Hobo or Boy Scout? Quiz tells the score

It's one of the most important numbers influencing life as we know it, and I don't mean your ZIP code, dress size or how much you spent on Mother's Day gifts for your wife. I mean your credit score, which, besides determining how much credit you get and how much you pay for it, also dictates your insurance rates, ability to rent an apartment and very likely what version of Windows you can purchase.

Big banks sell off mortgage servicing rights

Millions of homeowners around the country have received an unexpected message from their banks: Goodbye.

6 tips to manage student loan debt

Finding a job in a slow-growing economy is daunting enough without new financial obligations.

College a bad financial bet for some, study says

College can be a bad financial investment, and a fair number of people actually should not go to college, according to a new study.

Embarrassed by your past? Improve your online reputation

The embarrassing tweet. The drunken party photos. The DUI arrest. The messy divorce or business scandal.

Jamie Dimon’s fortress may not save him

A fortress balance sheet may not be enough armor to protect JPMorgan's CEO from the building chorus of criticism.

Make a good social media splash

You've been preparing for that job interview for weeks. You're wearing your best suit and tie. You walk into your interviewer's office, look the person in the eye and shake hands firmly.

When cellphones become a problem in the workplace

Q. The issue of employee cell phones is driving me crazy. I manage a small medical clinic with 15 staff members who interact with patients all day. Initially, I trusted them to use good judgment about personal calls, but that didn't work. Next, I asked them not to carry cellphones unless they were expecting an important call. Suddenly, every call became "important."

Retire loan or keep investments?

Q. I own my home and have no mortgage or note. I have no debts except a student loan of about $11,000, and I can pay that off right now. I've always wanted to be debt-free, and I could write a check tomorrow and do that.

What to look for before you book

It's May. Memorial Day and the end of the school year are in sight. Suddenly, you're thinking about a summer vacation. A little advance planning — and some insider tips — can save you a lot of money. Whether you're booking airfare, a car or a hotel, there are questions you should ask.

Squeaky wheel still gets results

Got a gripe? Whether it's a faulty cellphone, a cranky washing machine or a designer dress that falls apart, inevitably something goes wrong with something you've bought. What do you do?

O’Connor: College graduates getting a B.A. in IOUs

It's commencement season, which is the time when middle-aged crabs like me offer our sage wisdom to you, our graduating young 'uns. We do this not only out of a sense of duty but also because we are deluded enough to think you might pay attention.

Coupons suffer paper cut as use falls

The number of coupons used by Americans to stock their pantries plummeted in 2012, down 17 percent. After surging during the Great Recession, the old-fashioned savings tool seems to have lost favor among consumers. Or has it?

Bidding wars among real estate trends this spring

Homeowners who endured years of declining home values will discover that the game has changed in their favor this spring. Low mortgage rates are attracting more buyers.

Penney’s tries to get back into the game

It's probably been a long time since you shopped at J.C. Penney. That's the case for most of us. But for the sake of its employees and shareholders, it needs ...

Tips for job-seeking college grads

For new college graduates, competition for top jobs is fierce. But parents and other veteran employees with workplace experience can help by sharing their ...

Study: Mortgage deduction rates vary widely

The mortgage interest deduction, widely viewed as a tax break for a broad slice of middle-class America, benefits the residents of some states far more than ...

Politely decline when boss pushes spouse’s diet supplements

Q: The head of our department has been pressuring employees to purchase products from her husband, who recently began selling diet supplements through a ...

Time for kids to give back to quash debt

Q: I am 59 years old and about $25,000 in debt. My bank account has a negative balance of $800. I fell into this mess by helping family, and now I'm wondering ...

One person’s treasure is another’s junk

Through her Pembroke Pines, Fla.-based company, Sandy Tavarez advises people on spring cleaning with a financial finish: garage and estate sales. Her job has ...

O’Connor: A vintage problem: What to give mom?

Mom is back! After a significant drop-off during the Great Recessepression, Mother's Day spending is set to jump by 11 percent this year, according to a new ...

Don’t accept job offer on the spot

It's not something that happens often in this tough job market. But if you are in the fortunate position to be offered a position on the spot, you still should ...

Buffett’s Berkshire meeting may set tone for Wall Street

The tone of Wall Street in the week ahead will be set from a convention center in Middle America even before the opening bell Monday. When the world's highest- ...

Homebuyers spring into action before interest rates, prices rise

If you want to sell your home this spring, prepare for pent-up buyer demand. Spring might be an even livelier selling season this year because homebuyers want ...

High youth unemployment hurts teens and industries

Jobs for teenagers and even young adults are scarce nearly four years after the official end of the Great Recession. It is a trend that has some researchers ...

Stores tap celebs to woo youths

Sixteen-year-old Gabriel Aguilar, of Chicago, an avid shopper, prefers to patronize specialty shops such as Urban Outfitters or Forever 21 for party and hang- ...

Rates for student loans to double July 1

Now would be a good time to watch interest rates — and Congress — if you're planning on tapping into the federal student loan program to send your ...

Debt adviser: Judgments enforceable for 10 years or longer

Q: I have a judgment and collections account on my credit report for an old debt. The collections account is scheduled to expire from my report in September. ...

Job seeker shouldn’t let firing overshadow 30-year work history

Q: Six months ago, I was fired from a company where I worked for two years. My co-workers were a tight clique of women who blamed me whenever something went ...