September 2011

Podcast 124: First-Time Credit Defaulters

by Flexo

Today on the Consumerism Commentary Podcast Tom Dziubek speaks with Deron Weston, Principal, U.S. Banking and Securities at Deloitte Consulting, about Deloitte’s recent survey on first-time credit defaulters. Deron explains what constitutes a “first-time defaulter” and discusses several topics relating to them such as major causes of defaulting, the bank’s overall response to the defaulters ... Continue reading this article…

1 comment Read the full article →

Citi Divdend World MasterCard $300 Limited Time Cash Bonus

by Flexo

This has been an interesting summer for credit card deals. Issuers have been rolling out new bonus offer for the last few months. Even though consumers understand the dangers of owning a credit card, business has been good. Chase, American Express, Citi and Discover have been competing with each other in the fight for new ... Continue reading this article…

2 comments Read the full article →

U.S. Will Sue Major Banks Over Mortgages

by Flexo

Imagine you’re shopping for a new high-definition television. You’re looking around the store for the television with the best picture from a brand you trust. You pick the one you like, not the least expensive model but not the most expensive, either. You take it home, plug it in, and all the television can display ... Continue reading this article…

17 comments Read the full article →

Personal Balance Sheet, August 2011 ($368,817, -2.6%)

by Flexo

Almost every month since July 2003, I’ve been reporting my month-end financial reports on Consumerism Commentary. This reporting started as a way to hold myself accountable as I attempted to improve my finances through earning more and spending thoughtfully while saving and investing for my future. Somewhere along the way, the website became not only ... Continue reading this article…

5 comments Read the full article →

Betterment Review

by Flexo

Betterment is a different type of brokerage. Unlike most discount brokerages whose purpose is to get customers to trade — as frequently as possible — Betterment is looking to be your asset manager. Currently, the brokerage is offering a bonus of $25 for new customers, but the way they do business is a bit different ... Continue reading this article…

7 comments Read the full article →

Financial Tips for Students Entering College

by Flexo

Seventeen years ago I was nervous about what was about to transpire. At this time, although I had been away from home for extended periods of time, I was about to leave for college. Honestly, I thought I might not have been able to handle the responsibilities and the new social environment. Rather than living ... Continue reading this article…

15 comments Read the full article →

Current and Historical Checking and Savings Account Rates

by Flexo

Since many banks are constantly updating their interest rates offered on savings, money market and checking accounts, this chart should come in handy. On the 1st and 15th of every month, this page is updated to show the most accurate rate information available. This list is organized in two sections. The first section includes FDIC-insured ... Continue reading this article…

2 comments Read the full article →