Mary Tomkins is a freelance writer located in Spartanburg, SC, with emphasis on economic news and research on the financial industry.
Overall employment changed little in July as the nation added jobs in health care, retail trade, manufacturing, and mining – but lost jobs in government employment, according to a release by a government agency on… U.S. Adds 117,000 Jobs in July 2011
Though microchip-embedded smart cards are issued and accepted in 130 countries around the world, the U.S. has been slow to adapt. Americans traveling overseas have been frustrated and annoyed when it comes to using their… Microchip-Embedded Credit Cards Ease Travel Hassle for Americans Going Abroad
Home builder sentiment remains at low levels in June, falling 3 points to a reading of 13 on the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index, the National Association of Home Builders reported on Wednesday. The last… Home Builder Confidence Drops Further
Retail sales fell for the first time in 11 months, mostly pulled down by a sharp decrease in auto sales, according to a government report released on Tuesday. The Commerce Department reported that total retail… May Retail Sales Better than Expected
After reviewing the performance of the ten largest mortgage servicers participating in the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP), government officials have decided to halt payments to three top U.S. banks that are not doing enough… Three Top Banks Penalized for Falling Short on Home Loan Mods
The U.S. economy continued to grow in May – but at a slower pace due to higher food and energy costs and bad weather in some areas, according to a report released on Wednesday by… Economy Growing at Slower Pace
As if overburdened taxpayers and underemployed consumers aren’t already paying enough for decisions made by big business – the head of one bailed-out company thinks Americans should pay even more, according to a report by… GM CEO Suggests Raising Gas Tax
Consumers have been busy reducing their credit card debt and delinquencies have fallen to the lowest level in nearly fifteen years, according to a report released by a national credit reporting agency. Delinquencies fell in… Credit Card Delinquencies at Lowest Level in 15 Years
Over half of college graduates are worried about paying back their student loans but are missing key ways to build a strong financial foundation, according to a study sponsored and released by Capital One Bank.… Paying Back Student Loan Top Concern for Many Graduates
A Canadian-based online operation accused of scamming more than $450 million from consumers has been charged by the Federal Trade Commission, the agency reported on Tuesday. Consumers in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand… FTC: Online Scammers Take $450 Million from Consumers