Personal Finance

The world is drowning in debt, and experts fill the airwaves with doomsday predictions. What exactly is this monster called debt that's sucking up all of our income, ruining our credit scores and making politicians sweat?

By Dave Roos

You saved up your money, got a home loan, got the keys and moved in. But now you've lost your job and you can't pay up. What happens to your house? Maybe foreclosure -- but there are ways to avoid it.

By Charles W. Bryant

Interest-only loans let you afford a nice house and make low payments. But there's a catch -- once you have to pay up, circumstances may not be in your favor.

By Charles W. Bryant

Your last will and testament is a very important document that ensures your wishes are carried out after you die. Many people think they need to be old, sick or wealthy to need a will. In truth, everyone of legal age should have one.

By Charles W. Bryant

Some people use their will as an opportunity to send a message from beyond the grave. Learn about 9 strange last wills and testaments from Harry Houdini, Marie Curie, and more.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Lloyds of London has been insuring items -- both average and unusual -- for years. Learn about 9 odd things insured by Lloyds of London, including taste buds and a mustache!

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Shouldn't a degree be enough to get a job after graduation? And isn't an internship a lot of useless work for little or no pay? Internships, despite little or no pay, are often worth it in the long run if you want to get your foot in the door.

By John Fuller

College can be an expensive endeavor, even with scholarships and other kinds of financial aid. However, there are ways to save. From buying used textbooks to choosing the right campus meal plan, here are a few tips. And don't forget to apply for thos

By John Fuller

Of all the metrics used to compare colleges, rankings are the most common. Learn about the controversy behind them and how best to evaluate schools.

By Jacob Silverman

Swiss bank accounts: They're not exactly the same in real life as they are in James Bond movies and Robert Ludlum books. What's behind their secrecy?

By Lee Ann Obringer

If you were in the hospital being kept alive by machines, would you want the doctors to pull the plug or do everything they could to keep you alive? A living will can ensure that decision is all yours.

By Jacob Silverman

When online sales of virtual assets for hundreds and thousands of dollars became commonplace, Congress took notice and asked the GAO to investigate. What did its report reveal?

By Julia Layton & Dave Roos

These days, more people buy with credit than with cash. Learn all about credit cards, from the numbering system to how you can get rid of that high-interest balance.

By Melanie Radzicki McManus

The Economist reported there were 10 million millionaires in the world in 2011 -- a record number. Want to be one, too? Researchers have found quite a few common traits that most millionaires possess.

By Lee Ann Obringer & Laurie L. Dove

So many questions: from the meal (fish, chicken, or beef?) to the wedding gown (low-cut, fitted, or empire-waisted?) to the reception music (live music or DJ?). There will be issues about budgets, guest lists, and styles. Deter stress with these tips.

Gas prices may be soaring, but there are steps you can take to conserve your valuable fuel. From proper tire inflation and load weight to route planning and proper vehicle maintenance, here's the skinny on how to save dollars during your daily drives.

By Zolton Cohen

The market may have become more accessible, but that doesn't mean you should take online trading lightly. In this article, we'll look at the different types of online trading accounts, as well as how to choose an online brokerage, make trades and protect

By Tracy V. Wilson

It's bad enough when an individual has to file for bankruptcy, but filings by high-profile companies like Adelphia can have a big impact on the economy. What exactly does it mean to file for bankruptcy?

By Jacob Silverman & Ed Grabianowski

If you've ever bought anything online, you're probably familiar with electronic payment. Learn about the different types, find out the benefits and limitations, and see how to add e-payment capability to your Web site.

By Jennifer Hord

Tired of all that time-consuming swiping at the register? Credit cards using contactless technology allow you to pay for stuff by holding the card near a special reader instead of handing it to a clerk or wondering if you slide it with the stripe facing up or down.

By Ed Grabianowski

Most Americans are paying in -- will Social Security be paying out? Learn about the wide-reaching Social Security system and about the various propositions on the table for ensuring future stability.

By Ed Grabianowski

Do you need money for your children's college education? Open a 529 plan and start saving while you still have the time.

By Lee Ann Obringer & Ed Grabianowski

Do you know your credit score? If not, you should find out -- and we'll explain why. In this article, we'll examine how your three-digit credit score is used and how it affects what you pay for credit, insurance and other life necessities.

By Lee Ann Obringer

Like it or not, your credit score is a major factor in your financial well-being. But what do those numbers on your credit report really mean? And how will they impact your financial future?

By Lee Ann Obringer

Any time of day, no matter where you are, your money is at your fingertips (and probably earning interest!). Checks, ATMs, electronic transfers -- the modern banking industry makes paying for stuff almost too easy.

By Lee Ann Obringer