| Guest column: Home equity loans should be used sparingly
The versatility of the home equity line of credit has many consumers tapping into their home's equity to pay for home improvement projects, college tuition, weddings, new vehicles and credit card consolidation. While there are no restrictions on how the proceeds can be used, using your home's equity as a temporary solution to a long-term problem could jeopardize your home and credit. For example, using a home equity line of credit to consolidate credit card debt can put you into further debt if you continue to use your plastic and carry a balance from month to month. Your home is usually your largest asset. If you choose to use your home for additional credit, be sure you have a plan and purpose for that credit, such as financing a home renovation to improve your asset and increase your home's value.
First Ever Comprehensive Report Of The Health Of College Students
A report released by the University of Minnesota Boynton Health Service is the first of its kind in the nation to conduct a comprehensive survey on the health of college students. About 10,000 college students completed the survey. Although the study is focused on students from 14 campuses in Minnesota, the health findings here reflect national health trends for college students, says Dr. Ed Ehlinger, the director and chief health officer of the university's Boynton Health Service.
The report examines everything from mental health and obesity to financial health and sexual health. It also looks at alcohol use, smoking, personal safety, physical activity and how many students do not have health insurance. One key finding is beginning to show how today's technology is impacting students' health and their academics.
Wall Street left to wander
Major indexes moved sideways in midday trade Friday as Wall Street weighed troubling earnings news and weighed the Federal Reserve's next move. The Dow Jones industrial average (Charts) rose 0.1 percent two hours into the session. The broader S&P 500 index (Charts) straddled the breakeven point, while the tech-fueled Nasdaq (Charts) gained 0.1 percent. Stocks retreated after an early gain following remarks by Federal Reserve Gov. Randall Kroszner, who hinted that the central bank may not continue to lower interest even if the economy worsens. "The current stance of monetary policy should help the economy get through the rough patch during the next year," Kroszner, a voting member of the central bank's policy committee, said in prepared remarks at a conference in New York.
(AFX UK Focus) 2007-11-14 22:59 GMT: Japan's Mitsubishi UFJ, foreign funds to bid for JAL's credit card unit - report
TOKYO (Thomson Financial) - Japanese banking group Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc, credit card company Credit Saison Co and overseas investment funds such as Blackstone Group are likely to bid for a stake in Japan Airlines Corp's credit card subsidiary, the Nikkei reported on Thursday without citing sources. With some 1.9 million cardholders, Jalcard Inc handled around 1.65 trillion yen in transactions in the year to March 2007, the business newspaper said. JAL plans to sell a portion of the group company as part of its rehabilitation plans, it said. US investment fund TPG Capital and Japanese trading house Mitsubishi Corp are also expected to bid for Jalcard, the report said. Once the first round of bidding takes place on Friday, the potential buyers will begin evaluating Jalcard's assets, it said.
Statement of an IMF Staff Mission to Albania
An IMF mission led by Mr. Gerwin Bell visited Tirana October 31-November 14 for discussions on the fourth review under the IMF-supported program and the fiscal, financial, and macroeconomic impact of the ongoing energy crisis. The mission met with Prime Minister Sali Berisha, Finance Minister Ridvan Bode, Governor Ardian Fullani, other senior officials and representatives of civil society and the international community, and issued the following statement: "The IMF remains committed to support Albania's sustainable growth. Looking ahead, a key challenge for the authorities will be to steer a clear course among the many competing priorities for the Albanian economy. "Economic growth has remained strong at 6 percent despite the energy crisis and regional drought, but cost pressures have added to inflation and fiscal risks are on the horizon.
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