Personal Finance and Investing

 The rating agency also warned of substantial losses among private creditors holding Greek government bonds over the terms of the current debt exchange.

Moody’s Investors Service downgraded the credit rating of eight Greek banks by two notches on Friday. Th Read more…

Steve Roach, non executive chairman of Morgan Stanley Asia, says that China may stop investing in Treasurys as growth slows down in the US. The Asian power may instead concentrate more on development of internal demand.

China has traditionally bought US debt to finance the economy of the country, and so that there will be more Western consumers for goods manufactured in China. However, decreasing demand from these quarters may leave China with the only option of exporting less and focusing more on buying at home. This is a wake up call for China, Roach said to CNBC.

In Roach’s words, China will no longer be able to be hooked onto the American consumer bandwagon, and stay on the export led growth course. W

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This isn’t a case of sour grapes; I really do prefer to buy used whenever possible. Maybe it’s the result of being raised by frugal parents, maybe it’s a too-intimate understanding of arbitrary retail markup and the subsequent depreciation, or maybe it just makes the most sense in a world that produces too much new stuff and throws away too much old stuff. Whatever the reason, let’s explore my top six reasons why buying used is better.

First, and most obviously, buying second-hand is usually more budget friendly. From used cars to used jeans, the resale market can help you make ends meet. Garage

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iFreedom Direct, a national VA specialty lender, is pleased to report that funding fees on certain types of VA home loans have been reduced due to changes in federal legislation.

As a result of Public Law 112-26, Restoring GI Bill Fairness Act of 2011 and previous legislation, reduction in funding fees for the VA home loan program will take place for loans closed on or after October 1, 2011. First time VA loan users will now pay 1.4% for purchase and refinance loans, down from 2.15%. And, reservists and National Guard members will now pay 1.65%, down from 2.4%. Read more…