Actually reviewing one’s credit report – an essential step after a data breach – not only occurred less than half the time among survey respondents, younger and older people were least likely to do it. Only one-third of those between the ages of 25 and 34 and just 40 percent of those 65 and older checked their credit report.
Author: Chris Warren
Survey: Americans Need To Get More Financially Fit
It can often seem like there are a bewildering number of things to do in order to stay financially fit. Don’t borrow too much money. Create a budget and stick to it. Save for retirement. Squirrel away money for your children’s education. Now add this to the list of to do’s required in order to… Continue reading Survey: Americans Need To Get More Financially Fit
Smart Moves for Students: How to Build Credit as a College Student
in the not too distant past, credit card companies tried to entice every student within a Frisbee’s throw of a college green to signup for entry-level cards by offering perks like free airline flights. While that practice was a way for lots of undergrads to demonstrate they were ready for the adult responsibility of repaying their debts – and hence establishing good credit – it also resulted in too many young people drowning in credit card debt. It was an unpopular enough marketing tactic that the Credit CARD Act of 2010 largely eliminated those campus credit card promotions.
Insights Aplenty in Federal Reserve Payments Study
When most people think of the Federal Reserve – if they consider it at all – it’s when the Fed raises or lowers interest rates. But monetary policy is only one of the tasks the Fed engages in. It also conducts in-depth research in an effort to uncover trends and insights that can benefit consumers,… Continue reading Insights Aplenty in Federal Reserve Payments Study
Senate Scrutinizes Campus Cards
Christina Lindstrom, an official with the advocacy group US PIRG, testified that campus card arrangements are costly and unnecessary. “Right now students are being hit with high fees that are hard to avoid as they try to access their federal financial aid refunds through campus sponsored bank accounts and prepaid debit cards,” she said. Lindstrom went on to say that students at some schools were being charged “steep and unusual” fees to get their federal financial aid, including PIN transaction charges and overdraft fees of $37 and higher. “On the whole these accounts are not necessarily a better deal for students than what they might find through a bank not affiliated with the campus,” she testified.
CFPB To Police Prepaid Debit Cards
In yet another sign of the mainstreaming of prepaid debit cards, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) announced this week that it would begin accepting complaints from Americans encountering problems with these increasingly popular financial products. Although the market for prepaid debit cards has been steadily expanding and attracting big name financial players like American… Continue reading CFPB To Police Prepaid Debit Cards