Personal Finance

Avoiding Financial Trouble: Ten Tips

Get tips on how to keep your finances under control.

How to Make a Budget

A realistic budget is your best weapon against overspending.

Money Management 101

Take control of your finances by learning the basics of money management.

Junk Bond

A type of bond with a "BB" (Standard & Poor's) or "Ba" (Moody's)

How to Diversify Your Investments—An Easy Rule of Thumb

Investment diversification protects your money from adverse stock market conditions.

What Happens to Your Money If Your Bank Fails or Is Acquired?

What's protected and what's at risk if your bank, credit union, or brokerage firm fails.

Email Privacy

If you want privacy, don't count on email. Here's why.

Timeshare Cancellations: Can I Cancel a Timeshare Purchase?

If you just bought a timeshare, can you cancel? Maybe, but you'll have to act quickly.

Canceling a Contract Within Three Days

There are several federal laws that allow you to cancel certain contracts within a few days of signing them. These laws are sometimes called "cooling-off rules" and apply to contracts made during door-to-door or trade show sales, contracts for home equity loans, or delayed mail order or Internet purchases. In addition, some states' laws allow you to cancel contracts for health club memberships, dating services, and weight loss programs, among other contracts.

What's a Credit Freeze and When Should I Use One?

A security freeze prevents potential creditors from accessing your credit history. Then, criminals can't get loans or other forms of credit in your name.

Stolen Identity? Take These Recovery Steps

Here's a checklist of the recovery steps you need to take if your identity has been stolen.

Top Ten Ways to Prevent Identity Theft

Find out how to protect yourself from identity thieves.

Choosing a Credit Card: What You Need to Know

Before you sign up for a new card, make sure you understand the card's important credit terms. That way, you can recognize (and avoid) traps when choosing and using the card.

What Should I do if I Get a Credit Card That I Didn’t Request in the Mail?

If you get a random, unsolicited credit card in the mail that you didn’t apply for, here’s what to do.

Credit Card Act

See: Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009