Bankruptcy — An Updated Fact Sheet

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October 2006

Consumer debt, not including mortgages, in the U.S. has climbed to over $2 trillion and continues rising. Part of this surge represents growing credit card debt. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve's campaign to keep inflation in check has forced interest rates higher. Rising interest rates in turn make credit card debt more expensive to pay off. To add pressure, the housing boom also appears to be cooling and in some areas growth in housing values has not just slowed, but declined. Higher interest rates and lower housing values make home equity loans harder to get and less attractive. In real life, all these economic "trends" mean that many consumers are getting deeper in debt and may be finding it harder to make ends meet. Some of these consumers may be considering bankruptcy.

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Do You Know Where Your Financial and Important Papers Are?

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September 2006

Do you know where your financial and important documents are? If you had to leave your home quickly, could you easily find them? If something happened to you, could someone else find all of your important papers? If you answered yes to all of these questions, congratulations, you are well organized. For the rest of us, this review profiles how to put your important records in order.

Which documents are important?

Documents that prove identity, ownership, insurance coverage, and other various legal documents are important and should be kept in a protected but accessible location. These documents include, but aren't limited to, the following:

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Enhancing Your Online Privacy and Protecting Your Personal Information

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August 2006

The Internet is a rich treasure trove of information and entertainment. Unfortunately, it's equally rich in traps for the unwary. Threats to your privacy (and your personal information) are just waiting for you online. You may have noticed recent news reports of various phishing scams and security breaches at various organizations. Are you doing all you can to protect your privacy and personal information online? In this report, we look at some tips and tools to help you enhance your online privacy and security.

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Take Five Steps to Save BEFORE You Shop for a New Vehicle

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July 2006

Yes, you read that headline correctly. If you are thinking of buying a new or used vehicle and you want to save money, I recommend first taking five steps before you even think of heading to a dealership showroom or website to shop. When many of us feel that first itch for a new vehicle, we think first about dropping by a dealership to browse—look at a few models, lift a few hoods, check out a few prices. Not a great idea—dealerships love to see innocent browsers pull on to the lot. Or maybe, you just like to cruise the local dealership websites. That's a better idea, but still not one designed to save you money or to really help you find the right car for you and your family. Instead, when that itch strikes, stop and take these five steps. Your wallet will thank you.

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Using Home Equity to Consolidate Credit

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June 2006

Are you carrying balances on high interest rate credit cards? Have you been tempted by all those ads in print, on TV, and on the Internet that urge you to "consolidate your debt—lower your payments in one easy step"? Many of these ads tout home equity loans, second mortgages, or home equity lines of credit as the best or easiest way to consolidate your credit card debt. Could it be right for you? Maybe and maybe not. You need to do a little homework before deciding. My report this month takes a brief look at what you need to consider before using your home equity to consolidate credit card debt.

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