Is the Government Out to Punish the Big Banks?

Last week, JP Morgan Chase settled its latest lawsuit with the US Department of Justice to the tune of $18 billion. That’s the largest single settlement ever concluded for an individual American corporation, and that makes some industry watchers wonder whether the...

Yes or No to a Loan? Depends on the Lender

It’s tougher to get financing for buying real estate these days. Banks are issuing fewer loans, and imposing tougher standards on the loans they do issue. But those standards can vary from institution to institution – and some lenders may say yes to a home loan, while...

Is Your Bank Safe From Cyberattack?

We all know how important it is to keep personal financial information safe from online theft – but can your bank do the same? As financial institutions small and large fall victim to cyberattacks that steal the account information – and money – of thousands of...

VA Home Loan Loophole Lets Veterans Invest

The Veterans Administration loan has long been a mainstay for helping veterans of the country’s armed forces create a stable life after leaving active duty. Generally these loans are limited to personal use, not investing. But a few loopholes in the rules for VA home...

Making the Shift From Homeowner to Landlord

For many people, the first foray into creating income from real estate comes from renting out a home they already own. Life changes and economic conditions can quickly turn homeowners into landlords. But making that shift successfully requires re-thinking your role...