An overview of the home-buying process, from saving for a down payment to closing the deal.

• Buying a Home Introduction
  Some pros and cons of buying a home, including a comparison with renting.
• Buying vs. Renting a Home
  Factors to consider when making an informed "buy" or "rent" decision.
• Planning for Your Home Purchase
  Before you buy a home, determine how much consumer debt is reasonable for you and what upfront costs you will have for your home purchase.
• Understanding Down Payments
  A large down payment isn't always needed to buy a home, but let's take a look at how down payments can affect your total mortgage costs.
• Understanding Mortgages
  The parts of a mortgage and common mortgage loan options.
• Mortgage Pre-Approval
  When you're pre-approved, you'll have a better idea of your costs and options.
• How Real Estate Agents Work
  A look at the role your agent will play in the home buying process.
• Assembling a Home Buying Team
  Having the right people on your side can help you make the best possible buying decisions.
• Making an Offer and Closing the Deal
  Crossing the finish line of the home buying process – submitting an offer, negotiating, and dealing with closing costs.

What to do if you're in financial trouble, from creating a debt reduction plan to your rights when dealing with debt collectors.

• Spotting the Signs of Financial Trouble
  Many Americans find themselves in debt, but for some, debt turns into a serious problem with lasting consequences.
• Dealing with Financial Trouble
  If you ever find yourself experiencing financial trouble, there are steps you can take to get back on track and to minimize the damage to your credit.
• Debt Reduction Plans
  Whether you do it yourself or work with a credit counselor, creating a debt reduction plan is an important first step for those with financial trouble.
• Credit Counseling
  The role of credit counseling organizations and how a debt management plan works to restore credit over time.
• Choosing a Credit Counselor
  The best way to find a good credit counselor is to know what questions to ask.
• Credit Repair Scams
  There's a big difference between a non-profit credit counseling service and a credit repair scam. Learn how to tell the difference.
• Debt Collection
  Your rights and responsibilities when dealing with debt collectors.
• Debt Collection and Legal Actions
  What to expect if you are sued over debt.
• Understanding Bankruptcy
  The types of bankruptcy and why bankruptcy should be used only as a last resort.
• Alternative Financial Services
  Understanding why payday loans, check cashing services, and similar services may be bad deals for consumers.

From choosing a make and model to financing a purchase, topics every consumer should understand when buying a car.

• Buying a Car Introduction
  An introduction to the basics of this major purchase and responsibility.
• Choosing a Make and Model
  A look at four important factors to consider when choosing a car: fuel consumption, insurance rates, reliability, and depreciation.
• The Total Cost of Ownership
  Understanding the many costs associated with owning a car - from financing to taxes.
• Buy or Lease?
  Understanding the pros and cons of vehicle leasing.
• Financing a Car Purchase
  How a loan affects the total cost of buying a car.
• Evaluating a Used Car
  How to "do your homework" before buying a used car.
• Setting a Target Price
  How to set a realistic target price for both new and used vehicles.
• Negotiating Price
  Know what to expect when negotiating the best deal.
• Avoiding Surprises
  Think the negotiating is finished when you agree on a price? Here's how to negotiate dealer extras and extended warranty pitches.
• Common Mistakes When Buying a Car
  Twelve common mistakes to keep in mind when shopping for a car.

Explore the process of starting a new business from estimating start up costs to hiring employees.

• Is Entrepreneurship For Me?
  Entrepreneurship is the act of starting and running a business, which brings both potential benefits and risks.
• Researching a Business Idea
  Market conditions play a crucial role in the success of a new business and involve factors such as consumer demand, competition, and economic growth.
• Business Start-Up Costs
  Starting a successful new business requires careful planning and budgeting of both one-time and ongoing costs.
• Writing a Business Plan
  Creating a business plan is a crucial step for starting a new business, whether it is a small home-based operation or a venture-backed tech company.
• Choosing a Business Name
  Choosing a business name is a critical step in starting a new company since it affects the company's brand identity, customer recognition, plus more.
• Legal Structures for Your Business
  The legal structure of a new business is an important decision with both tax and legal implications, so it's important to choose wisely.
• Registering a New Business
  Starting a new business involves registering with state, federal and sometimes even local governments.
• How to Finance a New Business
  Finding capital for a new business can be challenging, but there are a number of options to consider.
• Business Cash Flow, Profit and Loss
  Understanding a business's financial cash flow and overall profit or loss is critical for ensuring its long-term success and financial stability.
• Establishing Business Credit
  Business credit is a record of a company's financial history used to evaluate its creditworthiness.
• Your Responsibilities as an Employer
  As an employer, there are several responsibilities you must be familiar with in order to avoid potential legal issues.
• Business Taxes
  Understanding and managing taxes are key to every business owner or self-employed individual.
• Buying a Business or Franchise
  Buying an existing business or a franchise are two options for entrepreneurs looking to start a business quickly. Let’s explore the potential pros and cons of each option.