Posted on

Consumers Increasingly Optimistic about Economy, Housing

Amid continued strengthening in employment, consumer optimism toward the economy is growing and appears to be contributing to further improvement in overall housing sentiment, according to results from Fannie Mae’s February 2015 National Housing Survey™. The share of respondents who believe the economy is headed in the right direction increased 3 percentage points last month […]
Posted on

Disputing Credit Report Could Get Easier under New Rules

(TNS)—Disputing a mistake on your credit report could get easier and the effects of medical debt less severe under changes being made by the three largest credit-reporting agencies. The Monday announcement by the agencies—Equifax, Experian and TransUnion—comes after months of negotiations between the companies and New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. Consumer advocates have long […]
Posted on

5 Tips to Avoid Home-Design Arguments

(TNS)—Sharing your life with someone is a beautiful thing, but that doesn’t always mean you share the same design and style preferences when it comes to your home. Whether you’ve lived together for one year or 20, use this advice from highly rated interior designers to stop the fights that have kept you from painting […]
Posted on

NFCC Online Poll Reveals How Taxpayers Plan to Use Their Refunds

The National Foundation for Credit Counseling® (NFCC) February online poll revealed that most taxpayers (68 percent) would prefer to pay down their debt with a tax refund this year instead of growing their personal savings. “These poll results indicate that debt is still getting in the way of personal savings for many Americans,” says Bruce […]
Posted on

For Sale: The ‘Groundhog Day’ Manor

The need to know: Bill Murray stayed here. The man, the myth, the legend, people! Well, his character Phil Connors did in the 1993 comedy “Groundhog Day”—but hey, count it! The Royal Victorian Manor, as it’s called in the real world, is located in Woodstock, Ill. It’s a bed & breakfast (or a family home!) […]
Posted on

Consumers: Learn Your Rights during National Consumer Protection Week

It’s important to focus on financial protection, and with National Consumer Protection Week being observed fromMarch 1-7, and the National Foundation for Credit Counseling® (NFCC) isparticipating by connecting consumers to key resources. “Consumers who are informed about their rights have an advantage over thosewho don’t,” says Bruce McClary, spokesperson for the NFCC. The following tips […]
Posted on

Self Marketing A FSBO With Video? Check These ‘Insider’ Tips

Every good film maker from Chaplain to Tarantino started off with a single camera – and look what happened. That is not to say anyone with a hand-held video camera or i-Phone can produce a timeless classic. But a growing number of FSBOs are marketing their homes, along with a growing number of agents, using […]
Posted on

Tax Time: 5 Benefits of Buying a Home

Tax time is almost here and many people, when they see their tax bills, will be wondering what they can do to pay less next year. Buying a home continues to provide great tax benefits as well as other advantages for Americans looking to build wealth. Below, top-ranked national real estate expert and consumer advocate […]
Posted on

How to Slow Down Your Life and Enjoy the Ride, Right Now

It’s finally Friday night, the beginning of a weekend of freedom, which also happens to include your birthday. Your family, friends and spouse all have celebratory plans for you. You have a rewarding career and a network of beautiful people who want to rejoice in your life. As you walk out to your car to […]