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Cordray's plans for the CFPB
Tess Vigeland Jan 13, 2012
Richard Cordray, chief of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, discusses what powers he'll have and how he plans to use them.
Suze debuts new show, new card
Tess Vigeland Jan 17, 2012
Financial adviser Suze Orman rolled out a new TV show and debit card this week. She discusses the controversial new card and why it could be her swan song.
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.
JPMorgan Chase slows debt collection
Tess Vigeland Jan 16, 2012
The American Banker says that JPMorgan Chase appears to be backing off efforts to collect unpaid credit card debt from its customers. They're not forgiving the debt, but they've quietly stopped going after it.
Goodbye, bank
Chris Farrell Jan 13, 2012
My mortgage is down to $27,000, which I can pay off after topping off my cash reserve (1 year of expenses). Is there any reason not to do this? My interest rate is 4 3/8 percent. I'm getting about 1 percent in my money market account. I have no other debt, and my 401(k) and IRA are maxed out. Ken, Portland, OR
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.
Demand for German bonds remains strong
Stephen Beard Jan 4, 2012
The hard economic times in Europe have actually been a good thing for Germany, which can still borrow at low rates and benefit in export markets.
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.
