Late payments on home loans see record level in 2009 fourth quarter

Financial Articles No Comments »

A recent report shows that a precursor to home foreclosure saw a marked increase during the fourth quarter of 2009.

According to TransUnion, the number of home loans that are 60 or more days past due increased for the 12th straight quarter at the end of 2009. The 6.89 percent delinquency rate reported for that final quarter is the highest ever, the firm noted.

In comparison to the third quarter, when delinquency rates were at 6.25 percent, the fourth quarter was up 10.24 percent.

Along with posting the largest rate, the fourth quarter was the first time in three consecutive monitoring periods that the rate of increase for delinquency rates on home loans did not slow down.

Nationally speaking, the increase is tied to a seasonal phenomenon when consumers have less money to spend because of holiday expenditures, which is coupled with them awaiting their tax returns, said F.J. Read more…

How to avoid Jurassic technology

Financial Articles No Comments »

I’m the poster child for investing in technology right before it becomes obsolete.

My husband and I got our iPhones, and then the third-generation version came out. We bought a big-screen television just before flat-screen versions became affordable. Way back in the mists of time, I invested in a really good turntable — only to watch vinyl disappear from store shelves a few months later.

I’m getting tired of buyer’s remorse, so I turned to the ultimate source of technological wisdom — CNET — to give me the scoop on how to future-proof my TV, phone and music player purchases.

The following advice from CNET Editor-at-Large Brian Cooley won’t put you on the bleeding edge of technological advancement.

Read more…

A Closer Look at Simon’s Offer and General Growth’s Response

Financial Articles No Comments »

Yesterday’s $9 per share bid from Simon Property Group (SPG), even if it does not materialize, is very good for General Growth Properties’ (GGWPQ.PK) shareholders and for GGP to remain as a standalone independent entity.

Read more…

Choosing your home insurance Northern Ireland policy

Financial Articles No Comments »

If you’re new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!

Whether you are a homeowner, a renter, an owner of a condo or a condominium, it is always a good idea to buy a home insurance. From a legal standpoint, the fact of the home insurance Northern Ireland is generally not needed by law,but strongly recommended. Some mortgage lenders, as some owners of apartment buildings require it, but they cannot legally force you.

However, the protection of your property or buildings and a great protective covering of the civil liability are all set to give you peace of mind and peace.

Today, countless insurance companies are competing to offer you the protection you will save, without skimping on details.

Read more…

10 things your auto insurer won’t tell you

Financial Articles No Comments »

1. “When I say this is a good policy, I mean it’s good for me.”

Although agents can help you navigate auto policies, some may not have your best interests at heart. Often, large auto and home insurers use “contingent” commissions to compensate agents who sold their policies. These fees come in two types: “steering” commissions, for signing customers with a particular carrier, and profit-based commissions, when clients don’t file a lot of costly claims. The concern with the former is that unscrupulous agents push certain policies to reap larger commissions; with the latter, they might delay or discourage claims.

How can you protect yourself? A

Read more…

Online Scams on Reputable Web Sites?

Financial Articles No Comments »

If you’re committed to managing your finances, you likely know how to spot questionable offers. However, simply shopping at trustworthy web sites may not stop you from seeing surprise charges.

A recent press release from the office of New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo details an online scam that seems to be shockingly widespread among big name, well respected online retailers.

According to the press release, Cuomo has subpoenaed 22 companies for information about their relationship with companies executing the scam. Here’s the deal.

The Scam: Sharing Your Card Info

The online scam reportedly works like this:

    You make an online purchase. Y

Read more…