Maxed-Out Debtors Find Credit Crutch

Falls to an average of $4,951

(NEWSER) - The average American’s credit card debt hit an 8-year low in the second quarter of the year—even as rates hit a 9-year high . The average combined credit card debt fell to $4,951, down 13% from $5,719 over the same stretch last year, according to figures from the TransUnion credit reporting agency. The average hasn’t been below $5,000 since the first quarter of 2002, the AP reports. More»

Florida, California have credit problem, Forbes shows

(NEWSER) - The recession has many Americans tightening their belts, but some just can’t seem to put away the plastic. Forbes checked in with Equifax and compiled a list of the country's most credit card-happy cities. Conclusion? Florida might have a problem.

1. Miami: Average household credit card debt: $9,797, or 22.6% of income.
2. Tampa: $7,685, or 17.1%.

Consumers see way to limit spending; banks adjust fee tactics

(NEWSER) - Credit is no longer the king of cards, Business Week reports. As banks get stingy with credit and consumers look for ways to reel in their "charge it" ways, more and more are turning to debit cards—so many, in fact, that Visa projects debit spending could exceed credit this year. This year's 13% climb in debit purchases may seem like good news for banks, as debit cards users have no payments to default on, but they don't rack up interest, either. More»

Reverse mortgages, insurance buyouts among risky moves

(NEWSER) - Big banks aren’t the only ones struggling to find the cash to keep going. Americans are feeling the pinch, and grabbing cash anywhere they can find it, the Wall Street Journal reports. Credit-card debts remains high, but more are turning to options that bring a quick infusion of cash but have high costs down the road, like reverse mortgages or life-insurance buyouts. More»

Feds have fined debt collector for deceptive practices

(NEWSER) - Americans burdened with old debt and low credit ratings are getting an unlikely offer in the mail: a new credit card. But the fine print explains that accepting the card means reviving debts that had expired by law, the Wall Street Journal reports. For one New York deli owner, the debt transfer was "totally worth it" because he felt "like dirt" without a credit card, particularly on dates. To get his new plastic, he paid $400 on a seven-year-old debt that, yes, was expired. Others say the practice is deceptive and illegal. More»