Comments (16)

Am I the only one amazed by the attempt to place the blame of this financial crisis on poor people who supposedly bought homes they couldn't afford? When we sold our last home we sat at the closing table and watched the buyers eyes well up with tears. She was in her early fifties and had never owned a home. My husband and I were concerned when they disclosed the interest rate of her first and second mortgage.

Mind you she was being represented by a real estate agent that attended her church who told her that as soon as the house increased in value she could refinance. ...

Continue reading Bailout Boogie

Comments (22)

Are African-Americans cutting off their noses to spite their face when it comes to retirement?

According to a new survey by COUNTRY Financial folks are tapping into their savings rather than taking on new debt which is a good thing.

"Nearly two-thirds (62 percent) of black Americans have cut back their spending and 64 percent have put less money into their savings or retirement to cope with the current economy."

However, the majority of savings are held in retirement accounts and withdrawing from your 401k can cost you big time in the form of penalties and taxes. Here are a few smart money moves you can make without helping Uncle Sam pay down the national debt ...

Continue reading Another Day Older and Deeper in Debt

Tagged as: Retirement

Comments (6)

The mortgage meltdown is no longer limited to folks with less than stellar credit. The Mortgage Bankers Association is reporting that foreclosures are up on conventional mortgages as well. According to the association, "The rate of foreclosure filings for prime fixed loans rose from 0.16% to 0.22%."

What the numbers show is that these are precarious times and the declining economy is impacting Americans from all walks of life. This perfect storm of high gas prices, job cuts and lower real estate values are raising havoc on everyone's household' finances.

This is also when the so called "credit enhancement specialists" and "mortgage loan consultants" prey on folks by promising to help them "workout" loans with methods which anyone willing to do the research could accomplish with the help of a housing counselor for free. The one bright light in this mortgage mess is the amount of assistance that is available by both the federal and local governments.

Here's what you need to do in order to stave off foreclosure and keep your finances in order ...

Continue reading Foreclosure Fixes To Survive The Storm

Comments (17)

NAACP is holding a call to ARMS and I do mean adjustable rate mortgages.

While on one hand major mortgage companies touted their increase in lending to minorities, the other hand was allegedly pick pocketing hard earn dollars by charging higher fees and interest rates on loans.

The NAACP designated July 2 as a National Day of Action against mortgage discrimination. The day was marked by events across the country, including New York City, Baltimore, Chicago, Detroit, Wilmington, Del., Long Beach, CA, Reno, Salt Lake City, Seattle, St. Louis, Durham, NC, Columbia, SC, Memphis, Nashville, Chattanooga, and Jackson. ...

Forclosure Crisis

  • Forclosure Crisis

    People demonstrate outside a HOPE NOW home ownership preservation workshop at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Tuesday, April 1, 2008. Demonstrators hoped to draw attention subprime mortgage crisis. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

    AP

  • Forclosure Crisis

    Joseph Barratt, 55, and others demonstrate outside a HOPE NOW home ownership preservation workshop at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Tuesday, April 1, 2008. Demonstrators hoped to draw attention subprime mortgage crisis. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

    AP

  • Forclosure Crisis

    LAGUNA HILLS, CA - MARCH 28: A foreclosure sign stands in the yard of a house to be sold in an upcoming 11-day foreclosure auction of more than 1500 southern California homes March 28, 2008 in Laguna Hills, California. Cleaning up foreclosed properties is full-time work as home foreclosures are booming in the wake of the sub-prime loan crises, leading to abandoned and run-down properties that suppress neighboring home values and lower property tax revenues. Sub-prime loans make up 14 of total mortgages but account for about 60 of foreclosures. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)

    Getty Images

  • Forclosure Crisis

    LAGUNA HILLS, CA - MARCH 28: Sebastian Villalba mows grass and weeds to prepare a house to be sold in an upcoming 11-day foreclosure auction of more than 1500 southern California homes March 28, 2008 in Laguna Hills, California. Cleaning up foreclosed properties is full-time work as home foreclosures are booming in the wake of the sub-prime loan crises, leading to abandoned and run-down properties that suppress neighboring home values and lower property tax revenues. Sub-prime loans make up 14 of total mortgages but account for about 60 of foreclosures. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)

    Getty Images

  • Forclosure Crisis

    LAGUNA HILLS, CA - MARCH 28: An Orange County Sheriff eviction notice hangs on a house to be sold in an upcoming 11-day foreclosure auction of more than 1500 southern California homes March 28, 2008 in Laguna Hills, California. Cleaning up foreclosed properties is full-time work as home foreclosures are booming in the wake of the sub-prime loan crises, leading to abandoned and run-down properties that suppress neighboring home values and lower property tax revenues. Sub-prime loans make up 14 of total mortgages but account for about 60 of foreclosures. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)

    Getty Images

  • Forclosure Crisis

    LAGUNA HILLS, CA - MARCH 28: Sebastian Villalba mows grass and weeds to prepare a house to be sold in an upcoming 11-day foreclosure auction of more than 1500 southern California homes March 28, 2008 in Laguna Hills, California. Cleaning up foreclosed properties is full-time work as home foreclosures are booming in the wake of the sub-prime loan crises, leading to abandoned and run-down properties that suppress neighboring home values and lower property tax revenues. Sub-prime loans make up 14 of total mortgages but account for about 60 of foreclosures. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)

    Getty Images

  • Forclosure Crisis

    LAGUNA HILLS, CA - MARCH 28: Sebastian Villalba mows grass and weeds to prepare a house to be sold in an upcoming 11-day foreclosure auction of more than 1500 southern California homes March 28, 2008 in Laguna Hills, California. Cleaning up foreclosed properties is full-time work as home foreclosures are booming in the wake of the sub-prime loan crises, leading to abandoned and run-down properties that suppress neighboring home values and lower property tax revenues. Sub-prime loans make up 14 of total mortgages but account for about 60 of foreclosures. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)

    Getty Images

  • Forclosure Crisis

    A crowd of protesters hold up anti-war signs Friday March 28, 2008, in Freehold Township, N.J., as one of the presidential helicopters lands near a company where President Bush was visiting to spotlight the administration's efforts to save struggling homeowners from foreclosure. The president plans to stop by a mortgage counseling company that's part of the "Hope Now" alliance. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)

    AP

  • Forclosure Crisis

    Bill Suky, right, points out the arriving helicopter of President Bush Friday March 28, 2008, in Freehold Township, N.J., to wife, Dolores Suky, second right, Lucille Cerbini, left and Francine Jordan, second left, as they stand with a gathering of Bush supporters. President Bush was visiting New Jersey to spotlight efforts to save struggling homeowners from foreclosure. The president plans to stop by a mortgage counseling company that's part of the Hope Now alliance. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)

    AP

  • Forclosure Crisis

    Diane Beeny holds up an anti-war sign as she stands with a large crowd of protesters Friday March 28, 2008, in Freehold Township, N.J., near a company where President Bush was visiting to spotlight efforts to save struggling homeowners from foreclosure. The president plans to stop by a mortgage counseling company that's part of the Hope Now alliance. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)

    AP

Continue reading NAACP's March on Mortgage Madness

Comments (34)

I've said this a thousand times because I know it to be true-"More money will not solve your problems. " Ed McMahon and Evander Holyfield are the latest celebrity economic meltdown casualties.

Both of these stars made mega millions over the years and now find themselves in a financial nightmare and at risk of losing their homes to foreclosure. McMahon said it best to CNN's Larry King , "You take your eye off the ball and spend more than you make."

It's time to put those credit cards on lockdown and get rid of any unnecessary expenses. ...

Celebrity Money Problems

    Evander "The Real Deal" Holyfield may have been risen to the top in the boxing ring, but recent financial troubles have been brought him to his knees. His $10 million estate in Atlanta is under foreclosure, he owes another $550,000 to a Utah landscaping company who is suing, and if that isn't enough, one of his baby mommas is taking him back to court for missed child support payments, ranging from around $3,000 a month for one child. In 2003, courts came to the conclusion that Evander was making around $604,000 a month when stipulations for child support was being made.

    Stephen Shugerman, Getty Images

    This month, Ed McMahon, best known as the late Johnny Carson's sidekick and spokesman for Publishers Clearinghouse, appeared on Larry King Live explaining how he fell more than $600,000 behind in payments on his $4.8 million in mortgage. The comedy giant says he's hoping to avoid foreclosure on his multi-million dollar Beverly-Hills home, but that may be an uphill battle since medical problems have kept him from working.

    Getty Images

    The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, found herself singing the blues when her claims 700,000 mansion in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan slipped into foreclosure. Her attorney claims it was all a mistake that occurred over $445 in 2005 taxes and late fees. Turns out the state may have been on to a delinquency trend because she now owes a total of $19,192 in back taxes on the property through 2007.

    Jason Squire, WireImage.com

    The Death Row Music label made legends out of Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg and Tupac Shakur but it's now up for sale. Why? Back in 2006, Founder Marion 'Suge' Knight filed for bankruptcy in the face of he a $107 Million judgement. In the court papers he filed in the case, he estimated his assets to be $50,000 or less with debts totaling more than $100 million.

    Robert Mora, Getty Images

    He may be best known for his hit "Can't Touch This" but Rapper/Singer M.C. Hammer was hit by a money crisis. The man who had no problem bringing hip-hop music mainstream ran into problems when he hired his close friends, making him responsible for a $500,000-a-month payroll. He also had a $30 million mansion combined with extravagant cars and even exotic animals. All of these things put the hammer down on Stanley Burrell's loot. He eventually lost it all, including some of the "friends" he tried to give a leg up.

    Tina Fultz, ZUMA Press

    Pint size child actor Gary Coleman whose famous for the line "what you talking about Willis?" is frequently found talking about his financial woes. It has been reported that chilhood star Gary Coleman was paid $1,500 per episode the first season of Different Stroke; that later went up to $20,000 , then $40,000, and as high as $70,000. He also made almost $18 million from his tv and movies work during the period Diff'rent Strokes was on the air (1978-1986). But, when Coleman reached adulthood he found that bad investments and lavish spending on the part of his parents, left him nearly penniless. Now, Gary Coleman has been selling various items on the Ebay including his autographed pants and a Saturn-model car.

    ASSOCIATED PRESS

    Rumors of the King of Pop's finances going bust have been swirling for years. Recently, his famed Neverland Ranch was even threatened by foreclosure but he received a last minute reprieve a given by Colony Capital, a private equity group, to whom he now owes $23 million. In 2006, he was forced to use his Beatles catalog as well as copyrights to his own songs, as collateral for roughly $270 million in bank loans. So, what happened to all the money the man who has been making music since 1975 made, lavish spending sprees, exotic animals and unusual purchases like a hyperbaric chamber are said to be to blame. He may have danced in a solution to his money problems. He may be slated to headline a show on the Vegas strip.

    AP

    "Iron" Mike Tyson isn't as strong financial as one would think after earning a reportedly earning some 300 million dollars in the boxing ring. Still, he KO'd his own financial future by declaring bankruptcy in 2003. He was also forced to sell the Connecticut mansion he shared with ex-wife Robin Givens, which was later purchased by Rapper 50 Cent. Tyson blamed his lavish spending and promoter Don King for his empty pockets.

    Critics once said she had one of the clearest voices in music, but diva Whitney Houston his a sour note in 2006 when she came close to losing her $6 million, 10-acre New Jersey estate. The songstress reportedly owed thousands of dollars in back taxes. Then, in 2007, dozens of Houston's belongings were auctioned off bras, bustiers, and other props from her past tours, along with ah $400,000 see-through grand piano and her ex-husband Bobby Brown's grammy awards. The reason for the auction, she allegedly owed the storage company $200,000 in back rent.

    Kevin Winter, Getty Images

Continue reading Celebrity Financial Smack Down

Comments (33)

A year ago I purchased a laptop on one of those zero percent financing deals. I consider myself as someone who knows how to make a dollar holler and waited a few days before the due date to pay the bill online.

Well imagine my dismay when they asked me to pay ten dollars for the privilege of paying the bill online. It almost sent me over the edge and then they added insult to injury when they added another thirteen dollars for refusing to pay the ten dollars.

I called customer service and ended up speaking to a woman named Joe in India who would not give me her last name but did take the charge off the bill. All I could think was that it is about time someone took a look at the abusive practices being used by credit card companies.

Dirty Credit Card Tricks

    Say "Bye-Bye" to Your Grace Period
    No grace period means that you'll start accruing interest the moment you charge something and that can cost you a bundle of "extra" interest. Most credit card issuers have already reduced their grace period from 25 days to 20 days. Many others have eliminated the grace period altogether. Now they are coming up with more and more reasons to take away your grace period. Miss a payment? Stop carrying a balance? Bye-bye grace period!

    AOL Money & finance

    Punishing You for Being Smart
    These fees are the lowest of the low because they penalize you for being a responsible credit card user. Some of the biggest offenders include charging you a fee for:
    + Closing your account
    + Failing to use a card for a period of time (such as six months or a year)
    + Not carrying a balance
    + Every transaction each and every time that you use your card
    If your card charges you any of these fees, it's time to look for a new card!

    AOL Money & finance

    Lowering Your Minimum Payment
    Another way some cards try to jack up their profits and lure you deeper into debt is by lowering the minimum payment due on your balance. It used to be cards required a minimum monthly payment of about 4% of your balance, but many now require as little at 2%. Don't fall for it! Going from a $40 payment to a $25 payment on a $2,500 balance means it will take you an extra 19 months to pay off your balance!

    AOL Money & finance

    Inviting You to Skip a Payment
    Broke this month? In their infinite generosity (ha!), some cards will "invite" you to skip a payment. This "helpful" offer, which sounds great at first blush, often comes after the holidays when your balance is big and your wallet is stretched. DON'T DO IT! Skipping that payment can lead to a host of trouble from a higher interest rate to possibly having to make extra payments in the future. Are you starting to notice a pattern?! You should be skeptical whenever your credit card company does something "nice" for you without you asking for it!

    AOL Money & finance

    Tricky Timing
    We all know that our payment is due on a certain date or it's late, right? But a new twist being thrown into the mix is having your payment due by a certain time on the due date. If your payment is due at noon, and gets processed at 12:01, you get socked with a late fee AND likely a higher interest rate. Gimme a break! Carefully check your statement so you avoid this trap.

    SOURCE: Dirty Credit Card Tricks provided by AOL Money & Finance

    AOL Money & finance

Continue reading Credit Crusade to Regulate the Bloodsuckers

Comments (9)

Reports of people stock piling food staples like rice have many remembering the stories that grandma used to share about food rationing during the depression.

Recently discount warehouse retailers Costco and Sam's Club put a limit on the amount of rice purchased by customers.

Price increases of this common food source found on tables around the globe have people panicking and purchasing rice in large quantities. Americans are feeling the pain at the supermarket checkout as the cost of staples like milk, butter and eggs continue to rise.

These perilous inflationary times can bust your budget if you aren't careful.

Planning, preparation and process can help you save big at the dinner table. Check out these tips below.


Grocery-Saving Tips

    Have a plan. First, take a look in the pantry and refrigerator to determine what you need and make a list. You will avoid purchasing items you don't need or already have.

    Take a look at what's in the sales circular and plan your meals accordingly.

    Buy fruits and vegetables that are in season and buy at the local farmers market. You'll have fresh produce that hasn't been shipped and it will cost you less.

    Avoid b.o.g.o or buy one get one free. Opt for sales that allow you to purchase several of the same item at a discount. You can buy one item and still get the discounted price.

    Keep walking pass the gourmet counter that offers prepackaged or prepared foods. You can marinate and season your meat using common ingredients like lemon juice and teriyaki sauce with the same outcome.

Deborah Owens is author of "Nickel and Dime Your Way To Wealth" and host of "Real Money" on NPR Affiliate Weaa 88.9 FM. Visit deborahowens.com

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