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Getting Personal: Underwater - should you swim away?
David Lazarus Jan 16, 2012
L.A. Times consumer columnist David Lazarus joins Tess to answer questions about debt mediation services and how to cope with the bank when your home is underwater.
Soaring student loan debt has bankers nervous
Joel Patterson Jan 12, 2012
As the cost of an education rises and students borrow to cover the costs, lenders worry about recouping funds.
The best single investment
Chris Farrell Jan 11, 2012
Parents and their students need to work very hard at avoiding taking on too much debt to earn a college diploma.
Thinking about savings and debt
Chris Farrell Jan 4, 2012
I've got a bunch of student loans, all at relatively low rates (3.5 percent and lower). I have just under $35,000 at this point. I've been auto-transferring money into my savings accounts -- for "emergency funds" as well as future goals such as a down payment, wedding, etc. I have around $48,000 total in savings (between those funds). That money is sitting in savings at less than 1 percent. Mathematically, it makes more sense to pay down the debt. But I'm not comfortable with decreasing my savings that much. How to I choose? Stephanie, Medford, MA
Eurozone may end up failed currency union
Stephen Beard Jan 4, 2012
The 17 nations sharing the euro as a common currency struggle to keep the eurozone together. Historically, currency unions have a poor track record.
A New Year's resolution: Eliminate debt
Chris Farrell Jan 3, 2012
My husband and I have made pretty bad and spontaneous financial decisions that have brought us a lot of debt. Our plan for 2012 is to get out of debt and start saving more, since we depleted our savings in the past 2 years. I would like to know how to start getting rid of this debt in the smartest way and how to save significantly at the same time. Carla, Boston, MA
A law degree and student loans
Chris Farrell Dec 28, 2011
I have both private and federal student loans from undergrad and law school... I was wondering if you have any advice as to how best to manage this debt? I'm 28 and single so my financial obligations are otherwise relatively minimal for now, but due to my debt-to-income ratio, I've been unable to really lay away much in the way of personal savings in the 3+ years I've been out of school, let alone start saving for retirement. I'd really appreciate any advice you might be able to give to someone in my situation. Thank you! Kira, New York, NY
Consumer credit hits two-year high
Duncan Wilson Dec 15, 2011
The amount of money consumers owe in credit -- excluding mortgages -- grew by $7.7 billion in October, hitting a two-year high.
Holiday shopping: Will you choose debit or credit?
Gerri Detweiler Nov 18, 2011
The debate over credit versus debit has been raging for years. Guest blogger Gerri Detweiler gives three reasons on each side of the argument.
The clock is ticking for the super committee
Jeremy Hobson Nov 18, 2011
A number of outcomes are possible when the super committee hits up against their deadline next week. Many are hoping that they will at least do the bare minimum to avoid another downgrade.
