personal finance

You may be under the impression that the stimulus bill is all about highway projects and renewable energy, but there's plenty in it for you, too, mostly in the form of tax credits.

Dear Debt Adviser,

If you're looking for a way to refinance your mortgage, you might want to consider a loan that's backed by the Federal Housing Administration or, if you're a U.S. military veteran, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Take control of your finances.
That's my No. 1 piece of financial advice in this economy. Examine your spending. Pay down your debt, however slowly. Set realistic financial goals. Take calculated risks.
Come to think of it, I would have recommended the same in 2006 -- when some days I felt everyone but me was spending lavishly and leveraging themselves to the hilt.

Take control of your finances.
That's my No. 1 piece of financial advice in this economy. Examine your spending. Pay down your debt, however slowly. Set realistic financial goals. Take calculated risks.
Come to think of it, I would have recommended the same in 2006 -- when some days I felt everyone but me was spending lavishly and leveraging themselves to the hilt.

A federal law known as COBRA requires most employers to let employees who quit or get laid off stay in their group health plan, at their own expense, for up to 18 months.

A federal law known as COBRA requires most employers to let employees who quit or get laid off stay in their group health plan, at their own expense, for up to 18 months.

You've finally reached someone at your mortgage company who has the authority to change your loan terms and offer relief from the payments you've been struggling to pay.
Congratulations.
If you've landed a second chance with your mortgage lender, you've already accomplished more than the thousands of other homeowners, who go straight into foreclosure.

Recent columns on unemployment and the federal subsidy for COBRA health coverage have generated a lot of questions from readers. Here are some answers.

Q: I worked for a company as an independent contractor. Am I eligible for unemployment benefits?

Dear Debt Adviser,
A relative who had me on his credit card accounts as an authorized user has died broke. The credit card companies are calling me to make payment arrangements. I understand that authorized users are not responsible for the account. Is this correct and where can I cite this? -- Angela
Dear Angela,