With new regulations starting in less than a month, you may need to take stock of your credit card portfolio to determine which cards’ terms are changing to your benefit and which feature changes that can hit you in the wallet. The most important thing to do, says Lauren Bowne, staff attorney at...
The least trusted banks in AmericaCustomers of the biggest banks in the United States are the least likely to believe their financial institution does what’s best for them as opposed to what’s best for the bottom line, according to a new report from Forrester Research. The report, Forrester’s annual Customer Advocacy...
Riskiest places to use your debit cardThree steps to take to protect your account data from getting into the wrong hands Whether by choice or necessity, American consumers are increasingly relying on debit rather than credit cards. Debit card spending has risen steadily, growing from 47.7 percent of purchases made with plastic in 2003 to...
10 money tips for womenWhen it comes to women and finance, sometimes there’s a disconnect between what women know and how they act, their ability as achiever and their financial underachieving, and between the power they have within reach and the powerlessness that rules their actions. Financial expert Suze Orman gives...
Find $1,000 by the holidaysReady or not, the holidays are coming. With American pocketbooks and investment accounts under pressure, the approaching holidays — particularly how to pay for them — are quickly becoming yet another thing to worry about. Don’t push this looming dilemma to the back of your minds. You...
6 big financial traps to avoidFor most people, each and every day involves some type of financial decision. So how do you feel about your financial decision-making skills? If you think you are making sound choices, ask yourself this: Have you weighed the consequences of your choices against their apparent benefits? In many cases,...
8 ways to cut back without sacrificingWhen times are tight—as they are now for many Americans facing declining home values, depressed stocks, and tighter credit markets—cutting back on indulgences can seem inevitable. But it might not be. U.S. News asked budgeting experts for advice on how to make ends meet during tough times without...
Best time to buy gadgets, furniture, and moreTiming is everything. To get the best deals, you’ve got to know when to shop. There are some purchases that are difficult to time perfectly, such as stocks, airplane tickets and gas. But many other consumer staples — from cars to electronics to furniture — go on sale predictably at...
Best end-of-season salesShopping end-of-summer sales typically involves stocking up on warm-weather gear like swimsuits, shorts and anything made of cotton or linen. The same rules apply this summer, with two welcome exceptions: Discounts are deeper than usual, and more versatile product is up for grabs. Most major retailers,...