Fix Credit Rating
By Jayme Hanson

In most cases, your credit did not become bad overnight. It probably took several years of credit card debt that was not repaid, too much total debt or maybe you went through a foreclosure. It will take you time to rebuild your credit but with determination you can rebuild credit and have a clean credit report.

If

Dollar seesaws
The dollar was mixed against major currencies Wednesday, rising against the yen and pound but giving up gains versus the euro.
Stocks post modest gains at open
Stocks drifted higher at Wednesday's open ahead of the first major economic readings of the week.
Stocks leaning toward gains
U.S. stocks were set for a slightly higher open Wednesday as investors awaited the first major economic readings of the week.
Stocks muster gains; Nasdaq at 18-month high
Stocks managed gains Tuesday at the end of a choppy session as investors mulled the latest corporate deal and profit news on the anniversary of the bear-market bottom.
Dollar mixed in quiet trading
The dollar recovered losses versus the euro and rose against the pound, but fell versus the yen in quiet trading Tuesday.
Oil falls as the dollar firms
Oil prices fell Tuesday as a stronger dollar overshadowed a modest advance on Wall Street.
Stocks set for opening drop
U.S. stocks were poised for a lower start Tuesday as investors expressed uncertainty about the outlook for markets on the anniversary of the bear-market low.
Nasdaq at 18-month highs
Stocks ended little changed Monday, although the Nasdaq managed to close at an 18-month high, as investors weighed corporate deals, a stronger dollar and weaker commodity prices ahead of key economic news due later this week.
Dollar slides versus euro
The dollar weakened against the euro Monday after French President Nicolas Sarkozy said Europe is ready to help Greece if needed, boosting investor optimism about the nation's debt crisis.
An easy fix for a tricky securities problem
A few days ago, I watched one of California's top high school economics teachers lead a class in a discussion of the differences between the earthquakes in Haiti and Chile. I'm applying for my own teaching credential and was there observing.
Stocks set for positive open
U.S. stocks were set to open higher Monday, as investors weighed another deal involving insurer AIG.
Nasdaq at 18-month high
Stocks rallied Friday, with the Nasdaq ending at an 18-month high, after a government report showed employers cut fewer positions last month than had been expected, in the latest sign that the pace of job cuts is slowing.
Oil jumps to 2-month high on jobs report
Oil prices rose Friday following a better than expected employment report from the government, boosting optimism about recovering fuel demand.
Dollar soars on yen after jobs data
The dollar rose sharply against the yen Friday following a better than expected employment report from the government, but it slipped against other major currencies.
Stocks set for rally at open
U.S. stocks were poised for early gains Friday, as investors reacted to the government's better-than-expected employment report.
Dollar rises sharply
The dollar advanced against major rivals Thursday as investors looked to the buck for its safe haven appeal ahead of the February jobs data due Friday.
Why China should let the yuan rise
The Chinese have rarely given into foreign pressure to revalue their currency higher. But that doesn't mean they won't let the yuan rise later this year.
Dollar slides on Greece budget package
The dollar slipped against other major currencies Wednesday after Greece announced measures to reduce its deficit by four percentage points this year.
Comment: UK government making same mistakes with economy
No one who has studied the markets for the last 80 years will be remotely surprised that sterling has fallen by over eight percent against the dollar since the turn of the year and continues to lose ground against the euro.
Stocks eke out gains
Stocks ended with modest gains Tuesday, giving up a bigger advance, as investors weighed February auto sales, some upbeat company news and signs that Greece won't default on its debt.
Dollar loses steam on Greece hopes
The dollar reversed gains Monday, ending lower as the euro rose on hopes that the European Union will help bail out debt-choked Greece.
Dollar firms against other currencies
The dollar surged against other major currencies Monday as European leaders continued to urge Greece to lower its deficit.
Hedge funds prosper from Greek debt
Hedge funds have made large profits from Greek debt and providing insurance to overexposed European banks, it emerged on Sunday.
Dollar slips vs. euro
The dollar was mostly lower Friday as investors turned to riskier assets following mixed U.S. economic data.
Stocks headed for another decline
U.S. stocks were headed for a lower open Friday after a dismal report from AIG dashed hopes for an opening advance. A stronger than originally reported GDP report failed to boost sentiment.
Stocks fight back from big losses
Stocks ended with modest losses Thursday, fighting off a bigger decline that surrounded the latest worries about Greece's debt crisis and weaker-than-expected reports on the economy.
Dollar rises against euro on Greece debt woes
The dollar was mostly higher Thursday as fears about Greece's debt crisis resurfaced, prompting investors to cut their exposure to the higher-yield currencies.
Stocks set to tumble
U.S. stocks were set to drop at Thursday's open, as jobless claims surged, worries about the debt crisis in Greece resurfaced and Federal Reserve chief Ben Bernanke prepared for a second day of testimony on Capitol Hill.
Dollar slides on Bernanke's testimony
The dollar turned lower against the euro, pound and yen Wednesday as investors digested Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke's testimony on monetary policy.
Make the best of a bad 401(k)
You're probably feeling a lot better about your 401(k) these days, and not without reason. The average balance for experienced workers, after declining 19% in 2008, bounced back 29% last year, including new contributions.
Stocks set to edge up at open
U.S. stocks were set to open slightly higher Wednesday as investors awaited Congressional testimony from Federal Reserve chief Ben Bernanke.
Dollar mixed on downbeat consumer confidence
The dollar gained against the euro and pound but sank against the yen, on renewed worries after a report showed U.S. consumer confidence fell sharply in February after three straight months of improvement.
Wall Street bonuses up 17% in 2009
New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli said Tuesday that Wall Street bonuses jumped 17% last year, to an estimated $20.3 billion, as profits in the financial services sector rebounded.
Stocks set to stumble
U.S. stocks were poised to open in the red Tuesday as investors look to readings on the housing market and consumer confidence.
Dollar mixed in quiet trading
The dollar was mixed in quiet trading Monday as investors shied away from more risky assets amid uncertainty about U.S. monetary policy and ongoing concerns about Greece's debt situation.
Dollar turns mixed
The dollar turned mixed Friday afternoon, with the euro recovering from steep losses, as U.S. stocks gained and traders continued to mull the Federal Reserve's decision to raise its discount lending rate.
Stocks set for early gains
Stocks were set to keep rolling higher Monday, fueled by a merger agreement between oil services companies Schlumberger and Smith International.
Stocks make it 4 for 4
Stocks ended higher Friday, marking the fourth straight day of gains, but investors were cautious buyers at the end of a big week that included the Fed's decision to boost the emergency bank lending rate.
The euro's Greek tragedy
The Greek crisis has thrown another detour into the euro's march to world currency domination.
Stock rally: Three days and counting
Stocks rallied Thursday, ending higher for the third-straight session, as investors continued to dig back in after a month long retreat that left the Dow and other major indexes at three-month lows.
Dollar firms on Fed action
The dollar recovered from earlier losses Thursday after the Federal Reserve hiked its discount rate, raising bets the central bank could move to tighten monetary policy soon.
Dollar recovers losses
The dollar rebounded against major currencies Wednesday on stronger-than-expected housing data and upbeat meeting minutes from the Federal Reserve.
Dow in triple-digit rally
Stocks rallied Tuesday as better-than-expected quarterly results from Merck and Barclays reassured investors, and the weaker dollar boosted commodity prices and shares.
Dollar falls as sentiment turns bullish
The dollar fell Tuesday as investors turned to other investments, such as other currencies and stocks, amid optimism about the global economy and signs the European debt crisis is easing.
Stocks set to rise
U.S. stocks were set to rise Tuesday, as investors returned from a holiday weekend to see two Dow components post earnings results.
European shares rise ahead of finance meeting
European shares rose Monday, as investors kept an eye on a meeting of finance ministers from the countries that use the euro.
Dollar up on lingering debt concerns
The dollar rose against major currencies Monday as lingering debt concerns about Greece and Dubai boosted the currency's appeal as a safe haven for investors.
A banner year for hedge funds
It looks like risk is back. The hedge fund industry had a phenomenal 2009, with a return of 18.6%, for its greatest rebound in 15 years, says a report from industry research firm Credit Suisse Tremont.
Dollar boosted by retail sales
The dollar rose against major currencies Friday after a report showing retail sales improved in January and as investors continued to worry about economies abroad.
Wall Street dusts off 'Help Wanted' sign
After shedding more than 30,000 workers over the past two-and-a-half years, is the job market on Wall Street finally turning a corner? It might be the case.
Dow slides on China worries
The Dow tumbled Friday after China's bid to limit bank loans and slower-than-expected European growth raised worries about the global recovery. But a late-session run up in select techs protected the Nasdaq from big declines.
Stocks set to drop at open
U.S. stocks were set to open lower Friday as investors fretted over international economic turmoil, including the plan by China's central bank to raise its reserve requirement ratio, Germany's stagnant economy and Greece's lingering debt problems.
Dow gains 100 points as Greek debt fears ebb
Stocks rallied Thursday after the European Union's promise to help debt-ridden Greece eased worries that a default might hurt global markets.
Low oil prices: A tool to control Iran
A desire to bring Iran to the bargaining table over its nuclear program could keep oil prices low worldwide for the next several months.
Dollar down as EU meets
The dollar fell versus major currencies Thursday as European leaders met to discuss the debt crisis in Greece and other nations.
Stocks dip on Bernanke plan, Europe worries
Stocks struggled Wednesday as investors weighed the Greek debt situation, a strong dollar and Fed chairman Ben Bernanke's plan for eventually withdrawing some of the trillions of dollars used to bolster the nation's financial system.
Dollar mixed on debt concerns
The dollar was mixed against major currencies Wednesday as European leaders weighed a decision to provide financial assistance to Greece and Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke's prepared testimony on unwinding emergency moves to boost lending.
Dollar down versus euro
The dollar slipped against the euro on Tuesday amid anticipation that European officials will help Greece lower its mounting debt.
Stock rebound in the works
U.S. stocks were set to open higher Tuesday, as investors eyed buying opportunities after the previous session's selloff, although worries about debt problems in Greece remained in focus.
Traders make $8B bet against euro
Traders and hedge funds have bet nearly $8bn (€5.9bn) against the euro, amassing the biggest ever short position in the single currency on fears of a eurozone debt crisis.
Debt fears drag Dow below 10,000
The Dow closed below 10,000 Monday for the first time in three months, with financial shares leading the way, as worries about the U.S. economy and European debt weighed on investor sentiment.
Dollar slips against the euro
The dollar weakened against the euro Monday, but held firm against other major currencies, as concerns about Greece's fiscal health eased slightly.
Stocks claw out a gain after late rally
Stocks erased big losses by the close Friday, with technology shares leading the advance, following a three-session rout that had taken the market to its lowest point since last fall.
Alan Greenspan fights back
When the Senate grudgingly reconfirmed Ben Bernanke as Fed chairman two days before his term expired, he was only a stand-in for the man 30 senators were really mad at. "I knew that he would continue the legacy of Alan Greenspan, and I was right," said an angry Jim Bunning, a conservative Republican from Kentucky who voted no. Fumed Bernie Sanders of Vermont, the Senate's only (admitted) socialist: "He said it publicly -- I want to follow in the footsteps of Alan Greenspan. Alan Greenspan's philosophy is a disaster." Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) said Bernanke "helped set the fire that destroyed our economy." Only helped, that is -- and we all know whom he helped.
Market panic returns -- sort of
Investors are starting to get nervous again. And who could blame them?
Dollar gains on global jitters
The dollar rose against most major currencies Thursday, but remained weak against the yen, as concerns about the global economic recovery -- particularly in some European nations -- boosted demand for safe investments.
Dollar firms on stronger U.S. economic data
The dollar firmed against major rivals Wednesday on stronger U.S. economic data and renewed credit concerns in the euro zone.
Dollar weakens as stocks advance
The dollar fell Tuesday as investors gravitated toward more risky currencies, but declines were limited ahead of key economic reports due out later in the week.
Bang for the buck. Finally.
No matter what dollar doomsayers might say, the greenback's not done yet.
Dollar rises on upbeat reports
The dollar rose against most currencies Monday after upbeat reports, including data on U.S. manufacturing, added to recovery hopes.
Dollar rallies after GDP report
The dollar rose against its main trading partners Friday as investors welcomed a stronger-than-expected reading on U.S. economic growth.
Goldman's not going anywhere
Does anyone really believe a little populist outcry will make Goldman Sachs crawl under a rock?
Dollar mixed after Obama speech
The dollar was mixed Thursday as traders mulled President Obama's pledge to create jobs and ongoing concerns about global economic growth.
Tax Wall St. to create jobs on Main St.
What if, at once, we could create millions of new jobs, greatly reduce the federal deficit and dampen the financial speculation that almost destroyed our economy?
Dollar strengthens after Fed statement
The dollar extended its gains against the euro and rose against the yen Wednesday, after the Federal Reserve announced plans to hold interest rates steady as it said economic conditions continued to pick up.
Rusal shares plunge on Hong Kong debut
UC Rusal, the aluminium group controlled by Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska, on Wednesday fell sharply on its Hong Kong trading debut following the company's long struggle to come to market.
Dollar up vs. euro and pound
The dollar rose against other major currencies Tuesday, except the yen, as global economic jitters boosted demand for safe-haven currencies even as U.S. stocks rebounded.
Wall Street bonuses are outrageous
If insanity is doing the same thing and expecting a different result, the post-crisis pay plans in the finance industry qualify for commitment. The Wall Street financial firms claim to have made some changes, but all the ones we have seen so far are cosmetic, required by statute, weakened by loopholes, or circumvented.
The fall of a hedge-fund wunderkind
It was the sort of boom-era project that a developer had to love: 385 scenic acres in the Bahamas that would be transformed into a casino, hotels, luxury residences, a marina, and a golf course designed by Greg Norman.
Dollar weakens as stocks rebound
The dollar eased against its main trading partners Monday, as stocks recovered and an auction of Greek bonds received strong demand.
GM has a permanent CEO: Ed Whitacre
General Motors' chairman and acting CEO Ed Whitacre will become permanent CEO, the automaker said in a press conference Monday. Whitacre also announced that GM would pay back all of its government loans, in full, by June.
The smoldering hedge fund
It was the sort of boom-era project that a developer had to love: 385 scenic acres in the Bahamas that would be transformed into a casino, hotels, luxury residences, a marina, and a golf course designed by Greg Norman.
Fed bashers: Washington's odd couple
"These are vulgar, obscene people who, in many cases, I really do believe, have serious emotional problems. In this country we have people who have drug problems, people who have alcohol problems."
Banking reform: Harder than it sounds
It took long enough, but with his proposal to break up the banks, President Obama has finally presented a way to reform Wall Street that matches the scale of the problem.
Dollar mixed as investors pause
The dollar fell against the Japanese yen Friday, but continued to strengthen versus the euro, as investors shied away from risk amid ongoing concerns about the global economy.
Stocks headed lower again
U.S. stocks were headed for another decline Friday, as investors remain jittery about President Obama's new bank plan and issues involving China.
Wall Street's worst day in months
Stocks tumbled Thursday after the Obama administration announced a proposal to increase regulation of the nation's biggest financial firms, including limiting the size and scope of their trading operations.
Dollar gains on global economic worries
The dollar rose Wednesday as investors sought a safe haven amid continuing concerns abroad, including rumors that Chinese officials have halted bank lending.
Dollar at 4-month high vs. euro
The dollar surged to a 4-month high against the euro Wednesday amid ongoing concerns about the Greek economy and speculation that Chinese monetary officials could move to tighten credit conditions.
Wall Street, break up and go private
It's bonus time: Wall Street's days of wine and roses, when employees find out how rich they're going to be. But this year's bonus season has morphed into days of whines and poses.
Dollar rises against the euro
The dollar rose against the euro Tuesday amid ongoing concerns about Greece and other troubled European economies.
The end of the treasury bull run
Making money in bonds used to be so simple: All you had to do was put your dough into U.S. Treasuries and watch it rise. Had you held your entire portfolio in U.S. government issues -- which have a minuscule chance of default because they're backed by the full faith and credit of Uncle Sam -- you'd have earned an annualized return of 8.5% over the past two decades. That's about half a percentage point a year ahead of the stock market and three points above their historical average.
European markets gain on merger talk
European markets rose Monday as investors looked past concerns about the Greek economy to focus on speculation that Kraft Foods will raise its offer to buy Cadbury.
Dollar mixed in quiet trading
The dollar fell against the U.K. pound Monday but held steady against other currencies in a quiet trading session.
Dollar gains on euro
The dollar rose against high-yielding currencies Friday as investors digested weaker-than-expected economic reports and looked for safer investments.
Fed up with the Fed?
Ben Bernanke and the rest of the Federal Reserve may think that low interest rates can continue to be just what the economy needs to get back on track.
Put Wall Street bonus money away for rainy day
A year after leading Wall Street firms teetered on the edge of collapse, they're expected to pay out robust bonuses to employees. But analyst Fareed Zakaria says he thinks there's a better use for a lot of that money: Sock it away in reserve funds as insurance for the next time the investment banks get into trouble.
Botox to vacations: Where bankers spend their bonuses
Wall Street bankers are putting together their wish lists for 2010 -- and they're not holding back. After last year's dry spell, bonuses for top-level executives are expected to be sky high. Maybe even records.
Charles Schwab is selling advice. Should you take it?
"I hate to use this phrase, but we really are the Wal-Mart of financial services," says Charles Schwab. His hesitation is understandable -- when you are trying to persuade investors that your firm is the place to entrust $100,000 or $1 million of their savings, you don't want them associating you with cheap sweatshirts and dog food.
Dollar mixed against rivals
The dollar was mixed against major currencies late Wednesday on speculation that the Bank of England will raise interest rates and after the Federal Reserve said economic activity is weak but improving.

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