Credit Research News - January, 2004

Strapped with deep debt?

You can fight back - and win

Saving secrets for a consumer generation

You probably won't save as much as your grandparents -- but you don't have to live like a monk.

Mixing marriage and money

Discussing each other's financial goals and mishaps is not romantic. But it's worthwhile

Is consolidating debt smart thing to do?

Homeowners are consolidating debt in huge numbers without necessarily planning for family emergencies or job losses that might force them into default.

Digging Out of Debt

CCCS Offers Tips on Paying Off Overwhelming Credit Card Debt

Burden of debt

Consumer debt hit a record $1.98 trillion in October 2003

Clearly, there is a lot to teach.

64 percent of consumers ages 18 to 24 don't even know the interest rates they pay on their credit cards.

So, you dug yourself into a credit ditch

Now you're worried about how you'll dig yourself out of this money sinkhole

Managing money a skill to have early

Many students who are just beginning to live on their own need a crash course in personal finance – and fast.

The consumers' guide to credit counseling

Credit counselors are falling all over themselves to help you out of debt, but some do more harm than good.

It pays to pick right credit card

Consumers must be aware of fees, rates and penalties that come with plastic.

Young consumers seem oblivious to dangers of high debt

today's young adults view credit cards as a welcome and easy path to the lifestyle they see around them.

Consumer debt grows at alarming pace

Debt burden will intensify when interest rates rise

Special offer: credit card fees

Watch those tempting little extras for hefty charges hidden in the fine print

Credit Cards delinquencies climb to record in 3rd quarter

Credit card delinquencies rose to a record high as companies were slow to add jobs, making it difficult for some Americans to keep up with payments

Achieving Your Financial Goals

Reducing Credit Card Debt Tops American's Financial Goals

2004 your year for financial freedom?

Consumers give generously during the holiday season and sometimes overdo a good thing

Betting on bankruptcy

15 percent jump in filings in 2003. Among the possible causes a new factor emerges - casino gambling

Big debts force consumers to live close to the edge

How much longer can we keep this up?

Consumers push debt to record levels

Consumer debt hit a record $1.98 trillion in October 2003, which includes credit cards and car loans - NOT mortgages

Back in the Black - you can do it

Whatever happens in 2004, you can take steps now to whip your finances into shape

Credit card, car loan debt hits record high

Savings rate drops, bankruptcy filings increase