Mary Tomkins is a freelance writer located in Spartanburg, SC, with emphasis on economic news and research on the financial industry.
Retail sales in November were better than analysts had expected, as American consumers loosen up the purse strings in preparation for the holiday season. November sales increased by .8% from the previous month, and increased…
Coming to realize that you can longer afford your car payment can be a very stressful time for anyone. And if you absolutely need a vehicle to get to work or school, or because you…
Organizations that prey on consumers who have been hurt by the economic downturn are the target of an ongoing crackdown by the Federal Trade Commission. The FTC announced today that it halted the operations of…
Many financially distressed consumers have found themselves in a bad situation over the past couple of years. It’s the sign of the times. But consumers troubled with debt should know that the only way to…
A new program aims to increase financial literacy for low to moderate-income students and help to encourage savings. In a joint statement by the Department of Education, the Federal Deposits Insurance Corporation (FDIC), and the…
In an effort to educate homeowners on the energy-efficiency of their residences, Vice President Joe Biden and Energy Secretary Steven Chu have launched the Home Energy Score pilot program. “The Home Energy Score will help…
Home prices over the past year have remained relatively unchanged over the past year, even though the pace of sales has sharply declined since the ending of the home buyer’s tax credit, the National Association…
Sometimes the situation calls for us to take what we can get when we need it. And sometimes that means getting a car loan for less than the best deal around. If that’s the case,…
The main benefit to an online degree program is convenience, and these programs can be found at both community colleges and universities, and even technical schools. You don’t have to move to another state, you…
Diploma Mill – An institution of higher education operating without supervision of a state or professional agency and granting diplomas which are either fraudulent or because of the lack of proper standards worthless. – Webster’s…
