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Harrine Freeman - EzineArticles Expert

• Bankruptcy Filers Get a Second Chance
  The 2008 financial crisis resulted in a credit freeze and implementation of the $700 billion dollar bailout plan will cause many Americans to feel the burden regarding their existing credit card accounts or when applying for new lines of credit or credit cards. Well, thanks to several Americans who were fed up with the inaccuracies reported by the credit bureaus a recent court ruling which occurred due to a class action lawsuit that was filed against the 3 major credit bureaus, Experian, Equifax and TransUnion stated that Experian, Equifax and TransUnion violated the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) by failing to maintain accurate records related to Chapter 7 bankruptcies.
• How the New Federal Minimum Wage Will Affect You
  The Federal Minimum Wage increased on July 24, 2008 to $6.55. This raised the minimum wage by $.70. Approximately 2 million Americans make minimum wage. This results in approximately an additional $5.60 a day, $28 a week and $112 a month for a 5 day work week. An additional increase will occur next year and raise the minimum wage to $7.25 an hour.
• 6 Ways to Protect Your Money
  On Friday, July 11, 2008 one of the largest banks in the county IndyMac, sadly closed its door. Customers were turned away and forced to wait until Monday to make their transactions. This is the second largest failure of a financial institution. On July 14, 2008, the bank will be taken over by the FDIC. Customers who have $100,000 or less in the bank will be able to get their money bank. Customers who have more may only get a portion of their money bank. This action brings more light to the economic crisis our country is experiencing. Take heed to this and start changing your spending habits and develop a plan to protect yourself. Here are 6 ways to protect your money.
• Should You Consolidate Your Debt
  Many Americans are in debt and more are going into debt every day due to high cost of gas, food, clothing, utilities and housing. Many Americans don't have enough money to pay even basic necessities and have to resort to using a credit card to buy food and gas. This has caused many Americans to owe thousands of dollars in credit card debt. Luckily there are many options available to eliminate or reduce debt. One option that can be used to eliminate or reduce debt is debt consolidation.
• How to Repair Your Credit
  Your credit is your financial identity - your financial DNA - your financial resume. Your credit is one of the most important aspects of your life and can help you or hurt you during the course of your life. Credit affects many aspects of your life such as applying for a job, applying for a home or apartment, or applying for a personal loan or credit. Don't be discouraged if you have bad credit. You can restore your credit and still achieve your financial goals.
• 5 Ways to Get Rid of Debt
  Don't dwell on the financial mistakes you made last year. Hold your head up high even though you may be in debt. Think about how you can change your spending habits, eliminate debt, create a spending plan for yourself.
• 8 New Year's Commitments for 2008
  This New Year develop commitments for 2008 instead of resolutions. Many times resolutions are forgotten about after the January 31st. By making commitments you will be more determined to achieve these goals because they will be things you want to achieve and need to achieve. These commitment are things you can do throughout the year to improve your life.
• 6 Ways to Deal With Foreclosure
  Put away those credit cards and stop charging if you are facing foreclosure. Contact your lender immediately and put yourself on a budget quickly. Monitor your finances until your other debts are paid off so you do not get into the same situation in the future. Whatever decision you make get it in writing from your lender. Consult a tax advisor to determine rules regarding foreclosure. Ask the lender if the foreclosure option chosen will be reported on your credit report.
• Instant Grati Syndrome
  As a baby when you cried your mother or father came running to take care of you. As a toddler when you cried your parents hugged or talked to you until you stopped. As a teenager when you wanted something you talked really nice and sweet to your parents to get it. Throughout your life you may have received gratification instantly so as an adult it is only natural for you to believe that you should continue to receive this treatment. Unfortunately, this attitude affects every aspect of your life even your spending habits.
• Applying for a Mortgage Loan - Is Your Information Safe
  For approximately the past two years the mortgage industry has provided personal information to other lenders and partners when a consumer applies for a loan. I know this is shocking. I was just as shocked as you are when I found out. As soon as the ink dries on your mortgage application your information is sold to other lenders. In one or two days your phone starts ringing off the hook with calls from other lenders trying to offer you a better deal. This process is called a "trigger lead."
• 10 Easy Ways for Single Parents to Save Money
  In 2006, according to the US Census Bureau, there were approximately 14 million single parents in the United States, and those parents are responsible for raising 21.6 million children. Eight three percent of single parents are mothers and 30.3 percent of all single parents receive public assistance. Child care subsidies and public health insurance can help with closing the gap between low income and what it takes to make ends meet. Not all low-income families receive the benefits for which they are financially eligible.
• 7 Tips for Planning a Summer Vacation
  Every loves to travel during the summer. The kids are out of school, the work load is not as high, and airlines compete for your business. As Americans we work between 8-12 hours days, rush to work, rush to get the kids, rush home, rush to come dinner and then repeat the entire process all over again the next day. We need to slow down and take time out to relax.
• Writing Christian and Inspirational Literature
  As Christians we are inspired by the stories in the bible. We are inspired by various life events and experiences. Jesus inspired followers of him through parables and stories. As followers of Christ we should inspire other Christians and non-Christians through our writing. Our stories can provide support, encouragement and faith to those who do not believe or are struggling with staying on the right path to being saved.
• 8 Ways to Pay Off Student Loans Debt
  A recent study by the National Center for Education Statistics shows that 50% of recent college graduate have student loans, with an average student loan debt of $10,000. The average cost of college increases at twice the rate of inflation. With the rising costs of college it is difficult for aspiring colleges students to get enough scholarships and grants to pay for college and basic necessities. More and more college students are forced to use credit cards to pay for basic essentials such as books and school supplies. According to the United Marketing Service (UCMS) the average number of credit cards per student is 2.8.
• Credit Card Blocking
  Credit Card blocking or a credit card hold is when a business places a hold on your credit card sometimes more than the total amount that is owed for a reservation such as at a hotel, rental car, etc. When you use your credit card at registration for a hotel or to rent a car, the cashier will contact your credit card company and provide an estimated total of your bill. If the transaction is approved, then that amount is held in reserve. In addition to the actual cost of staying in the hotel or renting a car the clerk may tack on reasonable "incidental" costs for such items as food or gasoline.
• 7 Ways to Ensure You're Paying the Right Creditor
  Many consumers do not