Friday, July 02, 2010

Divorce, disease and desire torpedo finances

Divorce, illness, job loss, student loans and just wanting things seem to be the major torpedoes sinking family finances for many of the women who have applied for Deseret Media Companies' financial makeover.

Preston Cochrane - 7/2/2010 11:32:40 AM
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Monday, June 28, 2010

Experts say you don't have to pay for credit protection

Many consumers turn to credit monitoring services to ensure their credit is safe -- but some people may be buying this protection when they don't need it.

Preston Cochrane - 6/28/2010 10:14:01 AM
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Monday, June 21, 2010

Debt free: Experts help you manage your money

Today, the "Imagine a Happier You" campaign launches with a website that offers loads of great financial advice, links, calculators and other tools to help everyone — but especially women — learn about money and how to take control of their finances, from the intricacies of budgeting to debt elimination and retirement planning

Preston Cochrane - 6/21/2010 9:35:38 AM
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Friday, June 18, 2010

Kick Start Your Savings: The Emergency Fund

Having an emergency savings fund may be the most important difference between those who manage to stay afloat and those who are sinking financially. That's because maintaining emergency savings of $500 to $1,000 allows you to easily meet unexpected financial challenges such as a car repair or medical bill and avoid high interest, short-term loans. Get started now!

Preston Cochrane - 6/18/2010 9:34:13 AM
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Monday, June 07, 2010

Debt-settlement companies draw increasing criticism

Debt-settlement companies claim they can reduce borrowers' debts by negotiating with creditors. A growing group of lawmakers, regulators and consumer advocates say these companies exploit desperate borrowers, often leaving them deeper in debt.

Preston Cochrane - 6/7/2010 10:16:49 PM
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Wednesday, June 02, 2010

For Jobless With Dreams, IDAs Offer Small Boost

At a time when many people short on income are calling on their inner entrepreneurs, some start-ups are finding relief in a little-known resource —individual development accounts.

Preston Cochrane - 6/2/2010 12:24:50 PM
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Monday, May 24, 2010

Utah's foreclosure crisis: Worst lurks ahead

Having lagged behind other hard-hit regions where housing markets are now slowly improving, Utah has yet to reach the peak of its crisis.

Preston Cochrane - 5/24/2010 9:45:41 AM
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Crush of foreclosures overwhelms lenders, counselors

The unprecedented surge of foreclosures in Utah is overwhelming debt counselors, lenders and loan servicers. AAA Fair Credit Foundation, a nonprofit counseling agency, scheduled 225 client sessions in 2008, compared with 1,284 for the first four months of 2010.

Preston Cochrane - 5/24/2010 9:08:28 AM
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Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Washington pushes for free credit scores

People who are denied credit or a job because of their credit history may soon be able to get their credit score free of charge, thanks to an amendment passed by the Senate.

Preston Cochrane - 5/18/2010 3:26:12 PM
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Wednesday, May 12, 2010

How delinquencies hurt credit scores

Recently, Fair Isaac, which developed FICO scores, pulled back the curtain a bit, revealing some estimates of point-score declines following mortgage delinquency problems.

Preston Cochrane - 5/12/2010 2:43:54 PM
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Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Credit Counseling Agency Protects Consumers from Becoming Victims of Debt Settlement Scams

One size does not fit all: New debt resolution program guides financially distressed consumers to make the right financial decisions.

Preston Cochrane - 4/27/2010 12:13:35 AM
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Friday, April 23, 2010

Generation Y's steep financial hurdles

They're called "Generation Y" — teens and twentysomethings known stereotypically for their coddled upbringing, confidence, opinionated dialogue, free-spending habits and openness to change. Their generation is the first in a century that is unlikely to end up better off financially than their parents.

Preston Cochrane - 4/23/2010 12:10:01 PM
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Fed Investigation of Debt Settlement Finds 'Fraudulent, Abusive and Deceptive' Practices

A government investigation into the burgeoning debt-settlement industry has found that many firms misled consumers by claiming to be affiliated with federal stimulus programs and exaggerating their ability to reduce consumers' loans.

Preston Cochrane - 4/23/2010 9:24:00 AM
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Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Will Bad Credit Hurt Your Job Chances?

Tight times can blemish credit reports. How do background checks affect hiring decisions?

Preston Cochrane - 4/21/2010 9:06:13 AM
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Monday, April 12, 2010

New rules could provide millions with free credit scores

Starting next year, millions of consumers will begin to see a key piece of their financial profiles for free.

Preston Cochrane - 4/12/2010 11:10:39 AM
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Monday, March 22, 2010

Need help lifting a mortgage burden?

Nationally, hundreds of thousands of homeowners are being considered for help under loan modification programs. But housing advocates, analysts and others warn that most of those borrowers will eventually lose their homes. Even the widely touted $75 billion foreclosure-prevention program pushed by the Obama administration has only helped about 170,000 homeowners in the past year out of up to 4 million in need of assistance.

Preston Cochrane - 3/22/2010 9:23:52 AM
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Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Credit Counseling Steps into the Ring with a New Debt Relief Program

A new plan to help families struggling with consumer debt problems was announced at a press conference sponsored by Utah Governor Gary Herbert and House Speaker David Clark in the state capitol on February 17, 2010. This program—the first in the nation—is the result of bipartisan legislation that permits the 'means-tested,' partial payment program to be offered by nonprofit Consumer Credit Counseling companies.

Preston Cochrane - 2/24/2010 9:12:35 AM
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Monday, February 22, 2010

America Saves Week

From February 21- 28, America Saves Week aims to raise awareness of the need to save money, reduce debt and build wealth.

Preston Cochrane - 2/22/2010 11:41:31 AM
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Tuesday, February 02, 2010

Five myths about America's credit card debt

Today, Americans are more dependent on credit than savings, a radical departure from the last major economic crisis, in the 1930s. Here are the myths that muddle our understanding of how we've racked up so much credit card debt.

Preston Cochrane - 2/2/2010 1:17:17 PM
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Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Don't get caught in the debt settlement trap

Having trouble paying your bills? You're not alone. Many people are struggling with their finances. You may be tempted by ads from companies offering to settle your debts for 50 cents on the dollar, but beware - it could be a trap that will leave you further in debt.

Preston Cochrane - 1/26/2010 10:50:55 AM
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Thursday, January 14, 2010

What you need to know: New credit card rules

The Federal Reserve Board released new rules to protect consumers who use credit cards from a number of costly practices. Credit card issuers must comply with most aspects of the rules beginning on February 22. Consumers can learn more about changes to their credit card accounts by accessing a new consumer-friendly online publication.

Preston Cochrane - 1/14/2010 9:31:18 AM
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Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Do homework on debt management services

Those thinking of hiring a debt management company should do their homework to avoid being been duped by unscrupulous and unlicensed companies.

Preston Cochrane - 1/13/2010 9:08:10 AM
Views 399      1 Comments