How to Avoid Making Dumb Money Mistakes: A Five-Step Plan

Even the smartest people can do dumb things when it comes to money. Do you find yourself accumulating credit-card debt for goodies you don’t really need — and failing to plan for retirement? Here’s one financial adviser’s five…

Credit CARD Act: One Year Later, How’s It Going?

During the battle over Credit CARD Act, much talk focused on what the legislation would — and wouldn’t — do. A year after the law rolled out, what’s the word now? Here’s an on-the-ground look at how card issuers and consumers…

Prepaid Cards for Teens: Tool or Trap?

Prepaid credit cards are marketed as a great tool for training teens about credit. But critics point to a long list of steep fees and penalties. That leaves parents to figure out if the credit lessons are worth the money. Here’…

Peering Into the Peer-to-Peer Lending Boom

For those who can’t get bank loans, the new business of peer-to-peer lending can be a lifesaver. Internet companies connect people who need cash with folks willing to lend — for a fair profit, of course. Here’s how it works, r…