Ann Carrns
Posts
Is It Better to Buy or Lease a Car? It Depends.
The lowest overall cost is to buy a car and keep it for a long time. But leasing usually has lower monthly costs. And leasing...
Banks Offer Bonuses for Customers Opening New Accounts
Facing competition for business, banks are offering incentives to switch. But as one expert put it, “You have to read the fine print.”
How to Handle the Delay in the Release of the FAFSA Form
The student financial aid application is expected to be ready by Dec. 1, two months later than usual. Experts offer some tips on what to...
Is It Better to Stay on Your Parents’ Health Care Plan or Enroll in an Employer’s?
For young adults, the choice isn’t always a straightforward one.
If Your Debt Is Ballooning, There Are Steps You Can Take
More borrowers have been falling behind on their credit card bills and are paying more for basic banking services, like A.T.M. fees.
How to Pay Off Credit Card Debt and Deal With Rising Bank Fees
More borrowers have been falling behind on their credit card bills and are paying more for basic banking services, like A.T.M. fees.
What to Know About Online Paycheck Advances and Why They Face Scrutiny
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has proposed a rule that would treat the offerings as loans, requiring the providers to disclose their charges as interest...
A Mortgage Alternative for Lower-Priced Homes Comes With Risks
Seller-financed loans known as “land contracts” don’t involve a bank and lack the consumer protections available with traditional home loans.
Chase to Bar Customers From Using Credit Cards for ‘Pay Later’ Loans
Financial regulators and consumer advocates frown upon using credit cards to pay off installment loans because of the risk that consumers will dig themselves further...
How to Rein In Rising Auto Insurance Rates
Taking a safe driver course can save you 10 percent on the premium, one expert said. Improving your credit score can also help as can...