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Credit Cards & the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act

February 16th, 2011 by wwiley105

Obama signs Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act

On July 21 of last year, President Obama signed the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act in response to the worst economic collapse since the Great Depression. The act contains many provisions aimed at better regulation and oversight of the financial industry, and it was primarily penned by former Senator Chris Dodd of Connecticut and Representative Barney Frank of Massachusetts.

Prepare and e-File Your Tax Return for Free

Tax season is upon us yet again! But before you head out to purchase the latest tax software, did you know that you might be able to get it for free? In fact, if your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) was $58,000 or less in 2010, the Internal Revenue Service wants to help you prepare and e-file your federal tax return completely for free this year. Here's how it works.

Updated by Joshua Heckathorn on Tue, 2011-02-15 16:00

Give the Gift of Good Credit This Valentine's Day

February 14th, 2011 by Joshua Heckathorn

[caption id="attachment_2706" align="alignnone" width="500" caption=" "]valentines day candyPhoto by HurricaneMaine[/caption]

You have amazing credit. Your Valentines's credit stinks.

It's a common occurrence these days, but did you know it's one that you can easily do something about?

Forget about the overpriced stuffed animals, waxy chocolate, and expensive dinners this Valentine's day, and give your partner something that will really change his/her future forever. Lend your excellent credit score! Here's how:

NFC Technology: Is a Credit Card Free Future Near?

February 11th, 2011 by Logan Abbott

Even if this year's iPhone 5 doesn't incorporate the much-hyped Near Field Communication (NFC) capabilities, a future without credit cards is pretty much guaranteed. But don't go cutting up your prized plastic just yet. A complete system overhaul is still a ways off.

How is a credit phone possible?

NFC – the tiny chip inserted in your smartphone or smart device that allows a purchase or transaction to be made simply by waving your device near a reader – has been a hugely successful technology in some parts of Asia and, in a much more limited scope, have popped up here and there in the US and Europe. The chips can send and receive data, and if attached to your bank account will deduct payment on the go, letting you charge as you chat.

What Are Credit Card Hackers?

February 9th, 2011 by Elisabeth Chan

Hackers break into computers or computer networks for a variety of reasons. Some do it illegally for profit, some are paid to do it legally, and others simply do it for the challenge. Credit card hackers, however, do their dirty deed with only one thing in mind—stealing your credit card information to make money. Ever heard of Lush, the handmade cosmetic company that sells all sorts of interesting bath and shower products? Their UK website was recently hacked and may have exposed the credit card information of every customer that purchased a product online between October 2010 and January 2011.

Missing Accounts on Credit Reports

Did you know that your credit reports may not reflect all your credit accounts? The truth is creditors aren't required to report anything to the major credit bureaus, so many lenders simply choose not to do so. Smaller credit unions, local retailers, student loan lenders, and gas card companies often fall into this category of non-reporting lenders.

Updated by Joshua Heckathorn on Mon, 2011-02-07 16:00

Five Top iPhone Apps for Credit Card Users

February 4th, 2011 by Logan Abbott

If you own an iPhone, make sure you download these five incredibly useful credit card apps.

How Loan Modifications Affect Credit Scores

The extent of a loan modification's effect on your credit score first depends on whether your lender reports the loan to the credit bureaus as a new loan or the same loan with changes.

Updated by Joshua Heckathorn on Mon, 2011-01-31 16:00

Ask Creditnet: Credit Card Use on a Fluctuating Income

January 28th, 2011 by Joshua Heckathorn
Dear Creditnet: I need some expert advice. My credit score is in the low to mid 500's...sad i know! I have 7 credit cards that I use all the time, but they have low limits under $1,000. My work is commission only too, which often causes me to make late payments and then get hit with big fees. How can I better manage my credit cards and improve my credit scores?

The Murky Underworld of Blackout Dates

January 27th, 2011 by Logan Abbott

Close your eyes and imagine your boyfriend is taking you on a romantic date for your birthday.  Admittedly, your boyfriend is kind of a scrub, and rarely pays for your meals, but this is an extraordinary day that you've waited all year for, so you're expecting him to pick up the tab this time around.  You lift the menu from the elegant white tablecloth and begin perusing the decadent options.  You've been thinking about getting a world-class steak all day, and the peppercorn filet mignon with garlic mashed potatoes gets your mouth watering.

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