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New federal programs aim to shrink the racial housing gap

Jun 20, 2022
The homeownership rate among Black Americans is 42%. For white Americans, it's more than 70%.
Stefani Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

Savings app aims to combat predatory payday loans

Aug 9, 2019
Still in its pilot phase, Onward promotes saving in small increments with a view to building a nest egg and eventually creating credit.
Oli Scarff/Getty Images

Loans for energy-efficient upgrades might be a bigger burden than a high energy bill

Jan 7, 2019
Some see a conflict of interest in how PACE loans are made.
Solar panels are installed on a roof.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

How New York's court system turned into a debt-collection machine

Nov 27, 2018
A series from Bloomberg this week sheds light on a predatory lending practice that’s turning New York’s court system into a debt-collection machine. Some lenders that offer cash advances to small businesses require their customers to sign what’s called a “confession of judgment.” That means before borrowers get a loan, they sign away their right […]

Predatory tax preparers target low-income households

Apr 3, 2015
Some tax preparers charge high fees and make dubious loans to vulnerable clients.