ON MEDIATION: Using the full strength of your case in mediation – Mediation is often portrayed as a rational and logical choice that saves money and time. Well, it is that. But let’s face it, it’s also usually required by the court and something that you might not do if it weren’t. That means there’s a risk that it becomes perfunctory.

Mortgage applications on an upswing – Mortgage applications increased 2.8% on a seasonally adjusted basis for the week ending June 9, while the previous week’s results included an adjustment for Memorial Day, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA’s) weekly mortgage applications survey.

What are the risks of buying a short sale or foreclosure? – I’m looking to buy a new home, and I’ve noticed that there are a couple of “short sale” and foreclosed homes in the area where I’m interested in living. These homes are priced substantially lower than others, and I’m wondering what the catch is. I’ve heard that short sales or foreclosures often need repairs. What else do I need to know to decide whether to invest in one of these properties?

The Payment for a New Life: How Much Does a Divorce Cost for a Man in 21st Century? – In today’s world, the divorce cost for a man is fairly high as there are quite a few fees involved in the procedure. Depending on the circumstances, the proceedings might amount to over $20,000. My friend has been going through this recently and from his experience I learned that it’s a highly complex and lengthy process. A man has to understand all the expenses involved in a divorce to make the right decisions. Usually, it all boils down to whether you should hire a lawyer to handle the matters on your behalf.

4 Reasons Why Puerto Rico’s ‘Bankruptcy’ Process Matters to U.S. Residents – How Puerto Rico grapples with its staggering debt is in the hands of a federal judge who will oversee a form of bankruptcy proceeding for the U.S. territory. Puerto Rico owes more than $74 billion dollars to both island and U.S. based creditors and over $40 billion in pension liabilities.

U.S. mortgage rates again fall lower - The 30-year fixed mortgage averaged 3.94 percent for the week ending June 1, down from 3.95 percent the previous week.

After divorce, shared parenting is best for children’s health and development – As a young psychology intern in the late 1970s, my first patients were boys from divorced homes, suffering from what was then called “father hunger.” In those days, when parents split up, dads fell by the wayside. Fathers saw their children at the mothers’ discretion. This customary fallout from divorce reflected the belief that mothers are supremely important while fathers are expendable. We’ve come a long way since then.

6 Steps to Get Out of Debt and Stay Out of Debt – The first step is to make minimum payments on your credit cards. Don’t try to get rid of credit card debt as quickly as you can and spend too much too quickly. Instead, make minimum payments and use your savings to create an emergency fund, which should be at least $500 but can be as much as you can afford.

Foreclosures keep falling, but housing won’t be back to normal for at least another year – Month after month, quarter after quarter, reports on the housing market are unambiguous: the market just keeps getting healthier.

Can Student Loans Be Discharged In Bankruptcy? – With Public Service Loan Forgiveness on the brink of elimination and federal student loan repayment programs expected to be restructured, student loan borrowers have plenty of new information to digest.

Mortgage rates swing below 4% as investors flee risky assets – Rates for home loans fell to their lowest of the year after investors flocked to safer assets in the wake of new revelations about President Donald Trump’s dismissal of FBI Director James Comey, mortgage finance giant Freddie Mac said Thursday.

Understanding Online Real Estate Lending As An Investment Strategy – Investors are always on a quest to grow capital while minimizing risk. Available options for investors looking to grow their capital include stock investments, debt products, or leaving their cash in checking and savings accounts to earn minimal returns. But as average profits from residential flips reach all-time records, investing in residential real estate remains a popular way to diversify your investment portfolio while allowing you to hedge against stock market volatility.

Can Student Loans Be Discharged In Bankruptcy? – With Public Service Loan Forgiveness on the brink of elimination and federal student loan repayment programs expected to be restructured, student loan borrowers have plenty of new information to digest.

Credit Arbiters Say U.S. Resilient as Politics Cloud Debt Debate – Lost amid the political chaos swirling around the Trump administration is the failure of Congress to authorize an increase in the nation’s ability to borrow.

U.S. mortgage rates nudge lower – After several weeks in a holding pattern, U.S. mortgage rates moved lower this week, according to Freddie Mac.