Keeping Up with Long-term Financial Goals
Americans could use a bit more discipline when it comes to saving money for their long-term goals, especially with all the distractions that arise day to day.About three out of four Americans say that the pace of society today makes it harder for them to stay focused on their long-term financial goals, according to a study by Northwestern Mutual.
Just achieving financial security is becoming more of a challenge, much less saving for retirement. Yet financial matters are the top areas in life where Americans do set goals.
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac – the mortgage backing giants controlled by the federal government – have repeatedly increased lending standards for financial institutions in an attempt to stem losses from defaulted and foreclosed-upon properties. The problem is that this has served to stymie federal attempts to kickstart a housing industry that has flagged since the recession ended, even as demand has reached record highs, according to a report from Bloomberg News.
Today on Talk Credit Radio: Friday, July 8, 2011
You get a mortgage, and you get a mortgage and you get a mortgage! With credit scores on the rise and plucky consumers learning how to get ahead, there are signs that mortgages are closer than they appear. We also have stories about how cash is out of style and some good ol’ fashioned thievery. As always, if you enjoy any of our favorite bloggers, we encourage you to follow them on Twitter for regular updates. And don’t forget to follow Credit.com at @CreditExperts. 
The government’s newest consumer watchdog says it will pay special attention to financial crimes committed against members of the military and their families. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the judge advocate generals of all five military branches announced Wednesday that they will work together to spot and prosecute financial scams targeted at military families.
Today’s top news headlines feature new rules that may require employees who smoke to pay higher health insurance premiums and the details of new legislation that will allow some borrowers to receive their credit score for free. Plus, find out why college graduates who cohabitate may be at an advantage.