Investment advisers see some bright spots

Nearly 60% of independent advisers think a double-dip recession is unlikely over the next six months, and more than 60% expect the S&P to increase in the same period, according to a survey released recently by Charles Schwab.

But don’t go betting the farm on these optimistic findings just yet.  A look at the results from January’s survey of advisers shows that they aren’t necessarily the best augurs. In that earlier survey, 49% of advisers expected inflation to increase in the ..read more

The economics of ditching your mortgage

For a recent story I did about underwater mortgages, I spoke with a lot of people who owe more on their mortgage than their homes are worth. Inevitably, these people would acknowledge the option of just walking away: giving up on paying the mortgage and leaving the house to foreclosure. Just as inevitably, they would quickly add, “I would never do that.”

There seem to be two camps on walking away. First, there are those who think it unethical and shameful ..read more

More Money Wednesday roundup: Credit scoring via Facebook & high-interest banking

Personal finance from around the Web:

Do you find yourself telling the kids to be careful who they hang out with? Turns out the same advice goes for you, online. Creditors are turning to your social networks to help determine whether or not you will make a good customer. [PC World] The ever-capricious housing market defied economists predictions of a 1.9% increase in new-home sales for February, instead dipping 2.2 percent. [The New York Times] Never paid much attention to the near-negligible interest ..read more

More Money Wednesday roundup: Credit scoring via Facebook & high-interest banking

Personal finance from around the Web:

Do you find yourself telling the kids to be careful who they hang out with? Turns out the same advice goes for you, online. Creditors are turning to your social networks to help determine whether or not you will make a good customer. [PC World] The ever-capricious housing market defied economists predictions of a 1.9% increase in new-home sales for February, instead dipping 2.2 percent. [The New York Times] Never paid much attention to the near-negligible interest ..read more

More Money Monday roundup: Homebuilders' stock & more airplane fees

Personal finance from around the Web:

Homerbuilders' shares suggest that the housing market is ready to fly solo without the assistance of stimulus programs. [Bloomberg] No free lunch…at 30,000 feet: Continental, the last major US airline to serve free in-flight meals, will begin charging for food in coach class on domestic flights. [The Wall Street Journal] Federal prosecutors allege that Park Avenue Bank president Charles Antonucci "made material and false statements" in the bank's application for $11.2 million from TARP. [Reuters] Another ..read more

Mortgage delinquencies at historic highs

The state of the housing market has long reached a point where it's good news to hear, "It's not getting worse." Unfortunately, according to a firm that tracks borrowers behind on their mortgages, you can conclude at best, "It's getting worse, but less quickly."

Rising sales, largely spurred by first-time buyer credits, have given people hope that the beleaguered housing market has finally hit bottom and is even showing signs of life. It's been impossible, however, for me to get excited ..read more

More Money Wednesday roundup: Social Security saviors & a consumer protection setback

Personal finance from around the Web:

Banks 1, Consumers 0? Many in Washington are crying foul after this morning's buzz about a bipartisan compromise in the Senate Committee on Banking which would nix a proposed independent consumer finance agency by incorporating it into the Fed. [Bloomberg] What vehicles reaped the benefits of Toyota's recall mishap? Hint: they're built "Ford tough." A list of February's top-selling vehicles. [WalletPop] Social Security saviors: your wife, sister-in-law and daughter could all be keeping this payout alive for ..read more

More Money Friday roundup: Deducting donations & stock market optimists

Personal finance from around the Web:

Made a donation to Haitian relief efforts? You may be able to deduct it on your 2009 tax returns, thanks to swift action in Congress. If you haven't given yet, but want to, here's a list of top-rated charities and some pointers for smart giving. [Bucks, Charity Watch] If you apply for a new credit card after February 22, the card company will base your approval not only on your credit history, but also on the ..read more

More Money Friday roundup: Deducting donations & stock market optimists

Personal finance from around the Web:

Made a donation to Haitian relief efforts? You may be able to deduct it on your 2009 tax returns, thanks to swift action in Congress. If you haven't given yet, but want to, here's a list of top-rated charities and some pointers for smart giving. [Bucks, Charity Watch] If you apply for a new credit card after February 22, the card company will base your approval not only on your credit history, but also on the ..read more

More Money Tuesday roundup: Insurance myths & recession porn

Personal finance from around the web: You've read countless stories about adult children needing financial help from their parents. But a new study indicates that maybe this is not really the norm. [Bucks] Insurance myths debunked: Contrary to what you've seen in the movies, suicide can be covered by life insurance. [Financial Highway via The Consumerist] Get your fix of 2009's best "recession porn" — weird stories about the odd ways the economic meltdown has had an impact on different people — ..read more

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