Greed, Wall Street, or whatever couldn't explain why all of a sudden greed was given free rein and why the collapse affected everyone at once. Remember the past, when a bank or business that failed, by not making financially sound decisions, only hurt a very small localized group, and remember when it wasn't so easy to get a home loan or credit card unless you passed all the strict guidelines and there also were financially sound limits based on your income.
Best Money Tips: El Nino is Coming
Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips roundup! This edition features Bank of America policy whistleblowers, credit freezes, getting enough sleep, the weather forecast for the next year or so, and more.
Former and current Bank of America employees discuss how the bank's corporate policy encouraged getting low-income and minority customers into high levels of debt, because everyone loves a default. (Boston.com)
Hey, no one wants to think about dying or anything, but you should designate your beneficiaries, like, stat, says Bargaineering.
It's going to be another El Nino year, which means... oh, who the hell even knows anymore? It'll be hot, I guess. (Sydney Morning Herald)
It's pretty unlikely that anyone is getting a raise these days, but let's say your income is increasing because of all of the extra side-hustles you are taking on. Are your savings increasing as well? Five Cent Nickel thinks that you probably spend it (I know I do) and has strategies to combat your (my) financial idiocy.
You've been paying down your credit cards, haven't you? Because the card companies are raising your rates, right? Alpha Consumer notes that you are not alone.
In addition to going to the gym to work out, Dumb Little Man says you should sleep more. I have no objections to ... Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
Stop Buying Crap explains the nuances of a credit freeze, which is not a delicious slushy drink mixed with vodka.
Unclutterer shares 11 secrets to having it all by simplifying your life.
Hey, kids! Do you want to make millions upon millions of dollars but still work for a non-profit organization? You can be a doctor at a major non-profit hospital! It's way more lucrative than being a regular ol' doctor. (KUOW)
