The Money Tracker Blog

Homeownership rates dropped to 65.2 percent in the U.S. for 2013s first quarter, the lowest rate in nearly 20 years, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. RealtyTrac, a firm specializing in foreclosure data, said in its 2013 U.S. Home Equity & Underwater Report that 9.3 million Americans owe more on their mortgages than the house is worth. In other words, homeownership will continue to plummet for the foreseeable future. Most of the predatory practices by lenders during the subprime … Read More

With the summer season in full swing and the utility bills climbing, now is the time to take on a few DIY projects around the home. With a few simple tools and an open weekend, you can spend less on pesky bills and spend the savings on your upcoming vacation. Summer Home Improvement Projects Clean the Dryer Help your dryer run more efficiently by giving the hose a little TLC. Over time, dust, lint and other particles build up in … Read More

Adults Living at Home There comes a time in every family’s life where the young need to leave the nest. This transition, as most families have experienced, can be a difficult process.  The Pew Research reported 36 percent of adults ages 18 to 31 were still living at home in 2012, the highest percentage in more than 40 years. Below are some steps for your beloved offspring to start moving out and moving on, so you can have the place to yourself … Read More

Fix or Trade Your Car? Is it really still worth it to maintain an aging vehicle, or is it time to trade up? Out of necessity or frugality, Americans are keeping their cars longer than ever. A recent study by R. L. Polk found that the average age of American cars on the road stands at a record 10.8 years, and that Americans are holding onto their vehicles longer than ever before. If you are asking yourself whether it’s time … Read More

If you’re wondering “What is bank fraud?,” you’re not alone. Lots of people don’t know the difference between credit card fraud and bank fraud. If they did, they would probably adopt different habits when shopping online. Take a look at these different payment options for online transactions. Online Payment Systems There are many online payment systems available, each with their own blend of benefits and risks. One common risk between all these systems is the use of public networks. The … Read More