BradentonHerald.com: Personal Finance

Wanting to cut costs, car owners seek refinancing

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 00:10 EST

A growing number of cash-starved motorists across Florida are refinancing their auto loan to trim monthly bills.

Similar to what’s transpired in the mortgage industry, historically low interest rates have brought an uptick in borrowers to the market who are hoping to drive down their car payments, experts say.

As Facebook IPO nears, the case for dull stocks

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:57 EST

Investors thinking of buying a piece of Facebook after it goes public are hoping it will perform like Google, whose stock has risen 500 percent since its debut seven and a half years ago.

Week's recalls: chandeliers, coffee makers, lamps

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:55 EST

Crystal chandeliers with a dangerous tendency to fall, single-cup coffee makers that may spray scalding liquid on users and lamps that may start fires are among the consumer products recalled this week.

Lenders say mortgage refinance deal will bolster Manatee market

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:19 EST

MANATEE -- A new refinance program to help underwater homeowners will uplift the local economy by putting extra cash into the pockets of those who will spend it, area lenders predict.

Box Office Preview: Audiences to take 'The Vow'

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:45 EST

In what's shaping up to be a strong Valentine's weekend at the nation's theaters, four heartfelt newcomers are hoping to feel the love from smitten audiences.

Ill-timed fight erupts over money-market funds

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:12 EST

A fight is breaking out between the money-market mutual fund industry and federal regulators. Whatever the outcome, investors will question whether they can continue to rely on money funds as a safe place to keep cash readily accessible.

IRS to business owners: Did you file your 1099s?

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:30 EST

Business owners will find two new questions on their income tax forms this year:

For college bound, a look at financial aid changes

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:07 EST

The mad dash to cobble together college funding will soon be under way.

Romance & Finance: 5 financial tips for couples

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:52 EST

This may sound like a heartless thought, but Valentine's Day is tough on the wallet.

Student debt pushing more people toward bankruptcy, lawyers say

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:52 EST

Student-loan debt is pushing an increasing number of young people and their parents toward bankruptcy, according to a survey released Tuesday.

Moves to lower your tax bill

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:06 EST

Death and taxes might be certain, but the latter changes each year.

610,000 ditched banks in 'fee-asco'

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:17 EST

Exactly three months ago, many bank customers were fuming. They didn't like big bank bailouts, and they didn't like the $5 debit card fees that Bank of America and other institutions were rolling out.

In anti-fee climate, banks quietly raise revenue elsewhere

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:17 EST

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Three months after banks scrapped plans for debit card fees, it's becoming clearer how they intend to recoup money lost in the Dodd-Frank financial reform law.

Ask the Experts: What looks attractive for investors?

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:17 EST

With the economy starting to perk up, investors are wondering where they should be looking next.

Tax-related identity theft is growing problem

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:17 EST

Mark my words; we're going to be hearing a lot more about cyber-crooks stealing tax refund money.

Thieves preying on tax returns, IRS says

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:17 EST

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - If you haven't filed your tax return yet, someone may have filed it for you.

Strong work ethic, simple tastes built retirement success story

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:07 EST

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Jorge Castilla wasn't thinking of his future retirement when he was washing dishes as a second job or helping his wife, Rose, sew clothes for extra money.

Priciest college rarely the best choice, authors say

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:07 EST

After reading Carol Stack and Ruth Vedviks' book on college financial aid, I came to one inescapable conclusion: It's much better to be a payee than a payer.

On The Money: The dirt on bonds

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:07 EST

Bonds add diversity to a portfolio. They also come in a variety of forms, from corporate and municipal to government.

Why small companies' stocks deserve a closer look

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 12:21 EST

Underperforming money managers are losing their most reliable scapegoat.