23 Nov 2009 16:15:00 ESTReckless lendings' fallout continueshttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/23/reckless-lendings-fallout-continues/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/23/reckless-lendings-fallout-continues/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/23/reckless-lendings-fallout-continues/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) reports that a record number of loans -- one in seven -- is delinquent, up from one in 10 a year ago.

Today's numbers also show that one in 22 families in the U.S. is in the process of losing their home, up from one in 34 a year ago. Based on these figures, we are now on track for 2.9 million foreclosure starts in this year alone.

The lenders' trade association is quick to blame this worsening trend on higher unemployment levels. But that ignores the fact that reckless lending precipitated the economic crisis and prolongs it each day with every new foreclosure, which forces down surrounding property values.

Continue reading Reckless lendings' fallout continues


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]]>Bandruptcyborrowingcreditdebthomemortgagesreal estateRealEstateBarbara BartleinMon, 23 Nov 2009 15:15:00 ESTCash is king this holiday seasonhttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/19/cash-is-king-this-holiday-season/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/19/cash-is-king-this-holiday-season/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/19/cash-is-king-this-holiday-season/#commentsFiled under: , ,

About 71.5% of consumers will use cash, checks or debit cards this holiday season versus 28.3% who plan to use credit cards, which is about a 10% decrease from last year and a clear sign that consumers are weaning themselves away from credit cards.

As credit card interest rates climb along with credit card delinquency consumers clearly want to avoid digging an even deeper credit hole.

According to the National Retail Federation's 2009 Holiday Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, U.S. consumers plan to spend an average of $682.74 on holiday-related shopping, a 3.2% drop from last year's $705.01. Only 28.3% of shoppers will use credit this year compared to 31.5% a year ago.

"Paying with cash is the best way to add a safety brake during holiday shopping. Studies show that consumers typically spend 12% to 18% less when we use cash for payment. Counting out and handing over cash is a sobering reminder of how much items really cost. It makes you pause and consider if the purchase is really worth your labor," Bill Hardekopf, CEO of LowCards.com and author of The Credit Card Guidebook, told me by e-mail.

Continue reading Cash is king this holiday season


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]]>creditdebtholiday shoppingHolidayShoppingLita EpsteinThu, 19 Nov 2009 17:00:00 ESTBad Idea: Company claims to know credit score from Twitter friendshttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/17/bad-idea-company-claims-to-know-credit-score-from-twitter-frien/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/17/bad-idea-company-claims-to-know-credit-score-from-twitter-frien/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/17/bad-idea-company-claims-to-know-credit-score-from-twitter-frien/#commentsFiled under: , ,

According to a data mining company, the old adage of being judged by the friends you keep translates easily into the digital friends you keep.

Rapleaf, a social media monitoring company, claims that by analyzing public information such as the friends you have on Twitter it can assess how creditworthy you are and how likely you are to respond to advertising.

Rapleaf monitors public digital conversations and stores away your Twitter and Facebook status updates, restaurant reviews, Amazon book reviews and plenty of other online public information in its database of 378 million profiles to profile you.

Continue reading Bad Idea: Company claims to know credit score from Twitter friends


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]]>accurateAmazonbad ideabankscredit scorecreditworthyFacebookfriendsLorenzo von MatterhornMark CubanMarkCubanMike BloombergMikeBloombergOprah WinfreyPierre OmidyarRapleafreviewsrich friendsRichard Bransonsocial networksTwitterJosh SmithTue, 17 Nov 2009 16:15:00 EST