The Case-Shiller index may have good news for homeowners recently, with a rise of 1.4 percent in housing prices in the first quarter. That’s not as good news as it is for homebuyers, however, since the over all drop in housing prices is 15% since the same quarter last year. What this combined set of data shows is that we may be turning the corner in some housing markets. If you’ve wanted to buy in some of the most expensive neighborhoods 2008, in 2009 you may finally get the chance of lifetime. Prices are low, you have an $8,000 credit being offered by the federal government, and housing prices are starting to rise. The bottom may be here, if not, it’s very close. (more…)

Before you decide to settle your debt for less than it’s worth, realize that there are consequences to this action. It may be tempting to want to get rid of your debt overnight, but doing so can completely ruin your credit for many years. If you have an option to renegotiate the terms of the loan, or consolidating multiple loans, this might eventually be the best solution even if it adds 2 to 5 years of more debt elimination on your plate. If you choose to settle instead, that information is recorded in your credit history and it can affect your chances of getting an apartment, employment, or even financing for a home. (more…)

Look around and you might notice that there are few places to put your money right now that will yield sure substantial gains. The stock market may be rising, but it’s been on a roller-coaster ride since the beginning of 2009, up one week, down the next. Foreclosures might or might not make a good investment, depending on where you live and how much inventory is left to reduce. Bank accounts are making minimal gains, whether money market or savings. It’s time to take the long view and opt to invest in something that will surely pay gains over time: yourself. This type of conservative investing can not only be tax-deductible, but even safer than opening a swiss bank account from the US. (more…)

Nothing is worse when bills start to pile up, the phone is ringing off the hook with “courtesy” or bill collector calls, and you are being fee’d to death by your friendly, neighborhood, bank. Unfortunately, more and more Americans are finding themselves in this position, due to the aggressive tactics that can put anyone on a round of never ending phone calls, even if for years they’ve had a sterling credit rating. With current salaries stagnant, and prices rising, sometimes you are put in the position of paying one bill over another, or delaying payment for a few days. Those few days, though, shouldn’t put you on a permanent list of harassing calls, which are sometimes happens, disguised as “courtesy calls.” There are ways to take control back and start reducing the stress of managing debt, even if you are thousands in debt. (more…)

If you’re trying to remain frugal in this tough economy, here’s a bit of news: Not spending some money could cost you in the long run. It seems contrary to the idea that “a penny saved is a penny earned,” but it’s actually true in some cases. Take for instance, technology. There are a number of technologies out there that can save you more than they cost to implement. Would you rather stay in the Dark Ages for the virtue of being a saver, or would you rather have a modern lifestyle that is penny wise too? It’s no contest! Everyone wants to maintain their lifestyle, even with a bad economy, it’s just they may not know exactly how to do that without having or opening a swiss bank account. (more…)

Finding a bargain got a lot easier with the advent of the Internet. All sorts of consumer products are easier to shop, compare, and even discount over the Internet, from different kinds of savings accounts to travel arrangements. Here are a few easy ways to scout around for good deals and make the most of the Internet. (more…)

Cash for car clunkers may be over, but hold on to your hats! Appliance clunkers are about to get a program of their own. The idea is the same: saving energy, updating infrastructure, and providing a tax incentive to people to spur spending in the US economy. In one of the few positives about the economic situation, this program will provide a way for struggling homeowners to get some benefit out of the stimulus plan, by allowing them to upgrade appliances while subsidized by the Federal government. The appliances that will qualify include aging refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, and more. The actual make and models that you can replace them with will be issued by each state that implements the program. (more…)

Unlike family vacation ideas on a budget, business travel budgets aren’t looking for a fun experience more than savings. You can really get some great airfares today, as airlines compete for fewer customers, but that doesn’t really take into account the amount of lost time in travel and the simple inconvenience of it all. If you’re able to convince your clients that you can provide the same level of service without actually showing up in person, they will probably be happy to agree to a more technological solution that saves you money too. (more…)

There is some good news during this recession. If you’re in your mid to late 20’s, have a job, and are looking for a home, there are some great real estate deals out there. Securing a mortgage may be tougher, but banks are keen to make sure you can maintain the mortgage, leaving you less open to defaulting. Getting into a starter home is probably easier than it has been in years, as long as you have a good credit rating. The down payment may be 10%, but over all prices have depreciated significantly in many markets making housing more affordable for many young people starting out. (more…)

If you’ve taken to looking for unclaimed money you left behind in other states through missingmoney.com, you might be scraping the bottom of the barrel in ways to find extra money in your budget. Listed here are a few ways to squeeze extra money out of your budget, to fatten up your emergency fund, that might generate better results. (more…)