- The art of the lowball offer
As housing sales slow, home buyers are in a better position to offer substantially less than the seller's asking.
- Online banking: Safer than you think
Despite the reports of security breaches, your identity is better protected on the Internet.
- 10 tips for soon-to-be parents
Got a baby on the way? Then you need to make some financial preparations.
- Home warranties: Good for nothing?
It all depends on the fine print and who's standing behind it.
- Have you over-improved your home?
It's not a problem unless you spend so much on improvements that you can't get your money back.
- Scammers target your cell phone records
Feds and cell phone companies promise to fight the illegal information brokers.
- What's your used car really worth?
Buyers and sellers of used cars often use online appraisal sites, but the value estimates are all over the board. Who to believe?
- 10 tax time bombs to defuse now
Time is running out, but you can still cut your tax bill if you make these moves by Dec. 31.
- What are brokerage CDs?
The yields may be higher, but it's! importa nt to understand the limitations involved.
- Make sure your good credit gets recorded
Before you have good credit or bad credit you've got to have credit. Here's how to get it started.
- Do's and don'ts for establishing credit
Before you have good credit or bad credit you've got to have credit. Here's how to get it started.
- Fees, rules can ruin gift cards
For many, gift cards are the perfect size and color. But watch out -- they often lose value or expire, Bankrate's exclusive survey reveals.
- New scoring tools empower credit weaklings
Lenders have started using non-traditional scoring methods to tap into a huge market of Americans with little or no credit histories.
- 6 tips for safe shopping on the Web
Holiday shopping online? Get safety conscious. What you don't know can hurt you on the Web.
- Debt negotiators can crush your credit
Some firms will leave you worse off than when you started with them.
- Your rights under the Fair Credit Billing Act
Problems with your credit card? If it's a billing error, the law is on your side if you know how to use it.
- Adding a game room, and value, to your home
Game rooms not only let the family and friends play together, they boost the resale value, when done right.
- When to begin drawing Social Security benefits
The decision about whether to start at age 62 or wait depends on numerous factors
- For best bargains, go to the source
Looking for a discount? Try the manufacturer's Web site for good deals.
- Finding a childhood bank account
It should be easy because banks turn the money over to the state,
- The Top 10 causes of debt
Many Americans wonder how they first got into debt and how to avoid it in the future. The answer s lie in these top 10 causes of debt.
- Debunking financial urban myths
These tall tales about money can cost you dearly or waste your time chasing illusionary dollars.
- Correcting an inaccurate credit report
You can use the dispute resolution process if necessary
- Five ways to find forgotten cash!
It's amazing how much money is sitting around unclaimed or untapped. What's in your life that you could liquidate?
- 10 tips for dealing with an auto dealer
Get inside the mind of an auto salesperson ... and win
- College students: 13 tips on using your credit card
Credit cards can be a great help for a college student, or a great danger.
- How to check out a charity
A little research will make certain your money really goes toward your causes.
- Bankrate's College Financing Guide
Paying for college education is difficult, but money should never keep a student from higher education.