http://topics.cnn.com/topics/feeds/rss/Consumer_Credit_and_DebtFind stories, videos, and photos about Consumer Credit and Debt from CNN.com.en-usCable News Network LP, LLLP.Thu, 26 Nov 2009 05:31:08 GMT5http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/.element/img/1.0/logo/cnn.logo.rss.gifhttp://topics.cnn.com/topics/feeds/rss/Consumer_Credit_and_Debt14433Find stories, videos, and photos about Consumer Credit and Debt from CNN.com.http://money.cnn.com/2009/11/18/pf/holiday_credit_card_tips/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/11/18/pf/holiday_credit_card_tips/index.htmYou are at the checkout counter with an armload of packages and as you dig into your purse or wallet, you're presented with an offer of a store credit card along with a holiday gift.Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:17:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/11/20/pf/saving/mortgage_questions/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/11/20/pf/saving/mortgage_questions/index.htmQUESTION 1: I wanted to know if you could tell me how much longer the tax credit for first-time homebuyers will be available? I am a US citizen living abroad and plan to purchase a condominium in Texas-would this tax credit apply to me for that? --AnonymousFri, 20 Nov 2009 21:48:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/11/19/news/economy/Obama_foreclosure_fix/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/11/19/news/economy/Obama_foreclosure_fix/index.htmOnly a tiny percentage of troubled homeowners have received permanent modifications under President Obama's foreclosure prevention plan, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the $75 billion effort.Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:56:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/11/18/news/economy/housing_counselors/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/11/18/news/economy/housing_counselors/index.htmHousing counselors, who've received more than $400 million in federal funds to help mitigate the mortgage crisis, are helping troubled homeowners avoid foreclosure and lower their monthly payments, a study released Wednesday has found.Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:48:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/11/12/news/economy/FHA_bailout/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/11/12/news/economy/FHA_bailout/index.htmThe mortgage meltdown has ravaged the finances of a crucial government agency tasked with propping up the housing industry.Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:51:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/11/10/news/economy/JPMorgan_mortgage_loan_officers/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/11/10/news/economy/JPMorgan_mortgage_loan_officers/index.htmJPMorgan & Chase announced plans Tuesday to hire 1,200 mortgage loan officers as the bank moves to expand its home loan business.Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:22:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/11/06/news/economy/consumer_credit_september/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/11/06/news/economy/consumer_credit_september/index.htmConsumer credit fell in September for the eighth straight month, the longest streak of declines since the Federal Reserve started keeping records in 1943.Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:56:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/11/05/news/companies/fannie_mae_earnings.reut/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/11/05/news/companies/fannie_mae_earnings.reut/index.htmFannie Mae, the largest provider of funding for U.S. home loans, said on Thursday bad mortgages and a federal foreclosure prevention program left it with a $18.9 billion loss, forcing it to tap the Treasury again to plug a hole in its net worth.Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:29:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/11/05/real_estate/deed_to_lease/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/11/05/real_estate/deed_to_lease/index.htmGiving troubled borrowers yet another way to avoid foreclosure, Fannie Mae said on Thursday it would allow eligible homeowners to rent their own homes.Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:59:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/11/04/news/economy/October_consumer_bankruptcy/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/11/04/news/economy/October_consumer_bankruptcy/index.htmThe number of Americans filing personal bankruptcies surged 9% in October and were on target for the highest annual total in four years, according to a report issued Wednesday.Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:50:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/11/02/pf/tuituion_help.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/11/02/pf/tuituion_help.moneymag/index.htmDespite losses in their own investments, 65% of grandparents plan to help their grandkids pay for college, reports the College Savings Foundation. That may spell relief for parents squeezed by the economy. But handled incorrectly, such giving could hurt your child's chances for financial aid, says Joe Hurley of savingforcollege.com. Here are the best ways for Grandma to give.Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:03:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/11/02/pf/debit_card_pitfalls/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/11/02/pf/debit_card_pitfalls/index.htmOut: credit cards. In: debit cards. As more and more Americans shun traditional credit cards, they're turning to debit cards. But you should know there are downsides to debit cards too.Mon, 02 Nov 2009 08:40:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/10/28/real_estate/mortgage_rates/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/10/28/real_estate/mortgage_rates/index.htmMortgage applications fell last week for the third week in a row, even as interest rates edged lower, an industry group said Wednesday.Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:44:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/10/21/real_estate/mortgage_applications_MBA/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/10/21/real_estate/mortgage_applications_MBA/index.htmMortgage applications plunged last week as rates ticked higher above 5%, an industry group said Wednesday, as the expiration of a home buyer tax credit drew nearer.Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:18:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/10/20/real_estate/refinance_adjustable_mortgage.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/10/20/real_estate/refinance_adjustable_mortgage.moneymag/index.htmIf you are among the 6.5 million homeowners who took out a low-rate adjustable-rate mortgage during the housing boom, you've probably spent the past couple of years waiting for your day of reckoning to come.Wed, 21 Oct 2009 09:42:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/10/08/news/economy/Predatory_lending_lawsuits_increase/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/10/08/news/economy/Predatory_lending_lawsuits_increase/index.htmDuring the housing boom, mortgage lenders were doling out the dough, giving loans to people who could never have qualified before.Fri, 09 Oct 2009 11:19:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/10/08/real_estate/mortgage_rates/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/10/08/real_estate/mortgage_rates/index.htmThe possibility of securing a mortgage rate below 5% has greatly improved in recent weeks, in a positive sign for would-be home buyers.Thu, 08 Oct 2009 17:03:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/10/07/news/economy/consumer_credit/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/10/07/news/economy/consumer_credit/index.htmConsumer credit pulled back for the seventh straight month in August, led by a steep decline in credit card usage, a government report said Wednesday, as unemployment soared and cash-strapped consumers continued to limit spending.Wed, 07 Oct 2009 22:06:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/10/07/real_estate/mortgage_applications/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/10/07/real_estate/mortgage_applications/index.htmMortgage applications surged last week as interest rates on home loans remained low, an industry group said Wednesday.Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:34:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/10/02/news/economy/consumer_bankruptcy/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/10/02/news/economy/consumer_bankruptcy/index.htmPersonal bankruptcies topped the 1 million mark in the first nine months of the year, the first time it has done so in four years, according to an industry research firm released Friday.Fri, 02 Oct 2009 21:13:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/09/25/pf/saving/cobra_copays/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/09/25/pf/saving/cobra_copays/index.htmQUESTION 1: I know that Congress is considering extending the unemployment benefits, but what about Cobra? That has been a godsend for my husband and me. Instead of paying $1,100 a month, we only pay $434. My husband has been laid off since December of 2008 after 22 years with a newspaper company. --Dawn, OhioFri, 02 Oct 2009 14:22:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/09/10/real_estate/august_foreclosures/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/09/10/real_estate/august_foreclosures/index.htmThe foreclosure crisis grinds on amid signs of hope.Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:51:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/09/10/real_estate/August_foreclosure_report/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/09/10/real_estate/August_foreclosure_report/index.htmSubstantially fewer homes were repossessed in August than in July, but just as many Americans were behind on their mortgage payments, according to a report released Thursday.Thu, 10 Sep 2009 11:49:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/08/31/pf/saving/money_for_college_tuition/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/08/31/pf/saving/money_for_college_tuition/index.htmIt's only a couple of weeks or even days until school begins. And if you don't think you'll be able to get a handle on your college tuition bill, here with your guide to last minute money.Mon, 31 Aug 2009 15:21:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/08/28/pf/saving/cash_for_clunkers_tax/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/08/28/pf/saving/cash_for_clunkers_tax/index.htmQuestion 1. Do you have to claim the money in the Cash for Clunkers program you received as income in your tax returns for next year? -- Joe, IndianaFri, 28 Aug 2009 16:40:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2009/US/08/27/student.loans/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://www.cnn.com/2009/US/08/27/student.loans/index.html#cnnSTCTextKristin Schlaud brimmed with pride when she became the first in her blue-collar family to make it to college. But three years after law school, she is completely broke, saddled with almost a quarter-million dollar debt.Thu, 27 Aug 2009 08:10:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/studentnews/03/15/financial.glossary/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/studentnews/03/15/financial.glossary/index.html#cnnSTCTextIntroduction: Use this CNN Student News financial glossary to help students understand concepts about today's U.S. economy that are currently in the news.Thu, 27 Aug 2009 00:08:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/08/24/pf/credit_score.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/08/24/pf/credit_score.moneymag/index.htmBorrowing money today requires impressing an increasingly hard-to-please crowd. With creditors of all kinds more cautious than ever, you need an A+ application to land the best terms -- and that means an A+ credit score, the number lenders use to judge your risk of default.Mon, 24 Aug 2009 09:06:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/worklife/08/19/mainstreet.black.water.blues/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/worklife/08/19/mainstreet.black.water.blues/index.html#cnnSTCTextWant to create jobs? Restaurant owner Rob Redfearn says send some stimulus money his way and he would create 50 jobs within three months.Fri, 21 Aug 2009 15:12:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/08/18/pf/identity_theft/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/08/18/pf/identity_theft/index.htmThere's a reason consumers are worried about protecting their credit- and debit-card information.Tue, 18 Aug 2009 19:45:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/08/13/real_estate/mortgage_rates/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/08/13/real_estate/mortgage_rates/index.htmHome mortgage rates were mixed this week as the Federal Reserve began easing away from its repurchase of Treasurys.Thu, 13 Aug 2009 17:42:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/08/04/news/economy/Obama_mortgage_modification/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/08/04/news/economy/Obama_mortgage_modification/index.htmThe Obama administration's first progress report on its foreclosure prevention plan confirms it is off to a slow start.Wed, 05 Aug 2009 12:04:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/07/30/real_estate/mortgage_rates/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/07/30/real_estate/mortgage_rates/index.htmHome mortgage rates were nearly unchanged from the previous week as investors weigh better-than-expected corporate earnings against the record volume of debt the government is selling.Thu, 30 Jul 2009 16:27:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/07/24/news/economy/unemployed_foreclosure/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/07/24/news/economy/unemployed_foreclosure/index.htmAs a growing number of Americans default on their mortgages, the Obama administration is set to meet Tuesday with industry executives to discuss their efforts so far to help people save their homes.Tue, 28 Jul 2009 11:46:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/07/23/real_estate/mortgage_rates/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/07/23/real_estate/mortgage_rates/index.htmHome mortgage rates ticked lower after Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said the central bank will continue to keep interest rates low.Thu, 23 Jul 2009 15:24:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/07/22/news/economy/ben_bernanke_response_subprime.fortune/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/07/22/news/economy/ben_bernanke_response_subprime.fortune/index.htmSpeculation that Ben Bernanke might very well be appointed for a second-term as Federal Reserve Chairman when his term expires in January 2010 has to remind one of Washington's Alice in Wonderland-like quality.Wed, 22 Jul 2009 14:54:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/07/15/news/economy/Congress_foreclosure_prevention/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/07/15/news/economy/Congress_foreclosure_prevention/index.htmAs complaints mount about President Obama's foreclosure prevention program, the administration is ratcheting up the pressure on mortgage servicers.Thu, 16 Jul 2009 19:37:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/07/16/real_estate/mortgage_rates/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/07/16/real_estate/mortgage_rates/index.htmHome mortgage rates saw an up-and-down week but ended almost unchanged, according to a report released Thursday.Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:55:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/personal/07/16/howard.college.loans/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/personal/07/16/howard.college.loans/index.html#cnnSTCTextDo you need to borrow to fund a college education for yourself or your child? Be sure you're taking my "Clark Smart" approach to borrowing.Thu, 16 Jul 2009 13:05:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/07/14/news/economy/student_loans/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/07/14/news/economy/student_loans/index.htmThe government's new student loan reform plan gets good grades from graduates with low-paying jobs struggling under a lot of debt. But it's on probation from some borrowers, including married couples and those who will be subject to a new tax liability.Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:48:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/07/09/real_estate/mortgage_rates/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/07/09/real_estate/mortgage_rates/index.htmHome mortgage rates fell for the third time in four weeks, with the 30-year fixed slipping to 5.59% from 5.7% the prior week, according to a report released Thursday.Thu, 09 Jul 2009 18:10:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/04/20/pf/saving/student_loan_debt_willis/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/04/20/pf/saving/student_loan_debt_willis/index.htmCollege tuition increases about 5% to 8% a year. And most students are now just beginning to get their financial aid packages.Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:05:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/07/02/real_estate/mortgage_rates/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/07/02/real_estate/mortgage_rates/index.htmHome mortgage rates retreated last week, with the 30-year fixed slipping to 5.7% from 5.8% the week prior, according to a report from a financial data aggregator released Thursday.Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:08:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2009/US/07/01/student.loans/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://www.cnn.com/2009/US/07/01/student.loans/index.html#cnnSTCTextColleges aren't getting any cheaper, but federal student loans are.Thu, 02 Jul 2009 03:14:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/07/01/news/economy/Obama_refi_program/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/07/01/news/economy/Obama_refi_program/index.htmThe Obama administration is widening its mortgage refinancing program to allow more borrowers hit hard by falling home prices to take part.Thu, 02 Jul 2009 02:17:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/07/01/pf/saving/student_loan_debt/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/07/01/pf/saving/student_loan_debt/index.htmToday the government will begin offering a repayment plan that lets graduates reduce their monthly student loan payments based on their income. It's called the income based repayment plan and it's available to borrowers who took out federal loans or used a federal consolidation loan to combine their debt.Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:16:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2009/US/06/24/student.loans.shorter.forms/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://www.cnn.com/2009/US/06/24/student.loans.shorter.forms/index.html#cnnSTCTextOne of the great headaches of the American dream is about to get less painful.Wed, 24 Jun 2009 06:31:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2009/US/06/24/college.loans/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://www.cnn.com/2009/US/06/24/college.loans/index.html#cnnSTCTextAs a graduate from Syracuse University with a master's degree in international relations, Jana Morgan was hoping to help victims of human rights violations caused by resource wars.Wed, 24 Jun 2009 04:53:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/06/18/real_estate/housing_market_bottom.fortune/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/06/18/real_estate/housing_market_bottom.fortune/index.htmSales in the decimated housing market may finally be bottoming, but don't expect home prices to stop dropping before mid-2010 at the earliest, analysts and economists say.Fri, 19 Jun 2009 08:23:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/06/18/real_estate/mortgage_rates/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/06/18/real_estate/mortgage_rates/index.htmHome mortgage rates sank sharply last week, retreating from a recent run-up that peaked the previous week. The 30-year fixed slipped to 5.76% from 5.95%, according to a report released Thursday.Thu, 18 Jun 2009 16:20:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/06/11/news/economy/Americans_wealth_drops/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/06/11/news/economy/Americans_wealth_drops/index.htmAmericans saw $1.3 trillion of wealth vaporize in the first quarter of 2009, as the stock market and home values continued to decline, according to a government report released Thursday.Thu, 11 Jun 2009 19:45:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/06/11/real_estate/mortgage_rates/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/06/11/real_estate/mortgage_rates/index.htmHome mortgage rates jumped in the most recent week, pulled higher by skyrocketing Treasury yields.Thu, 11 Jun 2009 19:03:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/06/08/technology/google_market_insights.fortune/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/06/08/technology/google_market_insights.fortune/index.htmWhen the stock market goes up these days, your 401(k) isn't the only thing that will follow. So, too, does the volume of Google searches for economic terms.Mon, 08 Jun 2009 14:36:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/06/04/real_estate/mortgage_rates/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/06/04/real_estate/mortgage_rates/index.htmHome mortgage rates jumped in the most recent week, with the average 30-year fixed rate rising to 5.65%, according to a report released Thursday.Thu, 04 Jun 2009 20:24:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/06/04/news/banks.refi.fortune/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/06/04/news/banks.refi.fortune/index.htmThe refinancing tide has ebbed, but mortgage profits for the nation's biggest banks are in no danger of drying up.Thu, 04 Jun 2009 09:54:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/05/29/real_estate/Mortgage_rates_going_up/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/05/29/real_estate/Mortgage_rates_going_up/index.htmMortgage rates burst past the 5% mark for a 30-year fixed-rate loan late in May, peaking at an average of 5.45% on Thursday. It was the highest level reached by mortgage rates this year, but on Friday they fell back to 5.27%.Fri, 29 May 2009 20:23:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/05/28/markets/bondcenter/credit/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/05/28/markets/bondcenter/credit/index.htmGovernment debt prices rose Thursday after the benchmark 10-year yield had hovered at a 6-month high earlier in the session, at the last of three major auctions scheduled for the week.Thu, 28 May 2009 20:25:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/05/28/pf/saving/credit_debt/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/05/28/pf/saving/credit_debt/index.htmYou're not alone. Credit card companies are tightening their underwriting standards as they try to pare down their debt. Here is some advice on how to cope if you've been denied credit.Thu, 28 May 2009 17:43:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/05/28/real_estate/mortgage_rates/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/05/28/real_estate/mortgage_rates/index.htmHome mortgage rates jumped in the most recent week, pulled higher by rising Treasury yields, according to a report released Thursday.Thu, 28 May 2009 16:59:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/05/27/real_estate/MBA_mortgage_delinquencies/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/05/27/real_estate/MBA_mortgage_delinquencies/index.htmDespite all the hand-wringing and attempts to contain the foreclosure plague, the problem still spread during the first three months of 2009, as the number of foreclosure actions started hit a record high, according to a quarterly report.Thu, 28 May 2009 16:30:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/05/27/news/mortgage.overhang.fortune/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/05/27/news/mortgage.overhang.fortune/index.htmHouse prices are taking a long ride in the wayback machine. Unfortunately, Americans' housing-related debt isn't going anywhere fast.Wed, 27 May 2009 20:05:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/05/27/real_estate/mortgage_rescues_up_in_April/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/05/27/real_estate/mortgage_rescues_up_in_April/index.htmNearly 270,000 troubled homeowners were issued mortgage workouts in April, according to a industry report released Wednesday. That was up from about 250,000 in March.Wed, 27 May 2009 17:05:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/05/21/real_estate/mortgage_rates/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/05/21/real_estate/mortgage_rates/index.htmHome mortgage rates were mixed this week, with the average 30-year ticking higher, according to a report released Thursday.Thu, 21 May 2009 20:25:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/05/20/real_estate/new_hope_for_homeowners/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/05/20/real_estate/new_hope_for_homeowners/index.htmOne of the biggest disappointments of the foreclosure prevention fight has been HOPE for Homeowners, a plan Congress passed in an attempt to help as many as 400,000 underwater, delinquent borrowers from going into foreclosure.Thu, 21 May 2009 11:50:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/05/18/news/economy/fannie_freddie_critical/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/05/18/news/economy/fannie_freddie_critical/index.htmFannie Mae and Freddie Mac, charged with helping lead the nation out of its housing crisis, are facing "critical" financial problems, federal regulators said Monday.Mon, 18 May 2009 20:08:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/05/14/news/economy/Obama_foreclosure_update/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/05/14/news/economy/Obama_foreclosure_update/index.htmMore than 55,000 troubled homeowners have received loan modification offers under President Obama's foreclosure prevention program, officials said Thursday.Thu, 14 May 2009 21:21:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/05/12/news/companies/Freddie_results/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/05/12/news/companies/Freddie_results/index.htmFreddie Mac asked for another $6.1 billion in government aid Tuesday, after reporting a $9.9 billion quarterly loss.Tue, 12 May 2009 22:33:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/05/08/news/companies/fannie_mae/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/05/08/news/companies/fannie_mae/index.htmFannie Mae, the troubled mortgage finance company, reported a first-quarter loss of $23.2 billion on Friday.Fri, 08 May 2009 16:03:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/05/07/real_estate/mortgage_rates/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/05/07/real_estate/mortgage_rates/index.htmHome mortgage rates ticked only slightly higher this week, according to a report released Thursday.Thu, 07 May 2009 17:31:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/05/04/pf/levenson_studentloans.fortune/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/05/04/pf/levenson_studentloans.fortune/index.htmBy now, most college-bound high school seniors have accepted an admissions offer and are cruising blissfully toward graduation, summer, and their chosen campus come fall. For parents, on the other hand, the hard work of financing this education is just beginning.Tue, 05 May 2009 10:09:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/05/01/news/companies/cerberus.chrysler.fortune/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/05/01/news/companies/cerberus.chrysler.fortune/index.htmAs Chrysler heads to bankruptcy court today in New York City, it becomes the highest profile failure for the private equity industry and its former owner Cerberus. But there is a slender silver lining for the New York money men.Fri, 01 May 2009 18:15:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/04/30/news/economy/cramdown/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/04/30/news/economy/cramdown/index.htmThe Obama administration lost a bid to add a powerful weapon in its fight against foreclosure Thursday, after the Senate voted down a proposal to allow bankruptcy judges to modify mortgages.Thu, 30 Apr 2009 21:43:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/04/30/real_estate/mortgage_rates/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/04/30/real_estate/mortgage_rates/index.htmHome mortgage rates were mostly unchanged this week, with the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate holding steady, according to a report released Thursday.Thu, 30 Apr 2009 15:48:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/04/30/real_estate/March_Hope_Now/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/04/30/real_estate/March_Hope_Now/index.htmLenders continued to rewrite troubled mortgages at a fast clip during March, but the weakening economy still sent foreclosure starts soaring to a record high.Thu, 30 Apr 2009 15:31:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/04/28/news/economy/foreclosures/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/04/28/news/economy/foreclosures/index.htmThe Obama administration said Tuesday it is expanding its foreclosure prevention program to cover second mortgages and to direct more troubled borrowers to the Hope for Homeowners program.Tue, 28 Apr 2009 20:16:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/04/24/news/economy/obama_week_fourteen/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/04/24/news/economy/obama_week_fourteen/index.htmAfter nearly 100 days in office, the Obama administration's campaign to lift the economy out of its deepest funk since the 1930s showed no signs of slowing down.Mon, 27 Apr 2009 12:00:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/04/24/pf/saving/student_loan_relief_willis/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/04/24/pf/saving/student_loan_relief_willis/index.htmQuestion 1. We heard you mention forgiveness of law school loans. Our son and daughter-in-law are both new attorneys saddled with law school loans and we'd love to help them find more information, if possible. -- Paul and MariFri, 24 Apr 2009 14:33:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/04/23/news/economy/mortgage_rates/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/04/23/news/economy/mortgage_rates/index.htmHome mortgage rates were slightly higher this week, jumping from near record-lows last week, according to a report released Thursday.Thu, 23 Apr 2009 15:51:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/04/22/news/Freddie_Mac_CFO/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/04/22/news/Freddie_Mac_CFO/index.htmThe acting chief financial officer of mortgage finance giant Freddie Mac, David Kellermann, was found dead Wednesday morning, police said.Wed, 22 Apr 2009 17:23:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/04/16/real_estate/weekly_mortgage_rates/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/04/16/real_estate/weekly_mortgage_rates/index.htmMortgage rates fell slightly this week and appear to be settling into a range near historically low levels, according to a national survey released Thursday.Thu, 16 Apr 2009 17:09:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/04/15/news/economy/loan_forgiveness/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/04/15/news/economy/loan_forgiveness/index.htmMany college graduates are struggling with heavy student loan debt and steep monthly payments that limit their professional options. But for some, choosing the career of their dreams could actually lift that burden.Wed, 15 Apr 2009 15:20:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/03/17/pf/college/college_tuition.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/03/17/pf/college/college_tuition.moneymag/index.htmYou've been waiting for this moment for nearly 18 years: Your baby is almost ready for college. Your finances, not so much. The market's protracted free fall means that your college fund is now worth just a fraction of what you need. Your home's value has no doubt dropped sharply too - no help there. The only thing that keeps going up, you guessed it, is college tuition. So it's goodbye, Dream School U., hello, Central State, right?Tue, 14 Apr 2009 15:54:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/03/16/news/economy/housing_road_to_rescue/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/03/16/news/economy/housing_road_to_rescue/index.htmThe road to a housing recovery will be a difficult one.Tue, 14 Apr 2009 15:42:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/04/09/news/economy/mortgage_rates/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/04/09/news/economy/mortgage_rates/index.htmHome mortgage rates were slightly higher this week, snapping a 4-week streak of declines, said a report released Thursday.Thu, 09 Apr 2009 17:09:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/04/07/news/economy/consumer_credit/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/04/07/news/economy/consumer_credit/index.htmConsumer credit fell in February, led by a sharp decline in credit card usage, a government report said Tuesday, as the ailing economy and widespread unemployment curbed spending.Tue, 07 Apr 2009 20:47:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/04/03/real_estate/FHA_loans/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/04/03/real_estate/FHA_loans/index.htmMortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration can be a lifeline for low-income or high-risk borrowers. These loans have tiny down-payment requirements, competitive rates and easy credit-score hurdles.Mon, 06 Apr 2009 19:17:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/04/03/news/economy/loan_modifications/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/04/03/news/economy/loan_modifications/index.htmIt may seem obvious: Increasing how much troubled borrowers pay on their mortgage leads to redefaults. But that didn't stop America's banks.Fri, 03 Apr 2009 17:10:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/04/02/pf/saving/student_loan_willis/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/04/02/pf/saving/student_loan_willis/index.htmAn increasing number of students aren't making their student loan payments according to the Department of Education.Fri, 03 Apr 2009 14:26:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/04/02/real_estate/mortgage_rates/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/04/02/real_estate/mortgage_rates/index.htmHome mortgage rates continued to march lower, according to two separate reports released on Thursday.Thu, 02 Apr 2009 18:41:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/03/30/real_estate/February_Hope_Now/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/03/30/real_estate/February_Hope_Now/index.htmLenders have helped an increasing number of mortgage borrowers to get current on payments and stay in their homes, but the tide of foreclosures is still rising.Tue, 31 Mar 2009 13:40:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/03/26/real_estate/mortgage_rates/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/03/26/real_estate/mortgage_rates/index.htmHome mortgage rates dropped to a 52-year low this week, according to a report released Thursday, in the wake of the government's announcement that it will buy more than $1 trillion in debt.Thu, 26 Mar 2009 18:38:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/03/25/pf/saving/mortgage_willis/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/03/25/pf/saving/mortgage_willis/index.htmMortgage rates are lower than 5% - but how can you get the best refinancing deal?Wed, 25 Mar 2009 16:58:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/03/25/real_estate/new_hope_plan/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/03/25/real_estate/new_hope_plan/index.htmIf HOPE for Homeowners, the foreclosure-prevention plan passed last summer, was a soft drink, it would be New Coke. If it was an automobile, it would be an Edsel. A movie? Howard the Duck.Wed, 25 Mar 2009 16:25:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/03/19/real_estate/rates_low_approvals_too/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/03/19/real_estate/rates_low_approvals_too/index.htmMortgage interest rates are already flirting with record lows and the Federal Reserve's move to buy up government debt will send those rates even lower. But it doesn't look like it will get any easier for borrowers - even those with good credit.Fri, 20 Mar 2009 13:42:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/03/19/news/economy/Obama_foreclosure_plan/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/03/19/news/economy/Obama_foreclosure_plan/index.htmAs loan servicers scramble to implement President Obama's foreclosure prevention plan, the administration on Thursday unveiled a Web site to assist homeowners in determining whether they are eligible for help.Thu, 19 Mar 2009 19:41:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/03/19/fannie.bonuses/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/03/19/fannie.bonuses/index.html#cnnSTCTextTroubled mortgage giant Fannie Mae planned to pay four top executives retention bonuses ranging from $470,000 to $611,000, according to a February SEC filing.Thu, 19 Mar 2009 05:00:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/03/04/real_estate/Obama_foreclosure_plan/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/03/04/real_estate/Obama_foreclosure_plan/index.htmPresident Obama's eagerly anticipated foreclosure prevention program went into effect on Wednesday. It targets 9 million borrowers for help - are you one of them?Mon, 16 Mar 2009 11:16:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/03/13/real_estate/appraisals_getting_harder/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/03/13/real_estate/appraisals_getting_harder/index.htmFor real estate appraisers, determining what a house is worth has become increasingly difficult, which is making it even harder for buyers to purchase homes or for homeowners to refinance.Fri, 13 Mar 2009 19:10:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/02/25/real_estate/appraisals_getting_harder/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/02/25/real_estate/appraisals_getting_harder/index.htmFor real estate appraisers, determining what a house is worth has become increasingly difficult, which is making it even harder for buyers to purchase homes or for homeowners to refinance.Fri, 13 Mar 2009 16:42:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/03/12/news/economy/flow_funds/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/03/12/news/economy/flow_funds/index.htmHousehold net worth in the United States declined by $11.2 trillion last year, according to a government report issued Thursday, and Americans curbed their spending as they watched the value of their assets fall.Thu, 12 Mar 2009 18:45:00 EDT